Britwitch's Cottage

[Britwitch]

Another frosty morning in the woods...spider's webs, leaves, blades of grass...all glistening with natural jewels...beautiful...
I've woken up to a world of wonderful posts to respond to so I've settled on the sofa in my night clothes...a huge, oversized man's shirt...tea nearby and notepad on my lap...

 

[Britwitch]

I wake feeling refreshed and much much more like myself...
I pad down the stairs to put water on to boil, my night shirt flapping around my bare thighs as I get everything together to make my morning tea...
I head to the front door, running a hand through my long dark hair, tousled from sleep, and look out at the woods. Hugging my arms around myself against the morning chill, my nipples hardening in spite of my attempts at protecting them...
There is a thick blanket of mist over the woods this morning, muffling the fews sounds in the air, bird song and animal calls, all sounding much much further away...
I stand, leaning against the door frame, revelling in the fresh air and enjoying the cool chill against my skin...waiting for the kettle to boil...

 

[tmmmbrrr]

...smiles to myself.... What could be more welcoming than a witch's cottage on a frosty morning with the witch herself - hair unkempt - leaning against her open doorway, taking in the beauty of her surroundings. I knew there must be a witch in these woods and now that I've discovered you, I must make your acquaintence.

Perhaps there is a stream nearby that I could slip into to wash up from the morning's labor before I present myself at your cottage gate?

 

[Britwitch]

I see a new face approaching my cottage and my face breaks into a welcoming smile, waving them closer

Hello there...I'm Britwitch and this is my cottage...

I offer a hand in introduction before answering his question

There is a stream but it is a fair walk and it will be freezing, come in and you can 'freshen' yourself inside where it's warm and I have hot water...

I head inside, assuming he will follow, hips swaying beneath the night shirt, bare legs golden in the light of the fire

 

[tmmmbrrr]

I'm grateful to be invited and leave my things at the door as I follow you into the cottage. The curves of your body are obvious even under your night shirt and I'm intrigued to find you not only a warm, welcoming spirit, but a comely woman as well. Although I would have plunged into the freezing cold stream just to meet the witch of these woods, hot steaming water is soooo much better. Your cottage is warm. The light from your fire dances across the floor and there are hints of scents that I am not familiar with, but find quite beguiling. I'm hoping you will turn you head so I can see your face and when you do, I am practically stopped in my tracks by your pleasant, but frank openess which makes no effort to hide the fact that you are taking my measure.

When we make eye contact you ask, "And what brings you into my woods, woodsman?" My answer is that I am indeed a woodsman and I am seeking a rare tree for the medicinal properties found in its smallest branches. It is obvious that you know of the tree, but make no offers to help me find a specimen.

"And," I add after a moment of silence, "I have other business that is much more personal - I believe I may be under a spell."

 

[Britwitch]

Under a spell...?

I repeat whilst filling a large basin with hot water.

Well now, that is a serious thing...how do you believe you came to be so enchanted? Do you know the being that did it to you...why?

I add a little sweet smelling oil to the water and gesture for my mysterious visitor to wash himself, moving away to give him room and a degree of privacy. Well, as much as I can in my small abode.

 

[tmmmbrrr]

I pull my shirt off over my head, "Yes, Britwitch, I believe so," and still looking in your direction as my heavy trousers fall to the floor around my ankles, continue, "the enchantress was a woman with whom I was having a romantic relationship - a relationship which I had decided to end. Its embarrassing, but she asked me to do something with her which I resisted at first, but she persisted and eventually I gave in - and only then, when it was done did she reveal her true intentions. I complied with her wishes completely and now realize that I gave up a certain amount of my free will to her in the exchange."

I find the hot, scented water soothing and relaxing. Although your cottage is - as you say - quite small, I do not feel inhibited even though I am naked, head to toe, in front you and we are as yet perfect strangers. Could it be something in the water? I don't know, but I do not feel danger here, so continue, "The spell that I am under was cast with the personal free will which I surrendered to her in the consumation of the act she asked me to perform."

"Do you think you could release me from the spell?"

 

[Britwitch]

I listen carefully to his words, noting almost in passing the pleasing nature of his physique as he sheds his clothes.
Obviously toned from working outdoors, I can see strength in his broad shoulders and arms. But my observations stop there. This stranger has come for help and so my mind and body must remain focused on the task at hand.

A spell of this nature is usually easier to break than people would think

A slight smile curves my lips as I hand a soft, clean towel for him dry himself with

As the spell was cast using your own free will, exerting your own free in another similar situation should rid you of the curse. She is using fear and fear alone to hold you prisoner...overcome your fear...and you shall be free once more...

 

[Britwitch]

Taking a break from packing and enjoying a rest on the sofa...
The fire crackling and a little incense scenting the air...
A long low sigh leaving my lips as I sink back into the cushions...

 

[marauder13]

There is a faint movement of the air in the room with you. A small zephyr wends and winds its way over to you. Within its embrace are tiny motes of dust, just visible in the light.

Now, the motes start to glow. Soft, golden blurs like tiny falling stars dance for your pleasure. The tails grow longer. The light grows brighter, and less transparent. The less opaque. Faster the motes dance, until it is no longer possible to see where they are. All that is before you is a softly glowing column of warm, golden light.

Without warning, noise, nor any other fanfare it is gone. In the centre, suspended in the air is a single white rose, still bathed in the morning dew.

A soft voice carries from around you...

May your trip be full of wonder, delight and boundless love of family and dear friends.

 

[Britwitch]

I watch the magical display entranced, barely breathing as the air dances before my eyes...

As the beautiful flower comes into view and it's accompanying message is whispered on the air I feel my lips break into a happy smile and my cheeks flush just a shade pinker than usual...

Carefully plucking the rose from the air between thumb and forefinger I bring it to my nose and inhale it's simple but wonderful scent...

Placing it in an empty vase on the window sill beside me, I recline once more against the cushions, idly stroking the velvety soft petals and thinking how fortunate I am to have such friends...

 

[Britwitch]

Looking around I’m fairly certain I haven’t forgotten anything. The cottage is tidy, the fireplace has been cleared of ash and a fresh pile of kindling and logs is already in place for my return. My bag waits by the door and my cloak is around my shoulders.

I am more excited than I know how to say about my imminent journey…it will be long and tiring and no doubt frustrating at times…it will also be wonderful, full of love and laughter, family and friends…

Picking up my bag I head out of the door, feeling a little strange to be closing and locking the door, but then I am going to be gone for sometime. Besides, friends know there is key hidden under the windowsill should they feel like stopping by and airing out the cottage...

Giving one last look around I smile and head off down the path, cloak fluttering behind me and golden leaves gently floating down from the trees…

 

[tmmmbrrr]

"Thank you, Witch. You may be right. I'll follow your advice." - My words are brave although I am not so sure Britwitch has grasped the full nature of this particular spell. Ahh, well... I came for advice and it was given.

That being said, in front of her now I feel torn - my business is nearly done and yet I find myself drawn to her -- attracted, in fact -- and as we continue friendly conversation my interest begins to become noticable. The firelight dances in her eyes and there is a wry smile on her lips. She is enjoying the situation I am in, but I also sense that she is not available just now.... Pity.

Thank you, Witch. I hope my path leads to your door again.

 

[Britwitch]

Finally, some time to visit my peaceful place...

...I toss another log onto the fire and place two mugs onto the table, along with a plate of freshly baked cookies, pausing to smooth my dress and run a hand through my hair...

...I'm hoping to have company...

 

[marauder13]

The watcher returned to bring me news that the one who lived in the cottage was there. I wasted little time in getting to see one of my dearest friends. With eagerness tempered by respect for the host, I hurried to the glade where the cottage sat.

I stopped, and allowed myself a moment's rest, before walking sedately up to the door of the cottage. I could hear, feel and smell the signs of life within. With little further pause or delay, I knocked on the door, and waited.

 

[Britwitch]

My heart thrilling at the sound, I rush to the door at the knocking and open it with a warm, wide smile on my lips

Long time no see...

I try to hide my excitement but I know it shows as I embrace him tightly and softly kiss his cheek

...and it is so lovely to see you...please do come in...

 

[marauder13]

The warmth I am greeted with seeps deep into my heart and soul.

Indeed, and it feels like it has been forever at times.

Her soft kiss is returned in kind, and I follow my gracious host inside her delightful country abode.

I hope that your travels, overall, have been good. I know that you have had some less than pleasant moments, but hopefully they are few. I am sure that your daughter has been positively doted over wherever you've gone.

I'm sure that you're looking forward to returning home, and resuming a normal life in familiar surrounds?

 

[Britwitch]

Trying to regain my composure, I usher my guest inside and guide him towards the couch, bringing over mugs of tea and the cookies I baked earlier, sitting close beside him and enjoying the firelight playing in his eyes

This trip is turning out to be a lot more eventful than I think we anticipated but it has been full of laughter and reunions and the good far outweighs the bad...

My daughter I think is probably more desperate than we are to return home, to a place where she isn't passed around 'strangers' in some bizarre form of pass the parcel!

Home is definitely calling but I'm being careful not to wish away our time here...

...and you, how've you been?

 

[marauder13]

I chuckle softly at the word of her daughter.

I wouldn't be surprised. I am sure that she would like nothing more than the familiar sights, feels and smells of home, plus just the company of the two most important people in her life.

I am glad to hear that the good is outweighing the bad.

I lean over and take the cup of tea, enjoying the warm liquid. Of course, on the return of the cup to the table, one of the baked goods returns with me.

How have I been? I have been having my own little little eventful times, fortunately the good are well in front of the bad. Some long term plans are coming together better and faster than I had planned, which in turn has made me need to revise said plans. Which is proving to be a greater challenge that I first thought.

Plus, my muse is being temperamental right now, teasing me with thoughts for one of my threads, but not giving me much to work with. I am sure that it is frustrating my co-writer a lot.

But apart from that, the same old matters that life tosses at people to keep them from getting bored.

 

[Britwitch]

I sip my tea and listen, curling my legs under me as I lean back against the couch, resting one arm on the raised back and cushioning my chin in my palm

Happy to hear all's well...albeit eventful...

I reply before adding quietly

...I've missed doing this with you...this is nice...

 

[marauder13]

A look of mild surprise crosses my face at her words. I reach over for my tea, taking a sip while regaining my composure.

Thank you. I must admit that I enjoy spending time with you as well, and this chance to be social, while you are otherwise rather busy, is a treat for me. But to know that you've missed this I clearly indicate the couch and all the other trappings of a social get together is rather flattering.

I am well aware that you have been graced by many visitors, some more frequently than I. Not to mention other visits to other places with other people. I laugh at how that made me appear. My goodness... I sound like I am a stalker or something.

Though that does remind me, I need to chase up a writing buddy or two for some responses...

 

[Britwitch]

I've missed the escapism that this place offers...and the charming company of course...
And you're not a stalker...at least, if you are one...you're not one that worries me...

I tease, helping myself to a cookie and taking a bite

Hopefully it won't be too long before I get to do some writing...but I think I was overly optimistic to think I'd get much done during this trip! Soon enough though, I hope...Althea, Heather and Elena are all waiting, not very patiently, in my mind!

 

[marauder13]

And rest assured so do their respective gents. I will admit to rereading Away from the World, thinking I would never get to finished that tale. Then, one day, you're back, and just as eager to resume that tale as I was.

Plus, I am doing a little research to better build up the background for Along the Path Yet Revealed. I have managed to find a fair bit of source material that will help out in that regard. Which will hopefully open up other avenues for challenges for the pair to face.

 

[Britwitch]

I am a very lucky girl to have such a patient, talented partner in my threads...and I can't wait to carry on our various adventures...and Malá of course...

But, sadly I must take my leave of you now...it's Mr Britwitch's birthday today and I am cooking him and his family roast leg of lamb with garlic, rosemary and red wine...will hopefully taste as good as it sounds but if I don't actually start doing something about it, hearing about it is as close as we'll get to it!

Take care of yourself, feel free to stay and finish your tea and please do stop by anytime...

Another warm kiss for a dear friend, a pocketed cookie for the journey, and I am away...with a sigh that I couldn't stay longer...

 

[marauder13]

Fare well, my friend. The meal sounds wonderful. Please pass on my best wishes to the birthday boy. I will tidy up before I leave, and ensure that all is secure as well.

I sit back, slightly saddened at my host's departure. But I know she will be back soon, and things will return to "normal". I take up Brit's offer to stay a while, finishing the tea, and biscuit without rushing.

Once finished, I gather everything up, putting the food away for the next visitors, clean and put away all the crockery, and give the place a quick inspection for other mess created by myself. Content that all is well, I depart, making sure that the cottage is secure, and safe for the host's next return.

I slowly make my way back to the real world, answering one of its many insistent demands.