Calytrix is a young witch who just turned 20. As is customary for all witches of her age, she must leave her home village and explore the world. She journeys to find her own place within it and a purpose, but magic is declining and only a few witche...
I opened my eyes, caught between dreaming and reality. The dream I had last night left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling, even though I didn't remember its contents. The dream's peace lingered, so I moved at a relaxed pace. My body will move when it's ready; besides, I quite enjoyed savoring the warmth of my bed meanwhile. Gentle light came through the curtains, bathing the room in golden morning hues.
My eyes fell upon the messy potion equipment. I really should tidy it up before I leave again. My mind was quite chaotic at the time I was leaving for the journey, that I didn't realize I left a mess behind me. I wasn't sure whether my parents were awake, so I tidied up as quietly as I could.
The room was spotless once more. I didn't cast any magic, so I broke a sweat. It's been quite a while since I did work without relying on magic. I once disliked my mother making me work, but now it's not so bad. It was almost refreshing.
"Good morning, Trixie," father said as he passed by my room.
"Morning," I said happily.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Just a little," I said.
We went to the kitchen, where mother was preparing bacon and eggs. The little hunger I had increased with the delicious smell and sight of the food. We gathered as a family and chatted happily. It seems their tailoring business was blooming, which was a great thing, but the funds from the people buying the stuff were suspicious. I let it go and enjoyed my time with them.
Returning home felt like we were picking off where we left, which reassured me. Next time I come home, it'll be the same. Family will always be family. I took a good look at their faces before I left. Their eyes looked happy to see me during all the time I spent here.
I said a casual goodbye since I was sure I'd be back soon. Our parting was brief as I ran towards the windmill. I promised I'd write them letters again to keep them updated.
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All the villagers were back, so my journey to the windmill, which should have taken five minutes, took half an hour. They were at a grand feast the king prepared at the citadel yesterday. Some villagers shared local gossip, which went in one ear and out of the other. Stories of affairs, romance, and wicked acts by the villagers. Others asked me for potions, which I promised to give them on my way back from Arlette.
I wonder how she was doing? It's been a long time, and I couldn't help but smile. I still considered her my best friend. I sent her a couple of letters, yet she never wrote back. Maybe she was too busy? I remembered how she was talking about a secret goal of hers.
A chilly breeze passed by, but that wasn't enough to give me a cold. It was still a warm, nice day. The best time of the year to be in my village. My pace quickened as I saw the outlines of the windmill more clearly.
The ruined windmill was on the plains, cracking loudly. When I focused on its wooden propeller, I noticed its movements were out of sync. The wind it created was eerie, as though something bad possessed it, but I couldn't feel any magic or demonic traces. It was just the bad feeling of something not working and looking as it normally should. I don't recall it being like this.
