Fantasy The Witches Cottage

[Lilliana2]

Lilliana

Interactions: Open



Lilliana had woken up early in the morning as per usual to do her daily tarot readings in her basement room, each witch had their own room in the house to practice their craft each one with different decorations and instruments of course the dark witches room could strike fear into the hearts of others it reflected her black magic and darker intentions. She had cages of small animals all happy and fed, for now. Most of them would be used as a sacrifice in a spell or as an offering to a demon but she tried to give them a comfortable life till then. A cauldron sat in the corner of the room even though it was empty at the moment it had been clearly used recently it was black with permanent dents and even some scrapes on the inside. The walls were decorated with shelves covered with mysterious crystals, bowls and skulls full of dried herbs, and jars full of small corpses and body parts from both animals and humans alike much to the disbelief of others all the body parts were gifts or payments for previous spells and they were quite useful just a few weeks ago she’d given a blind girl a set of new eyes each one from a different donor who felt they were worth the price of a spell or hex they needed.l she had already gone through her jars and made mental notes of the different things that were running low, they would have to be future payments.

The black witch herself sat at a table in the middle of the room surrounded by candles and crystals a magic circle was carved on the top with dried blood deep within the cracks permanently residing there trapped in the intricate design. Her cards were face up as she finished her reading for the day they were always slightly useful but never fully honest or transparent with their reader. She leaned back in her chair and grinned contemplating their message. Three travelers were coming today, the cards didn’t usually tell about visitors so these three must’ve been unique. She put her cards up and headed back upstairs to make tea for her sisters. According to their morning ritual they each rotated making the morning tea throughout the week. First it was Lilliana then Valentina and finally Ophelia then the cycle started over.

Lilliana brewed an earl grey tea today. No magic or special brew involved, it was just her favorite. Maybe they could read the tea leaves afterwards. She set up the kitchen table with the tea and some small breakfast items some croissants with different jams and some meats and cheeses. She sat at the table opened a book and waited for her sisters to join her for the morning.

 

[elderflower]

Ophelia Everbourne

Ophelia wasn't the best at mornings, the sun has flooded into her attic room where she slept in a hammock instead of a traditional bed, the young with groaned slightly when she was awakened by harsh sunlight hitting her eyes but she reluctantly got up from her hammock and walked over to the window where she opened it wide and she was immediately greeted by magpie "Good Morning." Ophelia said stroking the birds head softly before it greeted her also before flying away. Ophelia walked picked up a flowing white dress from her floor and threw it over her head before she quickly de-tangled her golden hair and headed downstairs to where she saw Lilliana sat at their table. "Good Morning Lilli." Ophelia said wrapping her arms around her sister from behind and laying her chin on her shoulder. "I've got to go and check on the oak tree." Ophelia said. The oak tree was one of the main sources of life in the forest and it had recently showed signs of withering which would be an absolute catastrophe for Ophelia "I'll hurry back!" Ophelia asked her oldest sister as the green witch pulled on a beige cardigan and headed out of the door barefoot.

It was a slightly foggy morning and Ophelia could feel the dew on her toes and she walked towards the large oak tree which seemed to looking a little better than the day before "You look better than yesterday." Ophelia said as she checked the protective barrier she had placed around the large tree to discourage anything from damaging the roots. She walked up to the large trunk of the tree and placed her hand on it whispering a few words under her breath, it was just a simple healing spell but sometimes simple things worked the best in Ophelia's opinion. A few more woodland creatures came to greet the green witch including a new family of hedgehogs who had been blessed with babies "How adorable they are!" Ophelia said as father seemed to beem with pride. "I would love to stay and chat but my sisters are waiting for me!" Ophelia said to the family of hedgehogs who carried on with their day as Ophelia headed back to the small cottage.

Ophelia entered the cottage and smiled at her sister "The oak is looking better than yesterday, I think it needs a little help flourishing this year because of how old is it." Ophelia said to her eldest sister and she took her seat and the table and poured herself a warm mug of tea.

mentions: Lilliana Lilliana2 ​

 

[Gao]

Valentina
Interactions:
Lilliana2 - Lilliana
elderflower - Ophelia
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Valentina was lazed out on her bed, the sun streaming in through the window and across her warm honey skin. Her hair was unbraided, the length of it swamping the blankets and hanging over the side. Her room was bright and neat. Shelves were orderly lined with herbs and concoctions all labelled clearly with her scrawl handwriting. A rug of some fluffy animal skin was on the wooden birch floor, she even had Ophelia put a few plants and vines around to give Valentina some responsibility to look after them. It wasn’t working out that great. She didn’t have a green thumb like Ophelia.

Her vanity desk was covered in shiny things, holders of necklaces and earrings, pots of powders and creams for the skin and a pair of sharp steel scissors. It was commonly used to cut Valentina’s hair back which grew at alarming speed when she was upset. But that wasn’t an issue right now, she loved mornings like this. Warm and lazy and not a care in the world.

Valentine exhaled softly, stretching with a wince before raising her head, suddenly alert. A smell had hit her senses.

Tea. She could smell tea.

She shot out of bed, slid her feet into some slippers (the cottage has cold floors sometimes) and tiptoed out of her room and down the hallway, making a beeline straight for the kitchen. Her hair was unruly and a mere few inches from dragging across the floor as it swung behind her.

“Lilliana~!!” Valentine swished into the kitchen in a sing song voice, doing an elegant little spin like usual to show what she was wearing. She also did a little curtsy for added measure. She was wearing a long silk robe with batwing sleeves trimmed with white fluff. Awfully dramatic for breakfast.

“Isn’t the sun lovely today?” She asked dreamily as she seated herself at the table, gaze hungrily sliding over the selection. She loved jam. “Is Ophelia not up?” Valentine inquired, pouring a tea for herself as she waited for their youngest sister to appear.

Valentine tutted, shaking her head as she set the teapot back down. “That girl... Probably running wild in the grass somewhere...” She began to spoon sugar cube after sugar cube into her teacup. She liked it sweet. “You know she shouldn’t do that, she’ll get hurt one day. It’s dangerous out there.”

She stirred the hot drink then cupped her hands around the cup and held it close, smiling to herself. Today was a good day. She could feel it. She took a sip of the tea, before setting it back down and adding another cube of sugar. And then another one for good luck.

“At least she’s not the one making breakfast..” Valentina added in a mumble, well experienced in Ophelia’s cooking. Or her attempt at least. Valentina jumped hearing the door open and the fore-mentioned Ophelia pop into view, her surprise breaking into a bright smile for the female.

“Ophelia!!” Her sing-song voice again, much like how she had greeted Lilliana.

“Wait wait wait!” Valentina excitedly jumped up and stepped away from the table, repeating the spin so Ophelia could watch the silky fabric of her robe flutter around. While Valentina would like to think she was the motherly figure, she did have a habit of doing childish things like that.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” She smiled at the two, holding her arms up to show the long sleeves. “See the trim?”

After content they had both seen and admired the fabric, she sat back down at the table eager to begin the breakfast spread Lilliana had laid out for them.

“Thank-you for breakfast Lilliana,” she took another sip of her sickening sugary tea, looking to the two. "Did we all sleep well?"

 

[Syfer]

-2 @ 2- Dayton Clease -2 @ 2-
​

It was odd waking up in the morning. Especially in a place like this.
It was odd waking up with out the steady morning breeze flowing in from behind the broken blinds.
The pieces of thin wood clacking together like some sort of windchime. The smell of whatever was cooking from just outside his door.
The sound of Bailey's laugher as she made the morning meal. Her little feet pattering around the kitchen.
It was odd waking up with nothing to protect you from the bite of the wind.
Odd waking up with nothing covering your legs; no soft pelt only roughly made pants.
It was odd waking up without the covering of a pine wood house.
The gentle scent and how it got stuck in your nose. The soft oak that creaked under your feet as you walked.
Little to say the least; it was odd not waking up to home.

Waking up to the soft little tickling of the morning wind waving the green grass at your sides. The gentle breeze lashing at your skin.
It was odd that as soon as you'd open your eyes the sun would come blaring in; all at once attacking your rested eyes.
How the smell of the morning dew changed your mindset. You could hear the pattering of wild animals and hear as they called out to one another. The whistles and howls. Along with the dancing leaves rustling on the branches.
The way the hard ground struck at your back. A small rock poking at your shoulder blade. Your nose suddenly assaulted by many scents.
The feel of a few drops of water clink to the ground from the overhanging canopy of trees; that covered you as you slept.

It was odd yes, but not quite unwelcome. Dayton had had so many years of routine. Every day panning out just the same as before.
He had sometimes wondered if it would ever change. Well he had gotten his answer. It did change.
It changed when the first infected came in, Madeline rod. Her skin was tough, her hair was matted, and her eyes were blood shot.
It was unlike anything the young doctor had ever seen. Not even doctors from far off in the horizon had ever heard of such a dastardly disease.
The way it made the patients fall so gravely ill in only a matter of days.
This was not quite the change he had been looking for, but it was a change and he welcomed it with open arms.
He had wanted to study the illness and see what it would react to. What would happen if this, what if we tried that, or let's do this instead.
He had gotten two weeks. Only two weeks to study and mark down his results.

He never really understood why people did the things they did, but he did know what to expect.
People in such grave circumstances; would look for some sort of higher power.
They would want something that would be able to do more then they could. In this case the people of the town had chosen some witches.
You know the old hags that live in dark parts of forests; the one practicing the so called 'magic'. Yeah them.
Dayton did not believe at all in such things. He was a man of science, and not even that. He had seen what happens to people who trust such beings.
It wasn't pretty. He didn't want to go on this mission. He didn't see the point to.
But they had quite literally banished him from the village; that is until he came back with a cure. He didn't want to leave. His home was there.
Bailey was there.

A few days before Bailey had fallen ill with the horrible illness. That's when the young doctor started to take it more seriously.
He didn't know why but he didn't want Bailey to die. She was the last thing he had that made him...... Human. He didn't do what other humans did.
He didn't feel what they felt. In fact his brain worked completely different.
The body itself being the only thing that made him like other humans, and if it came down to that then he could be a classified as something else.
But with Bailey; he felt like he belonged. She didn't look at him like the other villagers did.
She treated him the same too; well as she would treat her older brother.
Bailey was his last ties to humanity. He needed her. He had to save her, and if that meant going on some wild goose chase.
Then so be it.

He started the day counting out his portions. He had hunted a bit before he left. All meat cooked and packaged.
He evidently had to take most of it with him. He left a lot more for Bailey; then he had. He deducted that he didn't need more then her.
He could hunt and cook if her needed. She couldn't. He had about a week portions.
That should last him for as long as it took to get there. He'd have to camp out for a bit and hunt for more for his way back.
He had found a few streams already and filled his skins. That should last him if he rationed out his water.
After doing that he put on his pouch and set off into the forest again. He had only a general direction where he was supposed to go.
No one gave him direct directions. So he was mostly guessing where to go. They had told him to follow in a certain direction.
So he was making sure at least every few minutes to check that he was still going that way.

Interactions: Open

​

 

[Karcen]

Find the witches, bring them to the church, make sure they are not harmed. Those were her orders, they were simple, just the way she liked it. Jeanne did not like to make things complicated, she lived in a word of black and white, there was no grey. Monsters, and magic were things of evil and witches sold their souls to devils for power and damned those that sought them out. That was what Jeanne knew, she knew of their darkness as these would not be the first witches she had hunted, but they were the first she was not to slay. That made things more complex than they should be, she should kill them here and now before their vile magic could infect others. Still she was a knight and a knight obeyed what their king told them so she would not slay them. The way to the cottage was easy enough to find for one versed in hunting the occult and for a trio so very well known and often visited.

As Jeanne walked she would notice that the animals were quiet, at least around the knight with her dragon blackened armor. Jeanne would assume they were enchanted by the witches to act as sentinels, for when animals were odd there was a witch about. That or there were fae being at work here, twisting nature with the vile magics, kidnapping and replacing babies. Jeanne had seen it all, every profane act these beings inflicted upon humanity and knew they could not exist with humans. Soon Jeanne would come to the cottage seeing it looked like a normal enough place, she could not help but wonder why so many witches did the cottage in the woods thing. That made them easy to find, if they were this isolated then they had dark secrets, was the common knowledge. Those that lived in the depths of forests were servants of the fae and were not to be spared.

Jeanne walked up to the cottage door took the knocker in hand and knocked several times, slowly calmly then waited. The black knight, the dragonslayer, the fae bane waited for witches to open their door instead of knocking it down and killing them now. Jeanne should just do it know, she knew what redemption at the church meant, it was a burning. Still she had her orders the church wanted these three and they would have them alive.

Gao Lilliana2 elderflower

 

[Lilliana2]

Lilliana

Interactions: Ophelia elderflower Valentina Gao Jeanne Karcen



Lilliana watched as Ophelia entered the room she gave her a subtle warm smile as the girl approached her and hugged her from behind. Lilliana shut her eyes and took a silent deep breath inhaling the smell and aura of her sister she gripped Ophelias forearm with her left hand and then reached up and gently placed her right hand against her sisters cheek. Cupping it gently she took in her warmth and gentleness and the slight smell of flowers that always seemed to linger on her.

“Good morning Ophelia.” She said her voice was calm and warm. She opened her eyes and released her arm and cheek as her right hand was going down she caught a piece of her sisters hair and ran her fingertips through her hair gently untangling it. She listened as the green witch explained that she had to go tend to a tree “Do what you must, the tea can wait.”

She waved to Ophelia as she exited the front door. She would never be able to understand how her sister could care so much about a tree, even if it kept the forest alive. She personally could care less if the land around them died. Other than her and her sisters everything dies. She stared down at her tea I will let the earth wither before me, my soul is mine to keep. She grinned to herself as she thought of being the only human to ever truly outsmart a demon king. If she ever did die she was sure there’d be a special place in hell for her. As she was lost in her thoughts Valentina floated into the room.

She couldn’t help but smile as she entered spinning and showing off her exquisite robe. She loved Vals amusement with different clothes and accessories and she always looked gorgeous regardless of her messy hair and early morning grogginess. ”The sun is lovely today, Ophelia is outside healing that oak tree.” this wasn’t a new thing she’d been working on the oak for a little bit so she didn’t have to explain it. She listened as Val worried and tutted Ophelias behavior. She enjoyed watching how she would fuss over the two of them with worry much like a mother would. It made sense though. Lilliana didn’t worry too much about her sisters welfare unless there was grave danger involved she knew she could always keep them safe and protected. ”I wouldn’t worry about that girl. Ophelia is a powerful witch even if she doesn’t act like it I’m sure she can handle herself. Her cooking is definitely the closest to dark magic she’ll ever get.”

Lilliana was still grinning about her joke when Ophelia entered the cottage. She watched fondly as her two sisters interacted. Valentina was right about her dress though it was pretty and the trim was nice. She waited till the two witches settled back down at the table. She sipped her tea and stared out a nearby window as the two girls spoke. ”My pleasure.” she replied to Valentina compliment. ”I slept well enough last night I dreamt of my lovers.” she said almost coyly. While both her loves ended tragically she enjoyed the good dreams she had of them. A small part of her missed them. She loved and hated them both. She was contemplating telling her sisters about their upcoming visitors when their was a knock at the door.

”Looks like we have our first guest. They are certainly early today. You two enjoy your breakfast I’ll handle this.”

Lilliana got up and practically drifted to the door. She was in no rush and it didn’t concern her whether they felt content with her behavior or not. She looked through the peep hole and groaned before turning to her sister. ”Its a damn knight.” she almost growled before rolling her eyes and turning back to the door. She hated knights. Most were drones for the king and would abandon their own logic and reason to follow the old mans orders. She couldn’t even imagine sacrificing her morals for someone who could easily replace her if she died. Most of the time she’d turn them away at the door unless they were in dire need and appealed to her as people rather than a soldier. She opened the door stepped out slightly and leaned her side on the doorframe. It was almost a casual way of showing her she was not welcome.

”Wow they allow female knights now! Back when I was you’re age it was illegal it’s amazing how enlightened the king has become.” she mused not bothering to welcome her in or introducing herself, the dark witch didn’t need an introduction. She looked the woman up and down. She looked like an experienced warrior and her face didn’t show a shred of dire need or desperation. She preferred it when knights begged for her help this woman looked more like she was on a mission than anything else. If her tarot’s hadn’t told her a knight was coming she would’ve simply turned her away but the cards usually only revealed specific visitors if their visit was important. She wasn’t going to let the knight know that though. ”You interrupted me and my sisters breakfast. Tell me what it is you want. If it’s something I can work with I’ll let you enter, if it sounds like a waste of time I’m turning you away till you can think of a better reason to ask for my assistance.” her tone was cold and flat. Anyone could tell that she was being serious, she knew she held the power and upper hand in this situation and she was happy to use it.

Spoiler: Outfit

Without hat.

 

[elderflower]

Ophelia Everbourne.

“Valentine! That gown is gorgeous!” Ophelia said to her sister admiring how graceful she looked in the flowing white gown. “I haven’t been sleeping well recently, the oak tree still isn’t right.” Ophelia sighed taking her usual seat at the breakfast table where she poured herself a warm cup of tea “I think it might be time to transfer the power source to a younger tree.” Ophelia sighed. Transferring the source of life from one tree to another was a long and arduous process that often took a few days to complete but Ophelia knew that it may be time. The youngest witch put a lemon slice in her tea and took a long sip as her mouth was rather dry. After her sip of tea Ophelia picked up a croissant and lathered it with a sweet cherry jam that Valentine had helped making. “Oh! I almost forgot to mention but the hedgehogs have a few new additions to the family, their children are just the sweetest things I’ve ever laid my eyes on!” Ophelia spoke to her sister in between bites of the sticky croissant and sips of warm tea. “I’m also thinking of making gooseberry jam next! They should be coming into season soon enough!” Ophelia said excitedly to her sisters who seemed to be rather wary of her cooking skills.

As Ophelia ate there was a knock at the door and Lilliana was the one to get up and answer it. “A knight? We haven’t had one of those in a while.” Ophelia spoke trying to remember just how long ago it was. The curious young Earth witch got up and walked over to Valentine’s side to get a better glimpse at the knight and Ophelia recognised that black armour and frowned. “That person isn’t good for the forest.” Ophelia said holding onto Valentine for comfort “The migrating birds tell me stories of the fae bane, every single story was either about the destruction of my precious forests.” Ophelia whispered to Valentine as their sister talked to the black armoured knight.

Mentions: Lilliana @Lilliana2| Valentine Gao | Jeanne Karcen ​

 

[seasonedcat]

~Celvafin Acker~
interacting| Syfer | TW: swearing
Cel jumped up, desperately reaching for his sword, his eyes furiously glanced around the forest he slept in. Right before he could grasp his sword another drop of liquid fell onto the top of his head. Dew caught onto a leaf from the tree he was leaning on...not an enemy. He flushed to himself, whipping the water off his hair and adjusting his hood to cover his head. He grabbed his sword, holding it tight as he tied it to his side. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a very poorly drawn map that he himself made. Various paths were sketched in charcoal. Sighing to himself he crossed out another path.

To be honest, there weren't really paths, but he heard so many stories he was just trying to find which ones actually leads to the cottage. Rubbing his forehead, he took out again, shoving the crumpled paper back into his pocket. As he continued forward he felt a curse tumble out of his mouth as he felt the ground under him disappear. His foot caught on yet another root, sending him flying down the slope he was descending on.

Tumbling down he slammed into a tree. "Bloody fucking hell, you have to be fucking kidding me-" he stopped talking as he wide-eyed realized there was another person in the forest. Only a few feet away from him, he looked up at the other guy, his face flushing. He felt embarrassment creeping inside him as he quickly stood, frantically brushing the dirt off himself as he desperately tried to recover from what just happened to him. "I-uh... hi?"

 

[Karcen]

Jeanne instantly didn't like the witch, not just because she was some demon loving curse maker but her attitude was far from what the other witches were like. Those that she normally came across were scared and wanting to avoid retribution of the king and crutch. Jeanne didn't like when things were different that lead to reminders of that time things had really gone bad. The witch also didn't understand that Jeanne was not someone that would just go away if told, she would stay until the witches came with her. She was not here to request help, but demand it, well pretend to demand it. The comment about enlightenment barely mattered to her, she had been the first born thus she was to be a knight that was how it went. Jeanne would have loved to run the witches through here and now that is what should happen, that is what normally happened, the witches killed their lair burned the forest claimed for humanity.

" i do not need to come in " Jeanne said her tone cold and controlled matching the black witch in intensity she would not be scared or cowed by a witch. " i come with a request not from myself but from the king" She explained her tone not changing controlling your emotions was key in a fight so even telling a lie was something you learned to tell with a straight face " He has been cursed and while he has kept it hidden the curse grows, no healer or priest has been able to removed it so he calls upon you three witches. Your reward is one boon of your choosing each" Jeanne finished.

That was the story she had been told to tell the witches. The kingdom would be extremely desperate to turn to witches and even more so to given them a reward they themselves could pick, riches, titles, laws, lands, all could be their with just a word. This was all a lie and Jeanne knew it, but she didn't let it show she was here to be the knight to bring the witches to the church. " That is the only reason i come to you i am to bring you three to him no matter what" She continued to make sure the witch knew this wasn't a close the door and let the knight go away she would not leave without them in toe.

 

[Gao]

Valentina:
Interactions:
elderflower (Ophelia)
Lilliana2 (Lilliana)
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Lilliana had dreamed about her lovers, and Valentina's expression melted with adoration upon hearing that. She reached out, placing her hand in Lillian's in a comforting hold. "Oh Lillian," She sighed dreamily. "That's beautiful." Any talk about love, Valentina was on that like little hot cakes. But Ophelia hadn't been sleeping well, prompting the white witch to cast a worried look to the youngest female.

"Maybe some Lavender oil will do the trick, we could take some cuttings and strain them later today?" She gasped, a hand to her mouth as a thought popped to mind, "How about a picnic? Down by that little stream, you know the one? Dip our toes in, see if it's still too cold?"

Valentina nodded in understanding about transferring the power of the tree, a meticulous process, but then glanced anxiously to Lilliana at the mention of making gooseberry jam. Ophelia in the kitchen? Not good. Valentina wasn't always around when the youngest sister slipped into the kitchen to make and serve them a complete abomination. "Well wouldn't that be nice?" Valentina asked sweetly and forced a nervous laugh, before taking a long loud drink from her cup to completely avoid the conversation.

"Now you be light-handed with that jam, Ophelia, or your teeth will fall out." Valentina scolded from her side of the table. Pure hypocrisy, since Valentina was sipping at a tea of pure sugar. Diabetes in a cup. "Same with you, Lilliana. Not too much. Just a wee dollop."

Upon hearing a knock at the door she flinched, almost spilling her drink as she set it down hard on the table. "A visitor? Already?" Valentina hadn't even done her hair, immediately starting to pat it down to look presentable if the guest was allowed inside. Difficult to tame it all, when it reached the floor. But she faltered for a moment, processing what had been said. "O- Our first guest?" Valentina had caught onto that, panicked and spun around in her seat, mouth full of honey and croissant as the eldest witch brushed past. "What do you mean FIRST guest? Lilliana?" She brushed the crumbs off her face with the back of her hand and swallowed her mouthful, standing up fast and nervously watching her sister open the door. A knight, apparently.

She felt Ophelia move beside her, and Valentina pulled the shorter girl into a hug, propping her head on top of her sister's and glaring towards the door. Protectively, she smoothed a hand over Ophelia's soft hair, watching and listening to Lilliana and the stranger converse. Ophelia was very calming to hold, warm and small. Smelled like fresh rain and flowers. Soothing. "They will not harm us nor this forest." Valentina spoke quietly, yet confidently, another stroke of her hand down her sister's head. "Lilliana would never let that happen. Lilliana knew they would come."

Valentina's wariness was still raised, and she reached to the table to snatch whatever was close and hold it behind her. A blunt butter knife, still covered in honey. As if this was a suitable weapon to take on a knight with if things should go sour. For the time being Lilliana hadn't slammed the door shut in the knight's face so maybe that was a good sign, but Valentina was not pleased. The word 'priest' had slipped into the conversation, and she could feel her skin bristling with tension. Churches and religion was not a nice topic for the White Witch, and her scrunched up angry face was evidence of such.

 

[Lilliana2]

Lilliana

Interactions: Jeanne Karcen Valentina Gao Ophelia elderflower



The knight matched the witches tone to her amusement. The king clearly didn’t fully inform this woman on who exactly she was dealing with. Have to admire her determination though. It’s cute. For a knight she sure does have beautiful eyes. Lilliana’s last thought caused a wicked smile to stretch across her face. She enjoyed a fun battle of wits.

”I like you. You’re not a pathetic doormat of a woman. I couldn’t care less about the king. Or the kingdom. I’m a bit jealous of the curse that’s doing him in to be honest wish I could’ve killed that old man myself.” She stretched her hand out a pushed some of the knights hair back. Her stormy grey eyes looked steely and determined. ”My sisters might enjoy a boon but I have everything I need right here and I need payment upfront. I like you, you seem spunky. I’ll give you two choices. I’ll go with you if you give me your left eye or swear your loyalty to me and my sisters. It won’t hurt if I take your eye and it’ll be over quickly I’ll even throw in a nice glass eye or eyepatch for you. If you swear your loyalty you’ll be bonded to me and my sisters. If you betray me or my sisters your blood will turn to poison in your veins. It’ll feel like fire throughout your body and you will slowly and painfully perish. Now I’m going back inside to enjoy breakfast with my sisters. I’m shutting this door you can come in or stay outside to contemplate your decision. It doesn’t affect me either way.” With that horrible offer she shut the door pushed her hair back behind her shoulders and walked back to the kitchen table gracefully sitting down and crossing her legs. She picked up her tea and took a sip frowning slightly before adding more to her cup.

”What a pain my tea got cold...” she grumbled to herself. She looked at the other two witches acknowledging the concern and shock on their faces she gave a slight sigh. Setting her elbows on the table she leaned in as if to tell the girls an intimate secret while holding her cup with two hands under her chin. ”Sisters please sit down and relax. The tarot cards said we would have three guests today. They don’t usually specify that guests are coming so I think these three must be important and that we should accept their requests. Ophelia I would slaughter an army and have their corpses plant you a new garden before I let anything happen to your forest. Valentina I’ve killed more knights than you’ve met in your lifetime. This one might have a reputation but at the end of the day she’s still just a mortal.” She wasn’t as motherly as Valentina or as soothing as Ophelia but her words carried heavy truth.

Even though she was loving and sweet to her sisters it was easy to tell the black witch unlike them had a bloodlust. They would fight in self defense if they had to but Lilliana killed for fun or to serve what she believed was justice. ”The knight is offering you two a boon for traveling to the kingdom to lift a curse for the king of all people. I told her I only want either her left eye or for her to pledge loyalty to us. What do you two think she’ll pick? I think she’s leaving here with an eyepatch.” She giggled like a young girl at the thought of the knights unfortunate decision. It could’ve been worse though. She could’ve forced her to eat Ophelias future bath of gooseberry jam.

Spoiler: Outfit

Without hat.

 

[elderflower]

Ophelia Everbourne

Valentina was like a mother to Ophelia, the young earth witch would always go running to the white witch for comfort that Lilliana could not provide. One particular memory that stuck out to Ophelia was the time she fell and cut her leg rather badly during a heavy rainstorm, Ophelia still remembered the amount of fuss Valentina made as she patched her up and with some help from their eldest sister Ophelia's leg was good as new except for a small white scar that shall forever remind her of the incident. Ophelia stayed wrapped up in Valentina's arms until their sister returned and Ophelia returned to her seat but her face was still riddled with anxiety, having that knight in her forest could only cause chaos and with the oak tree dying the knights arrival really couldn't have come at a worse time. Ophelia finished her tea and listened to Lillana about the 3 guests that would be arriving "3 of them?" Ophelia said in shock as she placed the tea cup down as her brain pictured another 2 knights strolling up to their cottage and ruining their harmonious lives. The earth witch was comforted about her sisters words about having corpses of her enemies to rebuild her garden but Ophelia still couldn't bring herself to accept that this knight into her life, the knight had caused to much harm to her precious fae and woodland creatures for too long. "I just hope she leaves." Ophelia said with no emotion as she stood up from the breakfast table "I don't want to be in the house with that knight." Ophelia spoke "I'm going out." The young witch walked through towards the back door of the house and pulled open the door as she ran off into the forest. She needed advice from the wisest spirit the woodland had to offer, the owls.

Ophelia wasn't normally one for hatred but when you've heard countless stories of the fae bane slaughtering everything you've fought to protect makes it extremely hard. The earth witch finally slowed down to a walk when the cottage was out of sight and headed directly for the home of the owls. The owls used to protect this forest for centuries but they went into retirement upon Ophelia's arrival into the world but the young witch sought them out for advice every so often and today was definitely one of those days. The witch finally found the large tree that the owls inhabited and she called up to them "Allistar!" Ophelia called and almost immediately a large tawny owl flew down from the tree and landed on the earths witch's arm. "Hello Ophelia." The owl spoke but of course no one else could understand the seriousness of their conversation, Ophelia explained the tarot cards, the arrival of a knight and of course the dying oak tree with the large owl who listened closely and hung off almost every word. "Ophelia, There are things we must do in life that we don't like but they are sometimes the most important journey's we make." The old owl said as Ophelia walked aimlessly through the forest. "But Allistar! This knight goes against everything I have fought to protect. We have had to accept animals and fae fleeing from this knight!" Ophelia explained but the owl just have her a look "Ophelia, people can change. Do not be so stubborn." The owl scolded her. "This King the knight speaks of may just be another person in need and since this forest sits on the land he owns I suggest you should help him." The owl said before spreading it's wings and returning to its home.

The conversation with Allistar had confused her even more but the young witch still refused to return home and so she decided to spend the rest of her morning wandering through the forest. Ophelia was sat at the edge of a large lake letting her feet dangle in the crystal clear water as she spoke to the fish down below when a fox ran up to Ophelia's side. The foxes were guards of this forest and assisted Ophelia with overall protection "Miss Everbourne, everyone is worried about the arrival of the fae bane within the forest." The fox said and Ophelia sighed "I am too and Lilliana has seen two more visitors arriving today." Ophelia said stroking the fox which sat in her lap. "I hope that they would all just leave the forest especially with how fragile the oak tree is at the moment." Ophelia said, the fox nodded and left her lap and headed back off to its duties and so Ophelia decided it was time to head home, the long way of course. Ophelia was taking her sweet time walking home aiding to every wilting flower and plant. She was happily walking when out of the corner of her eye she saw someone fall and she couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the sight but he quickly hid behind a large tree trunk too avoid being spotted.

mentions: Lilliana ( Lilliana2 ), Valentina ( Gao ), Jeanne ( Karcen ) and Celvafin ( seasonedcat )

Spoiler: outfit

​

 

[Syfer]

-2 @ 2- Dayton Clease -2 @ 2-​

Dayton quickly turned hearing a loud crash behind him. He saw a small male behind him. He appeared to have fallen from a cliff above.
Dayton smiled a bit. Even in a far off forest he had patients dropping in to say hi. He grabbed the pack slung over his shoulder and approached him.
He grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. He inspected his reactions. He had stood fine; so no broken bones in major areas.
He quickly disregarded any pain the boy may have had when her heard him speak. "Oh hello. Are you alright?"
He said softly, his voice deceitfully comforting. He let go of the others wrist and took a half step back. Perhaps he should give him space.

People often trusted him, but who would trust a person they met in the forest.
Dayton looked over the male once more; just then a question popping into his mind. "Why are you alone? In the forest?" He said again in his soft tone. The boy looked just like that, a boy. Who would entrust a boy on his own in the forest? Unless he was older then he looked.
He had hoped that this would be the case. "How old are you?" He asked with no hesitation.
Yet even as he was prying into this boys life he still remained moderately comforting.
Dayton looked around once more this time at the area around them. He fixed the strap on his shoulder and looked back to the boy.

Dayton sighed and leaned to look at the path ahead. He would have a long way yet to go. That is if he would find anything.
He didn't believe in the slightest that this would produce any fruitage.
It was a useless journey that the people of his village wanted for the mere comfort of saying they tried everything. He sighed at the thought of this.
Out of all healthy people they had to send him; it hardly made any sense. He was one of the only ones that help the people.
He was a doctor after all. And it was that that they needed; not wishes and fairytales but science. He brushed it off. It mattered not now.
He was off on this journey whether he liked it or not, and he would have to deal with whatever came next.
That reminded him; he looked down at the boy.

Interactions: Celvafin Acker ( seasonedcat )​

 

[Gao]

Valentina
Interactions:
elderflower (Ophelia)
Lilliana2 (Lilliana)
- - -

Valentina let Ophelia drift back to the table, joining her two sisters for their breakfast. Elegantly seating herself back down. She still bristled with apprehension, but placed the honey knife back upon the table. Lilliana's words had somewhat soothed her, easing her tension for the oncoming day. The Black Witch said the three travellers must be important and that they should accept their requests.

"If that is what you think we should do, Lilliana." Valentina had blind faith in her older sister. She was level-headed and cunning and if things should go awry, they had each other to protect themselves. She took a thoughtful bite of bread, chewing the soft sweet food. The youngest sister did not seem so willing about this knight, making the blonde's eyebrows furrow.

"Now now, Ophelia," She tried to seek reason. The girl had stood, making movements to leave through the back door. "Do not walk out that doo-!" The door shut. The Earth Witch had hurried off. Valentina exhaled a long smooth sigh through her nose, offering a faint smile and a cheerful head tilt to Lilliana.

"Always the young ones, isn't it?" But Valentina couldn't help but share some uneasiness for the three strangers. Taking a troubled sip from her cup. It was lukewarm like Lilliana's, but she did not mind. She drank it for the sweetness rather than the heat. A rise of suspicion settled upon the blonde, an eerie energy for the commonly happy female. "... It would be strange to pick the eye rather than a pledge of loyalty... Don't you think?"

"If they intended to not harm us the pledge would be no problem, would it not?"

Her blue eyes trained hard upon the cup in her hands, expression cold and distant before a sudden smile broke her face and she waved her hand with a little laugh. "Ignore me. Eyepatches are handsomely roguish." Valentina gave her usual happy input. "Gives them a mysterious rugged look." Another long sip, followed by some more contemplative silence. She did not take threats to her sisters lightly. This bothered her.

"Here, I shall reheat the tea. In case our visitor should choose to join us for breakfast." She rose from her seat, taking the teapot and pausing next to her older sister. She smiled and leaned down to pinch Lilliana's face. "Evil little lady." She scolded, before happily moving over to the stove. Her robe slid across the floor as she drifted into the kitchen, whacking the heat on and setting the pot to boil. Valentina combed one hand through her hair, a lazy attempt at untangling the mess while she hummed. Tapping her fingers against the bench as she spoke again.

"Ophelia will come around. I'm sure she will. Just requires some time, poor thing."

 

[seasonedcat]

~Celvafin Acker~
Cel flushed at the man, "Why am I in the forest...?" his face immediately lit up in a panic as he began to frantically search his pockets for the map, hoping it didn't fall out. He let out a sigh of relief as he pulled out the piece of paper, his poorly drawn maps still intact. His face of relief quickly vanished at the man's question, "I am not too young to be here if that's what you are planning on asking." he hissed out, huffing as he crossed his arms.

"But anyway since you are already here, did you happen to see a cottage or something out here, I am um, looking for some people... old friends of my family." he lied smoothly, smiling lightly as he quickly stuffed the paper in his pocket that definitely didn't have stuff about witches written on it. If he was lucky this man could help him and make this journey a lot easier on him, though he honestly doubted it.
Syfer

 

[elderflower]

Ophelia Everbourne

These two men certainly were interesting. Ophelia stood behind the large oak tree listening in on their conversation "He's a bad liar." Ophelia thought to herself when she heard one of them stutter about looking for some 'old family friends' it was obvious that he was looking for her and her sisters otherwise he would have no reason to venture so far into the forest. Ophelia peaked around the corner of the oak tree to get a better look at the two men, they weren't dressed like knights but Ophelia still wasn't sure as the boy with the hood was carrying a sword with him. "An elf carrying a sword?" She whispered quietly. Ophelia knew he was an elf, she could sense magical creatures and that boy had a certain air about him that didn't seem entirely human "Maybe not a full-blooded elf, perhaps half." Ophelia muttered as she looked out a little further. The other man was entirely human, nothing about him said magical but there was an air of seriousness about him that Ophelia couldn't quite describe.

The young earth witch sighed thinking about the words that Alistar had told her "This isn't about me, it's about the greater good." She said to herself "Maybe they are just travellers who need genuine help." She spoke once again slightly louder. She thought for a few moments before an idea popped into her head "Lilliana said that there would be two more guests, maybe helping them on their way would be a good way to apologise for storming out!" Ophelia said "Ophelia! You're a genius." The young women said a large smile crept onto her face. She thought for a few more moments before stepping out into the view of the men but she did not look at them, she continued to walk through the forest causing every plant and tree to bloom brightly as she walked by showing her magical aptitude, she looked over her shoulder to see if the two men were watching before the earth witch took off running towards the small cottage.

Ophelia arrived home through the back door, the knight seemed to have still not made her decision but Ophelia was just glad that that fae bane wasn't in her home. "Valentina! Lilliana!" Ophelia called out to them excitedly. "I apologise for storming out earlier, I was overcome with emotion but after a talk with Alistar I now see the bigger picture." Ophelia explained going up to each of her sisters and hugging them tightly from behind before placing a quick kiss on each of their cheeks. "But, I have more exciting news! The other two travellers that Lilliana spoke of. I saw them out in forest. They seemed to be having difficulty finding our home so I tried my best to guide them here!" Ophelia said excitedly feeling rather proud of her work. "One of them seemed to be part-elf which is rather strange but I hope they arrive soon, those two seem a lot more interesting then that awful thing out there." Ophelia ranted walking around the breakfast table before finally taking her seat and taking a sip of her now cold tea. "How exciting!" She said gleefully as she picked up another pastry.


mentions: (Celvafin) seasonedcat , (Dayton) Syfer , (Lilliana) Lilliana2 , (Valentina) Gao and (Jeanne) Karcen ​

 

[Syfer]

-2 @ 2- Dayton Clease -2 @ 2-​

Dayton eyed the other with deep suspicion. He even went as far as to take a half step back. Something was not right here.
He clung to this paper like it was the last thing keeping him alive. Dayton cleared his throat.
With the small males next words; he lifted and eyebrow and looked him up and down. A boy wanting to be a man; how fitting.
"If you really are of age. Then why do you have the build of a boy." He said flatly. Again looking him over. His doctor's eyes sizing him up like a patient.
He grew even more weary as the small male reacted by crossing his arms. He snickered a bit as he hissed out at him. So childish.

Then something caught his eyes. He could hear the other talking, but wasn't really paying any mind to it. He was looking at a figure not that far away. Then suddenly, as if on que, she stepped out revealing herself. Dayton almost gasp. He hadn't been expecting.... well that.
The lady seemed to wait for their recognition; before taking off into the forest. He followed her path with his eyes.
And he could not believe what he was seeing; only but what he could describe as... magic. It could not be. Such things did not exist.
Yet here it was plain as day; right before his very eyes. He took a moment to compose himself. He would deal with the facts later.

Right now he looked down at the small male and tilted his head.
"I know not of who you are looking for, but I believe I have found what I am searching for." He pauses to brush a leaf from the males head.
"And I'm not leaving you here alone..." He says as he grabs hold of the other males arm firmly. He starts his path to the lady's path.
Where it may lead he knew nothing of, but he was certain he had to find out.
He knew that it wasn't right to leave company unattended, so with whatever humanity he had. He struck a conversation.
"So... what do I call you?" He said hesitantly.​

 

[Karcen]

Bring the witches to the priests no matter the cost, no matter what had to be promised, that was her mission. Jeanne had never failed a mission before and now she had two options give and eye of give her life. Had it been another time, another place, then Jeanne would have easily selected the eye for she knew why the king would want the three. Jeanne could fight with one eye, she could keep going, but why, what fore? It was those kinds of thoughts that made Jeanne hesitate to simply give up her eye, what did it matter if she lived or died? Jeanne was disposable and giving her life would gain the trust of the witches much easier than her eye. She also would not longer have to think about what to do after this. The world was to complex after the dragon, before every thing was black and white she was the slayer of evil, a hero and now she wondered how evil those she had killed were. The black witch was evil that was for sure, but the others were they as wicked as her?

Jeanne would swear her life to the witches and the pain she might take on would be nothing compared to the confusion and annoyance that had started to plague her life. Jeanne didn't bother to knock instead she opened the door and looked right to the black witch. Jeanne strode to her and pulled out her blackened blade that had slain countless mystical and mundane creatures, the blade that had killed every member of her family. To many it might seem she was going to attack to slay the witch or at least try to, but instead she drove her blade into the floor, not far but enough that the tip was in the wooden flood. Jeanne then knelt down before the witch and all would recognize the position Jeanne had put herself in.

" I have made my choice from until the day i die i shall belong to you and your sisters" Jeanne said not even thinking to try anything with her wording or any kind of deception beyond what she already had done. She would be the knight of these witches till they then she died.