(White and Pap) Happiness in the making
 

White_rose930:

Reseda stared at the book with a frown. Quietly she went about the nearly empty room, placing candles and drawing magical symbols. Circles within triangles, stars and the signs of the planets littered the flooring in apparent chaos. There was an order to it all that only the practiced eye would have been able to discern.

The young blond woman was creating a calling circle. Within would appear her familiar, the perfect being to aid her in her magic. At least that was her wish, if she failed things would indeed be disastrous and chaotic. Reseda wanted to test herself, and wanted to prove to the other witches that she wasn't just a simple little hedge witch from the country side with no big city education.

The black dress the woman wore blended in with the dark lighted room. It almost seemed like no one was there, save for disembodied hands and a face. The dark walls and curtains hid all light, save that of the flickering candles. This place was a deserted cottage at the edge of town, someplace Reseda knew no one would inadvertently enter to disrupt her spell casting.

Damien woke up and ran a hand through his black hair, getting it caught a few times he got annoyed and stopped, he looked at the clock realizing he didn't have to be anywhere today. He got himself up after a while and headed to the shower, standing in the hot water he sighed thinking about the stories his friends had told him the night before, about the old abandoned cottage at the edge of town being haunted, he wished he could see it for himself. That's it! He thought to himself I'll go check it out myself. He hurried along getting dressed and walked down the windy road, turning into the dirt road that would lead him to the cottage itself.

As he got there he shivered at the sight, it was old and run down, curtains blocking the windows from letting in any light. No wonder everyone thought it was haunted, he shook his head and walked over trying to find a door. He walked all the way to the back and finally found one and he opened the door slightly not making a sound. As he walked into the Hallway of the house, shutting the door behind him he saw a light at the end of the hall, flickering as if someone had just lit a candle. He shivered again for the second time today and walked over glancing around the corner slowly and there he saw a figure dressed in black, he could only guess that it was female by the size and shape. He also glanced down at the floor at the patterns. What in the world? He thought curious staring at the girl.

Deep in thought, and concentration, the young woman didn't notice this new arrival until things began going wrong. Inadvertently he had stepped into the circle, or the important part of it where her familiar would have appeared. Reseda had just finished reciting that particular part of her spell, and glanced up. Her brown eyes widened at the sight of the regular young man standing where an intelligent animal, or magical being should have been. Inwardly she groaned, but kept reciting the spell. There was no stopping what had been begun without dire results.

With a final snap, she closed her book and walked over to the man. Her eyes roved over him, trying to find some sigh that he wasn't just some regular guy who had showed up at the wrong time. Or perhaps he ha been supposed to be there... Reseda shook the thought out of her head with a loud despairing laugh. "You're just become my familiar. What a mess!" Shaking her head in disbelief, the young woman sat down on the ground at his feet with a sigh. The witch was sure the be everyone's laughing stock for having messed up so royally.

Damien glanced at the women and she sunk down to the ground and he put his hands on her shoulder trying to comfort her, though you could see in his eyes he was worried, confused and most of all shocked. He can looked around the room once more then looked down at her again, his blue eyes clearly questioning her. He paused thinking about how to word the question then slowly spoke " Sorry if I sound stupid for asking but what is a familiar and two how did that happen, what are you?"

He almost felt sorry for asking the blond women she seemed stressed now almost worried, how did he play a part in any of this and was she just messing with him. Maybe she's part of some weird cult, he thought to himself trying to make some sense of all the symbols and words she had read before, then he sighed and talked again " I came in here at a really bad time huh?"

Rubbing her hands on her face, Reseda sighed. Her eyes closed for a few moments when this person, her familiar she supposed, put his hands on her shoulders. Glancing up, she smiled a little trying to hide how terribly this had affected her. It was far too much to hope to find an easy solution to such a complicated problem. "A familiar is a witch's aid, and constant companion. They are our comfort, for being separated from the regular world A familiar is a witch's friend. They also usually go get ingredients. Intelligent animals and magical beings are what become familiars, it's what I was trying to call..."

She stood with her skirts in her hands. With a small tired wave of her hand, she made all the symbols disappear. It was a simple thing that had been ingrained into Reseda by her mother. From her, she had learned everything she knew. Still, the young woman knew there were many more things she was ignorant about. Tiredly, she began blowing out each candle one by one and putting them away in a leather bag. Turning slightly she regarded the man who was now bound to her, and she to him. "My name is Reseda and in case it isn't clear yet, I'm a witch." She hoped their binding wouldn't be too horrible for either of them, since it was bound to last for a while.

He looked at her slightly thinking about what he was about to offer and wondered if it was a good idea but he walked up to her and said "well this familiar stuff it lasts a while doesn't it? If so you can just teach me what I have to do until then. You know so that you can undo this, you can undo this right?" He asked curiously as if it wasn't bad enough everything came crashing down on him in normal life now he's Reseda's familiar. What next he thought idly not really wanting to get an answer out of that one. He glanced at her again "So what now is there a way to break it?" he repeated a little panicked, she didn't seem to want to be around him or was just frustrated at him it could have been either, he was never too good at reading people.

He sat down a little dizzy and watched her clean up after her spell and he couldn't help feeling like he was seeing her in a total new way from a moment ago. He felt slightly freaked out that the spell thing was affecting him but at the same time he felt as if it was suppose to happen. He felt like she had something to prove, he looked over to her and spoke softly " Reseda, don't witches usually do this stuff in groups? why are you here all by yourself?"

Turning to face him, she knelt down to look into his eyes. She wanted no doubts between them. "Simply put... I need to learn quite a bit more in order to break this bond. You are the one who'll be most changed by this. You'll know when I'm upset about something, when I'm in danger or when I want to be left alone. It'll be an easy thing for you to find me anywhere I am." It was strange of her to take silent comfort from this simple fact. Somehow... In a tiny way Reseda was glad he had stepped into the circle, whoever he was.

Her mind turned to his second sentence.The spiders within the building seemed to halt their tiny movements as they waited silently. It would be hard to explain everything to someone who hadn't grown up in the same culture she had, though they both had probably lived within the same area their whole lives. "To put it simply...I am making my way in the world on my own without any support from anyone. It is a three year period in which every witch must undertake the task of finding out who she is, and where her powers and skills truly lie. She must know her heart and mind inside and out if she expects to survive the more grueling years of apprenticeship beneath a powerful crone. The term isn't derogatory, it is a sign of respect when used to address a powerful witch who has worked hard to achieve renown among her peers." The young woman didn't elaborate about the fact that this second period of apprenticeship could last a mere month,to decades. It all depended on the apprentice and her mentor.

Damien nodded solemnly " I know I may not know much Reseda. But I will try my best to protect you, I have trained my whole life in a martial arts dojo, I know the arts of a sword. Mind you it may be a bit outdated, but please let me try. I don't know much about you but I have had no meaning in my life up until now and you have given me something to achieve. Please let me learn from you alright, you seem to feel a little hopeless about me right now but i'll show you even though I was a mistake that you can prove to those you need to that you are strong okay?"

He was utterly shocked in himself, he had never wanted to be close to anyone all the teasing and the agony just pushing him further away from people, but he had run into Reseda, she knew just as much as he did the feeling of being alone and he found himself wanting to protect her, it was very strange. He put his arms around her drawing her close to him in a hug " Just try and trust me okay, we will strengthen your powers you can use me as a test subject and then you can show the others what you got okay?"

A small flicker of something entered Reseda's heart then at his words. She didn't know what it was, nor did she know what this warm emotion would grow into. All she was sure of, was the fact that she did indeed want to give him a chance. His arms around her brought the support she needed, and his words lifted her spirits making her believe for the first time that she could indeed succeed. "You're already doing your job admirably," said the young woman as a smile flitted across her features. She was feeling so much better already!

The blond woman hugged the blue eyed man briefly, before pulling back enough to regard his face. "Perhaps you could tell me your name? And... I'm sure you have people who'll worry about you when you leave with me. I forgot to mention just how much traveling my three years entail. What I am trying to say is you should go find them and explain your absence, perhaps get a sabbatical from whatever job you work or from the schooling you might be taking. If you have anyone special, I can give you something so you'll be able to speak with each other no matter if there are any telephones near or not." She thought that covered everything. When he was gone she would be able to pick up her meager possessions and bundle them up in her leather bag. There were also a few herbs she needed to pick up, and a unicorn she needed to speak with.

Damien nodded and hugged her tightly, blushing ever so slightly "Oh how rude of me! My name is Damien, the only people that will notice my absence are my teachers so I will let them know and I will get ready to leave. Alright? so I will meet you back here tomorrow then Reseda or later this evening?" His blue eyes met her eyes for a moment making sure he wasn't missing a single sign from her and he added " Oh! If there is anything you would like me to get for you for later I can do that tonight as well."

He held her tightly looking down feeling confident that he could indeed stand a chance at protecting her and all he knew is that he needed to help her and felt happy being near her. Odd he never felt happy being around anyone. Ever. Period. But he was ready to go and awaited all the answers he needed or instructions as he said to himself mentally and reminded himself to follow anything she said carefully.

Reseda wasn't sure why, but she was looking forward to her journey as she hadn't been before. It was probably because Damien had become her familiar. He truly was a strange person for wanting to leave with her, but she wasn't about to complain when simply being around him made her feel more confident. "Meet me here tomorrow morning. There are a few things I need to take care of tonight." It was strange being held so closely to another.

Smiling a little at the thought, the young woman wasn't sure whether to pry herself or not from Damien's arms. It gelt so wonderful, but she had the thought that this behavior was caused by her need for comfort. "Umm, Damien could you please release me? And there is nothing you need to bring save clothing for yourself. You don't even need the conventional money of the day. Witches use a different system. I wonder what you will think when we fly in the sky with only my broomstick for support." She felt like cackling, just to see how the young man would react. In the back of her mind, Reseda determined that perhaps she would need to at least alter the spell quickly, so that he was not forced to do what he did not want to if it contradicted her own wishes.

Damien simply smiled down at her and kissed her forehead before letting go. "Sorry, I do not know it was bothering you." He spoke quietly curiosity and confusion passing though his mind, clearly showing on his face, mostly through his eyes. He had certainly though he did something wrong. He wasn't sure and he did not know how to use this connection to his advantage to find out and help her. He smiled at her slightly " So I guess I will see you tomorrow Reseda." He walked out into the hallways then opened the door slowly, looking back as if unsure that this was all real. Then he went outside the slight breeze blowing the hair in his face, it seem so calm out here.

He got to his house quicker then the trip there had been, he supposed because fear and hesitation had a grip on him before. He opened the door and ran up the stairs packing a small bag of clothing nothing that would make it too hard to travel with and a picture album full of pictures of his family. He emailed all his teachers explaining something in his family came up and that he may not return in time for the end of the year or at all. He cleaned the house making it look like no one had ever been here and went to sleep, wondering if it had all just been a dream anyways.

Seeing the confusion passing trough his face, Reseda knew very well that hey would both have to learn how to deal with this. The young woman was rather surprised he didn't resent her, or seemed not to at least. It was always hard to know what others thought of her underneath their masks. Some feared her for being what she was, and others felt only contempt seeing that this witch was a self-taught one. Acceptance was hard to find, and harder to keep once gained.

After watching him leave the young woman sighed, and stood herself. Leaving trough the back door, it was easy to find one's way to a little copse hidden away from the city. Within was a unicorn, and a supply of herbs rarely found anywhere else. Reseda spent the night there, and fell asleep with her head pillowed upon the flank of her horned friend.

Upon waking the next morning, she went to wait. A few fruits,roots and other things plucked from nature were her fooods for the morning. The witch munched on them as she waited for her companion to arrive, while thinking hat he would choose not to come. It would hurt both of them in the long run if he did so. Hopefully things would work out, Damien would arrive, and they would be able ot set off to the next city on her list.

Damien woke up in a panic he had wanted to wake up early, he felt her worry run through him like an electric shock. He hopped up to get dressed figuring out finally that it was not a dream, what had happened the night before had indeed happened to him. Excitement ran through his eyes as he grabbed his stuff and put it by the door then ran up to tidy his bed, so that if anyone he knew came by they would know he was gone and that something bad hadn't happened to him. He brushes his hair quickly and brushed his teeth, trivial things, yes, but they were a comfort and he finished packing then rushed out the door, in a near sprint. He wanted, no needed, to ease her worry and he was kinda shocked that he knew her emotions as well as he knew his own, but he pushed on knowing in time he would get used to it and her- The beautiful witch with everything to prove, and he hoped that he would be able to help her to her goal rather then hinder the progress. He didn't even want to think about screwing up right now.

He rushed down the road to the cottage, slowing when he was close by to catch his breath and he walked at a quick pace still, seeing Reseda sitting there waiting for him. When he got there he gave her a quick hug, burying his face into her hair still trying to make sure she was real. It is so silly for me not to get this yet, it's real. He thought to himself with a brief smile.

A wave of relief filed Reseda as she saw Damien approaching. Soft little butterflies seemed to fill her stomach with nervous excitement. The moment the young man reached her and proceeded to hug her again, a small choking sound escaped her. Brown eyes wide, Reseda felt confusion roil trough her. It was a futile hope to think he would have reacted this way without the spell which bound him to her now. "I take it you have everything ?"

Patting one of his arms, she made him retreat from her gently. "We will fly tonight, for now we will walk the forest paths." Secretive, and actually enjoying herself, Reseda stood and motioned to the tiny copse of trees surrounded by urban buildings everywhere. It would be perplexing to him, she supposed, to think of walking paths that did not seem to exist. There was a spells though, to connect all the forests together. All one needed to remember was that getting lost while using that spell, well it could be a disaster!

Damien felt hope, relief, and confusion flicker though their bond, not quite being able to pick out what they were for however, he gently released her when he was given the signal to, he could read when it was time to stop. At least he could do something right for once he bothered himself inside his own mind sometimes. Damien followed her movement and looked over to the trees it was going to be interesting. He didn't mind walking that how he got around the town everyday since he was little he never really had a car, so it was okay. Though flying was something that scared him half to death, he knew he'd be safe though but he was sure Reseda could feel his fear and hesitation as well. He was more then happy to go walking into the forest provided that he didn't have to fight a dragon or anything like that but as he glanced at Reseda he knew anything was possible and last night he had indeed prepared himself for the worst but really he had no clue what the worst could be. But he smiled softly he wouldn't want it any other way and he felt a small pinch of sadness at the thought when she did break the spell he would probably never see her again. But he wanted to stay by her side no matter what he frowned he would just have to wait and see.

Motioning for him to follow behind her, Reseda moved forward onto the very beginning of a tiny path within the trees. Closing her eyes she began muttering lowly, but not before grasping Damien's hand in her own. Creases appeared on the young woman's forehead as she concentrated on their destination. The crone Bellanca, an expert in shield spells, was whom they were going to visit this time around. The older witch lived in a small cottage within a large forest, protected by her magic almost entirely from the sight of regular people.

Opening her brown eyes, Reseda began walking while tugging Damien along behind her. "It is... Customary for familiars to fight against each other in order to see which witch is stronger. Familiars are as strong as their summoners, one witch may pass trough many familiars in her lifetime. As her powers grow, if the familiar does not do so with her it is released to be summoned by another while the witch finds someone who matches her abilities." The feelings she felt were all her own. A witch did not know what her familiar felt, it was a one way transfer of feelings. It worked out usually, considering that the familiar was a magical being with vast experience or at least that was the norm. A tinge of worry inserted itself within the young woman.

The trees around them were growing quite large now. Conifers and leafy trees were both mixed together, but moss covered them all. This forest was eerie and silent, but full of wild cacophony at the same time. Wizzing by were pixies and small fairy dragons. Up above flying jungle cats flitted from one tree to another. It was an amazing sight, even for Reseda who had grown up knowing of the existence of these wonderful sights.

Damien once again felt the small bit of worry through their bond and me smiled " So basically I can help you to a certain point and you won't even need me anymore. So don't feel worried I'm not going to leave until I absolutely have to. Damien looked up in amazement as they walked he wasn't even sure dragons existed until several small ones zipped by his head. He looked around and saw fairies fluttering by the water and flying by, he saw the jungle cats jumping tree to tree. He was in absolute awe he couldn't speak it was almost like he couldn't. Though oddly he felt that this would not be the first shock he was in for, he though about it at greater length, smiling so Reseda couldn't see anything he was feeling it was very apparent to him that she could not feel the emotions going through him as he could with her emotions. He was fine with that it simply allowed him time to control himself from doing anything stupid that would upset her. All this time he though these things couldn't possibly exist and now they were sitting right in from of him. What was he going to think afterwords.... But the only thing that bugged him is he would have to fight and he couldn't afford to mess up, but what was he supposed to do, he didn't know how to fight in this and what to do.... he was as good as useless to her right now. He continued walking following right beside her all the same.

Squeezing Damien's hand, she kept moving forward with a silent determination in her eyes. She was setting herself up for his failure against the winged panther who was Bellanca's familiar. Whipping her head around, the young woman realized that she should have probably told him. It was far too late to worry about such things though as the sleek creature landed before them blocking the path. He was enormous, his head reached Reseda's waist as he moved forward and bowed slightly before them. The panther showed only a slight surprise at seeing that Damien would be his challenger. "I must be defeated before the young witch may pass, prepare yourself."

Fear clutched Reseda as she compared the young man with the panther. Really, there was no competition. Damien would be harmed because of her and her inability to do anything right. She really was just a little back water wannabe... It seemed like the forest had silenced itself to see what the outcome of this battle between familiars would be. Not a bird chirped, not a fairy flew by... Not a sound could be heard save the wind trough the trees and the movements of the three upon the path.

Damien glared in silent determination he knew he would get hurt in the process but he moved ahead of Reseda and grabbed a hold of a long metal piece he saw sticking out of the forest ground, he was idly disturbed when he say that it was a sword but it much help him fend off the panther. It was better to try then nothing. He remember just briefly that he had taken lessons with these as a kid in self defence, maybe just maybe he could get Reseda through this. He nodded to the beast passively " Challenge accepted. Let's go..." He felt a little worried, a little scared but adrenaline soon replaced both those feelings and all he could feel was the need to protect her and get her to the next goal, knowing that when he did she would simply gain another familiar as she would get stronger. He swung his Sword into the panther slightly not missing the opportunity to strike him, knowing that soon he would either feel it's claws or be sent flying. He was curious to whether or not the cat knew magic. Knowing his luck...the cat would.

Swiftly the panther ducked down, the blade wizzing above his ragged ears by a few inches. He had to admit, the young man was quick. Slinking forward he growled before launching himself into the air, taking full advantage of the ability to fly he had. The panther's tail whipped back and for from his perch up on the branch. This was a test, nothing more nothing less and he would determine whether or not the girl was worthy.

Reseda watched in horror with wide brown eyes. She was so worried for Damien! A niggling thought crashed into the forefront of her mind. "Damien you can do it!" Reseda said with as much conviction as she could muster. If she didn't believe in Damien, then there was no hope for either of them. Witnessing this, the panther plunged down to land on the young man and rake his claws over him with a loud yowl. This would certainly be an interesting challenge.

Damien cursed and he missed spinning around quickly as the panther jumped down on him, it got his arms slightly but he fended off more serious injuries with his sword sending the creature back a bit. He ignored his injury but all he felt was a constant dripping from his arm. It didn't seem too severely. But he would not dare to take his eyes off his opponent. He heard Reseda cry out in support for him and that lifted his spirits and his confidence more then he thought it would, he took the chance at it while the panther was on the ground, he grabbed some vines from the trees and pounced on the cat, tying him up in restrains he knew would not last long but long enough. He pressed the blade slightly to the cat again this time not missing and pinning the cat down to the floor, he expected at any moment the Panther was going to get up and kill him. He was putting everything he had into protecting Reseda though he knew he could not fight for longer then a few hours like this where as the panther most likely could.

A low rumble came from deep within Nye's chest. It was what passed for a laugh from the panther. He did not struggle, nor did he try to break free. "Well done young man, you have surprised me in the best of ways." Shifting his head, Nye regarded Reseda with his big green eyes. "Your passage has been bought, now go." Shifting around he easily freed himself from the vines and set off on the path to announce their arrival.

A shocked expression crossed Reseda's face, until she turned. Blood ran down a cut on the familiar's shoulder, making the young woman wince in sympathy. Still, she could not stop the joy and elation which grew within her as she moved forward. Carefully the young woman took out a bottle of pure spring water from her bag, as well as cloth and the herbs she would need. While tending the wound she spoke with a flurry of emotions. "Oh Damien, I apologize for ever doubting you! Going trough all this for someone you've just met must be incredibly difficult and yet here you are... I'll never be able to do enough to thank you."

Damien felt dizzy as he was hit with a rush of emotion, he could only pick out joy out of her emotions then the rest were blurred all together. He winced slightly as she poured the water on his arm, he glanced at his arm, woah it was worse then he had thought before. Oh Well he had won and gained Reseda the right to pass, that was all that mattered to him at the moment. The blood loss kind left him light headed but the adrenaline going through his system meant he wouldn't feel it for too much longer. He looked at the women with a slight smirk, knowing she was a tad bit surprised he had won at all, after all why shouldn't she be, he was only human taking on some freaky animal magic talking creatures. Nothing new to her right, she could probably take on the panther by herself if the rules allowed it. He took off his shirt wrapping around his arm to stop the blood loss and then motioned to the path. " I think we should follow the panther now." He smiled once more before taking the lead down the path with the panther, wondering very slightly what it would be like to see yet another witch, a supposed expert to boot.

She was sidetracked for a few seconds at the sight of him with no upper garments. Her eyes widened, but were forced into a more regular state as she nodded. Quickly she moved forward to stand by his side, and offer him support if so was needed. Reseda hoped it was worth it. The young woman almost regretted the fact that she was a witch, it had brought so much harm and troubles to another. "The moment my powers outstrip your abilities to be my familiar, I will be able to summon another. You won't have to go trough this for an impossible amount of time I assure you." The blond was more worried about Damien's health then anything else. The thought of him dead at the hands of some dark being whom she needed to vanquish was beginning to be more then Reseda could bear.