Avery's Stories

Short Story- Raven's Gift (Part One)

Raven was truly gifted. She could make concoctions that could heal almost anything. Tending her garden and going near the edge of the forest to gather herbs was an everyday task that she loved to do.

She lived with her mother in a cottage on the outskirts of town. No one ever visited, but neither of them minded. The villagers shunned Raven because of her gift, believing she dabbled in witchcraft.

Of course, if one narrowed it down, they would find, in the simplest if explanations, she was meerly good with plants.

So the pain lived, just the two of them. It was perfect. Until it wasn't.

Her mother grew ill. No amount of medicinal herbs could cure her. Two days after contracting the disease, she died. Raven's perfect world came crashing down around her.

~~~ Time Skip ~~~
~~~ Years Later ~~~

"Hurry, hurry! The Baroness will be arriving tomorrow. We have no time to lose!"

Celeste, Raven's aunt, was crazed.  Running around with her clipboard making everything just so.

The woman spotted Raven and called out, "Don't you dare interfere, little witch. U have plans, big plans. And if I have my way, then my son will be on his way to becoming the next Baron! And I won't have you ruin it, understand?"

Raven nodded. Her aunt cocked her head. "Speak up little whitch. I cannot hear you."

"Yes Celeste. I will stay in my room and not make a sound."

"Good girl," Celeste said, nodding get head in satisfaction. Serving around, she went back to barking out orders.

~~~

A hand laid on Raven's shoulder, making her jump. Turning around, she saw Nancy, the head cook. Smiling warmly, she took Nancy's hand in hers. "Thank you Nancy."

Nancy smiled warmly. She did not have to ask why.

The cook had been there for Raven since her mother died. Raven's knowledge of herbs and poultice was very useful for the cook and village doctor.

Sorry for the cliffhanger. ;P