Read R.E.M.: The Hidden World Online
Authors: Corrie Fischer
Emily was in shock. The lounge
was one of the most beautiful places she ever witnessed. The distant wall was made entirely of glass. The carpet was pure, white shag. A giant plasma screen hung on the wall to her right above a massive fireplace. Giant frames of artwork surrounded the room.
A particularly interesting one hung above the massive leather couch. This painting portrayed a young woman lounging in darkness, an erotic expression crossing her face. She was covered only by a white scarf that ran between her thighs and wrapped over one of her breasts. The other was left exposed, as though waiting to be touched. In the upper corner, farthest from the woman’s face, was a single light bulb. Emily could almost see it flickering. The use of coloring seemed to portray it was dim, nearly going out, creating an even more erotic setting. It captured Emily’s attention for several seconds before she noticed the items on the coffee table below. There, closest to her, rested a bottle of wine amongst a sea of glassy ice. The ice was still cubed, completely solid, as though it was just set out.
How is that possible?
On the other end of the table rested an odd contraption with a long glass and metal section running up the center. Two hoses stretched out from either side of it and wrapped around the thing. “What is that?”
“Oh, the hookah…”
Emily’s expression said it all. Ethan was speaking a foreign language. “You’ve never seen a hookah before?” He was flabbergasted. Emily shook her head, hoping for more of an explanation. “It is a smoking device….for enjoying flavored tobacco.” He smiled again clearly proud of the mechanism.
“Oh, I’m not a smoker.” Emily refused cigarettes on more than one occasion and found them absolutely disgusting. The stench bothered her more than anything.
“I’ll tell you what, how about you take a seat and relax. I’ll get some coals ready…”
“Coals?!” Emily felt panicked.
Oh God, what is he going to do to me…
Ethan gently touched her shoulder, his expression reassuring. “They’re for the hookah, to burn the tobacco…it’s okay, I promise.” As he lightly rubbed her shoulder Emily could not help feeling she should run. This time, her apprehension was not a result of what he might to do to her. Instead it was a fear of what she wanted him to do. She knew she should get out of this situation immediately; yet she remained in place. In an unexplainable way, she enjoyed his touch more than any other man. She wanted him to touch her. She longed to have his hands all over her. Her mind drifted into dark places.
Just at that moment, he released her and headed to another part of the lounge. “Wait here, relax, I’ll be right back.” Ethan turned back for one last, long glance before disappearing around the corner.
Emily sat down on the couch and a million thoughts began running through her mind. Her eyes wandered over the metal and glass device, the hookah as he labeled it, and it suddenly distracted her. She lifted the hose and noticed a small hole on the end of it. The glass near the bottom of the thing had carvings of white flames etched into it. It was truly lovely, mythical almost. It taunted her with its beauty.
Ethan reemerged into the room, carefully carrying a red hot coal with metal prongs. His shirt was now removed and Emily wanted to ask why. Instead, her eyes became fixated upon his washboard abs. Each one was a square of ultimate perfection. She should look away. She knew it would be the right thing to do, but somehow she could not draw her eyes from him.
“Here we go.” His words broke the silence of her trance and drew her attention back to his hands and the red hot coal. He placed it on top of the device ever so delicately and then reached for the bottle of wine. “Would you like a glass?” He asked, as he removed the cork and poured one.
“What the hell, why not?” Emily was giving in. She knew it. She no longer cared. As Ethan handed her the freshly filled glass, he then poured a second for himself. He proceeded to sit by her on the couch. After taking a few sips, he lifted the hose of the hookah. “Want to try it?” He raised an eyebrow, taunting her curiosity.
“You only live once, right?” Emily did not know what was coming over her. This was unlike her, but she didn’t care, she was embracing the change. The sweet, innocent, pathetic country girl seemed to have vanished entirely. Wealth, power and temptation were ruling her mind now. Despite the currently elevated status of her mind, Emily was forced to acknowledge her ignorance on the issue at hand. “How do I smoke it?” She felt silly for asking, but it was a necessary question.
Ethan handed her one of the hoses and picked up the other. He slowly brought it up to his lips and inhaled deeply. A beautiful stream of smoke poured from his perfect mouth, filling the room. To Emily’s surprise, there was no stench as she always associated with cigarette smoke. Ethan seemed to pick up on her smelling the air. “Yes, it is unlike cigarette smoke entirely, much cleaner than that.” He smiled, clearly feeling proud of the contraption. “Now, just put it up to your lips…” He lifted the hose in her good hand as he said this. “…wrap them around….there you go….and suck in deep.” He stared as her lips wrapped around the hose.
Emily breathed in a long, deep breath and exhaled slowly, watching the twirling smoke surrounding them. It was almost magical. She simultaneously reached for her wine glass, completely forgetting about the cast still wrapped around her arm. She clumsily dropped the hose on the ground in the awkward process.
Guess I’m still a klutz…
“I’m so sorry.” She reached for the hose as Ethan did and their hands became entangled on it. Ethan released his, as though he had a sudden respect for her space. Without even acknowledging the awkward interaction, he jumped straight to another thought.
“That is probably healed now.” He said, as he pointed to her arm.
“What? It’s only been a day, how is that possible?” Emily could not believe him.
Ethan reached for the cast and paused just in front of it. “Trust me?”
Emily certainly did not trust him, but then again, he was the doctor here. “Okay…” She still felt hesitant. His hand moved closer as sweat formed on her brow. “Wait.” Emily picked up the glass of wine with her good arm and chugged it quickly, 'liquid courage' her friends always called it after all. Ethan giggled and then proceeded to unravel the bandage. Emily had never seen a cast come off so easily. She remembered a time when she was only ten years old and her childhood best friend broke his leg. She went along to his hospital visit, against her parents’ will. She watched in horror as her friend’s cast was literally sawed off his leg. The memory brought up a deep internal pain that Emily quickly shunned.
No, I am not going to think about him….not right now….I deserve to enjoy something in life…
Just then, Ethan removed the last section of bandage, revealing an arm in perfect condition. Emily hesitantly stretched it forward, bracing for the pain. There was none. It was completely healed.
“Wow! How is that possible?”
Ethan laughed, clearly amused by her surprise. “Did you notice how every time I touched your hand during our shopping experience you felt….a fire if you will…rush through you?”
“Yes…” Emily still did not understand.
“Well, I am no ordinary doctor. You see in Luthania, the greatest of followers are granted….special gifts. Mine is the ability to heal. Every second I touched you, I was also healing you.” Ethan’s confidence seemed to be growing even more now.
“I don’t understand….why did I not feel that in the office when you first applied the cast? It was only in the mall, I experienced that sensation.” Emily was befuddled.
“It’s voluntary. I had to be certain you were not…..well….from Neveah.” Ethan hesitated on the last word, as though it was cursed.
“Is that the town Lucy referred to? The one she originally thought I was from?” Finally, Emily was getting answers. Oddly enough, it came at a time when she truly did not care to hear them. Her arm was healed, she was wearing the loveliest of clothes in the world, drinking with an extremely handsome man, and she felt like a queen. What else could possibly matter at this point?
“Yes, it is. If you don’t mind, I’d rather not discuss it anymore. Can we just relax? You can drink and smoke hookah at the same time now if you wish.” He laughed lightly, winking as he did so.
“That sounds like a wonderful plan.” Emily lifted her glass, ignoring the logic trying to push its way into her mind.
I'm going to enjoy this, no matter what!
“We’re almost there!” Sam’s voice rang out with excitement.
Behind him, Renee rolled her eyes. Her struggles with the awkwardly fitted pants increased as her light sandals simultaneously rubbed against her aching feet. Looking ahead at the enthusiastic Sam though, she simply sighed and pasted on a smile.
After all….he did say we’re nearly there…
With that in mind, she simply continued forward, following behind Sam’s effortless pace.
Five more minutes of jogging progressed before Renee gave into the overwhelming desire to say something. “I thought you said we were close, where is this guy already?” Her impatience grew as she glanced up at the setting sun. Fear crept into her mind.
What if we end up trapped in these woods, alone in the dark…..I don’t even have little guy here to comfort me…
“Here it is!” Sam’s voice rang out with pure joy. He pointed ahead to where a large cavern rested. Its outer structure was not unlike the one that brought Renee to this strange place. However, the inside of this cave was pitch black. Its entrance faced east, away from the setting sun’s light. “Ellhion!” Sam yelled the name loudly.
Guess he doesn’t care if he’s sleeping after all…
Renee giggled quietly at the thought. Then, out of the dark depths of the cave, she caught a glimpse of a massive body rise and shake.
What is that thing?
Chills ran up her spine. Sam was still approaching the entryway but Renee’s feet froze in place. A massive growl echoed in the chambers of the cavern. and she felt an overwhelming desire to run.
I can’t leave Sam behind…
Just then, the creature moved into the light. Sam was simultaneously looking back at Renee with a quizzical expression. He was clearly confused as to why she stopped.
“Sam!” Renee was still frozen in place, tempted to run, yet unable to move. Her body prepared to grab the foolish boy and take off in the other direction. Before she could move, the massive, furry head was fully revealed. It was a Siberian tiger.
Oh crap...
“Why, I’ve had quite a great day myself. How has your day been?” Sam was smiling vividly.
Is he talking to the thing?
Renee was at a loss. Her body was completely immobile. A mixture of curiosity and fear rushed through her now. Sure enough, the creature responded in a series of small growls and lowered his head down, rubbing his fur against the side of Sam’s cheek. Sam laughed wildly; he was clearly comfortable with the situation. The tiger redirected his attention and stared at Renee, releasing a small growl as he did so.
“Oh, how rude of me. Yes, this is someone I would like you to meet.” Sam was definitely trying to sound proper.
He’s trying to impress the growling tiger now? Oh…that’s just great….just wonderful…
Renee was not happy about this situation in the slightest. Sam waved to her, as though implying she should approach closer. Renee shook her head, steadfast in her location several feet back. It was already taking everything in her to not run off in the other direction. She also knew such an action could potentially trigger a kill switch in the animal’s instincts. She used this logical excuse to satisfy her curiosity from a distance.
“It’s okay, Renee. Has he not been reassuring enough thus far?” Sam’s expression was one of bewilderment. The tiger leaned his head in closer to Sam’s own. For a second, Renee scanned the forest for any kind of potential weapon. The creature let out a light growl and sadness seemed to cross his eyes. “What? No way, how could she not hear you?” Now Sam was the upset one.
“Oh, I can hear every growl just fine.” Renee was still not about to budge.
“That’s it, you only hear growling?” A look of extreme disappointment crossed over Sam’s face. The creature offered him several more growls as, seemingly, an explanation.
“Well of course, he is a tiger…tigers do growl you know? You really should step away Sam.” Renee wanted him to come closer to her more than anything. An overwhelming mix of fear and sadness rushed over her. Here she finally found her lost friend, only to discover that he lost his sanity.
“Ellhion says it’s because you’re not a citizen of Neveah…” Sam's head hung low.
“Ellhion is that thing’s name?” Renee regretted the words as the animal reared up his head and let out a massive roar in her direction.
“Please, she does not mean any disrespect, she doesn’t know any better.” Sam’s attention was directed at the tiger again. With one final, small growl, the creature turned around and retreated into his cave. “Great, now you hurt his feelings, way to go Renee.” Sam was clearly pissed. He walked towards her with a look of defeat in his eyes. “You remember when we were in the woods and you heard that strange voice warning you about the snake?” Sam started.
“Yes, what about it?” Renee did not see where this was going.
“Well, I didn’t believe you at first, right? I thought you’d gone bonkers. Then it turned out you were telling the truth.”
“Ok, what’s your point?”
“This is the exact same situation, Renee. I realize you’re not a citizen and you can’t understand him, but I truly can. I need you to humor me for a moment and at least apologize to him, for my sake, please.”
“You want me to apologize to a tiger?” Renee’s expression said it all.
“Yes and stop acting like it’s so ridiculous. The animals here are unlike any you’ve ever known before.” Sam was unyielding.
Renee reflected upon the interaction at the feeding trough, seeing all different types of animals eating together peacefully. Then she remembered how she got this far in the first place. “Little Guy…” The words came out as a half whisper, intended to remain a thought.
“Who is Little Guy?” Sam was lost now.
“The cardinal that led me here….he revealed the entrance to the cavern.”
“Oh, you mean Winston?” Sam burst into laughter.
“I liked the name, Little Guy….wait, you can talk to him too?” Renee was trying to process this.
“Yes and that guy is a spunky little character, very insistent when he wants to be…” Sam clearly drifted off into a reflection of his own. Suddenly excitement crossed his face. “Okay, Renee, humor me by apologizing to Ellhion; then we can find Winston and I’ll translate for him to you. You can ask him any question about the journey, something only you and he would know. Would that prove to you that I can talk to them?” Sam’s absolute confidence was astounding.
Renee hesitated a moment and then she remembered the way Little Guy used his wing like an arm, waving to direct her. It would make sense the character's intelligence level was higher than the average bird. She was already all but convinced. “Ok, deal.” Renee stated the words boldly. However, as they approached the cavern’s entrance, she swallowed hard and crept forward. “Ellhion?” She eked out hesitantly. There was a light growl from the bowels of the cavern. “What’d he say?” Renee looked to Sam for an answer.
“Oh, nothing important, go ahead and say what you intended…” Sam was probably lying. More than likely, Renee’s performance thoroughly angered the creature. She now assumed he was throwing in an insult of his own. Nevertheless, it was time to be the bigger being. Well, theoretically at least.
“Ellhion, I’m sorry. Sam explained everything to me and I feel horrible for being rude to you.” The words came out smoother than she expected. Perhaps Sam’s eager face was all the encouragement she needed. The tiger hesitantly leaned up from his resting position and slowly approached the cave’s entrance. Finally, he was a mere three feet from her face. He remained there, silently, for some time. The tiger was staring her directly in the eyes. To her pleasant surprise, it was not a look of hunger or a blank stare. It was something far deeper. There was a gentle kindness in his eyes interwoven with pain. It was as though he was trying to tell Renee something without releasing a single sound. It felt like a warning. It was undoubtedly not a threat in any way, Renee could sense that much now, but it was more so a cautioning of what would come for her. After what felt like an eternity and a connection of their souls, the tiger bowed his head to her. Raising it, he turned to Sam. He released a series of small growls, and then returned to his cave.
Sam’s look instantaneously turned into one of concern. “We need to see Miria immediately.” The words were more a command than anything else.
“What about Little Guy….I mean, Winston?” Renee's question seemed minuscule compared to the bigger picture. Still, she longed to grant her winged friend a more formal 'thank you.'
“I’m sorry but that will have to wait…..follow me.” Sam was not asking. He rushed the other direction at a jogging pace. Renee's body followed accordingly as her mind drifted.
What were those last growls?
The thought would later consume Renee.
Sam flew through the woods as though it was nothing. Renee kept up with him for some time, but alas was starting to feel winded.
“Can….we….slow down?” The words left her lips amongst heavy breathing. Sam slowed from a full jog to a speed walker’s pace.
“We really must hurry.” He was insistent.
It took Renee several seconds to catch her breath before she could respond. “Can you...at least....tell me what has you so worried?”
“No, I’m sorry, but Ellhion was very specific. Miria will explain to you what she chooses, but that is not for me to decide.”
“Since when have you been a rule follower?” Renee’s irritation was back in full blast.
“This is bigger than you or I. Besides, when Ellhion gives instructions, they are followed, period.” Sam was not budging.
“Why is that? If all the animals here talk, what is so special about Ellhion?” Renee was not about to just give up on the issue.
Sam stopped in place and faced her. “Ellhion is second in command only to The Protector himself. When he gives instructions, you follow them, okay? Now, if you’re up to it, I would like to jog again. We’re almost there.” There was no youthful leniency or play in Sam’s voice. His resolution was as strong as any man’s. Without waiting for a response, Sam resumed their jogging pace.
Finally, they approached the hut where Renee first met Miria. Images of the hug that would forever change her life flashed into her mind. She could almost feel the comforting embrace all over again.
Sam stopped suddenly in front of the hut and tapped on its outer edge. “It is Sam and Renee. I have an important message for Miria. May I enter?” His formality was shocking. Before speaking to Ellhion, Renee never heard Sam converse in such a serious and proper manner. It was nice, in an odd way.
“Absolutely, enter as you wish.” This was the voice of Miria.
Sam rushed forward. “I have very urgent news to discuss with you.” Miria nodded and then stood in silence, seemingly waiting for him to continue with delivery of the message. “Alone.” Sam turned to Renee, insistent in his nature.
“Okay, okay.” Renee exited the hut feeling shunned. She waited outside several minutes, desperately trying to translate their subtle whispers into tangible words. She failed miserably and finally sat down outside the hut, crossing her arms. Her frustration with the awkwardly fitted pants was now growing more than ever. She fidgeted through several different sitting positions before finally resting in an Indian-style pose. Just as she got comfortable, Sam and Miria emerged from the hut. Both of their faces wore the same expression of deep, genuine concern. Renee jumped to her feet, desperately hoping to be filled in on at least some of the new information.
Miria was the first to speak. “Have you seen the dock yet, Renee?”
Renee opened her mouth, clearly tempted to respond with a flabbergasted response and ask how that could be relevant at this time. However, a single glare from Sam implied such action was not appropriate. “No…well, only from the water looking up.” Renee managed to keep her composure.