Expecting – Village Witch #4

675 words, this is the fifth story I’ve wrote so far for the TTRPG Village Witch. For Edwina’s earlier stories I have a landing page HERE. My goal is to write at least 2 sessions of Village Witch each month!

Expecting

Settling at the table with a mug of spiced tea, Edwina trailed a delicately pointed finger down the glossy side of the vase now gracing the center. Red pottery glazed a bright cobalt blue, the new vase held a late blooming narcissus, a few bunches of lily of the valley, and the long stem of a white bleeding heart dripping blooms. She’s exceedingly careful to not touch any of the flowers or their foliage for fear her mineral affinity would wilt them prematurely.

“These are beautiful Telsa. Your consideration is so kind,” Edwina says sincerely to the woman already sipping soothing ginger tea at her tiny table.

“I thought the last of the white spring flowers might be a good gift for a Witch when I needed to ask a favor of her.” Telsa sat with both hands clasped around her mug of tea, staring down into its depths, and avoiding direct eye contact with Edwina.

“A favor or a Favor?”

“Both, probably.”

“The stomach indigestion I’m guessing? Has the physician confirmed a diagnosis for you?” Edwina asks politely and continues tracing her slender finger across the smooth glazed ceramic vase in meandering patterns.

“Yes. It’s good news for Darrow and me. Our efforts to start a family are growing strong this time. I lost the first so early, we worried it’d be a problem again.” Her eyes flicked up to meet Edwina’s then with a shy smile curving at the corners of her lips.

“So something for you and for the babe – perhaps a talisman or amulet?” Edwina asks.

“Yes, please. But, ah, it would need to be a true Favor, unfortunately. After the physician’s fee Darrow said I couldn’t come to you, to a Witch too, because we can’t afford any more and save up for the birth.” Telsa looked down into her mug again, blushing in shame.

“I’m paid by the town, Telsa. And this vase and the flowers are charming. There wouldn’t need to be a Favor. You’d not owe me anything after this for a talisman.” Edwina smiled widely and then stood.

The small treehouse cabin with its clever shelves was amply stocked for a simple warding or blessing talisman and she’d let Telsa choose the stone that spoke to her most clearly before deciding which it was to be. Grabbing a burgundy velvet pouch of various tumbled stones from where they were stored near the center of the shelves, a length of twined cording, and her essential oils she returned to the table and they set to work creating the magic together.

As they were finishing, Edwina took a deep breath and asked Telsa, “So, you’re still looking pinched. What was the other favor you needed?”

Tesla bit at her lower lip as she placed the unakite talisman around her neck, nestling the anointed stone under her blouse and against her bosom. “I’ve heard rumors. Around town. Some say you’re leaving at the season’s turn. Other’s mentioned that you were looking for Engel and Rowen.” She hesitates, then continues hurriedly, “Engel was my older brother. He was disowned when the council made him and Rowen leave the Llyne. But, and I know the town doesn’t approve, I’d like him to know I’m expecting again. I don’t think they were evil men, or possessed by devils, or any of that nonsense. And I bet you don’t either, as a Witch woman who wears men’s breeches.” Tesla looked equal parts anxious and defiant.

“No Tesla, I don’t believe either of those things.”

“Good, good. So, I guess my favor only matters if the other rumor is true, if you’re leaving when the spring does. Because if you are, I’d hoped you’d take a letter to the postmaster in Murkwell, and see it delivered to Engel if he’s still there.”

Murkwell, thought Edwina. With a lover’s secret letter in her pocket, a favor on Telsa’s lips, and it’s name on her list of towns seeking a Witch-In-Residence, maybe this was fate making the choice to move on fairly easy for her.