Seven layers of sunrise hit the mountain tops and spilled onto the rolling expanse of dense timberland. Black shadows stretched long and sheltered the remaining vestiges of night. Miles upon acres upon miles stretched the Castagan Forest. Deep in this thick wood tucked into a corner pocket of fur sat the cabin of Artemis Stray. Banished in irreverence, she lived alone, a pariah. She stirred in her hovel. The light of dawn signaled the start of her gathering day. All ingredients must be obtained before nightfall as necessary preparation for when she would be expecting a visitor, though, he wasn't as aware of the imminent encounter as the old witch was herself.
Far from the trusses of the puritanically bound colonial settlements, Artemis lived her life as free as desired --and had been for quite some time. She lived humbly and quietly, spending much of her time finding food for the winter months and much of her time practicing her craft. Though not entirely malicious in intent...the townspeople had seen enough ritualistic murmurings and black magic insignia to declare her a heretic, a danger, and a witch. In lieu of execution for fear of retribution in the afterlife, Artemis was banished to the deep woods to either die or live in isolation. Fortunately for her --she was prepared for the worst.
The woman rose from a wicker laced bed, wrapped herself in a swathing cloak, and set off into the pines. Slow trodding steps set her pace. Collecting food or water wasn't the purpose of today's venture. This trip was for supplies. A short list kept in the back of the woman's mind was repeating over and over: seven thickets of wild blackthorne, four drops of morning dew, and five blades tinder-grass. The second was the easiest to find, of course. A small vile was produced from the sleeve of Artemis's old worn robe. Placed directly on the bottom of a new leaf, the vile collected a significant amount of residual water. Continuing onward into the thickly laden brush, Artemis meandered her way towards the esoterically known blackthorne groves. Collecting was tricky work and must be carefully done to avoid the sharp twisting thornes spackled throughout the bushes. Her sinewy aged hands picked meticulously. The day filtered on and the witch moved forward to the last of her list...
Later in the day, and fast approaching the old witch's hut, a lone hunter travelled westward. His dog, Rugo, led the way, sniffing for game. Winter was approaching swiftly, and the stores of meat were low. Not meaning to disappoint his family, or doom them to starvation, the settler marched further and further into the dark forest. Though mid-day had past, and he knew it advisable to turn back now, he needed a reward for his efforts. He couldn't return to his wife and children empty-handed. Trundling onward, the man followed his trusted bloodhound but...the hound was acting stranger than usual. He sniffed erratically and moved frantically.
"What is it boy?" the man asked his travel companion, curious as to what was rousing the dog's interest. Reliant on the beast's sense of direction to return home safely, the man was at the mercy of where his four legged friend lead him. All of a sudden the dog lifted its head up and stopped in its tracks. The burly man stopped too. Without warning the creature took off with a loud bark. Startled from the unexpected behavior the man called out "Wait!" before hauling himself as fast as he could to follow the animal. After a frenzied pursuit the man came into a clearing amongst the tangled trees and brush. In the clearing was his dog pawing at what appeared to be small cabin --quaint and modest. A chimney produced swirling smoke. It looked welcoming, but he was skeptical. As far as he was aware, nobody was living or even could live in these torrid woods. He was at a loss however. Rugo was pawing and whining at the door. The sun was setting and without his guide to lead him home he had no choice but to enter, find out what was making his dog so anxious, and possibly ask for shelter in the night.
Artemis sat patiently at a wooden table. The creases on her worn face were illuminated further by the firelight. She heard pawing at the door and smiled. Her visitor had arrived. Shortly after the pawing began a firm knock was heard at the door. Artemis prepared herself. She stood and walked to a dusty cabinet and carefully picked out a glass jar containing a green sludgy liquid. She opened the jar gingerly and took a hearty swig. The potion sank into her stomach. Now she was ready to greet her guest. She strutted over to the door and opened it wide. A dog brushed passed her leg as she stared into the face of a strong looking man. His face was rugged and weathered. A blonde beard clung to his face and matted hair dropped down before reaching his shoulders. The man stared back into the face of a young, beaming, beautiful woman draped in an old haggard robe.
"Come in." the young lady said with a coy smile. She watched as his face opened into surprise then, likely realizing the rudeness of his expression, quickly straightened himself to the woman.
"I apologize for showing up without invitation. My name is Bryan and I am from a small village to the east. I hate to ask this of you but night is falling soon and I don't believe I can make it back home. Would you mind giving me shelter for the night? I have only my labor to offer in return. You must be able to use me somehow...you live here alone?" he finished with a confused question.
The woman scanned the tall man up and down. She smiled wider. "I'm sure I can make use of you." she said clandestinely and beckoned him inside.
The man sat down at the table as his dog lay resting by the fire. "Tea?" she offered and handed him a small cup of steaming brown water. He accepted and drank deeply.
Throughout the next hour or so the two talked quite a bit. The disguised witch learned of the man and his family, and he in turn was fed a lie about a young woman who willingly cast aside colonial life for one of peace and solitude.
"I thank you greatly for your hospitality. I will be needing an early morning tomorrow, and wish to retire now. Where shall I sleep?" the man asked.
