The Auld Tree Grove

Original short story: ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Had it been weeks, or now months that I remained on this archaic plain, so utterly alone? I had not eaten nor slept, for in this unnatural state, my body did not seek basic life sustaining needs. I was suddenly aware that my attire had become deeply soiled and the cloak over the dress that I wore felt like heavy lead as it had dragged behind me through this muddy terrain, here, suspended between life and death. As I concluded the observation of the state of my clothing, I realized that I had wandered to the edge of a cliff which overlooked a colossal valley and upon which I spied a grove of lofty trees. There was a memory in the back of my mind, if only I could summon my thoughts to retrace time.

Slowly, I remembered that it had begun with repeated dreams in which I would reach my outstretched hand across mountains and a great body of water to grasp hold of a his hand, albeit, I could never quite reach it. I knew that I innately loved him like no other. He was there, so real - in my dreams - steeped in mystery like a vaporous, sultry lover. I felt him organically, as if he was bath of hedonistic pleasure just waiting for me to dive in. In the far distance of the dream, I recall the demonic laughter he expelled as if he were all alone, inside of his own head. The dream would not allow me to penetrate his conscious, but I was left with absolute and unquestionable trust. His words were milky aphrodisiacs to my mind telling me things that I had never heard before. O, could he not feel my longing for him, regardless of distance, space or time? But who was this stranger? My head ached and I reeled as I attempted to recall his presence.

Yes, This dream eventually became reality shortly after I had written to a curator of a company called "A Conception Awakened". The company published poetry, musical endeavors, and fine art. I wrote to the curator to inquire about purchasing a poem that I had read in one of the company's books. He cordially returned my correspondence, providing me with the requested material and inquired about my interests in the arts. Thus began a correspondence which quickly escalated into the romantic notion that we should someday meet. We exchanged photographs and since my life style afforded me the luxury of travel, and I was quite free, I decided to plan the trip. I arranged this tryst surreptitiously. No one knew that I was traveling so far away. No one would question my motives, no one would consider such absurdity from a woman! No, this was one trip I would make alone. Was I insane? Had my faculties left me? Never before had I acted out in such a fashion; And yet, I could not stop. I had to meet him in the flesh, longing for him to take me places I could not consider without blushing.

And so, I secretly purchased a train ticket and began my journey across the mountains. Through our correspondence, it was previously arranged that he would meet me at the station. Upon arrival, I immediately spied him, holding a large bouquet of roses, my heartbeat accelerating. I could not withhold the smile that I had concealed during my journey. We embraced somewhat awkwardly, as the veil had now been cast aside and the mystery of one another was revealed. We chatted cautiously and politely for a short time as we strolled to a tavern to sup. Once inside the tavern, we sat side by side on a long, wooden bench next to hired musicians who began to play for the crowd's entertainment. We sipped a fine vintage wine and exchanged several kisses. I shall admit right now that I was quite forward with this gentleman, though he did not seem to mind. I do remember that I could sense his anxiety but could not stop the feelings that I had been suppressing for so long. Part of me wondered if my kisses were like burning embers to his lips, where he must recoil from blistering pain or from passion? All of these thoughts raced through my head, but after some time and more wine, we both began to relax and enjoy one another. We listened to music and discussed taking a midnight stroll. There was a beautiful tree grove to which he wanted to bring me.

We lazily departed the tavern and strolled toward the antiquated inn where he had arranged our covert accommodations. Night was descending upon the city and the warm summer air was illuminated by sweet scents of a variety of wild flowers. When we arrived at the room, he lit lovely white candles and poured a hot bath that was perfumed with a heady floral scent which filled the room. I boldly undressed and eased my tired body into the fragrant water and shortly thereafter he joined me in the sudsy tub. My thoughts could not quell the anticipation of him. Still, I could not penetrate his enshrouded mystery, he seemed almost supernatural and that only amplified my desire.

As we left the bath, we naturally embraced and he kissed me gently and sweetly on the mouth as he laid me across the bed, placing a record on the Victrola. He then proceeded to gently tie a band of silken black lace around my eyes, leaving me exposed and wanting. His expert hands and mouth endeavored to make love to me by caressing the most secret places of my body with his warm and knowing kisses. It did not take long for my natural reactions to occur (and occur again). So sweet was his lovemaking that I still wanted him until I was raw and bleeding, though I could never tell him so. Eventually, after resting, we dressed to take the walk in the woods to the Auld Tree Grove.

The night air was thick with mist and the waxing moon was opaque through the branches of trees and the low lying wisps of clouds. We walked along a grassy path where we viewed a stone staircase which ascended onto grassy grounds that apparently once held a domestic dwelling of some type. At the top of the stairs were two pillars raising up from the earth like ancient warriors guarding the palace.

On the opposite side of the path was another staircase that descended into blackness. He indicated that the stairs led to the tree grove, but one could not see in the darkness until we made our way to the bottom. He held my hand as we began our descent through a large, ornate wrought-iron gate. He quietly whispered to me to move carefully. Cautiously we moved down the stone steps when I suddenly became aware of gravity of the atmosphere. The air seemed to be made of wet concrete and the moon was obscured by shadow and haze. A sudden yet fleeting terror annihilated my entire being, as the thought raced through my mind that I did not know this man! No sooner than this thought occurred to me, than a violent, putrid wave of decaying remains, of perhaps some small creature, assaulted my nostrils and thankfully dissipated as we moved forward.

We had finally reached the bottom of the great, granite steps and very slowly, my eyes adjusted to the midnight blackness. I was instantly awestruck as I looked skyward into the massive, towering canopy of trees which formed a long natural corridor. It was hauntingly beautiful and transcendent. Fireflies danced throughout the underbrush and in the dewy grass below our feet. He was smiling broadly and motioned me forward where I was surprised to see a long marble slab standing alone before us. Not a whisper did he emit as he motioned me toward the table, it was then I spied the silver glint of naked steel beneath his velvet cloak. Fear consumed me only momentarily while I deliberately laid myself upon on the cold stone. He produced a single red rose which he stole from beneath the folds of his cloak and placed it in my hands, as he crossed my arms over my breasts. One long, sweet kiss from his lips he fixed upon mine, until he gasped in what seemed like conclusive sorrow. It was not difficult to die, as I experienced only momentary pain as the dagger pierced my flesh. The last thing I felt was the sticky hot warmth of my own deliciously hot blood flowing over my cold flesh. A certain peace crept through me. I then heard his laughter; which paralyzed me forever whilst the trees stood weeping. ~ 7/14/08