Escape

I sit with the little tree in my hands, refusing to release the thing like it's some kind of lifeline as the men stand around the courtyard silently watching me. What to do what to do... I look down at the tree then back around the courtyard as I try to come up with an idea. 

I need to escape... Suddenly, the rune on the back of my neck starts to heat up. I feel myself instantly being pulled and when I blink, I'm sitting in an empty field. Huh? Mango slowly peeks out from my hair and whispers "What just happened?"

I quickly turn around, looking for the courtyard but what I find is a small house! The courtyard is nowhere in sight. I blink several times in confusion before saying "I... I don't know." I slowly stand up, still holding the little tree as I slowly start walking to the house. 

I look around for any signs of people but when I don't see anyone, I approach the house with caution. As I reach the front door, I look up in shock. Why is it suddenly much bigger!? I reach up to knock on the door but the door suddenly starts to open. 

I stand with my fist up in the air like an idiot and stare into the house with wide eyes. When I don't see anyone, I clear my throat and call out "Hello? Is... Is anyone home?" I wait for several minutes but when I still don't hear anything, I look around like a thief before stepping into the house.

Suddenly, windows and all the doors open, instantly allowing sunlight and the soft breeze to enter the large house. I jump and hold the little tree close as I look around for someone but when I still don't see anyone, I slowly start relaxing. My mouth falls open as I look around the large open floor plan and see that it's actually pretty modern! 

I don't understand... As I slowly walk past what looks like a living area, I walk into the kitchen and head straight to the fridge. I look around again and call out "Hello? Is anyone here? I'm thirsty..." I softly say at the end as I wait in silence. 

Still confused, I open the fridge and find it fully stocked with my favorite foods and drinks! Whaaaat!?! I look around with large eyes before swallowing hard and just taking a bottle of water. I open the cap and take a small sip. 

I feel the cold water hit my throat and instantly sigh. It was the perfect temperature... I down half the bottle before Mango says "I want some too!" I hand him the bottle as I turn to look at the rest of the house in wonder. 

In the middle of the living area is a small round patch of grass but when you look up, a large skylight window allows light to flood down into the room like a large spotlight. It was perfect... like my own dream home... 

Suddenly, something clicks. I reach up and touch the rune on the back of my neck as I recall the words Asher said. "A divine space with endless treasures..." I had laughed at him, thinking it was a joke but... I slowly place the tree down with a look of astonishment. 

I look around the house again and start to chuckle. Mango lowers the water bottle to look at me in concern before jumping down off my shoulder and asking "Are you okay?" I slowly stretch my arms out and spin around with a large smile on my face as I say "I'm more than okay! Do you know what this is!?"

Mango looks at me in confusion and shakes his head 'No' so I quickly turn around and lift my long hair up to point at the back of my neck and say "It's the rune Asher gave me! Hah!" I spin back around and do a little happy dance before squealing with delight. 

Mango still holds the water bottle with confusion but I'm already running down the hall in search of the other rooms. A large bedroom with my dream bed! I run to the bathroom and squeal with excitement when I see the large jacuzzi bathtub and all the bath soaps a girl could ever need! 

I run to another room to see that it was a gym! Laughing, I run back to Mango as I say "We're set for life!!! Whenever we're in trouble, we can come here! Mango slowly nods his head and says "If that's true... That's AWESOME!" He tosses the water bottle and runs to the closest white couch and starts jumping up and down in excitement. 

I giggle at him before looking back to the small tree. Suddenly, I get an idea. I pick the small plant up and walk over to the grass patch in the middle of the living room. I use my magic to help dig a hole before easing the baby tree out of its pot. 

I place the little tree down into the hole and carefully cover it back up before lightly patting the soil and saying "Grow strong and beautiful little one." I get up and get a pitcher of water from the sink before walking back over and watering the tree. 

I release my magic into the soil and into the tree as I hum in content. Tonight, Mango and I will have a feast before I take a long, hot bath and crash in my new bed. Once we've had a good night's rest, I will start working on ways on how to get back to our world.

Until then, this place will be our new home. Our safe haven.