The Mayor, the Witch, and the Lumberjack - chapter 2

Instructions

“Where are you taking me?” Varona felt her heart pounding in her chest as she led Owen through the forest. She'd made a deal, and she *never* went back on a deal. But why did it have to be so nerve-wracking? “Somewhere… *special*,” She said simply. She couldn't be completely transparent, not while prying eyes could close in on them at any second. “Just trust me, ok?” The lumberjack muttered something under his breath, but followed her regardless. They stayed quiet, as their interactions tended to go. The forest made up for it: the birds chirped happily, the breeze rustled the leaves, and all around, the regular forestry music sounded. The mayor’s sister hopped down towards a cave entrance. She glanced back to find Owen staring at her, confusion and caution laced through his gaze. She raised an eyebrow, offering him her hand. He rolled his eyes and slid down beside her. “What are you doing so far out in the woods?” He half-demanded. “I’ve never taken you to be the… *wilderness* type.” She didn’t bother holding back the bark of laughter that slipped through her lips. “Oh, you have *no* idea.” She led him deeper into the cave, not bothering to light a lantern. Right before the outside light left them, encompassing them in complete darkness, Varona turned to face the wall. She traced the stone with her fingers, resting on the moss draped over it. Gently, she wrapped her fingers around it and pulled it away, revealing the entrance to a room. Owen’s eyes widened as she gestured for him to enter. He hesitated before entering, clearly confused. “What is this place?” He wondered aloud as he entered. With a snap of her fingers, light filled the room– bright enough to see, dim enough that it wouldn’t draw attention. Brewing stands lined the back wall, chests were filled with potion ingredients, and glyphs were traced across the walls. Some glowed (ones she’d done correctly), but some were simply aesthetic, despite being botched attempts. Varona walked past the lumberjack, allowing him to take it all in as she walked down the step leading to a secondary area. There were a few small farms (netherwart, sugarcane, carrots, melons) and a trail entrance that led to the small creeper farm and the nether portal. She began carefully tending to the crops as Owen stared with his mouth open. “... You-...” He stammered. “... Am I hallucinating?” Carefully, she looked up at him. She bit her lip slightly. She’d thought that if she just carried on like it was all normal, he’d just piece it together without her having to explain it. She slowly shook her head. The lumberjack stepped towards the wall, staring at the glyphs. “Witchcraft… I never would have pegged you as one.” “That’s because no one talks about it like it is,” She huffed. “Everyone thinks it’s unnatural and sent from Hell. In actuality, it’s a gift *from* nature. Doesn’t always *feel* like one, but…” She watched him carefully. He made sure not to touch anything (whether it was out of respect or fear of accidentally hexing himself; she failed to care), but inspected just about everything. Owen joined her on the lower level, and the two stared at each other. “You are taking this…” Varona mumbled. “*Much* better than I thought you would.” “I suppose I don’t have much room to judge.” He shrugged helplessly, rubbing his palm with his thumb. Varona’s gaze flickered to stare at his hands. She knew just what he meant. “And I suppose I’m just wondering… Why are you telling me?” She hesitated. “I… just figured it was time.” The witch did her best to stare him in the eye, but wavered. “... I can try–*try*–” she was careful not to confirm “to help you.” His eyes widened. She smiled sadly at him. “It’s not my specialty, but… I might be able to do something about your leprosy.”