Author's Note: This story is based loosely on the legend of Huldra (I did change the location of the story from the legend). I also came up with parts of the story from the song Jillian (I'd Give My Heart) by Within Temptation. This was meant to be a thousand or so word story, but it just kept getting longer and longer.

Jillian

I laid back against the wall as far as my chains would allow it. I should have known that the offer was too good to be true. We are going to be together forever. Forever came with a price. Why didn't I see it before I took that vow? I gave my heart, my soul, and now I wanted to turn it all back. I knew that even by going that was a chance that I would not make it right.

I have lived many seasons. It has not been a life of glory and honour, but one of tragedy and horror. I have seen much more horror than wonders. I wanted to be free from it all. No more did I want to live like this.

The door to my cell opened up and she entered. I could tell it was her from the little bit of light that had escaped from the crack in the door. The one who had caused me to suffer like this knelt down next to me. She was just as lovely as ever, but now I knew of her treachery. She touched my face and forced me to look into her green eyes. "Darling, we don't have to live like this." She stroked my dark hair to the side. "We can live as equals. You just have to expect your destiny first."

I spat at her. "Your destiny is forlorn. The least I can do is save myself."

She laughed a shrill laugh. "Darling, you are already just as damned as me." She slapped the side of my face. If I could see, I knew my cheek would be red. She grabbed a fist full of my hair and pulled until I was looking into her face. "We are in this until the end. We will be together forever just like we wanted." She released me and walked over to the door. Her cow tail had escaped from underneath her long dress.

"We will be together forever and ever, my darling Marcus." She slammed the door behind her as she stepped out leaving me in total darkness once again.

For fifty years, she had kept her word. We still looked the same as we did the first day we meant. We would be young forever and ever.

Just as we were doomed to be together forever.

She was the beautiful, young woman who lower young men into her trap. People knew the legends about this curse. I had been one of those left in the dark. Do not fall for the beautiful stranger or you will be trapped for all eternity.

Fifty years earlier

I entered the tiny general store with the hopes of getting a fist full of nails. I was so close to completing my small house located right outside of town. So close and just had run out of nails. I walked to the back of the small shop and grabbed thirty or so nails, and walked up to the front of the shop.

That was when I first saw her. She was beautiful. She was dressed in a deep, purple dress that highlighted her dark features. Her medium skin tone was flawless and glowed. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head in a brilliant mess of curls. She was rather tall, but did not slump like tall women tended to do. Instead, she held herself high like royalty. She appeared to be high born. For all I knew she could be. The changing of the Houses had caused for different people to be seen throughout the county, so it really would not be all that surprising if she was.

She smiled as I walked past her. I pretended not to see it and paid for my nails.

I stepped out onto the porch and was about ready to leave when I heard someone clear their voice behind me. I turned around and saw the girl. "I thought perhaps that I could introduce myself," she said in a clear, soprano voice. She did not appear to have any accent. So much for my theory.

"Um... sure." I knew that was not the correct and proper way to address a lady. My late mother was probably scolding me pretty heavy from her place in heaven.

"My name is Jillian," she said. She did not offer any surname.

I nodded. Again, not proper. "I am Marcus Westerveldt."

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Westerveldt," she smiled and gathered up her skirts and stepped off the porch. "I hope to see you around!" she called as she disappeared into the mid-afternoon crowd.

I stretched my neck in attempt to see if I could spot her again. I could not see her anywhere. I sighed. I had hoped to see the lovely Jillian again.

I walked down the main street regretting that I had not brought my horse with me. When I had left the construction site, I felt like walking. Now that I had actually walked to town and now had to walk back, it did not seem like such a brilliant idea. I was really kicking myself for it. It could have been worse. Instead of sunshine, it could have been raining.

I moved to the side of the dirt road so other non-foot travellers could pass me. I heard a carriage coming up behind me rather quickly. I jumped further to the side for fear that I would be run over. Then, the carriage stopped. I turned and saw Jillian sitting atop the massive thing hoping the rains in her hands. She was light on top of the darkness.

"I thought you could use a ride, Mr. Westerveldt," she called from on top of it.

I looked down at myself. I was wearing filthy work clothes. Then, I looked back at the carriage. It looked very expensive and was spotless. I did not wish to soil it with my filthiness. "I am rather dirty."

Jillian studied me with a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, then, I guess I will just have to wash it."

"I could just walk." I really did not wish to impose on the lovely, young lady.

She smiled down at me. "No, I insist."

I thought about it. I really did not want to walk and I wanted to have the house finished before nightfall. If I rode back with her, it would save me about an hour. It was an hour that I dearly needed. It was an hour that could make the difference as to rather I would be sleeping under a roof or under the stars. The more I thought about it, the better a ride sounded.

I looked back up at her. "Sure, why not."

She smiled even wider. "That is what I like to hear." She moved over. "Sit here."

I swept myself up onto the carriage. With a flick of the whip, we were on our way.

She drove quickly down the road with the skill of a native. No one from out of town even dared to drive quick. The roads in the town and the surrounding countryside were known for their random potholes and drop-offs. If one did not know the terrain, there was a good chance that they could drive into one of the many deltas located throughout the countryside.

"So, are you from about here?" I inquired as we raced around another corner.

She looked at me. "What makes you ask that, Mr. Westerveldt?" I noted that she took her eyes off the road.

"You drive like the locals," I simply stated.

She laughed. "I suppose so." She paused. "If you must know, I spent many holidays in this area. My father is very fond of this region."
"Where are you from originally?"

" Lower Saxony," she replied.

"I see." I leaned back against the seat. "You don't have an accent."

"My father always made me adapt to fit the local culture." She paused. "He never did like those who failed to assimilate." She paused again. "You say that he has problems with foreigners."

"I see." I looked at her. "I never gave you directions as to where to take me."

She gave me a knowing smile. "I know where to go, Mr. Westerveldt." She turned her attention back to the road.

I looked at her. Was she some kind of creeper. "How so?"

"Your family land borders my summer home. I have seen you around." She looked back at me. "I have seen you grow through the seasons."

I just stared. I did not know how to respond to that.

She stopped the carriage right in the middle of the road. "You know what I have been puzzling over?"

I shook my head.

"The secret of life." She stared straight ahead. "Why are we here? I want to understand." She looked back at me. "Do you?"

I swallowed. "No, I am sorry. I just never thought about it."

She looked down at her hands. "See most people don't. Those who do, never do anything about it. They never seek out the answers to their questions." She flicked the whip. "I intend to do just that."

I stared straight ahead. "How do you plan on accomplishing these goals?"

I could see her hands moving as she drove. "Oh, you know. Pick up books and talk to people who have asked the same question." Jillian turned down the road that lead to my unfinished home. "You know, right?"

"Sort of."

"Have you ever heard the saying birds of the same flock gather together?"

"I have heard one version of that." We were approaching my house.

She pulled the carriage to a stop right out my nearly completed house and looked at me. "Then you should understand." She motioned for me to get out. As I stepped off, she leaned over the side. "I expect I will be seeing you, Mr. Westerveldt." With a flick of her whip, both the driver and the carriage disappeared down the road.

I stood there stunned for several minutes. I was not completely sure what had just happened.

The Next Day

I awoke to the rain beating against my newly completed house. I laid in bed for several minutes believing that the roof had holes in it. I did not believe that I had successfully patched every bit of the metal roof. Water was not entering, so I must had been somewhat successful. I threw back the blankets and pulled on my boots that were resting next to the bed. The rain always made me feel much more awake, more alive. It had the opposite effect on my that it had on most people I knew.

I walked over the window and looked out. The yard was nothing but a river of water that would turn to mud in a days' time. Flooding was not uncommon in this nation. It was the price we paid for being located below sea level. I found standing water to be a blessing. As long as the low lands stood a risk of flooding, all was well in the world. I was willing to keep rebuilding if it meant that everything was going to function smoothly.

I cracked my knuckles as I fetched a cup of water from the pail on the floor. The water was warm, which I did not mind. Normally, I hated warm water, but nothing today was going to bring me down. Nothing at all. I had a newly finished house and everything else that I could possibly want.

Expect her.

I did not have Jillian. I did not have the angel of the world by my side. Oh, how I wanted her! I wanted to wipe her tears when she cried. I wanted her beautiful face to be the last thing I looked at before falling asleep each night. I wanted her to be my love. I just wanted her to say that she wanted me.

I threw the cup back into the water and heard it land with a loud splash. I walked over the fireplace and rested my hands on the smooth mantle. Oh, Jillian how I want to give my heart to you, give you my soul. Jillian, I will search with you as you seek the answers to your questions! Oh, Jillian, let me become yours and only yours! Jillian, I am in love with you and want you to feel the same way about me. I feel that we would be prefect together. Our destiny has each other in its future.

I was half tempted to march out the door and run to Jillian's house and demand to know how she felt about me. I gripped the mantel until my knuckles started to turn white. The suspense was killing me. I had to know how she felt about me. The only thing that was keeping me here was the fear that I would catch my death running to her home. Dying for someone you believed you loved my sound romantic and all, but once you stop and actually think about it, it does not sound like a good way to go.

I would just have to sit and wait until the rain ended. I looked outside again. What if the rain never stopped? What if the Good Lord was taunting me? What if this was Noah's Ark again? I bit my lip. Jillian was so close to me, but, yet, so very far away. I wanted my Jillian. I stood there thinking about what I should do for several minutes. In the end, I decided that it would be best to wait until the weather broke. As soon as it broke, I would ride over and see her.

I wondered around the house in search of something to do. The problem was I could not think of anything that needed done. The house had been finished yesterday. I had done all of the cleaning that needed to be done last night. I had no clothing items that needed patched. I had read the paper last night and did not have any other reading material in the house. I could play my guitar for awhile, but there was no point in that. No one was here to hear it.

I looked at my guitar that was resting in the corner. I could write a song for Jillian. Women liked it when men wrote them songs. At least, I thought they did. I did not know what Jillian would like. I walked over to the guitar and picked it up. Hopefully, she would like a song. I strummed a few notes as I played with the idea back and forth in my head. In the end, I concluded that I would write Jillian a song.

The song took me almost two hours to write. In the end, I was quite proud of my work. It had a nice ring to it. I sat my guitar back and the corner and waited for the rain to the pass. Thirty minutes later, my request was granted.

I ran out the door and saddled my brown mare. Then, I rode over to Jillian's estate. I just hoped she was there. Branches struck at me as I raced through the woods. The wet grass and undergrowth also made my horse fall many times, but I was not going to slow down. I was too close to my beloved Jillian. I was too close to stop now. The break in the woods was approaching quickly. I heeled my horse and willed her to go faster. Jillian was right on the other side of those trees.

I stopped my horse on the edge of the woods and dismounted. It would be better to walk than to ride in. I padded into the field with high grass. I was very lucky in the fact that there was a path along the edge of the field. If this was a sign of good fortune then today was going to be my lucky day.

I approached the giant house and was greeted by a pleasant surprise. Jillian was sitting on the porch. I stood there unsure of what to do. In the end, I ended up clearing my throat.

Jillian jumped and looked down at me. A smile formed on her beautiful face. " Mr. Westerveldt," she said happily, "what a pleasant surprise."

I smiled. "I was just out riding and thought that I would stop by."

Jillian smiled. "You can tie your horse of there." She pointed to a tree a few meters south of where we were standing.

I went over to the tree and tied my mare up. Before I left, I gave her a pat for good love. Then, I went back over to Jillian. Once I reached her, she motioned for me to come up on the porch with her. I did as the lovely lady commanded.

She patted the seat next to her. "Sit."

I sat.

" Mr. Westerveldt-" she started in before I interrupted.

"Please, call me Marcus."

She nodded and smiled. "Marcus then." She paused. "I still have not found the answers to my questions."

I nodded. The way she said my name made it sound as if angels were saying it.

She played with the edge of her skirt. "I was wondering if you would be interested in coming with me to see someone who may have the answers."

My hopes went high. Jillian was asking me to go somewhere with me. Is was not courting, but it was close enough. I nodded. "I would be honoured."

"Good, good." She smiled. "Can we leave at first light?"

"Sure." I did not ask where we were going, but I did not care. As long as I got to be with Jillian, I would go to the end of the world and back.

She bent down and kissed me on the cheek. Her soft lips lingered there for only a few seconds. Those few seconds felt like heaven. It made me feel ashamed that I did not shave this morning. "I shall see you tomorrow," she whispered. She stepped back toward her home.

I just nodded. I was to dumbstruck to say or do anything else.

She smiled as she disappeared into the depths of the house and disappeared. I stood there for several minutes hoping and wishing that she would appear again. After a quarter of an hour, Jillian had not appeared again. I sighed and went back over to my horse.

Tomorrow was going to be better. I could feel it. It was going to be a day with Jillian. What more could a man want?

I mounted my horse and rode toward home. It was not until I was halfway home that I realized that I had not presented Jillian with my song. I sighed. There was always tomorrow.

The Next Day

The next morning, I woke before the sun did. The moon was still out and allowing its' brilliant light to dance with the shadows. It casted a glow on the world that reminded me of All Hallow's Eve. I wished that I could admire its' beauty, but I had a mission. I had to go fetch my Jillian.

I went over to the barn and pulled out my buggy. It was not as elegant as Jillian's and the sight of it made me feel guilty. I hoped that she would not say anything about it. Next, I got my mare from the barn lot and hooked her to it. Within ten minutes, I was leaving my land and was one my way to Jillian's. I could not wait to see her and drink in her beauty.

I drove toward her property deep in thought. I was honoured that Jillian had chosen me to take her on her journey. She probably could have asked any other young man to take her and, yet, she had chosen me. It made me feel like she felt the same way about me as I did her.

I pulled in front of her home. She was already waiting on me looking as lovely as ever. I jumped down off the buggy and ran to help her into it. By the time I was in front of the porch, she had pasted me and was climbing into the buggy. I did not understand how she had moved so fast.

Jillian looked back at me and smiled. "Come on, Marcus," she said, "we don't want to be late."

I snapped out of my daze. "Yes, of course." I climbed up and took the reins.

She undid her bonnet and let if flop against her shoulders. "I have that thing."

I flicked the reins before commenting. "Why?"

She shook her hair lose. "It makes me feel caged." She looked straight ahead, which seemed to be a norm for her. "I only wear it because society makes me. It says that it is improper for a young lady to go outside without a bonnet." She laughed. "Isn't that a silly rule, Marcus?"

"Um..." I said focusing on my driving. I did not know what to say.

"I do." She did not miss a beat. "It makes a young woman feel caged. I hate it."

"Everyone has the right to be free," I muttered.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her looking at me. "Exactly, Marcus, exactly."

I really had no idea what she was talking about. As long as it made Jillian appreciate me, I did not care. Jillian could talk about anything and I would agree with her. She was always right and she would always be right.

"THERE!" Jillian screamed into my ear an hour later. It startled me because we had been riding in silence. She was pointing down a dirt path to the right of us. She was nearly jumping up and down in her seat from excitement. I looked at the path. I was not sure if my buggy would even fit down it. There must be some kind of mistake. Judging from the look on Jillian's face, there was no mistake. "TURN NOW!"

I did as the lovely lady commanded. The branches kept hitting the side of the buggy and a few got pretty close to our faces. Jillian paid no mind to this. She was just staring around with her eyes bright. Whatever was waiting for us, she was excited about. I just hoped that she would find the answers that she was looking for.

We drove for about fifteen minutes before reaching a clearing. In the centre of the clearing, there was a small, log house that looked as if it had been vacant for centuries. It looked as if one puff of wind and the entire structure would cave in.

Jillian breathed in deep. "This is it!" She climbed down and ran over to the house and stepped up onto the porch. "Aren't you coming Marcus?" she asked looking at me batting her eyes.

I looked at Jillian then climbed down and raced over to her. Once I reached her, she grabbed my shoulders and pulled me close to her. She held me to her chest. The only noise was Jillian's soft breathing. Other than that, it was quite; it was almost too quite. No one else was around.

I looked into Jillian's eyes. "We're all alone." It was not a question, but a statement.

Her eyes were dancing. "Yes, we are."

She pulled me into the house. Once inside, I could see that the house was empty. There was no windows. The only light that came into the house came through the cracks in the logs. She waltzed slowly over to me and ran her hand down my chest. Once again, she pulled me close and kissed me. My heartbeat raced.

"We will always be together. Forever," she whispered. She reached into the front of her dress and pulled out a flask. She offered it to me. "All it takes is just one little drink."

I looked at the flask that contained a clear liquid. This was a no brained. I wanted to be with Jillian forever. I took the flask and drank it in one gulp. It had no taste and I did not feel any better. I still wanted Jillian.

She reached out and touched my chest again. "My darling," she whispered. She touched my hands and there was the feeling of cold steel against my wrists. Even though she was smiling, tears were running down her cheeks. I could tell they were tears of happiness. "We will be together forever and ever. We will be together until the end of time."

I looked down at the chains on my wrists. With a jerk, she forced me into another room and chained me to the wall. I could feel the cool blood running out of my wrists.

She knelt down in front of me. "I have your heart and your soul. You are all mine now. Our destiny is good." She kissed my lips and left the room. I stared and for the first time saw a cow tail peeking out from underneath her dress. Jillian was not human. The door slammed behind her, leaving me in total darkness.

I was not sure what Jillian was, but she had my heart and my soul. It was all my fault and I knew that I had to turn it back. I did not know how to defeat something that was not human. However, I could try and I could attempt to warn others.

I leave you with this message and warning. Do not fall for the lovely Jillian. She will take you and once she does, there is no going back.