THE MOMENT
Ophelia wasn't lost. She may not have known where exactly she was; but, she knew enough. She knew she was in a forest and she knew where she was headed. The sun was gone for the day and the forest was dark; but, she could still see well enough to follow the path. Even better than that, she caught a faint shimmer off to the side. She'd spent many, many years as a tailor focusing on small details and she liked to think she had good eyes. Noticing a section of the night sheen, like satin only reaffirmed that belief.
"Really?" She was amused and curious as she stepped off the road. She glanced forward and back as a precaution; but, she was confident no one else was around. The trees beyond the notable barrier seemed off, somehow. They didn't look quite right compared to the rest of the forest wall. They were a little darker as if not as much light reached them as the rest. "Out here? On the road?" she giggled as she reached the barrier and stepped through.
She emerged on the other side with no trees in sight. She stood in a spacious lobby made of tasteful greens and browns with delicate gold accents spread out to add a touch of class.
"Welcome to the Casca-, oh," a desk clerk spoke up as soon as he noticed Ophelia; but, he stopped as soon as he realized what she was. "Excuse me, are you in the right place? There's a hotel just up the mountain that might be more suitable for you," he said. Ophelia was in too good a mood to let that slip by. She often enjoyed regular walks out under the moonlight and this particular trek was no different. It was almost like a communion with the night that often left her energized. She strutted toward the desk with confidence.
"Am I not welcome here?" she asked.
"Oh, no, no, not what I meant at all." The clerk's insect-like wings fluttered anxiously as she flustered him. "Your kind is welcome; but, the hotel up the mountain does offer a better experience more tailored for those like you. But, of course, we're glad to have you," he grinned as his wings finally relaxed. "May I have your name?"
"No, I quite like it," she answered with a giggle. "But, to communicate with ease, you may address me as Ophelia." The clerk's eyes widened.
"Ophelia! Forgive me, I didn't know you were...," he gestured vaguely at her, then shook his head. "Apologies, Mistress; Lady Celestrix is expecting you."
"That's alright," Ophelia giggled. "I've been on your end of poor communication; I'm sure it's not your fault."
"Most gracious of you," The clerk bowed more than a nod, then gestured to a large oak door with golden embellishments. "Lady Celestrix awaits," he said, then walked around the counter to deliver her personally.
"I have a question," she asked. "Isn't your location a little obvious?" she asked. "Right off the road isn't exactly hidden."
"Oh no, it's served us well here at the Cascade for centuries. Most humans can't see the hotel due to the enchantments," he chuckled. "But, there are always a curious few. Maybe a dozen every century or so; it's not a big deal."
"A dozen every century? That sounds like a secret waiting to get out...," she made small talk as they approached the door.
"Oh no, not at all," the clerk chuckled. "We kill them all on sight. That's if they survive crossing the barrier. The enchantments are not just obfuscations; but a robust system of magical defenses," he chuckled. Ophelia nodded with a grin as he reached for the door handle for her.
"Then, it's quite lucky that I'm a vampire."