I had to wait a few days before I could visit the little shop again. My welts lead to bruising but no real pain lingered. Luckily Gran doesn't notices much while she goes about her routines. I almost run into the shop just slowing myself down at the door as to not scare the crone who owns it. She turns from dusting a shelf at my entry, a smile playing across her face in recognition. "Oh good you made it back and with Earth's mark if I am not mistaken."
The ghosts of lashes and vines holding me play over my body, "Yes she did and I am glad for it." I dig the wand out of my bag, but she stops me.
"No that is between you both now and is yours to keep. Though if you are ready, the last element can be gained now." Setting down her rag she leads me over to a new section. This one dominated by wind catchers, glass items and light fabrics.
I start browsing knowing now that I'll find it when I feel it. Many of the items are beautiful but nothing is pulling me until I get to the wall, my focus is drawn up and I feel her bristle behind me. High on the top above the shelf is a dusty bottle I can barely see but I know it's my choice. "That one on top," turning back towards her.
Her face holds a grimace, "Are you sure of that choice," motioning towards the other pieces of the collection, "There's more to choose from."
I am startled, she has never questioned my pick before but once again the only pull is from the dusty bottle on top, "No I'm sorry it's only that one."
Heavily she sighs, "You do have odder choices from one who is so new, but perhaps you will be good for it." She located a chair but I went up for it, not wanting her to fall. The bottle was more beautiful than it appeared from below. Blown glass with a sliver iridescent in it, thicker around at the base that thins to meet a rounded stopper at the top. Inside seemed to have a bit of sand, not from the sea but of a desert.
The crone placed her hand on my arm, my eyes drawn into hers, "This is not the easiest of elementals, it will reflect back in what you bring to it. Trust only yourself and ask for little, they are known to be sly in all ways but services well enough if treated kindly." She looked sadly at the bottle, "This one wasn't treated gently with the last." My heart radiated with her sadness but I knew I had to try, nodding along. "I believe in you, for air you will need to find a place where the wind can move freely. For you circle I recommend using a piece of ash from your first fire, a fine way to close the circle."
Carefully I hugged her, "Thank you for your guidance, I will return after receiving Air's mark if I earn it." She nodded and lead me to the door a troubled look still eating at her, but unwilling to voice more.
Slightly troubled I waited a few days more before going about my ritual. Returning to my original cave I find the burn out fire to be still undisturbed, happily I grab some of the ash before moving down the coast to find a good location. Far down I find caves that have many wind whipped holes that serve me well.
I make a large black circle before taking out the bottle. I carefully placed the bottle in the middle of the circle unstopped the top. Instantly it was as if the wind blew over a hot dry desert, it calmed quickly and once I got my hair out of my face I noticed him. He stood just my height with lean muscle and a slight frame, golden skin with a dark shaggy hair almost covering his lowered eyes. His long eyelashes fanning over his cheeks, "You freed me my lady witch. I am at your service." As he bowed forward his silk pants flowed over his legs and tightened on his bottom.
I blushed at his greeting so formal, as though I was a real lady of the court and not just a silly girl becoming a witch of all things. "No thank you and know you have only the circle's rules of not harming me, but you can freely leave at anytime, though I hope you stay." I fussed at my dress hoping I was saying the right things.
