Chapter 31: The Witch

“AAAAH!” Annita cried, falling back on her hands and scuttling away from the living snow drift.

“SHHH!” the mound hissed at her. “Do you want that thing coming back for us?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Ann corrected herself, pausing, then sitting back up. “Who, or uh, what are you?”

“Oh, right, excuse me,” the snow with horns said. The mound shifted as someone sat up from under the pile.

Dusting herself off, a female Vulhardrin came into view. She was short, or at least shorter than Bren from Ann’s perception. The horns she’d seen were attached to the sides of her head, and appeared to be ram’s horns. Thick, black, and curled in a loose spiral on the sides of her head.

As the woman removed more of the snow, Ann saw that half of the disguise was actually her hair. Though, instead of hair, this woman had what looked like pure white wool growing from her scalp. It fluffed up, and a lock draped down over her left eye, while the rest ran long down her back. Her skin was entirely black. Not brown, but almost obsidian, and nicely contrasted her hair and hazel eyes. Her body was on the plumper side, with a nice plump bust and full hips. Ann’s thoughts immediately jumped at how cute she looked.

Quirking a white eyebrow, the woman offered her a hand. Taking the friendly gesture, Ann stood.

“Oh, my, you are larger than I thought you were,” the woman almost squeaked with surprise. “I… introductions, yes. I am Rosalyn Losenska. These are my woods, and I already welcomed you. Who are you?”

“Annita Kronforst,” Ann replied as she stood. “Friends call me Ann, or Annita. I’m not really picky. I was here with two others because there were reports of some big Warped out here causing problems. We came to deal with it and meet the witch living here.”

Rosalyn’s expression darkened at her words. “I swear to the Gods. I keep telling them I’m not a blasted witch. Just because I like nature and it likes me doesn’t mean I’m some sorceress. I mean, no offense to them. I’m sure they’re talented in their own ways, but still!” As she ranted, she stomped off the last of the snow clinging to her clothes. She wore a simple, patterned brown robe, with depictions of nature stitched like a mural across it. Trees and beasts interwoven into a tapestry of nature. “For your reference, I am a Druid. I tend to these woods, maintain a ward that was placed here by a previous Druid, and try to keep the Warped from desecrating this area more than they already have.”

“Ah, ok. Good to know,” Ann laughed at the indignation, flashing her sharp teeth.

The woman instantly balked, drawing back and summoning a staff from nowhere before her. It was just taller than the woman, made of a black polished wood that was formed by two pieces twisting around each other to split and meet again at the top leaving a loop.

Ann, for her part, felt a tug at the reaction. Something predatory inside her loved that, and she felt her eyes focus on Rosalyn intently, pulled in by the vulnerability in front of her. Recognizing what was happening after a moment, she shook her head and took a step back.

“Sorry, I uh, I don’t know what the hell that was,” she apologized.

Rosalyn took a moment more to recover before putting her staff away. “Right. Likely due to our natures,” she said shakily. “Looking at you, wolf?”

“Yeah, wolf. A bit more than most, I’m told. Probably why that reaction was so intense. Sorry, again. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“It’s… fine. Just took me for a fright. Sheep tend to fear the wolf and all that. Haha. So, you said you came with friends? Where are they?” Rosalyn asked, collecting herself.

“Should be somewhere nearby. Kat said to go north, so I guess we could head that way?” Ann offered.

“Sure. If they’re up north and looking for a place to regroup, there’s this big tree I like to take naps in. That’s as good a landmark as any. Follow me!” Rosalyn waved as she skipped off into the woods.

Before following, Ann bit down on the urge to hunt the woman running away so carefree. She really hoped this wasn’t going to be a constant thing as she jogged to catch up to the small woman.

After about five minutes at a brisk pace, they reached the tree Rosalyn had described. It was massive, branches splaying out in every direction, creating a thick canopy even without leaves. True to what she’d said, Kat and Bren were leaning against the trunk, waiting.

“Oi, ye made it!” Kat cried, running over and tackling Ann in a hug. “Oh, I thought somethin’ happened tae ye,” the woman fussed as she smothered Ann with a kiss.

“I’m fine, really,” Ann laughed, pushing her worried lover off her. “Glad you two are all right, too. The thing went after me, so I probably had the rougher time.”

“Aye, but it looks like ye made a friend,” Kat said, glancing at Rosalyn.

“Friend is a bit much, just acquaintances at the moment,” Rosalyn corrected. “I am Rosalyn Losenska. Druid and caretaker of these woods. I help keep the Warped under control and some ancient wards charged. I was told by your very tall friend here that you were sent here to help?”

“Yes,” Bren piped up. "I was initially told about a witch in these woods,” Rosalyn’s face wrinkled with frustration, “however, that seems to have been a mistake. We were then informed of a large Warped having encroached on the area, causing problems for the locals. We took the commission to deal with it and ended up in our current predicament. It is a pleasure to meet you, Rosalyn,” he said as he bowed to the woman.

“Oh, uh, good to meet you too,” Rosalyn stuttered slightly, seemingly embarrassed. “No need to be so formal. I just live here. Really, my Path is close enough to a witch that I don’t blame them for getting that wrong, but it’s the principle of the thing, you know?”

“Quite. Several Paths may intersect or look like another to the unfamiliar,” Bren explained, more to Annita than to anyone else. “Now, I have been terribly impolite. My name is Bren Hedera, and the Alfhindur here is Katlyn, uh.” He paused, raising a questioning eyebrow at the princess.

She sighed. “Aye, Katlyn Farragher. Nice tae meet ye.”

“Oh, I don’t really know why you all think that is so important, but it’s nice to meet you, too. You look fairly strong. Over tenth level already? A fighter, an, um, healer at a guess, and another fighter. Good group. Missing a caster, though.” The words fell out of Rosalyn’s mouth in a wave. She leaned this way and that, letting her woolly hair fall left and right as she observed the trio. “And two in a relationship, too! That’s nice. What a lovely group to come help. Sorry if I’m rambling. I don’t get many visitors and this is only the second time the Keep has sent out anyone to help. Otherwise, I’ve just been coordinating the locals for backup. Much less effective than trained warriors, let me tell you. They’re good folk, but they’re hunters and farmers. They can deal with normal Warped, but nothing like this. Am I talking too much?”

Ann laughed, patting the shorter Vulhardrin on the shoulder. “Nah, you’re fine. It’s good to know what’s going on here, though.”

“Yes. And you surmised correctly. I am a healer. Katlyn here is a guardian, and Annita is a rogue of sorts,” Bren explained. “We were hoping to seek you out before we ran into the Warped. However, it seems we encountered things out of order.”

“Oh, gods, did you! You weren’t even close to my house. Come. This way!” Without a further word, Rosalyn turned and began walking northeast.

Before following, Ann took a moment, appreciating the way the smaller woman bounced under her loose clothing. A smack on the back of her head from Kat shook her from her state.

“’S rude, love. Tae stare at another woman wit’ yer girlfriend right ‘ere.” She chided, though her smirk betrayed the ribbing behind her words.

“Hey, you were looking too,” Ann defended herself, ducking another smack.

“Were not.” Kat blustered, though the red in her ears darkened past what could be blamed on the cold.

“Am I not enough for you after you got your hands on me?” Ann teased as she started to follow Bren and Rosalyn.

“I’ll show ye enough later, ye beast,” Kat grumbled. “Still, she seems nice. If we’re gonna recruit ‘er beyond yer tastes, so far it’s a good impression.”

“Yeah. That warped was right on top of me when she covered me. Not sure what she did, but she had to use something to make the snail not notice me.”

“We’ll get tae that later, though. And aye, glad she saved ye,” Kat sighed.

“Again,” Ann grumbled under her breath.

“Wha’s that?”

“Nothing, nothing. Let’s go.”

Kat gave her a look, clearly concerned, but let the conversation drop for now.

They walked for a bit. The sun was getting lower and lower until they found a large stand of trees. They were laid out in an unnatural circle around a building that was erected around a large gnarled tree.

“Warding trees,” Rosalyn explained. “An older Druid used to live here. He was all about warding, protection, barriers and the like. Keeps the Warped out, and those inside safe. No need for a watch at night, which is nice since it’s just little ol’ me out here.” She giggled as she opened the door for them.

Inside was rustic but cosy. The room was warmly lit with candles and a crackling fire in the hearth. The room was clearly the living room, and the couch and chairs all looked plush under a covering of woolen blankets. Off to the side was a small table, cluttered with dishes, and a couple of wooden chairs pushed in under it. Along the walls were several animal horns, from deer and other creatures Ann thought must have been Warped. There were paintings as well, depicting the surrounding landscapes. A brook in spring, mountains in the winter, a valley in full autumn colors. Small, circular windows were spaced regularly on the outer walls, with the fading light flowing in. To the left and right were doors to other rooms, and a curling stair up to a second floor winding around the trunk of the tree.

“This is home,” Rosalina chirped, stretching herself and sighing. “Aaaah, warm. Go ahead, get comfy. All that gear can’t be comfortable. I’ll be back down in a few, need to change into something not all sweaty.” With that, the sheep climbed the stairs and disappeared into the house.

“This place is really cosy,” Bren sighed, pulling off his robes and grabbing his night gown from his bag.

“Yeah, I could easily live here,” Ann said, taking much longer to shuck her armour and get her casual shirt and kilt on.

“Wonder if she built it? Looks older than ‘er,” Kat pondered, pulling off her leathers, and stretching her sore muscles.

“Her? I doubt it. Not a craftswoman, from my estimation. Possibly an old residence she took up?” Bren pondered, taking a seat on the couch, Ann joining him on the other side.

“Nae, too small an’ soft tae be doin’ anythin’ like tha’,” Kat agreed, taking a seat.

On cue, Rosalyn returned in very different clothes. It was a closer fitting shirt, which did absolutely nothing to hide her large breasts along with some light linen pants that hugged her thighs nicely.

Ann and Kat shared a glance, eyebrows raised as they silently agreed. The girl was hot in a very different way than they were. On the edge of cute.

“Aaah, much better. Oh, good, you can put your armor over there by the fire to dry out any snow that’s gotten into it. Did you all bring food with you? If not, no worries. I have plenty stored for the winter to make a good stew. You know what? Let’s do that. We can deal with things in the morning and talk tonight. Katlyn, Ann, would you mind helping me? You both know how to cut things. It’ll be on the fire in a snap.”

Rosalyn beckoned and led them into the left room, which turned out to be her kitchen. “One moment, let me get the things.” Pulling up a trapdoor in the floor, she disappeared into the cellar.

“I could tell something was under the robes, but not that much,” Ann whispered to Kat while they waited.

“Aye. Girl’s got a good figure. She’s gonna be able tae keep up wit’ us in a fight an’ travelin’ fer sure. Bit softer than me normal preference, but I can appreciate the rest o’ ‘er.” Kat whispered back. “Don’t mean ye can run off wit’ er yet. Just… yeah, not yet.”

“I know. Don’t worry,” Ann reassured her, pulling her into a hug. “I don’t even know her. She could kick puppies for all I know.”

Kat looked back at her, aghast. “Tha’ sweet thing? Hells, I’m surprised she culls warped fer a livin’. Looks way too nice.”

“Yeah, that’s going to be an interesting image to reconcile. Oh, here she comes.” Ann said as footsteps hit the staircase leading up from the cellar.

“Okay, got some good things. Katlyn, can you get to work on the meat? Just need it in bite-sized chunks,” Rosalyn requested, handing a side of salted meat to Kat. “Ann, help me with the vegetables. Just need them peeled and chopped. Once that’s done, just toss them in this kettle here. I’ll season it up and once we get it all cooked, we can eat!”

“Roger,” Kat affirmed, taking the meat and knife with a grin. They each took their space on the long, curved counter that ran around the exterior of the outer wall. The work was relaxing and soon they got to chatting. Bren also wandered in, looking for something to drink, and took a seat out of the way.

“So,” Kat started, “how long ‘ave ye lived ‘ere?”

“Oh, most of my life,” Rosalyn said absentmindedly, peeling a root vegetable of some sort. “Mom and dad moved here pretty soon after I was born. Set up in the town further into the woods. I wandered all over the place as a kid and found this house and the old trapper that used to live here. House was older than him, though. He’d just been living there. My guess is that the other Druid that was here before built it to be out by the wards and magic in the land.”

“It is quite the home,” Bren spoke up. “Did your parents not wish to join you out here? I would imagine this place could easily house a full family.”

“Nope!” Rosalyn chirped. “They’re still in town. This place is too remote, even for them. I like it, though. Much preferred being out in the woods and all. I still go visit, or they make the trek out here. Betting I’ll be doing the visiting before much longer. They’re getting on in their years. Can’t expect them to brave Warped infested woods to visit little ol’ me.” She tittered to herself as she finished with the vegetable, dumping the remains in the pot.

“So, tell me about yourselves! Where are you all from? What led you to being all adventury types?”

“Well, my situation is a bit… special,” Ann started. “Figure we’ll talk more about it later, though. Sorry if I don’t say right now. It’s a bit secret. As to why, though? Because I was called to it. Certain events of my life led me to taking to this life. So far it’s been… all right.” There was that glance from Kat again. “Overall, I can’t complain, though. Met Kat here, and we’ve more than hit it off.”

“Oh, I can tell! You two seem very close. A couple then? Was I right?” Rosalyn perked up, each question more insistent.

“Yup, as of three days ago, official,” Ann confirmed, beaming.

“Well, congratulations to you two! I really mean it. Gosh, I do wish I could find myself someone. Gets a bit lonely out here no matter how much I like the quiet. Having a nice lady to talk to would be wonderful. Oops, talking about me again. What about you, Bren?”

“Well, I hail from Korvas. I grew up with Katlyn here and joined her in the adventuring life. Being a healer meant I was already well suited for the occupation. If it was not out in the wilderness, I imagine that I would be working in a medical facility of some sort.”

“Or yer nose buried in a library until yer bones turned tae dust,” Kat joked.

“Yes, or that,” Bren said, rolling his eyes. “I do enjoy my histories. Regardless, that is mostly my story.”

“Capital born. Well learned, you must have been well off.” Rosalyn sighed, shuffling more vegetables into the stew pot. “Must have been nice. Not that I hold any grudge against you personally. My family did not have that much. We were lucky to be able to find a good living out here. I admit to some jealousy, though.”

“Well, then ye might want tae sit down fer me, then.” Kat muttered.

“Oh, I’m quite sturdy. Don’t you worry,” Rosalyn joked reassuringly.

“All right then. Honestly, a little surprised me name didn’t tip ye off. I’m third in line tae the throne.” Kat explained calmly, measuring their host’s reaction.

The knife in Rosalyn’s hand paused for a moment as she took in what was just revealed, but began chopping again. “That so?”

“Aye, fer all it’s worth. Had a pampered life fer me early years, I admit. Wasn’t the life fer me. Learned how tae use a sword as a wee child, then naturally went from there. Guess I coulda made a mark in the military. Servin’ the Guard, or the like. Too much in the way o’ formality. I wanted tae make me own name, do me own thing. So I set out wit’ Bren an’ lived the life o’ a merc’. Still ‘ave tae deal with the royalty thing now an’ then when I get back tae a big city, but fer the most part, I’m free.”

“At least you’ve found your calling,” Rosalyn said with a slightly less enthusiastic voice than she used for the other two. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be cold. It sounds like you found a way to be your own woman. Just… strange to meet a royal all the way out here. Away from all the money, and comfort, and privilege. There’re stories. We all hear them. Nobles and the royal family being all set up in golden palaces and mansions. Wine and food going to waste because their overabundance. It sets, well, expectations.”

“Aye, heard plenty meself,” Kat sighed, finishing up with the meat and adding it to the pot. She took a seat on the floor nearby and out of the way, waiting for further instruction. “It’s… ugh, there’s some merit tae those tales as much as I hate tae admit it. We’re well off. Very much so. Wasn’t really aware o’ how much more ‘til I got out in the world. Know it doesn’t do much, but I do want tae at least let ye know, me mother wants tae ‘ave things be better. She’s the Queen, but she’s got a good amount o’ opposition she’s gotta deal with. Hopin’ we can figure out somethin’, but it’s a constant struggle.”

“I see. Well, life is what it is. We all get dealt different hands. It’s what we do with them that matters, and you’re out here helping others. Can’t hold too much against you. All right, that should be it. Let me grab some herbs, toss them in, and that should be good. Bren, could you roll over that barrel? Kat and Ann, please fill the pot.”

Doing as they were told, Bren struggled with rolling the barrel, but did his best. Heaving the heavy thing, the pot was filled, then placed over the fire. Before long, the smell of delicious stew filled the house. Rosalyn ladled each of them a hand carved bowl, and took a seat in an overstuffed chair near the fire.

Conversation was light, keeping mostly to local goings on. Trade in the village, and the local wildlife were things Rosalyn was clearly experienced in. She talked long into the night on the subject, before exhaustion took them.

She showed Kat and Ann to a room on the second floor, set up for guests. Bren elected to stay on the couch, insisting when asked by Rosalyn whether he’d like something else. Rosalyn retired to her own room, and quiet settled over the house.

“What a day,” Ann whispered to Kat as they snuggled in under the blankets.

“Aye. Ye sure you’re all right? Ye seemed tense today,” Kat whispered back.

“Just stress, I guess. Big fight and all. It’s nothing,” Ann hedged again.

“Darlin’, don’t hide stuff from me, yeah? I can tell when yer upset.”

“Ugh, it’s just the whole feeling useless,” Ann groaned, rolling so she splayed out on her back. “I almost died again today, and I got saved again. I just want to be better, and it sucks not being that.”

“Ah,” Kat sighed, rolling to face the ceiling as well. “That’s not an easy thing tae conquer, love. It’ll come with time, an’ effort, an’ a lot more mistakes. Ye’re fine. S’what we’re here fer, right? Tae shore up each other's weaknesses. Bren can’t do damage fer shite. I don’t have any o’ the offensive spells ye’ve got, an’ the one I do takes me outta the fight. When ye get focused, ye’re gonna ‘ave a hard time.” The Guardian rolled over, facing her girlfriend. “An’ no one is gonna hold it against ye. Ye’re still lower level than both Bren an I, but wit’ how ye’ve been progressin’ I’d bet ye’ll be caught up by the time this trip is over.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Ann sighed, rolling back to nuzzle against Kat’s forehead. “Thanks. I just got in my own head again.”

“Aye, an’ it’s my job tae pull ye back out,” Kat smiled, giving her a soft kiss before yawning widely. “Feck, I’m tired. G’night, love.”

Kat yawned back, feeling her jaw pop slightly with how large the motion was. “Yeah. Night.”