#Witch's Herbal Tea log
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Log Entry #4
Red,
You would not believe the day that I've had. I am mentally exhausted. I need to write all this down. Where do I start?
First thing I did today was go into town with Kosmo to buy food. I wore my fancy coat and put my hair in a ponytail. It makes me look like I have something important to do and people don't bother me. I got bread, potatoes, carrots, honey, and tea. I could get more but I don't have the time to cook nor the patience to learn how.
I got home and put everything away. I then set off with Kosmo to go to the McClain's house. I was not excited. I didn't want to be weird about it. I absolutely was though. I was absolutely freaking out.
I got there and Mrs. McClain was worried because I never go to their house. I told her that everything was fine and that I wanted to talk to someone. I don't think she believed me. She invited me in anyway. I honestly don't know what I expected. Would she not invite me in? Probably not.
She sat me down in the dining room and left to make some tea. In that short time, Veronica came in and asked me how I was doing, Rachel passed through and waved at me, and Nadia skipped in and asked where Kosmo was. She then left to go pet him. She's such an energetic little girl, I wonder how they get her to sit still.
The McClain family truly amazes me sometimes. Anyway, Mrs. McClain came back with a pot of tea, apple slices, and honey. I keep telling her that I don't need her to put effort into our interactions but she won't listen. I don't see why she does things like cutting apples or even making tea. It really doesn't matter. Infact, it makes it worse because I don't want to be ungrateful and not eat the food but if I eat to much, then I'm taking advantage of her hospitality.
We talk for a bit. I think it was around noon at this point. Lance stumbled in, looking dazed. It was as if he just woke up. I didn't exactly recognize him but he's the only McClain that I haven't seen and he perfectly matches his mother's description. He yawned and looked around until he saw me and I thought I was going to die. Nothing happened but he looked at me for longer than someone normally would as if trying to recognize why a stranger was having tea with his mom. Completely reasonable, honestly. It still freaked me out though.
What happened next was so confusing. He called me "That boy from the hospital" and asked me how I was doing since I left the hospital. How the hell does he know me from the hospital? I didn't say anything so he kept talking and asked me where I'd been. He said that he hadn't seen me in ages. Again, what the hell? I have no memory of even seeing him. How does he remember me? It's been about 5 years since I've worked with Shiro, in the hospital. He seemed a little offended that I didn't remember our interactions.
Also, apparently his family has been refusing to tell him my name or current occupation which is funny. I would do that to Shiro if he didn't already know everybody.
Anyway, Lance sat down next to me and had an apple which I didn't mind and Mrs. McClain luckily didn't scold him for. I hate when people get in trouble when I'm around. It makes everything awkward. But Lance just sat there and Mrs. McClain told him that I was here as a guest so he should be mindful. She then continued our conversation.
It was hard but I managed to bring up my possible need for an assistant which confused Lance a lot. He still somehow didn't piece together that I'm a witch. Mrs. McClain laughed which scared me because I don't know if she's laughing at how stupid the situation is, how stupid I am, or some silly little thing in her head.
Anyway, Lance finally learned that I'm a witch and volunteered. Yeah, I'm screwed. It was at that point that I realized that I hadn't thought this through. I was committed now. I'm going to have to work with this boy who apparently knows me.
Also, he definitely doesn't live close enough to me to do the job. It's an hour's walk and judging based off today, he wouldn't get here until after I would actually need him. I'll have to make a deal with Allura for him to stay at her inn.
I stayed at the McClain's a little bit longer but I left pretty quickly. As in, I stayed for 15 minutes then left before my ability to be social left without me.
That interaction was so stressful. Sadly, I'm going to have to do that more because I just decided that I needed somebody to help me. I really am an idiot sometimes.
After I went home, I was productive and made some potions (finally). It was a nice destresser. When I make potions, it feels natural. If only talking to people felt like that.
Here are the potions I made today:
Hunk's 5 fire potions
Farmer's 5 plant growth potions
#omg this was so hard to write#sorry if it gets a little hazy at the end#I like to pretend that that's Keith's anxiety kicking in and screwing with how detailed his memory is#oh well#voltron#keith voltron#keith kogane#vld keith#klance#vld lance#lance voltron#lance mcclain#witch's herbal tea#Witch's Herbal Tea log
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Winter Solstice Masterpost - Spoonie Witch Friendly
The Winter Solstice typically lands around December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (June 21st for the Southern Hemisphere).
Celebrates the arrival of the longest night, and the light returning after that.
The Winter Solstice is celebrated throughout history in many cultures. Traditional customs such as the burning of the symbolic log, the decorated tree, and wassailing.
Correspondences
Colours
Dark Green
Orange
Red
Gold and silver
White
Black
Blue
Herbal
Bay
Blessed Thistle
Frankincense
Chamomile
Peppermint
Rosemary
Lemongrass
Myrrh
Ginger
Cinnamon
Cardamom
Cloves
Nutmeg
Saffron
Pine
Cedar
Holly
Mistletoe
Cypress
Edibles
Citrus Fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc)
Root Vegetables
Baked goods
Roasted meat
Nuts
Dried Fruit
Stews
Soups
Pomegranates
Gingerbread
Cinnamon or berry breads, cookies, cakes, etc
Solstice log (edible version)
Cranberries
Apples
Eggnog
Hot chocolate
Mulled wine
Wassail
Mead
Spiced apple cider
Tea
Coffee
Animals
Deer
Bear
Goat
Reindeer
Robins
Pig
Cow
Goose
Owl
Fox
Squirrel
Any animal that hibernates
Crystals
Ruby
Orange calcite
Garnet
Amethyst
Clear quartz
Gold
Emerald
Diamond
Bloodstone
Green Calcite
Spiritual meanings & intentions
Rest
Goal setting
Gratitude
Peace
Beginning
Renewal
Kindness
Ritual
shadow work
Rumination and reflection
Self-care
Personal development
Divination work
Rejuvenation
Healing
Embracing the darkness
Solitude
Slumber
Celebrating with family and loved ones
Need some suggestions to celebrate? I got you covered.
High energy celebrations
Feasting with the folk
Homestead decoration
Creation of a symbolic log (to eat or burn)
Making a wreath
Volunteer/charity work
Creation of a solstice altar
Decorating a solstice tree
Renewal ritual
Low energy celebrations
Snow water
Making herbal fire starters
Lighting a candle for ancestors
Singing/humming
Mug cakes or easy bake cookies
No spoon celebrations
Thanking/writing gratitude
Company of loved ones
Eating premade desserts
Listening to music
How you celebrate the holiday does not matter. You can choose to do any activity that feels right. These are only suggestions and remember that you’re enough no matter what.
#Winter Solstice#winter solstice celebration#Winter Solstice correspondences#Winter Solstice magic#chronic illness#witchcraft#witch#spoonie witch#Wheel of the Year#sabbats#spoonie magic#pagan holidays
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the signs as fall aesthetics 🍂
CAPRICORN. black coffee, naps in the middle of the day, the sound of wind chimes, harvest festivals, smoke after blowing out a candle, skeletons, the first day of school, the smell of nutmeg & sugar.
AQUARIUS. blue skies, crisp fall air, cotton candy at the fair, scarecrows, crunching leaves beneath boots, pumpkin spice, the smell of fresh coffee.
PISCES. maple syrup, the warm sun on a cool day, baking sugar cookies, oversized sweaters, a warm scarf, making s’mores over a fire.
ARIES. cinnamon, hot toddy’s, cold morning dew on grass, caramel apples, hot chocolate, hazelnut candles, bats, halloween costumes, farmers markets.
TAURUS. hot herbal tea, a breeze of wind picking up leaves, wool blankets, hayrides, a fire that’s almost burnt out, fresh apple pie, boot socks, early morning fog.
GEMINI. children laughing while trick-or-treating, oversized lollipops, fair rides, caramel covered popcorn, apple cider, a full moon, fairy lights, candy corn.
CANCER. glittery pumpkin decorations, patterned tights, pumpkin spice lattes, thanksgiving food, friday night football games, long-sleeve dresses, gold necklaces, vanilla scented perfume, hot cinnamon candy.
LEO. the crackle of a burning log, jumping into a pile of leaves, combat boots, pumpkin spice candles, the sound of thunder behind fog, dusk, the feeling of a warm drink in cold hands.
VIRGO. the first day of fall, carving pumpkins, the smell of old books, oversized flannel, black cats, the smell of mens cologne, corn mazes, halloween masks, apple bobbing, distant laughing at the state fair.
LIBRA. lavender incense, opening the windows on a cool windy day, messy hair, fuzzy socks, bright colored cardigans, oatmeal cookies, diy halloween costumes, misty evenings, roasting marshmallows.
SCORPIO. haunted houses, bats flying in groups, vintage horror movies, vampires, dark lipstick, witches, halloween night, heated blankets, watching the craft while eating halloween candy, the smell of fresh pumpkin pie.
SAGITTARIUS. extra caramel in coffee, lit up jack-o-lanterns on porches, the smell of a campfire, red cheeks and noses, wearing wool hats, board games, fresh pancakes in the morning, coraline, watching scary movies with friends.
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read on ao3
The Great Hall is a menacing thing when one sits in it alone.
The Wolves have already turned in for the night, after some leftover venison and a hand of cards. Ciri had been dozing during dinner, her plate mostly untouched, a few stray bruises dotting her pale skin from the early training Geralt had walked her through during the day. They’d left before everyone else, murmuring goodnights and disappearing down the dark hallway.
The leaves at the bottom of Jaskier’s cup are shapeless. They could be an ox, or a cloud, or quite simply the remnants of the herbal tea a shopkeeper had given him a discount for — he’s not sure. He’s never been good with omens.
Never been good with warning signs.
He clears his throat, rough after so much time of keeping quiet. He needs to stoke the fire, the embers glowing bright in the hearth still, but he'll let it die.
He always does.
The poker rests on the stone wall next to the fireplace, the occasional pop of the logs painting it iron red. But his chair is too far away from it, and he'd rather save his breath.
Good taste in chairs, the Wolves of Kaer Morhen. He’ll have to give it to them — for all the keep lacks in decor and general homey-ness, the furniture inside it is sturdy and well-kept. Comfortable beds and thick cushions, the wool inside them refilled with every winter that comes.
“Bard,” he hears a voice say, and oh Gods, was he actually thinking about chairs?
Is this how boring he’s become?
He turns his gaze over to the hallway, where Yennefer is standing.
“Witch,” he says, but there’s no heat to it.
Not anymore.
Because her hair is down and she’s wearing her nightclothes as she pads across the floor — the ones that belonged to him once, his soft, worn cotton shirt with the stain and his soft, worn sleeping trousers with buttercups sewn into the pockets.
They don’t fit her quite right. The shirt is too wide and the trousers too loose, and she has to tie a bow at the back of them to keep them from falling down.
They fit her just perfect.
“It’s late,” she says, looking down at where Jaskier has curled up on himself on the armchair, a book forgotten on his lap and a threadbare blanket pooling around his ankles.
“It is,” he replies. He places the book on the table by his side, lifts the blanket a little bit.
Yen takes it as the invitation it is.
She tucks herself into his side. One leg thrown over his lap, one leg under herself, hands resting on Jaskier’s belly, where she knows it’s warm. Her nose is cold when it touches his neck.
He looks down at his cup.
“What do you see in my tea?”
Yennefer laughs. “Am I a hedgewitch now?”
“Well, I don’t know,” Jaskier tells her, scrunching up his nose. “Maybe. Didn’t you cover fortune-telling in that noble institution of yours?”
“There is no such thing as fortune-telling.”
“Well, tell that to the lady with the thousand birds in a tent last year who told me she sensed danger in my future,” he says, matter-of-fact. “And who told me not to play with fire.”
Yen snorts. “I could’ve told you that.”
“And yet you didn’t.”
They can laugh about it now.
Yennefer is humming something under her breath, a simple melody. She always is, Jaskier has learned. Always half-singing, forgotten lyrics from her past, from her present. Her voice is low when she lets herself be heard, mellow in a way Jaskier’s isn’t.
His thumb rubs on the chipped edge of the cup.
“A bird,” she says into the empty room.
Jaskier turns to look at her.
“I see a bird,” she says simply. “A little sparrow.”
He looks at the remnants of his tea sticking to the bottom of his cup. He turns it around in his hands. “I don’t see it.”
Yen clicks her tongue. “Of course you don’t.” She takes the cup from his hands. “You’re holding it wrong.”
She holds it out for him to see. “There.”
There, in the middle of cracked ceramic lines, sits a little sparrow, tea-leaf wings wrapped around itself.
“He looks cold.”
Yen hums.
He looks at her again. “What does it mean?”
Dusk-colored eyes meet his. They’re warm. Calm. Crinkled at the corners by the smile curled on her lips. “I don’t know,” she says. “Love. Warmth. Happiness. Could be anything— I used to cut class in Aretuza.”
Jaskier huffs a laugh. “Most powerful sorceress in the Continent, can’t even tell my fortune right.”
But he takes her into his arms. Presses a kiss to her hair. Doesn’t tease her when she lets out a long sigh in the crook of his neck, her favorite place to hide.
They stay together for a while, pressing warmth into one another, fluttering hearts mirroring each other's rhythm. The fire hisses from time to time as it dies its slow death, and Jaskier watches every splinter turn into ash.
"You could be right, you know."
"Mm?"
He cards his fingers through her hair, and she lets him. She always does. "Love. Warmth. Happiness." He smoothes out a knot. "I could have that."
She pulls back slowly, as if his arms will leave her shoulders if she moves too fast. As if he could ever leave her.
Her gaze is tender. Sincere.
"Maybe I already do."
She smiles. "Maybe you do."
Her hair is slightly disheveled, but he doesn't tell her. Instead, he presses a kiss to her forehead, endlessly gentle, and feels her lips touch his cheek in return.
“Let’s go to bed," she tells him, eyes tired.
The hall is darker now that the fire has burned down. Gently, he places the cup with the round sparrow on the table next to the chair, and looks into lilac skies one last time.
"Okay," he whispers, and lets himself be led to their room.
#mywriting#yennskier#i need them to be warm. i need them to be gentle with each other.#i need them to go to sleep (apparently)#twn spoilers#the witcher season 2
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Forms of Witchcraft
•Dolls and Poppets
Poppets are the English terms for what movies call a ‘voodoo doll’. Voodoo doll is a misnomer, and does nothing for either poppets or Haitian magic.
Poppets can be used for a couple of things – mainly either cursing or healing. This doesn’t always have to be physical curses/cures – poppets can also be used to influence thought patterns.
Dolls can also be used to provide homes for Spirits, or used to create guardians. You can also use a doll as a scapegoat to prevent a curse from latching onto you.
•Shrinemaking
Shrine making is less a way to create a defined outcome, and more a way of pleasing Spirits who you may later want to call upon. It’s kinda like taking your new neighbours a pie, in case you ever need them to watch the house whilst you’re away. The pie is an overture to a friendly relationship, not direct payment for the house sitting. However, if you just blundered into their garden one day and offered them £100 to watch the house, they’d probably tell you to get lost. Randomly calling up Spirits, Saint or Deities can have the same effect. I mean, would you help someone get a job if they just banged on your door and waved some incense at you? Get your local Spirits pies. Find out what scents, and objects, and offerings that they like. Keep the land around you clean, and pick up after other people if you can. Use your vote and your money to protect the land from logging and fracking. Build a dedicated ‘meeting space’ where you call up Spirits, and fill it full of pictures of them or things they like. It pays dividends in the future.
Shrinemaking can also be used to help bless and protect your home and land. By connecting with the other Spirits that are there, you solidify the relationship, and can work together against intruders.
•Bottles and Jars
Witch bottles (or spell jars) are fun, easy ways to create a variety of effects. As a spell base, they can be effective for:
* money
* love
* friendship
* animal work
* protection
Some people define a witch bottle as strictly the traditional version which is used as a scapegoat, and call other spells involving bottles and jars ‘spell jars’. Some people use the term witch bottle to encompass all magics involving jars.
You can learn about all types of bottle magic in the free course which you can sign up for below!
•Candles
Candle magic is a much more modern form of magic than you’d think – especially if we’re talking coloured candles. Candles were very precious objects in the past! However, it was not an unusual item to have, like a hunk of crystal or fairy doll, which is why they became an item to use for undetected witchcraft – like brooms, and cauldrons.
As candles have got cheaper and cheaper and less needed to be used for lighting, much more forms and types of magic have sprung up around them. With the addition of coloured waxes or painted candles, the sorts of magic you can do with candles has grown exponentially.
Candles are a subset of fire magic and therefore are fantastic for banishing, but they are often the beginners tool of choice. It’s easy to understand why – easy to get hold of, easy to use, and there’s as much fancy ritual needed as you feel inclined to give it.
When you want to expand your knowledge, you can still stick with candles – but investigate the use of oils, herbs and crystals in conjunction with candles.
•Crystals and Rocks
Crystals and rocks are often used as ‘ingredients’ in other spells. They are very easy to add to bottles, pouches, dolls and more. However, you can also use crystals in spell work solely on their own by adding them to your pillow, till, money box, plant pot, etc.
Their use goes much further than this, but that enters the realm of energy healing which is a part of many traditions and is a very dedicated and intensive practice all by itself, and too much to explain here.
Air
You can utilize the powers of air in a lot of ways. It’s usually good for cleansing spells – think sweeping with a ritual broom, burning incense (smoke=air, not fire), ringing bells or playing bowls, singing, using flags and wheels. Air methods tend to return quick results.
Earth
Earth brings slow results, but they tend to be larger. Earth practices include enchanting seeds that will bring you money as they grow, burying offerings in the Earth, making vessels and spells out of clay, or writing spells in the mud.
Fire
Fire can bring things into your life, but is much better used to get rid of them – for beginners, anyway. If there is anything in your life that you wish to get rid of, you can write or draw a representation of it and cast it into the fire to remove it.
Water
Water can take the longest time to bring you what you need. However, think of water pounding against a rock. Drips of water became rivers, became waterfalls. Water can often bring you the biggest results, but it may take a long time.
Water spells can include potions (see below), but can also include ritual baths, leaving offers in water, or giving up bad energy or habits to the ocean.
•Bones
Bones are a contentious subject in witchcraft. Some people will never use them, some people’s practice is not complete without them. You can actually get bones in an ethical manner, by either cleaning up roadkill yourself or paying someone to do it for you, or literally keeping the bones from your dinner!
Some uses for bones are:
* Telling the future (casting bones or lots)
* Housing the Spirit of the animal so you can work with them
* Form parts of wands or ritual jewellery or headresses
* Ingredients in pouches
Tarot, Runes and Ogham
You can use all of these fortune telling tools in spells, too! You can choose one of them that has a characteristic or represents an outcome that you’d like. So if you wanted a new job, you might choose the Ace of Pentacles. Then you could do any one of the following with it:
* Use it to focus a candle spell
* Add it to a pouch or bag spell
* Add it to a jar spell
* Use it in lieu of a sigil
* Make a vision board around it
* Even burn it! (You can get single Tarot cards for this purpose on eBay.)
•Potions and Elixirs
Potion Magic used to be a lot more popular. Whilst elixirs, tisanes and tea blends are still popular for use on yourself, the masses of recipes of potions, philtres and similar recipes have all but died out. That’s because a lot of potion magic is only to be used in desperate circumstances, like love potions and curses. The reason so many old fashioned love potions are beyond creepy and controlling is that woman’s husband was her meal ticket. If he left her, not only would she be blamed, but she would be out of a house, food and her own family probably wouldn’t take her in. She had shamed them all. (Often through no actual fault of her own.) She was literally facing public humiliation, being outcast, perhaps even starving to death – and sometimes her children along with here.
So dousing a lover or husband’s food with love potion made a lot more sense then, than it does now.
Thankfully, most of us don’t live in those circumstances any more, so a lot of philtre or potion use has died out. However, there are still some amazing things you can make to ingest yourself:
* Tea blends
* Tisanes (herbals teas)
* Bath spells
* Lunar or solar water
* Herbal Oils
Spoken Magic
Spoken Magic can be long and complicated, or very short. It doesn’t have to rhyme (but it can) it doesn’t have to flow like poetry (but it can). You can use spoken incantation to help direct energy when you’re using other methods, but you can also use it on it’s own.
Some examples of spoken magic:
* Affirmations
* Words of power
* Singing
* Ritual Offerings
* Wishes
You can even banish Spirit’s solely through your voice. Shouting ‘Leave!’ with the correct intention can be very powerful.
•Written Magic
Written magic has existed since we could write. Many cultures view writing AS magic. Think about it – 26 (or thereabouts, depends on your alphabet) tiny squiggles can become anything when placed in the right order. Dumbledore was right about the power of words.
Written magic can include:
* Petitions to Spirits
* Magic squares
* Words of power or protection
* Wishes
* Tattoos
* Rune work
Bag and Pouch Magic
There is all kinds of bag magic – from mojo bags, to more modern spell envelopes. The main idea behind bag or pouch magic is that keeping a carefully curated selection of objects together for a certain time period will produce the effects that you want. A lot of bag magic produces indefinite spells provided they are charged. Such bags usually grant the wearer protection, prosperity, luck or good health. However, there are bag magics wear a specific time limited spell is wanted – invisibility spells, hex breakers and the like.
•Enchantments and Glamours
Enchantment covers a variety of spell types, but theme of the spells are pretty much the same. Enchantment covers a lot of the old folklore kind of witchcraft – hidden worlds, changing age, changing into different animals and so on.
Enchanting something fools the viewer into believing something is there when it is not, or isn’t there when it is, or is something completely different.
Think of the Harry Potter scene where Hermione explains that the ceiling of the Great Hall isn’t a real sky, it’s just enchanted to look that way.
Real enchantment can be done for fun, but they can also be useful pieces of magic. You can enchant jewelry, clothes or makeup to bestow certain personality traits upon you. You can enchant your witchy items to look normal if you’re fearful of discovery. The possibilities are just about endless.
#grimoire#witchcraft#book of spells#wicca#book of shadows#witch#spell book#witches journal#magic book#pagan#black magic#black spells#witchy#witchy spells#beginner witch#witchblr#witchtober
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My Hopes for This Blog
I have been a witch for a decade now. For me that means making herbal remedies, charging and wearing crystals, and occasionally urging Loki to help me dump some random snow in the middle of the north west just for giggles.
I wouldn't say I'm a great witch though. I go long periods without doing anything witchcraft related, before looking up and realizing a full moon is out. Even then, half my spells and rituals are put together in a hurried frenzy.
So this year to keep me motivated, I want to post all my witchy antics on here.
Ramblings about Crystals, tea, and plants. Pictures of cats, and logs, and butterflies. Literally smelling the roses with a chai in my hands.
There is magic all around us everyday. I greet the hawks on my way into school. I take notice of the plants that are flourishing. I make a lot of crafts with cat hair forever imbedded into them.
One of the things I love about witch craft is there are many ways to try and tackle the same problem. If one doesn't work, throw some more herbs in a bowl and light another candle, we'll call the girls and throw the kitchen sink at it.
Witch craft has also turned me onto interesting new recipes that would have never graced my humble kitchen otherwise. New herbal teas to add to my already bursting pantry of tea mixtures.
Not to mention all the ways it's opened my eyes up to skin and hair care (I dye my hair crazy colors constantly, so it's important to me).
Then there is glamour magic and ritual baths which are warm scented and make me feel beautiful.
There's candle magic, astrological magic, blood magic and soo much more. So if you're interested in checking out my recipes, rituals, and ramblings feel free to check out the latest posts from my blog.
If your looking for me to address something specific, shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do from my local little woods. I do take all the pictures myself.
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Some basic info on Yule 🎄
Starts on the winter solstice, and is typically either celebrated for 3 days afterward or until the end of December
It marks the beginning of the [northern european] pagan calendar and symbolizes rebirth of the sun. It’s a time of hope, caring, and renewal. Modern day Christmas is largely based on this holiday
Correspondences
Feelings/spellcraft: Peace, harmony, love, increased happiness, renewal, hope, family, hearth, healing, reflection, new beginnings
Plants: Evergreen trees, mistletoe, pine cones, holly, frankincense, myrrh
Flowers: Poinsettias, mistletoe, pine, holly
Herbs: Bayberry, blessed thistle, evergreen, frankincense, holly, laurel, mistletoe, oak, pine, sage, yellow cedar, chamomile, ginger, juniper, rosemary, wintergreen
Incense: Pine, cedar, bayberry, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, orange, ginger, juniper
Animals: Bear, deer, owl, penguin, dove, reindeer, wolf, squirrel
Colors: Red, green, gold, white, silver, yellow, orange
Crystals: Ruby, bloodstone, garnet, emerald, diamond, citrine, clear quartz
Foods: Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, winter vegetables (squash), herbal tea, mulled wine, cranberry sauce, mince pie, gingerbread, cookies, pork/ham, eggnog, ‘lamb’s wool,’ plum pudding, apple cider, rum, pears, fruitcake, chocolate
Traditions / Rituals
Yule log
Yule candle
Affirmation bonfire
Crafting with others
Witch balls
Hanging mistletoe
Hanging wreaths at doors
Decorating trees
Feasting
Exchanging presents
Cleaning out your space
Donating
#grimoire#pagan#wiccan#paganism#wicca#witchcraft#witch#witches#witch holiday#holiday#christmas#yule#yuletide#witch community#eclectic witch#Solitary witch#winter celebrations#winter holidays#winter solstice
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I’m almost finished giving everyone in Belladonna Cove a medieval makeover!
The holdout is Jessica Peterson, because so far it has proven difficult to get her moved into the church properly, but I thiiiiink I got everyone else. Still slow going on building lots, but I’m alternating between lots and makeovers for maximum fun, so I’ll move on to dressing up everyone in Desiderata Valley while I’m still building homes in BDC.
First, Carlos Contender, who has moved in with his niece’s family. I’ll use his money to help make sure they can buy their hedge tavern, then send all the excess to the church.
Jason Cleveland. I think I’m going to have the Cleveland family own the local food market.
Marissa Cleveland. I could only do so much about her heavily-sculpted face, but I really like this vest matching her base game outfit.
And Justin Cleveland, looking rather dashing.
...I can never remember which Cordial sister is which, but I thiiiiiink this one is Kimberly. First in the sim list, and the one clearly set up to be an evil witch with her clothing.
The other Cordial sister, let’s call her Samantha. I’m planning to have the Cordial sisters officially run some kind of herbal tea shop, with a back room that sells magical ingredients and potions. Although I haven’t decided yet what happens if/when they both get married; maybe I’ll make sure one of them marries a nice college man and keep the family name.
Geoff Rutherford, a Gentry who is going to have to hustle to find a good wife among those available, not that he’s in any hurry to be tied down...
And Connor Weir, who definitely feels greater concern and responsibility regarding the whole “find a wife and start a family” matter. I’m planning to have Connor move out and have his own home, but I think I’ll sell off all the furnishings first just to maximize the funds to split.
I also built a Town Well lot, which might not have followed the guidelines exactly but I’m pretty happy with it. It features a functional well, fishing pond, toad and duck spawners, reeds, a beehive-spawning log, one Giving Tree, harvestable herbs, berries, and mushrooms, a bench for sims to relax, a chess table, a knife-throwing board, and a designated bathroom shrub in the far corner. It has not been tested, and I forgot to cover up the road and sidewalk, but I feel I did a fairly good job of sprinkling in some assorted harvestables and entertainment without going overboard.
I hope to place some sort of Meadows lot with lots of harvestables and spawners, and the village green next to it to get it looking a little less sparse around the edges; although Belladonna Cove is, according to my plan, heavier on flowers and herbs than trees anyway.
I also think I’ve figured out what to do with Alexandra Teatherton--since she’s a peasant anyway, she didn’t have to be shipped off to the church immediately, and she’s welcome to fend for herself or get remarried as she pleases. However, if she really wants to be a pirate, she will have to 1. earn her freedom fees for the right to move to a port town, in this case Bluewater Village, 2. wait for her chosen port town to earn and place a dock community lot (which, in BWV, will NOT be among the last, maybe a level 2 or 3 lot), 3. either earn the value of a (downloaded) ship lot herself (...which might also require her to become a merchant), reach an agreement with a noble wherein they purchase a ship and she works on it and the noble keeps the profits, OR something something criminals I haven’t figured this out yet but I really need a less-than-legal route to a ship to really make proper pirates. Eh, I’ll think about it. Right now, I’m just excited that I’m almost ready to makeover Desiderata Valley--and after that, Pleasantview.
(...I have a carefully planned play order designed to prevent long stretches of less-interesting hoods between the original three. It goes Belladonna Cove, Downtown (if any), Desiderata Valley, Pleasantview, Sim State University (if placed), Bluewater Village, Strangetown, La Fiesta Tech (if placed), Riverblossom Hills, Veronaville, Academie le Tour (if placed). I think the slightly shuffled around bin families, the theme in general, and the specialties I have planned for each subhood will go a long way toward making each subhood interesting in its own right, though. Especially rebuilding the lots in DV, those lots suck.)
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Then the witch came
The war was won.
Our lord’s lands were now leagues larger.
The neighboring village was now part of my country too. They didn’t seem to happy about that, and they didn’t have anything to sell us anymore, but our lord was happy.
The harvest was okay the following year, all things considered. Our festival came and went, and it was, well,it was what it was.
Then the witch came.
She had been spotted crossing the northern border, heralding an army of the dead. Shambling hordes of zombies and skelettons clads in the armor of my country.
They said wherever she went, destruction followed, and dozens of villages had fallen to her clutches.
Somehow, I wasn’t afraid. I had too much to worry about. Old Martha had been sick. I had to take care of her and her calf. And my chickens were restless these days, it seemed like everytime I took my eyes of them they were either fighting or trying to run away.
---
I can’t say I was surprised when she reached us.
I don’t know why I went up to the village gates. I think it was because one of the guards was sick, and I’m okay with a bow. The witch walked towards our gates, demanding safe passage. Of course, the chieftain refused. He gave us the order to shoot.
So I took aim, peered down the walls, and saw a glint of gold.
I couldn’t shoot.
---
The battle wasn’t even a battle. The undead were far too many. Everyone fled.
But I couldn’t. As the dead marched inside the village, I got down the stairs. I started walking between them. For some reason, they didn’t grab me, but at that moment, I didn’t care about that. The only thing that stopped me was her voice.
“Who are you?”
I turned to the .voice, and there she was. A slender figure in flowing dark robes. A wide brimmed hat protected her porcelain skin from the assaults of the sun, and she walked with the help of a staff, gripping the front of her robe with her damaged hand. I stood aghast in front of the stunning figure, gazing upon these hands, full of little cuts and calluses, then I raised my head to peer into her obsidian eyes. She must have lost what little patience she had, because she changed her question.
“Why didn’t you shoot?”
I blinked a few times, raising my arm to point at a soldier among the others. A puppet without strings that had been walking towards me for a while now. At it’s neck, a golden medalion. I'd have recognized it among countless others, and I did, as I’d made it myself from foreign coins a traveller had once gifted us when he was sleeping in our home.
I realised, as I remembered this, that I still had not really answered her.
“She’s my daughter.”
The witch’s expression did not change. My daughter walked past me like I wasn’t even there, her good luck charm tapping with every step against her mail. I could only stand there, staring in awe, fear, and defeat. My daughter was finally home. The Witch left me standing there, walking towards the village’s exit, following the horde.
---
It had been three days since I’d started following them. I’m still not sure why. I think I needed just needed that.
And by “that” I mean making my way towards our realm’s capital with an evergrowing army of the undead. Don’t judge me, please, what could I do, run away and abandon my daughter? Fight and be cut down by her skinless hand?
At first, I’d tried to understand, but after three days I found myself even more confused than I did on our meeting. Not once had I seen the witch raise the dead. They simply popped out of the ground, grabbing their weapons cast in rust and dirt, and walked. Some were skeletal civilians that had been caught in the war, or the rotting carcasses of these who died to the sickness that all wars bring, but most of them were soldiers from both our realm and our neighbor. At first, we were little more than seventy, but as we moved from village to village, as the living fled in abject terror, we soon grew to hundreds of walking heralds of doom.
---
After a week I was not the only living one there anymore. We found each other, quite confused and lost, but then called ourselves the Followers, as a joke. I’d found that jokes like these help with anything. Most of our stories where the same. Parents, siblings, some teachers and even some children who had recognized a face, a scabbard, a scarf, an axe that a loved one had brought into battle and never brought back. There even was one decrepit bog hag, clad in dirt and rags. Man, old Marie was the best. She made the best soups.
As we talked, I got my first news of the outside. Our lord was in a panic, he tried everything to stop us, but his army was in shambles, no one dared oppose us. I also learned that the neighboring kind had perished at the hand of this army.
I wasn’t sure how to feel about that, so I confronted the Witch.
It was a cold afternoon and she sat on a log as the undead wandered aimlessly. She had donned a warm cloak, and next to her was a pot of herbal tea. She offered me a cup.
“I did not kill him.”
I had not asked, but she must have heard us talking about it. I simply sat next to her. Her eyes were lost in the horizon, where we now could see the capital’s shadown in the faraway mists. As I sipped her bitter brew, I decided to ask a question anyway.
“Why do you do this?”
The wind was blowing. A few birds took off as the undead seemed to walk with purpose again. For a second, it seemed like she was going to answer, but all she said was.
“We have to go.”
And that was that.
---
Three of us died at the gates. The walls were too high for the dead to simply overrun. We were hesitant at first, and I don’t know why, but I understood at this moment. So I repeated her words.
“We have to go.”
And that was that. They followed me as I installed lader. Boiling oil and naphta got two of us, and an arrow got a thid, but, thanks to some weird brew of Marie’s, we were feeling like lions that day.
Two more died in the streets as we tried to herd the stampeding citizens out of the way of the army, but we kept on.
A constable got a hold of Marie as she was tending to our wounds, and beat her to a pulp.
I can still hear his screams of terror as me, another follower and few of the dead swarmed him.
This was the only time I’d ever harmed anyone.
---
Here we were now, in the throne room. I had never seen our lord in person. His paintings had been quite lenient in regards to the multiple marks of inbreeding his body displayed.
He cursed us and the dead as they marched towards him. His pretorian guard fought bravely, but they were crushed under our numbers.
It was my daughter who drove the spear into his guts.
And that was that.
Time stood still as the undead suddenly all stopped into their track. A wind blew from the sky, running through the dead, and as it blew, their bodies fell to ashes, scattering across the land, and I hope, back to their home.
The witch fell to her knees, but I caught her, steadying her.
“I don’t know who you are. I don’t know who they are. I only know they brought me here.”
And that’s all she said, as the Witch and us, her Followers, stood in the middle of the gilded palace of the tyrant.
We had been saved by our dead. I cursed myself for being so blind, so complacent.
So as you read these lines, friend, know this: our land was saved one day by the dead, but they woke from their slumber only because we, as a people, were asleep, and dreams are not what slays tyrants.
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Lance diary entry #1
Hey Blue,
So it's been a bit but I'm here to make up for that. I have some exciting news.
So there's this boy who used to work at the hospital. I don't remember him much but we did talk. I think he drew me a picture but I can't find it. He left the hospital a very long while ago. I haven't seen him around in about 5 years.
My family refuses to even tell me his name. I know they know him but it's impossible to get a single word out of them. I've been calling him hospital boy for 5 years.
Anyway, I woke up really late today because Veronica lost a bet and has to do my chores for the week. I come into the dining room and there's hospital boy having tea with my mom. Immediately I feel underdressed. Nobody told me that we'd have a guest. What made me feel even more underdressed was what he was wearing. He looked like he was dressed up to go to a party or something. That was pretty confusing.
I tried to talk to him but he was really quiet so I just sat down and stole apples off the plate. He stuttered a lot when he talked. It's not important but it's rude to say to his face and I need to tell someone or else the thought will never escape my mind.
Remember how I told you something exciting happened today? Yeah well I met the witch. The witch that makes the potions. The potions that keep me healthy. That witch. He also happens to be hospital boy.
My family is evil.
Anyway, turns out that he needs an assistant. In short, I'm starting a new job as a witch's assistant next week. Exciting.
#writing this killed me#I hope you enjoy#voltron#vld lance#lance voltron#lance mcclain#witch's herbal tea#vld keith#klance#Witch's Herbal Tea log
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Diary of a Junebug
A magically spooky adventure in the woods
Pippa and Mariposa are back at the camp for a magical adventure! Angie and Willow are with us as well, making it the first of hopefully many fun camping trips for Team Magic. Hopefully next time Luna and Skully - and maybe even Cassie, in an unexpected turn of events.
After having a great time during her first gyroid adventure, Pippa wanted to design her own gyroid themed furniture so she and Daisy Jane have been working on that for the past few months. Then Mariposa got involved with planning the event and it went from a fun scavenger hunt in the campsite to an all out adventure in the Moonlit Woods! So along with collecting gyroids we're also collecting trinkets and herbs for Luna and Skully since the woods are full of them during this time of year.
It's also a good excuse to explore this area since we rarely go out this far. Tom Nook warned us that the Moonlit Woods can be tricky to navigate, which is why I've been kinda avoiding that spot. There's still a lot of places outside the camp we have yet to explore and now that I've gotten familiar with the camping grounds after three years of living here, it's time to venture into the unknown.
I'm glad that Pippa's enjoying the camp. Since she and Almie first made the trip here Almie had been saying that being out here has lifted up her spirits a lot. Visiting the camp, training with Luna, and becoming friends with Mariposa, Angie, and Willow has helped her come out of her shell a lot. Things have been looking bright for her - she's doing well in school, her latest blood work is promising, and she's learning more and more about her magic every day.
Mariposa's the one who brought Team Magic together. Pippa and Angie were sort of loners, Willow part of the popular crowd, and Mariposa's the new kid in town. In the short time she's been in Rosevine, Mariposa has shaken things up for Luna and the gang in ways they never expected. She and Pippa haven't known each other for long but it seems like they've been friends forever!
A lot has happened since I last saw them at Emmaline and Minnie's wedding. Luna and Cassie have reached a truce so now they're trying to reconcile. The gyroid event happened to be perfect timing as Mariposa and the others felt it was best to give the sisters some space and privacy. No one really knows how they feel about Cassie but they're willing to hear her out, especially since she willingly threw away everything she worked hard to help Luna, Skully, and Mariposa. Cassie always struck me as someone who wants to bring out the best in others but at the same time won't hesitate to walk all over them to get ahead.
Angie's been coming out of her shell too. Now she's been doing some training with Luna and her magic has tremendously improved. She and Pippa were the kind of friends who mainly stuck together because they didn't fit in anywhere else. It's not that they didn't get along but they were just kinda shoved to the side and ignored by everyone else. Then Mariposa came along and they became notorious for getting caught up in magical shenanigans. It's good to see her perform spells with confidence!
Willow was an unexpected surprise. She comes from a powerful family so she and her siblings carry the weight of their family name. Before Mariposa came along Willow wasn't exactly friendly towards Pippa and Angie. She didn't antagonize them like some of her friends did but more like gave them the cold shoulder and walked all over them for her own personal gain. Turns out that she and Mariposa started off on the wrong note because Willow felt threatened by her. But after a few more missteps Willow grew to like her, and in turn she made amends with Angie and Pippa.
If the timing of the gyroid event wasn't already good, the fact that Willow's parents are out of town is even better. If her parents were home, they probably wouldn't let her come out here. Good thing Emmy and Eddie aren't strict, plus they like Mariposa so they're more than happy to let their baby sister go out on a week long camping trip, even if she has to hobble around in crutches.
Although she can't go climbing and running around, Willow didn't miss out too much on the fun. Not too long after the wedding shenanigans happened and Willow managed to save the day but took a nasty fall in the process. Basically, she landed in a way that not only badly broke her leg but also messed up her back a bit as well. So for a couple weeks she had to use a wheelchair until her legs felt normal again and since last week she's only needed crutches to get around.
We arrived at the woods around 9 so we can make the most out of the day. The thing with these gyroids is that they're easy to miss, especially in a place like the Moonlit Woods. Rare gyroids are always in places that are either difficult to navigate or hard to get to, which is why they're rare. I've rarely come across gyroids that can glow and I've never seen gyroids that can turn transparent like a ghost. It seems fitting for something like that to only be found in a place like the Moonlit Woods.
What I've learned about the woods is that you can't let it outsmart you. Another reason why the stars have aligned for this event is because of Team Magic. Whatever challenges the woods throws at us, the girls always find a way.
Angie's the expert at herbal magic, no cluster of overgrown weeds and thorns is too difficult for her to untangle. Like I said, she's really improved with her magic, especially since discovering not too long ago that she has an innate connection with plants. I can also see that Mariposa has been taking Luna's training to heart, connecting with nature and conjuring spells with the elements. Pippa's magic is different from Willow and Angie's because she's not a witch like they are, but like Mariposa she's found ways to apply Luna's guidance with what works for her. The three of them make a great team!
While searching for treasures, we came across a bunch of signs scattered throughout the woods. We got curious so Mariposa and Pippa decided to try and translate the symbols. The codes turned out to be clues left behind by someone who embarked on a quest to find the ultra rare cocostar tree. Of course, we had to go out and find the tree too because none of us can resist a quest!
According to an old journal left in a log by the explorer, the cocostar tree is a valuable resource. The bark can be used for tea and potions, the tea is believed to relax those in distress and extreme emotional turmoil as well as stomach troubles in general. The fruit of the tree is edible, the taste described as sweet with a browned caramel flavor, good to pair with sweet and savory foods. The leaves are also edible and is said to have a distinct, bittersweet flavor that's good for cooking and making tea.
What puts many off from exploring the woods is how unpredictable it is to navigate. Retracing your steps would drive you crazy because the paths always change. A lot of things about the woods don't make much sense so we just have to accept that. In this case, it makes the adventure a lot more fun!
So while collecting gyroids, we stocked up on berries. Mariposa carved light glyphs in the dirt so we can see where we're going. Angie was able to communicate with the plants and use them as a guide. Willow used her crutches to test out some areas that looked like they might be full of pitfall seeds, saving us a lot of trouble in the process. Pippa researched the codes and puzzles scattered throughout the woods.
By putting our heads together, we managed to find the elusive cocostar tree! Mariposa was the first to spot the tree, a happy accident as she misfired a light orb while we were fighting off vines that ambushed us in the dark. The explorer was right, the tree is massive! The fruit is unlike anything I've ever seen before - it looks more like a fancy dessert than something that grew from a tree. Because the tree's so big, there's more than enough fruit for us to experiment with and for the girls to take back to Rosevine. It took a lot of work, but we did it!
Getting out of the Moonlit Woods was an adventure itself. Since we didn't expect to go on a cocostar tree quest, I wasn't sure how we were gonna lug all this stuff out. Of course, Team Magic found a way to carry the extra stuff that can't fit into backpacks. We'll be back in a couple days to retrieve more gyroids and maybe go on another quest if we stumble across something.
As soon as we got back to the camp, we got to work crafting gyroid stuff and trying out the cocostars. Pippa and Daisy Jane really outdid themselves with the gyroid designs and now the others want to help plan future events. Looks like the camp's all set for gyroid events in the next few months. I can't wait to see what kind of designs the others will come up with!
After spending all day in the woods, it's nice to hang out at the campsite and relax. Since Angie and Willow didn't really get to explore the hangout spots today, that's what we're gonna do tomorrow.
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Here’s your library card to my witchblr
(ﾉ>ω
{while also being my reference sheet, lol!}
Note: I edit this a lot so please don’t reblog! This post really doesn’t have a purpose besides being my reference sheet for tags. If you have ideas for tags I can use, I’d appreciate it!
? = unorganized/didn’t know what tag to put
edible recipes = anything from log cake to lavender milk to herbal teas
items = this tag is to be used for any witch items you have to prepare beforehand, apart from herbal things. This includes black salt, egg shell sand, sun water, moon water, etc. Anything a witch’s recipe might need!
skits = witch tips and just funny witch skit stuff
herbology = useful plant tips, gardening tips, and other plant stuff because laziness is a thing that currently exists
deity work = anything that has to do with any gods, be it reference sheets, spells, altar decorations, etc
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14 Days of DA Lover’s - Day 11 Love Potion
@scharoux @14daysofdalovers
Pairing: Alistair/Morrigan
Moonlight Confessions
“Here, my friends, have something warm to drink during your watch tonight.”
Zevran passed Alistair and Morrigan mugs of piping hot tea with a wide smile, then ducked into his tent - his four-hour shift guarding the camp, now over.
Morrigan breathed the fragrant brew in appreciation. Most of Zevran’s blends were herbal, but they were always enjoyable. Revitalizing and comforting, which was exactly what she needed to see her through four hours with Alistair. Glancing furtively at him under dark lashes, her attention was inexplicably drawn to his perfect lips wrapped around the edge of his mug, hazel eyes half-closed as an involuntary hum vibrated in his throat as he drank.
Tearing her gaze away before he could catch her ogling, she raised her own cup to blow on the liquid and take a tentative sip. It was delicious – floral with a hint of spice… like nutmeg or cloves and something she couldn’t identify. Morrigan was three-fourths through her mug when her brain catalogued the mystery ingredient and her eyes widened in horror.
“Alistair! Stop! Do not drink the tea!”
Yet, even as she said it, she knew it was too late. He lowered the now empty mug, setting it on the log beside him as though it was qunari black powder. Snarling, Morrigan tossed the remaining liquid from her cup and stormed into the assassin’s tent.
The elf smirked at her in the semi-darkness, sprawled on his bedroll, arms casually locked behind his head. “My lady Morrigan, to what do I owe the pleasure of your wrath tonight?”
Morrigan seethed, tossing the mug aside and pointed her finger dangerously at the smug Antivan. “You know exactly why, elf! Now, tell me how to reverse the potion!”
Unfurling his hands, he blinked innocently at her. “I cannot, I am afraid to say. Felicidus Aria must run its course.”
The witch grit her teeth. “How long until it wears off, then?”
“Twelve hours, give or take. I’m only helping you, miacara. I have seen the longing stares from both of you since Orzammar. Life is too short for such pining when what you want is right in front of you, no?”
“I will kill you, elf, and when I do, I will resurrect you and murder you again!” Clenching her hands, Morrigan spun to leave the canvas shelter, but paused at the elf’s sultry chuckle.
“We shall see how you feel about that in twelve hours’ time, dear Morrigan.”
Dismissing the assassin’s words as romantic nonsense, she exited the tent, her breath catching at the sight of Alistair at the edge of the camp. Her heart raced as her gaze lingered on his broad shoulders and muscular back she knew bled into lean hips supported by powerful legs. His endurance and strength as a warrior would have been unmatched with his years of training even without the addition of Grey Warden stamina. His physique and martial prowess were areas that not even she could find fault in.
Exhaling raggedly, Morrigan crept on silent feet towards him, crossing her arms and shifting her weight uncomfortably as she halted on his left. Neither spoke for a few moments, but she observed him in her periphery while he stared contemplatively at the stars. Freckled skin bathed in moonlight, enhancing his chiseled jawline and aquiline nose - truly, the man’s profile could have been carved from marble, yet he was oblivious of his own attractiveness. She tried to ignore the warmth that coursed through her when she admitted it was...endearing.
His voice broke the weighty silence, wrapping around them like velvet in the chilly night, though he continued to peer into the heavens, as though seeking guidance from the constellations. “So – love potion… that’s a first.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he laughed mirthlessly. “What do we do? Just… let it happen or avoid each other for the next few hours?”
Her stomach tied in knots in a manner she was aware was not a response to the spiked tea. Damn that elf! The herb he used didn’t manufacture feelings for a person - they merely enhanced current attraction. A potent aphrodisiac, if you will. Morrigan knew good and well the ardor between them was genuine, only now they had the impetus of the potion to spur them into action... should they choose to act upon it.
Snatching his hand like she had in the Deep Roads, though this time with full knowledge of her actions, she squeezed insistently. Alistair finally turned to her, surprise written on his face, but underneath – desire. And tonight wasn’t the first time she’d seen it. Shaking her head, Morrigan rasped, “No. Anything, but avoid each other.”
His eyes bored hard into her, searching for something, unsatisfied by what he found. Rounding on her and yanking her flush against him, he growled. “Tell me what you want, Morrigan. What you wanted before the potion. Do you want me or are you just toying with me? To discard when you get bored?”
The bastard! He wanted her to say it – to confess… NO! She couldn’t do it. But the potion had other ideas. The words sat on the tip of her tongue demanding to be vocalized. Morrigan shook her head wildly in refusal while he pinned her with soul searching scrutiny. Her gaze meanwhile, was focused intently on his mouth. Not for the first time, imagining how soft his lips were, how sweet they tasted, how they would feel dancing on her skin. She had to know - the waiting was interminable.
“Shut up and kiss me, you fool,” Morrigan moaned huskily.
Hazel burned molten, rapid breathing a match for her own, his tongue swiping across full lips all the warning she had before they captured hers. Alistair’s passion and talent surprised her – apparently, she had misjudged the shy Chantry boy in a few areas. Their tongues dueled, warring for dominance, while his hand fisted her dark tresses, keeping her head tilted at the perfect angle for his height and Morrigan learned a new appreciation for the disparity. Her arms trapped between them, she clutched his tunic as an anchor against the waves of want that coursed white hot through her veins.
Rubbing herself wantonly along the evidence of his excitement, Alistair groaned deep in his chest. Morrigan mewled as the low note reverberated through her bones and her knees buckled, but his vice-like grip kept her upright. His lips trailed her jawline, nipping her earlobe gently, chuckling with pride at her gasp before dipping along her neck. She leaned back to allow him better access, which he greedily took advantage of, licking, kissing, nipping her skin in turn. When his teeth discovered the sensitive juncture of her shoulder above her collarbone, she bucked against his thigh with a cry of pleasure and felt his lips curl into a smug grin.
Underneath the lust there was something else – brighter, tremulous, and fragile. It jangled along her nerve endings reminiscent of lightning until she vibrated like a divining rod in his strong embrace. It wasn’t a side effect of the potion – its presence preceded their dosing. It had grown rapidly, twining around her heart like bindweed, the roots burying deeper with each passing day since that touch in the Deep Roads.
Alistair hadn’t judged or mocked her in the face of her terror. Instead, he offered her a willing show of support and comfort, and had continued to do so thereafter. He could be insufferable and immature. Yet, he was also smarter than she gave him credit for and she was loath to admit that, at times, she found his humor honestly amusing. Mostly however, he was so effortlessly, genuinely kind to everyone and over the last three months he’d extended it to her as an olive branch.
She was smitten.
An embarrassing whine escaped her mouth when Alistair’s lips left her neck and she trembled as his rich laughter rumbled around them in the dark. “Now, Morrigan, I believe you were getting ready to tell me something.”
Her mouth dried, gaping at his sheer audacity. The man could be infuriatingly obstinate when he wanted to be! His stubbornness and adherence to his principles rivaled her own, and she admired him for it, even though they were usually on opposite sides. Morrigan respected that he wasn’t easily swayed regarding the things he truly believed in and right now, she knew that he would fight the potion’s effects, avoid her, if she didn’t profess the truth.
Cocking an eyebrow at her in the continued silence, he waited patiently for a few heartbeats, before sighing heavily and releasing her. Her heart slammed against her ribcage and her brain railed at her to speak. Once he walks away, you will lose him! You have a chance at something real, idiot girl! Will you throw it away? Are you afraid?
“YES!”
Clutching his arm to halt his retreat, Morrigan flushed in the ethereal light at her outburst and the startled expression on his face. “Yes… I have something to say, Alistair. My… this… is not solely a result of the potion at work. I-I am …unnerved by that kind of… emotion. ‘Tis something I have never experienced, but… I look at you and I cannot deny it.” The woman paused, licking her swollen lips, and breathed, “I no longer want to deny it.”
Those handsome lips that she had admired secretly from afar, and now knew truly were as delicious as she imagined, curved into a beatific smile. Amber eyes seared her soul as he wrapped his arms around her smaller frame again, gently tugging her against his chest, and hugged her.
Had she ever been hugged? Had anyone ever cared enough about her to envelop her with a simple demonstration of love? She couldn’t recall a single person in her entire life – except for him. The man she’d teased and harangued mercilessly since meeting. Yet, despite all, Alistair obviously found something good and noteworthy in her. He believed her to be deserving of such affection.
Alistair tilted her head gingerly upwards for a kiss unlike any she’d ever experienced: pure and tender, full of heart, his gift to her. An answering trill fluttered in her core on diaphanous wings, pulsing brilliantly through her veins. Leaning out of the embrace, there was a depth of understanding shining in his gaze that shamed Morrigan for her earlier assumptions of him.
“I care about you, too,” he whispered. “And I am equally scared. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know that I don’t want to spend the rest of my life regretting that I never told you how I feel. I want to… spend the night with you. If you want, that is. I know that I don’t know what I’m doing –“
Pressing a finger to his lips, Morrigan smiled coyly, her confidence returning now that they were in territory familiar to her. “’Tis a skill that can be learned, Alistair. I am willing and my tent is far enough away to grant us more privacy.” Taking his sword roughened hand, a shiver of anticipation rushed through her at the familiar touch, as she led him to the far side of the camp with an extra sway to her hips.
“Minx,” he groused behind her, pulling a teasing bubble of laughter from her throat. Alistair grinned broadly, spinning her to face him, walking her backwards the last few feet while kneading the flesh of her hips.
“You know, Alistair, I do enjoy this new confidence of yours. ‘Tis most attractive.”
Leaning down, his lips brushed against her mouth and continued along her cheek to pause at her ear, his hot breath caressing the shell seductively. “Then I shall endeavor to remain confident even after this has worn off, Morrigan.”
Melting in his grasp, the witch moaned, whispering hoarsely, “Into the tent, now. I cannot have you fast enough.”
Following her with a low chuckle, Alistair murmured, “You know, I was just thinking the same thing.”
#14DALovers#14 days of DA Lovers Prompts#alistair theirin#Morrigan#Alistair x morrigan#morristair#day 11#love potion
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Confessions of a Budget Witch
Originally posted by me, in the "Witches & Pagans" Amino.
Let's get this out of the way right now: Being a witch on a tight budget sucks.
Being on a tight budget in general sucks, but this entry is focusing on witches on budgets, and the shadowy, consumerist side of witchcraft and paganism circles. So hold on to your brooms, brujxs, this is going to be a log post.
The Aesthetic/ Instagram Witch
Before anybody throws stones, I have an Instagram account (with this same name). I'm not against the witch aesthetic.
In fact, I think it's great that so many people are passionate enough about art to create these wonderful images. I adore those photos with rose quartz crystal balls and points next to delicate himalayan salt lamps and towering pastel pink candles, and the magnificent bundles of dried roses and lavendar.
Would I want all of those? Goddess, no. Cleaning up all the pouring wax alone would drive me insane, and thinking of all the vacuuming involved with all the dried herbs littering the floor makes me want to take a nap.
And yet, when I close my eyes, I think of some of those images of tall candles littering an altar, of a big crystal ball and tall crystal points. I think of creating big, elaborate crystal grids. I think of a nice stone mortal and pestle I've been wanting to buy for years.
Reality, however, has to hit sometime, and for me it's always when I check my bank account and remember that I barely pay rent with my current salary on most months. I constantly need help with groceries, medical and cellphone expenses. It's gotten better, but I still am not completely financially independent.
That said, I'm fortunate enough to still have some money to buy the things I enjoy, mostly crystals, candles and readings these days. I desperately want to support other witches/spiritual healers, so I carefully look over my finances and put aside some cash for them.
Does this mean I am any less frustrated? No.
In fact, a lot of my anger bubbles up when I read a new spell or witch book with a list of ingredients, always with the note saying like "you can always substitute ingredients, but it won't have the same effect". Which begs the question of why I bother looking up spells in the first place when I usually only have kitchen herbs and my 10-15 crystals (which is quite a lot of pretty rocks as it is). I feel like all these resources ask for the few things I do not have.
Now, I won't say that all sources are like this.
Websites and YouTube channels on minimalistic witchcraft are mostly free, and books like "Light Magic for Dark Times" by Lisa Marie Basille and "Holistic Energy Magic" by Tess Whitehurst, for example, have little to no need to buy a list if ingredients. However, these tend to be the minority in the witchcraft community.
Is that the budget witches fault? Absolutely not. We all have bills to pay and real-world responsibilities. The fact that we still fit this stuff into our lives just shows how much the Craft means to us. Which beings me to my next point...
Finding Affordable and Functional Tools
Western Witchcraft tends to rely heavily on materials and tools to gain results. While many witches guarentee that you "only need yourself" to do magick, the reality is that magick without tools is incredibly difficult and almost impossible for baby witches.
The good news is that stores (in the US, at least) like Five Below and Dollar General are selling some basic stuff like candles, essential oils, crystals and incense at low prices. That said, aside from the candles, glass jars, wooden boxes and incense holders, many of those tools are low-quality. Most of the essential oils I've found at these stores, for example, are perfumed and not real plant-based oils. Tarot decks from places like Wish are usually cheap bootleg imitations that are also low-quality (and also don't support the creators). Another disadvantage is that we aren't supporting the metaphysical community when you buy from these places, which is something I find frustrating. Lastly, I've also noticed that cheap crystals are not not mined ethically, and that is another thing that I personally try to avoid buying cheap if I can.
Now, some common stores, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, are still quite useful to the budget witch. Pharmacies tend to have plant-based and cruelty-free essential oils and diffusers for good prices. Just make sure to research what can harm pets if you have them. Tea tree oil is very toxic to dogs, for example, but lavendar is not. However, lavendar is harmful to cats. Make sure to know what you're using if your pets are around you. Grocery stores are also great places to get cheap dried herbs.
Law of Attraction and The Root Chakra
If you've been reading my post, you'll have noticed that I do not like the Law of Attraction. So we are all clear, I am not against having goals, or following your dreams or passions. I am against the way this system makes the practitioner feel responsible for factors out of their control. (There is a Tumblr post that also explains how the ideology of LOA falls withing the B.I.T.E. model, which is used to identify cult ideology. I'll link it here soon).
I have also become incredibly wary of using chakras, as the popularized system that most witches use today were made-up by a white author.
What bothers me more than any of the aforementioned things is when other practitioners state that those of us in a difficult financial situation are either not working with our root chakras (which focuses on finantial stability, and livliehood) or just aren't using the Law of Attraction well enough. Blaming these kinds of difficulties on budget witches is not only shameful, but it's also usually a marketing tactic used by certain folks to make those of us desperate for money to want to buy their services to "learn how to get rich" or at least financially stable enough to thrive.
If you are interested in using the Western chakras, there are cost-effective ways to work on them, such as using meditation. Again, YouTube is a rich resource for hundreds of free and effective guided meditations on anything from chakras to spirit guides.
Also, let's not forget our good old friend, Practicality. When you get an infection, for example, your priority should the doctor/medical professional first before witchcraft, unless you have a herbal specialist that can create a safe and effective holistic medication (and this person should be, again, a professional). In the same vein, if your are going through a financial rough spot, buying a bunch of root chakra candles or crystals in the hope that your situation will improve is contradictory to what you need to do: save that money. Maybe get one or two inespensive things if you can. If not, use the free resources on hand.
Don't Allow This to Discourage You
As much as many of us claim not to need tools (and I applaud you if you manage with so little, willingly or not), the truth is that most of us like to have things on hand, and I am no exception. Books, candles, crystals, decks and herbs are what I spend my money on. I am aware that there is a materialistic aspect to the way I choose to work. I even have a cauldron and a professionally made wand, despite not being Wiccan and using both for only special occasions. Heck, right now the cauldron is just housing a bled of herbs to cleanse anything I put in it.
That's my choice. I save for some months and then buy little by little. But there are other ways to be an effective budget witch and thrive.
For example, many witches on this site have pointed out that you can make your own tools, such as wands or altar decorations, out of sticks and rocks. Some folks prefer finding their own tools. Just be careful not to pick up anything poisonous, or disturb the nest of any animals that may be around. Also, do NOT eat anything off the ground unless you are 100% sure what it is and that it has been grown in clean soil. Go to the supermarket for edible herbs if you can't find a local market or herb shop. A quick online search will help with that, and you'll be acquainted with your environment.
Tea is also another wonderful resource for the budget witch. It is easy to find, usually under $5 a box (in the USA) and good for you. Again, it's still wise to be careful when trying new herbs, but I find most tea companies will stick to fruits amd common herbs like chamomile and peppermint, to name a few. Honey pairs well with tea, great for magick, and also very accessible. You can also open tea bags for a spell, or invest in loose herb mixes and a strainer. Try buying a teapot if possible. If not, boil your water in a pot over the stove, microwaved tea isn't as good. Trust me.
Tips & Tricks
🖤Crystals are just as effective if they are small or pocket-sized, and usually a lot cheaper that way. There is the bonus perk of being able to carry them with you on the go in your bag or pockets.
🖤Use non-magickal sources as well a magickal ones to identify herbs and crystals so you can be sure they won't harm you. Crystals can also be toxic.
🖤Some people (myself included) believe normal rocks to be just as powerful as crystals. You can even try painting them the color you want to manifest, or you can put sigils on them.
🖤There are free digital tarot apps that are great for readings and having a deck with you wherever you go. The Labyrinthos and Kawaii Tarot apps are the ones I currently use.
🖤Plastic flowers and fruit can be cost-effective decor for your altar, and maybe even an offering or representation of your deity(ies) if you have any.
🖤Epsom salts are relatively cheap, and adding your own essential oils to them in a tub or foot bath is a great spa day remedy and good for metaphysical and physical cleansing. Just make sure they are real essential oils, and look up the correct dosage.
🖤White vinegar is also affordable, and efficient glass, counter-top and carpet cleaner. It also has protective properties along with salt, and it's great for cleaning your altar, if you can stand the smell.
Some Resources:
My Go-To Etsy Stores for Ethical and Affordable Crystal Buying: (I am not a sponsor for these stores, nor am I being paid to advertise them).
The Spiritnectar
Moonrise Crystal
Ethically-Sourced & Affordable Crystals. My order came with a tea bag as well!
Crystal LionGems
Budget Witch Videos:
The Witch of Wonderlust on Low-Budget Witchcraft
Magickians Budget Witch Guide
Cheap Places to Get Books that Aren't Amazon:
Thriftbooks
BookOutlet
Or rent books at your local library! You can also make requests if they don't have what you're looking for.
That's all for now, brujxs. Please tell me your thoughts, and how you handle being a budget witch. Stay safe, witchy and freaky. 💜
#witchblr#witchcraft#bruja#tarot#witch#divination#witch blog#witches of tumblr#brujas de tumblr#budget witch#budget witchcraft
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Skincare catch-up
Below are all the products I’ve used or currently use in my skincare routine. Some do their job but are nothing fancy, some are bad purchases, and some I’ll actually repurchase.
My skin type is combination/oily, and I get acne when I’m stressed (not all over my face though, just 1-3 big pimples). I also have milia all over my cheekbones, and I’m looking into a way to have them removed by a professional since I wasn’t able to get rid of them on my own.
Cleansers
Currently using: Purity by Philosophy
Rating: 6.5/10
It does its job, but I don’t think it worked better than a Garnier cleanser I tried a year ago, and it’s more expensive. Also, the smell is a bit odd. Clean, but odd. I got this as a free gift for signing up for an Ulta credit card, and it’s definitely smooth and feels good rubbing into my skin. This will probably work fine on most skin types. However, for the price tag (and my skin type), there’s probably something better out there for me.
Currently using: Daily Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash (Philosophy)
Rating: 7/10
It’s a gentle-enough exfoliant that I can use it every morning as a cleanser in place of Purity (though if this is a big skincare mistake, someone please let me know!) It smells a bit like oranges and has a thick jelly texture. It feels refreshing and all, but again, I’m not sure how much it’s doing given the fact that I get breakouts whenever I’m stressed and I have to use other products to even out my skin tone again and get rid of acne. It does its job, but for the price, I could probably find something better for my specific skincare needs. That being said, I got the full size on sale for $15 at Christmas last year (normally $42) and it lasts a long time.
Trial: Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser by Drunk Elephant
Rating: ?
Everyone can get their hands on this in one of the options for your free birthday gift at Sephora this year. If you missed your birthday, you can still get your gift by going on sephora.com and logging into your Beauty Insider account to temporarily change your birth date before you go shopping. Not a huge fan of the packaging, since it’s a little messy when my hands are wet from washing my face and I don’t want to get cleanser all over the sink and it’s hard to close if your fingers are slippery (if you’ve used this, you probably know what I’m talking about). Like Purity, the smell is a bit funky, but that could be a good sign since things that smell good usually have fragrance that can cause irritation. Still trying this though, will update later.
Sample: Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser
Rating: ?
Only had a sample size that lasted a week, but I liked this when I used it. You didn’t need much product to cleanse your whole face, and it smelled really clean and refreshing but not overpowering. Lathered nice, and I’ll probably try this someday when I get more than a little sample packet.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Wash
Rating: 8/10
For a drugstore product, I really liked using this. The only reason I stopped was to try out the Philosophy products. My skin felt tight and clean after using this, and I could really lather to remove dirt and excess makeup. This is kind of my fallback, and my sister (age 20, combo skin) and my mom (age 50+, combo skin and rosacea) both like it too. Garnier also sells one in a blue bottle with aloe, but it’s not as good as this one and doesn’t have the micellar water.
Toner
Currently using: Thayers Witch Hazel & Rose Petal Toner
Rating: 8/10
Does its job, doesn’t irritate, is inexpensive, and you can find it at the drugstore and Target. In the future I want to try a toner more targeted to my acne-prone oilier skin, but this toner is a catch-all, and overall a solid option in online reviews.
Sample: Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion
Rating: ?
I only got a baby sample that lasted 3 days, but this was really nice when I used it. It’s definitely for oily skin since it has alcohol in it, but it didn’t dry me out and made my pores feel nice and tight. Wish I could review more in-depth, but didn’t get a chance to use this long enough.
Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner
Rating: 6/10
I guess it worked (it’s been over a year since I’ve used this, though) and the smell was good, but I remember liking the Thayers better so I switched. Didn’t irritate or anything, nothing bad to say, but it didn’t leave an impression.
Serum
Currently using: The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Rating: 9/10
For my first real foray into serums, this has worked pretty well. I wanted to increase my skin turnover rate and bring my milia to the surface, and this works well, is under $10, and is gentle enough to use every night. I didn’t want to try anything too drastic since I hadn’t used serum before, and this one was great. Will keep using, and will likely try other products from The Ordinary in the future.
Sample: Kiehl’s Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate
Rating: ?
I got a small sample packet of this when I went to a Kiehl’s store for a free consultation, and it lasted about a week. I started to see results, but I ran out of the sample and went with The Ordinary since this little sucker is expensive. Seems like a great product, but not good on the budget.
Sample: Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-texturizing Serum Concentrate
Rating: ?
Seems like a good product, and I liked it for the week I used it. No smell, smooth texture, all good. However, the price is steep, so I don’t think I’ll be buying this anytime soon.
Spot Treatments
Currently using: Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel
Rating: ?
I just bought this yesterday, so I’ll post more of a review after at least a week. First impressions: this is a spot treatment, and I don’t know who would use this all over their face like the box says you can do. It’s strong and a bit sticky (like superglue?) and you have to be careful not to touch your eyes or anything while you have some on your fingertips. It absorbs quickly, and while it’s definitely drying, you can put moisturizer over it just fine.
Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel
Rating: N/A
I feel like I can’t “rate” this since it’s not OTC and I got it through a doctor’s prescription, but I loved this and if the doctor I switched to this past year hadn’t screwed up, I’d still be using it twice a day. Gentle, didn’t smell like anything, and kept my acne away pretty well. More of a preventative measure than something to use once you already have the acne.
Moisturizers
Currently using: Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer
Rating: 8.5/10
I started using this a month ago, and I really like it, especially for a light morning moisturizer in the summer. It feels so smooth when you put it on, and the citrus smell is amazing. I like this one better than the Drunk Elephant one (below), and it’s half the price. I don’t think I’ll use this in the dry winter months, but it’s been great in warm temperatures and sunshine.
Trial: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Rating: ~6.5/10
For the price, I don’t understand the hype here. Yeah, it’s a nice thick creamy moisturizer, but it doesn’t smell fabulous and I don’t think it works better than other moisturizers that are under $40. However, my sister is in love with this stuff, so maybe it’s just me.
Trial: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Rating: ?
I picked this one up at Ulta yesterday, so I haven’t had a long enough time to test it. However, it gets rave reviews, and my first impression was that it went on smoothly and felt nice, but I’ll have more to say later.
Sample: Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Moisturizer
Rating: ?
I liked this moisturizer a lot better than the other one I got as a free sample from Kiehl’s (below). No strong smell, applied smoothly (I’m saying this a lot, but there’s a reason), but I didn’t notice any “stress-minimizing”.
Sample: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm
Rating: ?
Not for me. Didn’t go on my skin smoothly, I didn’t like the smell (vaguely oat-like? Or am I crazy?), didn’t feel great on my skin. I still had some left in the sample when I threw it out, it just isn’t for anyone with oily skin. Not sure why the girl at Kiehl’s gave me this, but whatever.
Garnier Skin Active Soothing 3-in-1 Face Moisturizer with Rosewater
Rating: 6.5/10
Not good in the summer. I might go back to it in the winter, but this probably just made the milia on the thin skin under my eyes worse when it was humid out. More for dry skin, and the fragrance was a bit strong. Also, I felt like you needed a lot of product to use on your whole face, since it didn’t glide on like some of the more gel-textured moisturizers I’ve tried. Not too bad for the drugstore, though.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Combination Skin
Rating: 7/10
I liked this, it definitely mattified my oily t-zone. The only reason I really stopped using it was because I wanted to try a moisturizer with SPF...
Neutrogena Moisturizer, SPF 15
Rating: 5/10
This didn’t work for me. The SPF made it more irritating if I got it close to my eyes or touched my eyes too soon after applying, and my nose in particular seemed really oily when I used this. Maybe only use this if you have normal-dry skin?
Other
Currently using: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub
Rating: 7/10
I use this about 3 times a week at night, and I don’t find it too irritating like some people say the apricot or walnut scrub is. Pretty sure the beads in here are silicone, so it doesn’t tear up my face. I stopped using this for a few weeks, and when I picked it back up to try and get rid of an acne flare-up, it really helped. I definitely noticed that it was doing something when I went off it for a bit. Drugstore BHA (Salicylic Acid) that works for me.
Freeman Charcoal + Black Sugar Gel Mask and Scrub
Rating: 4/10
Are you a scrub? Are you a mask? Make up your mind. It doesn’t really work as either, with a weird thick jelly texture and huge scrub beads. Only used twice, maybe I’m jumping to conclusions, but even though this didn’t break me out or anything, it didn’t seem to do anything at all. Weird product.
GlamGlow Super-Clearing Mud Mask Treatment
Rating: 6.5/10
For the price and with all the ingredients including a blend of AHAs, I thought this would do more. It’s satisfying to watch the mask turn lighter gray as it dries on your face, but you’re only supposed to use it once a week, and I haven’t noticed results after a month. A fun mask to try, but I won’t be repurchasing since it’s too expensive for not enough of a result.
Burt’s Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub
Rating: 4/10
Chapstick would accomplish pretty much the same thing this does. It’s hard to scrub it into your lips, since the honey “beads” like to congeal into larger blobs, and it’s surprisingly expensive for a small little container at the drugstore. There have to be better lip scrubs out there, save your money.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Rosewater
Rating: 7/10
A nice product, but I don’t get the hype or cult status. Good for a refreshing pick-me-up, but I don’t notice anything different when I don’t use it. Not really a setting spray, just extra hydration during the day if you’re into that. Good for wetting a beauty blender, though.
#skincare#reviews#mario badescu#clinique#origins#drunk elephant#beauty#beauty mistakes#beauty recommendations#product recommendations#glamglow#garnier#neutrogena#the ordinary#kiehl's#burtsbees#thayers#philosophy#ulta#sephora
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What Binds Us Together, A LoZ Fanfiction
Hi! This is a small section of the Legend of Zelda FanFiction I just finished! Feel free to leave feedback! You can find the full version here: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13257086/1/What-Binds-us-Together
Sheik lay awake, staring out at the crescent moon hanging low in the Western sky. What if Link was the only one who was safe? He hadn’t yet tried to harm Sheik with anything more than fists. Those hadn’t worked, but perhaps a blade would? Sheik thought that was unreasonable, but couldn’t shake the concern. The Goddesses loved their Hero. Of course they would protect him. But nobody loved Sheik, and if they died, they doubted the Goddesses would care.
‘You’re the only one in love!” Link had said. Sheik knew this wasn’t true. Maybe they had thought that Link wasn’t such a bad person. Maybe they had stared at his sky blue eyes as they made their plans and thought of the bluest mountain skies, maybe they had spent most of their life thinking about this boy and preparing to kill him. But none of that meant that Sheik was in love. Obsessed maybe, but not in love.
But then why was Sheik so upset that Link had actually left them alone in a hostile city? Sheik didn’t have an answer.
The sun rose, and Sheik packed their things, preparing to leave. They had saved the king, and they couldn’t kill Link on their own, it was time to go home.
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
Link’s anger had cooled by the time he had snuck back into his room in the castle. In the morning, he decided, he would talk to his father about Cousin Frennen, and ask for his father’s permission to travel Hyrule. Zelda was still waiting for him in Kakariko, much to his father’s displeasure, so he didn’t have much time to waste here.
He slept fitfully, and in the morning he went straight to his father’s chambers.
“Link,” the king said, sounding none too happy to see his son.
“Father,” Link replied. “I must speak with you. In private if possible.” He eyed the attendants flitting about the room.
The king waved them out and sat heavily behind his imposing wooden desk. He looked tired, his eyes sunken in their sockets, his skin pale and clammy. “What now, Link?” he asked. Even his voice sounded tired. It lacked the anger of the previous night, which reassured Link just a bit.
“I tried to tell you last night,” Link began.
Instantly his father’s eyes narrowed.
Link hurried to get the words out before his father could interrupt. “Cousin Frennen is the one plotting to kill you. Shei-- er, someone else has dealt with the traitors in our army but he’s bound to try again. He’s the one who kidnapped me, and the reason why Zelda got poisoned.” Link stopped to gather his thoughts, but rushed on before the space was enough to warrant a response. “Also I want to go on a journey across Hyrule. Zelda said she wants to come with me. I hope we can have your permission,” Link said.
The king’s frown had grown heavy while the prince spoke. “Duke Frennen is loyal to me,” the king said. He started to say more, but his voice what cut off by a coughing fit.
“Father!” Link exclaimed, eyes widening with horror.
Blood stained the handkerchief that the king had used to cover his mouth.
Suddenly, something clicked in Link’s head. There had been a particular cup-bearer at the dinner last night, one who had refused the other nobles bids for her to fill their cups and had served only the king. He shot to his feet. “I’ll get the doctor!”
The king continued to cough as Link sped from the room.
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
Sheik paused in their stealthy escape from the city, crouched low in a waterway. Ahead of them, they could hear whispering voices. The tunnels curved in such a way that their quiet words were carried clearly to Sheik’s ears.
“Was the mission a success?”
“It was. Our infiltration party was caught and all of them murdered, but they served their purpose as a distraction. The king drank the poison in his wine last night.”
Sheik mentally swore.
“Excellent. Master Frennen will be very pleased.”
Sheik heard the rustling of paper and cloth as something traded hands and was slipped beneath water-logged clothes.
“May the dark sun shine upon you,” one of the voices said. The other repeated the phrase and Sheik crept hastily back around a further corner as two sets of footsteps went in opposite directions, one towards the tunnel’s exit, one back towards the city.
Sheik mentally swore again, this time in Sheikah, and turned around. If Link died, that was fine, but if the King died, Sheik would be breaking their word to protect him. There was still work to be done before Hyrule would be safe.
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
Zelda heard many things during her time in Kakariko. As soon as she was well enough to stand, she had begun helping the doctor around his shop. His hobby was studying new and interesting plants, which Zelda enjoyed immensely. Sometimes, she would work in the front of the shop, giving the people that came to the doctor for help the herbs and medicines he assigned or selling them various supplements and teas. In her time off, she spent almost every minute in the doctor’s lab and greenhouse studying the wide variety of unusual plants he had collected. It made the time go by quickly, and kept her from dwelling too long on how things were going back at Hyrule Castle. She hoped everything had gone well.
In addition to a range of herbal knowledge, Zelda also heard rumors. One popular rumor was the story of the witch-summoner and her demon that had laid waste to a traveling band of mercenaries not too far from the village. This one made Zelda smile quietly to herself. But the piece of gossip that really caught her attention was a rumor about the disappearance of the Forest Sage. She couldn’t help but wonder if the strange dreams she’d been having and the growing unrest across Hyrule had anything to do with that. As of late her nightmares had been getting worse and worse. Once shadowy, vague shapes were beginning to solidify into figures and fears. Zelda wasn’t sure what they meant yet, but she was convinced that they were more than mere nightmares.
~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~ . ~
Link was sitting by his father’s bedside in the infirmary when the doors slammed open and a squad of guards marched in, hauling a struggling figure between them.
“Prince!”
Link recognized the voice immediately; it was Sheik.
“Quiet!” snapped one of the guards, swinging his spear. Link heard a grunt of pain and the sound of Sheik’s body hitting the floor.
“Stop that!” Link ordered, getting to his feet. “Let him go, he’s no danger to me.”
The soldiers gave him an incredulous look. “Sir, this is the monster that murdered 16 of our men last night and tried to assassinate you not a full month ago.”
Link cringed at the number. He took a breath. “I know,” he said eventually. But he wouldn’t have come here unless it was something important. Out loud he said, “Even so, release him, but leave him bound. I will speak to him on my own.”
“Your majesty-”
Link glared at the guard, silencing him.
The guards shuffled from the room, giving Sheik dirty looks that promised pain as they left.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Sheik awkwardly got to their feet, careful not to trip on the chains binding their ankles together.
“Why are you here?” Link asked.
Sheik’s red eyes locked onto Link, and he could practically see Sheik fighting down the urge to say something offensive. Instead, when Sheik spoke it was only to give Link directions. “Hidden in the bindings on my left thigh is a small packet and a letter,” they said. “They contain information regarding the poisoning of the king. Though I see my information comes too late.”
Link turned back to look at his father. Only minutes before he had been well enough, now he was asleep on the bed, waking up every few minutes in coughing fits. “The doctors don’t know what type of poison was used,” Link said. “So perhaps you can be useful after all.” Link got up from his chair and moved over to Sheik.
“Wait,” Sheik said, taking a shuffling step away from Link. “Unbind me, and I shall give you the evidence.”
Link snorted. “No way. You killed 16 of my men, a whole group of mercenaries, and would have killed me too, I know how dangerous you are.”
Sheik had no good response to that, so they settled for “You suck.”
“And you smell like a soldier’s dirty laundry,” Link replied. He took out a knife.
“Don’t you dare cut those!” Sheik snapped, trying to move away again.
Link merely reached out and grabbed their arm. “Shh,” he said, holding Sheik more or less still as he cut through the wrappings on Sheik’s leg.
Sheik’s string of rude names was ignored as Link picked the note and oiled leather envelope off the floor where they had fallen. He moved to opened the envelope.
“Don’t open that!” Sheik said. “If you breathe it in, it could kill you.”
Link gingerly set the envelope aside. “Poison, got it.” He opened the letter. “This is hard evidence that Cousin Frennen is plotting against my father,” Link said. “Everyone will have to believe me now.”
“Yes, I have saved the day, now release me.”
“No.”
“I just saved the king’s life! And yours… Damn.”
“True, but you also killed a lot of people.”
“They deserved to die.”
Link shook his head and walked back to his father’s side.
“Ungrateful jerk. I shouldn’t have come to help you,” Sheik grumbled.
The king did not open his eyes, but Link hoped he could hear him. “I’m going to save you, father. The doctors can find an antidote now. I know you don’t like the idea of me traveling, but I’m going. I’m sorry. I’ll stop Cousin Frennen and protect you and Hyrule.”
Sheik watched the exchange impassively, but in their mind, a small flicker of concern blinked into life. Here was a boy destined to be a Hero choosing to take a hero’s path. The boy would become a man, and if they didn’t do something quickly, Sheik would become exactly like those before them. Link had to die before he realized his role as the Goddesses’ Hero.
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