Fox Birch: Song of Innocence

[Fox Birch]

[glow=red,2,300]lol abby, you're funny...

ok... here's some more for ya![/glow]

[Fox Birch]

* * *

Fox spent the rest of the day in that cold, white room. She glanced out the window often, but was always interrupted by something. Besides the sharp, nagging pains throughout her entire body, a short, portly woman had come in, left a tray on the bedside table, then walked out of the room in a hurry. Fox didn’t have time to ask, but she figured it must be Abby’s cook.

The tray was dull beige, but even so, it had more color than the stuff in it. Fox looked at it inquisitively. The main dish appeared to be dry, white meat with a pale, sort of corn paste on the side. In the far, left corner, there was something gray. She had no clue what this was. On the other side, there was a glob of what looked like tapioca pudding. She was most amused, however, by the small, brown and white box. She had never seen anything like it… not even at her father’s house. She took the box gently from the tray with her good arm and looked at it curiously. She smiled at the awkward flap sprouting from the top then put it back. She watched it for a few moments, wondering what it was for.

Fox was just looking out the window again when a second woman came into the room. This woman looked older and thinner than Abby’s chef… and Fox hoped that, whatever her occupation, she would be a bit more skilled, too. She watched her walk closer, and wondered how many people must live in Abby’s house. The woman looked down at Fox and smiled oddly. Fox felt a strange shiver through her body and eyed her weapons instinctively. She looked back at the woman with slight alarm; her eyes flashed to the tag on her pastel colored dress: Gloria. The woman adjusted the tubes and needles that had been stuck into the elf’s body earlier. She stuck yet another needle into Fox’s arm and Gloria was the last thing she saw.

[Fox Birch]

* * *

It was late into the night when Fox woke up. She looked around the room groggily. There was a pain in her head like she had never felt before and her stomach was writhing. She sat up and started ripping the tubes and needles from her body. She did not wish to stay at Abby’s house any longer. With much effort, she removed the sling and stood up. As soon as she did, she felt dizzy and wanted nothing more than to sit back down. But she strapped on her weapons and staggered toward the window and opened it. She looked out… and took a step back. She was too far up to jump, so she looked around the room frantically. Trapped. There was a sound at the door and she drew her bow painfully. There was a silence… then, suddenly, there was a click and the room was as bright as day.

Abby stood in the doorway, shocked.

“Fox! It’s three in the morning! What are you doing out of bed?!” She eyed the bow and spoke in a soft, measured voice. “Fox… put it down. It’s me, Abby. Remember?”

The elf gladly complied. She staggered backward, holding her arm. She slid down the wall and sat on the floor. She undid the first three fastenings of her tunic and looked at her shoulder. The color was a sickening purple-yellow, and even had handprints around it. She looked away and closed her tunic. She held her right arm close to her body, clutching her stomach, and her left arm was holding her shoulder. She brought her knees up to her chest and put her head down. She kept her eyes closed tightly. She heard Abby close the door and walk slowly toward her.

Abby stroked her soft, blond hair gently. “Oh, Fox… what did you think you were doing?” She lifted the shaking elf, carried her back to the bed, and lay her down. Abby was surprised how light she was, despite her height. She took of Fox’s boots and pulled the covers back over her. She gazed at her.

Fox opened her eyes slowly and stared up at the white ceiling. Her arms remained as they had been and so was her pain. She wanted to tell Abby about her workers but thought it would rude.

Her hesitation did no go unnoticed. Abby decided to ask one more time.

“Fox… what were you doing?”

“Your worker,” she paused. “Gloria… I don’t know what she did but… it was as though I was being subdued and I didn’t enjoy it. I should have at least been informed, Abby.”

Abby smiled at being called by her nickname by the elf, but then frowned.

“My worker? You mean the nurse? Fox, this isn’t my house… this is a hospital.”

Fox blinked.

They laughed lightly for a few minutes then Abby shook her head still smiling slightly.

“Oh, Fox. Everything must be so new to you… your manner sings of nothing but innocence. Seriously, though… I think you should really chill out for a few days. Don’t worry, I’ll help you get to your dad’s house before the end of the month.” She smiled comfortingly.

“Abby, you don’t have to do that. You’ve done so much for me already…”

“Nonsense. It would be an honor.”

They remained silent for a few moments. Then Abby spoke once more.

“Umm… Fox? Where is your dad’s house, anyway?”

[Fox Birch]

* * *

Fox explained that she had been accepted into Hogwarts and that her sister was supposed to take her to London to buy her supplies. Abby’s face lit up.

“Hogwarts! This is your first year, then? Why don’t you let me take you instead? It’ll be so much fun! Have you ever been to Diagon Alley? That’s where we’d actually be getting our stuff.” She saw a bit of hesitation in Fox’s face. “Oh, and don’t worry about the list, I’ve got mine.”

Fox looked unsure.

“Abby… I would but…” She looked down. “Well, surely you have better things to do.”

“Better than going shopping? Never!” She laughed. “No, for real, don’t worry about it. Just get some rest, okay? I’ll stay with you tonight.”

Fox smiled and lay back into bed, now a lot calmer. Abby turned off the light and sat in a chair next to Fox. The elf felt very comfortable in her presence. She drifted into a state of consciousness different from that of wake and sleep. She hummed an elvish balled quietly to herself.

Abby watched the elf fall into her state of relaxation. She glanced at the tray of food, untouched… expect for the milk carton. She could tell that it had been moved, but remained unopened. She frowned, feeling silently angry with herself. She wasn’t sure why, but the suffering that was Fox’s somehow became her own. She sighed. Then, the room was silent, except for the sweet, melancholic sound of Idyll.

[Fox Birch]

* * *

It was a few days before Abby gave in to letting Fox out of bed. Even though she had been shot, the doctor was happy to remove the IVs from Fox’s arms. Abby was not too happy to see the doctor’s lack of reluctance. The elf however was overjoyed. As soon as he had left, she hopped out of bed, careful not to move her arm too much. She began to stretch, but was compelled to stop when her stomach seized up. She winced softly and placed a hand over her abdomen in pain.

“Careful, Fox! You’re not all that well, yet.” She looked upset. “I don’t even think that quack of a doctor knows what he’s doing. Just… watch it.” She watched her pleadingly.

Fox nodded and walked over to the open window. Abby followed and she leaned against the sill; she watched Fox closely. Her form was perfectly straight and poise. She looked out at the setting sun, a faint smile on her face. She was now wearing a white T-shirt and a pair of blue, fringed denim shorts that Abby had brought her. Her arms were smooth and defined; her legs long and lean; her body was slim and graceful. The breeze played through her golden hair and the liquid blue of the coming twilight gave her eyes a deep, fragile look as they glittered softly in the starlight. Abby stood, eyeing her closely. She said nothing, so as not to interrupt the tender silence that engulfed them. What was it about this elf that was so… captivating?

[Fox Birch]

* * *

The next morning, Abby and Fox prepared to leave the hospital.

“You have to eat…”

“I am not hungry.”

“Well, I don’t blame you…” She wrinkled her nose. “What with the food they serve here and all. But you should eat something. Girl, I don’t need you passing out in the middle of London…”

“I won’t.”

“Won’t eat? Or won’t pass out?”

Fox raised an eyebrow. “I won’t do either… but I meant pass out.”

Abby sighed. “Well, all I can do then is try and catch you if you do…”

Fox smiled in response.

[Fox Birch]

* * *

They met up with Chris before reaching London, and headed toward The Leaky Cauldron. Abby smiled at Fox. She was having the time of her life.

The elf looked up at the tall buildings. She was awestruck by the straight perfection that she had only seen accomplished before by the dwarves. Although the city was fairly dull, she was fascinated by its deep gray hues. The vehicles were interesting, but made her dizzy. She was most amazed by the city’s inhabitants. The way they bustled through the shops and hurried down the sidewalks was quite amusing. Abby smiled at the elf’s innocence.

[Sara_Jayne]

I love it fox!! you need to add more really soon!!!

[minihagrid]

Can you please stop posting replies in the thread...this is a competition entry, and it makes it easier for the judges if you don't do it....

Fox, how long will it be till the story is complete? Because the deadline has passed, and the stories need to be judged pretty soon....

[Fox Birch]

well, i don't know if i can finish it before tomorrow... do you want me to withdraw it?

[KoNeko]

Pssst, Minih, I know I'm not supposed to post replies in here, but can't you just judge Foxie's story up until the date of the competition deadline? Other people are entering excerpts and snippets of their stories. I mean, because this story is pretty damn good, and it'd be a shame if she had to withdraw it...

[minihagrid]

I know its harsh to withdraw it, so Im not asking you too. Its just unfair on others who finished theirs by the deadline....

Keep on writing it. We'll think of something...

[Fox Birch]

[glow=red,2,300]oh, no, really... you can just judge it up until what i wrote on the 15th... i just hope its enough.. i'll keep writing, but i don't expect to have the rest of it judged...[/glow]

[Fox Birch]

“Hey, you wanna stop and grab something to eat?”

Chris chimed in. “Ooh! Food! I’m starving!”

The elf smiled at Chris, causing him to blush. “No, thank you.” She paused. “I am a bit thirsty, though. I’ve almost depleted my water supply…” Fox motioned toward the water pouch on her belt.

Abby smiled. She and Chris walked into a shabby-looking corner building. Fox followed.

* * *

Inside the Leaky Cauldron, there were several round tables and a bar. They found a small table in the corner and sat down. Fox looked around at the other people in the room; they stared.

A tall witch came by to take their order. She looked first at Abby.

“What would you like hun?”

“Umm… I’ll have a ceasar salad and some iced tea, please.”

The witch nodded and looked at Chris.

“Food… lots of food.”

The witch raised an eyebrow and managed to say “Okay…” then turned to Fox.

“I’d like some water, please.”

Abby frowned. “Er… my friend would also like a salad and a carton of chocolate milk.”

The witch nodded again and jotted something down, then left.

Abby looked at Fox. “You’re gonna eat…”

Fox looked at her curiously. “A salad and a what?”

Abby simply smiled.

[Fox Birch]

* * *

Chris had almost passed out by the time the food got there… but he was not disappointed. It took the waitress three trips just to bring all of Chris’ food. Dishes that Fox had never seen before were set before them and were immediately started on by Chris. Abby rolled her eyes.

“How on earth do you stay so thin?”

Chris shrugged through a mouthful of food and Fox smiled.

The witch came back, exhausted, with a large tray. She set down two salads, a glass of iced tea, and a familiar brown and white box with an awkward flap on the top. Fox eyed it curiously, making Abby laugh lightly.

“I saw that your milk-carton was the only thing you ever touched at the hospital.”

Fox stared. “My what?”

Abby took the box, split the flap open and bent it back, revealing a spout. She held it up for Fox to see. “It’s a milk-carton. Chocolate milk.”

Fox took the box and looked over it carefully. She had never seen anything so… simple and yet, so complex. Milk? She thought. I wonder…

Abby had already started on her salad and Chris had gone through half the table when Fox spoke.

“So, I drink this?”

Abby smiled, nodded, then pointed to the spout.

Awkwardly, Fox put the spout to her lips and drank. The liquid was thick, and almost creamy. It had a strange flavor… the sweetness sent a slight chill up her spine. This was nothing like water, and yet, it felt so good in her mouth, like a cool, refreshing… something.

She finished her drink quite reluctantly and stared at the box, speechless.

“What sort of drink is this?”

Abby and Chris both laughed.

“Don’t worry about it, Fox.” Abby smiled. “Try your salad!”

Fox looked at the salad and wondered if this would be as much of a surprise as the “milk.” She eyed the small bread-cubes curiously. They reminded her of her own lembas. She picked one that wasn’t covered by white stuff and popped it in her mouth. In a rush, she tasted the flaky, buttery and crunchy bread. She was amazed at how alike in texture and yet so different in flavor this was from hers. Intrigued, she tried another. This time, she welcomed the zesty new flavor of the thick, white sauce. She was practically glowing with excitement. Abby smiled.

“You have never eaten salad, have you?”

Fox shook her head. Too awestruck to eat anymore, she sat back in her chair.

“Fox, you can’t just eat two croutons! You still…”

“I have had enough of your food for today.” She picked up the carton and looked at it some more.

Chris laughed through his chicken. “Leave her alone, Abbs. She’ll eat later.”

Abby frowned and mumbled under her breath, “no she won’t.”

The elf didn’t notice, for her attention was already elsewhere. Fox was now observing the other people in the room. This place was different from any other she had ever been to, and its inhabitants were just as new to her. She watched two grown men argue very animatedly over something to do with “seekers” and “chasers.” She watched a pair of elaborately dressed people share big glasses of something pink. She was even more astounded at the large group of people in the far corner. She noticed that only two of them were adults and at least half a dozen more were children; all of which were wriggling impatiently in their chairs. Fox smiled to herself as the food arrived and they began to eat messily. Someone else had just entered to building when Abby stood up.

“Come on, Fox. We gotta go.”

“Oh! Abby! Look who it is!” Chris ran a hand through his hair.

“Not now, Chris. Let’s go.”

Fox was surprised to see her so hasty. But she stood and followed her to the back of the building. She glanced back and caught a glimpse of a very pale boy at the bar. A slight chill ran up her spine.