Trapped in the Featherlands

Adrift in the Badlands

The evening passed as night quickly drifted over the casually wafting boat. The river provided a steady flow of which Erica and Lilly traveled with their only immediate destination being a safe haven where they may plan their next moves carefully. For the moment, however, the young girl and her fairy companion reveled in the serenity of their nautical voyage.

Lilly was lost within a deep sleep against Erica's chest. Erica dared not to move lest she risk disturbing her. The fairy sat still, allowing her fingertips to delicately graze the star glistened waters as she listened to the soft, rhythmic hum of Lilly's slumbering breaths. The fairy held Lilly tight from beneath the blanket, keeping her warm and covered. Erica looked down to the girl resting against her with absolute contention. She smiled and stared longingly at the human girl. Erica gently stroked her hair, pushing loose strands out of her face so as to watch the sleeping angel. She leered down, soaking in the moonbeams landing tenderly against Lilly's cherubic cheeks. Erica thought back to time after time again Lilly's display of affection, or ‘kiss’ as she once called it, after escaping the Spinnerettes as Lilly's soft, rose petal lips caught her eyes. She wondered what it was about the kiss that elicited the same exciting, heart pounding sensations that her own familiar customs were known to invoke. The moment their lips touched played back over and over again in her mind, each time bringing a burning smile to her cheeks. Erica longed for that moment again, finding a great passion and appreciation that Lilly thought so highly of her that they may share such a doting embrace. Erica's mind became a blur with inquiries. She wondered how many others Lilly with which had such a closeness, if it was simply a momentary response or a sign of deeper affections, or if Lilly would ever bless her with such a gift again.

Erica laid still in the teetering boat, rocking back and forth gently and being carried away by the lazy current. She waiting long through the night. Erica kept watch out for potential threats looking to disrupt the human girl's quest to rescue her sister. The fairy, instead of spotting enemies lurking about, watched the stars dance and fade as the sun rose upon the dawn. Night awakened into day. It would be many moments later before Lilly began to stir awake as well. Erica looked down and smiled.

“Good morning,” said Erica. Lilly sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Sleep well?”

“I did,” said Lilly. The girl let out a large yawn. “How long have I been asleep?”

“A while,” said Erica. “Pretty much all night.”

“Wow,” said Lilly. “Was I lying like that the entire time.” Erica nodded. “Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I hope you weren't uncomfortable.”

“No, not at all,” said Erica, giggling off the girl's reaction. “After what we've been though, it was the most comfortable position I've been in a while.” Lilly laughed and darted her blushing face away from her friend until her embarrassment subsided. “Did you get enough rest? I know it’s been a rough couple of days for us.”

“I’m fine, really,” said Lilly, brushing her hair with her fingers. “What about you? Are you okay?” Erica nodded and smiled weakly.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay,” said Erica. “We just need to get to land as soon as possible.”

“Where are we going anyway?” asked Lilly.

“We’re going West, so, that’s good. We’re still heading where we need to. I just don’t know when we’ll find shore, or even what we’ll find when we get there. It’s probably best to plan for the worst out here, especially considering it’s only gotten worse since we crossed over into the Badlands.” Erica slumped against the far end of the boat, staring somberly out onto the water.

“Hey, I know that tone,” said Lilly. She crawled up next to her friend and demanded Erica’s attention. “Listen, none of what has happened to us has been your fault.”