When Two Worlds Meet

The Gift

As I walked back to my hut that evening, I marveled over the little crystal that the witch mother had given me. The box that it had been wrapped in was hidden in my pocket, along with the note that had come with it. I thought back on what it had said.

This was given to me by your mother. She told me to wait to give it to you until I thought you were old enough to use it. Obviously, I have waited longer than you may have expected. You probably would have assumed I would have given it to you at 16 years old. And perhaps I should have.

I'm rambling. I had hoped your magic would become more powerful, but it hasn't. And I don't think that it will get better. So I am giving it to you now. Your mother said that you should be able to figure it out.

With love, Beatrix

The note was very blunt, as Beatrix tended to be, kind of hurtful in the phrasing. The witch mother's name was actually Beatrix; she didn't usually use her name, since her title held more authority and was more appropriate to use in the majority of situations. But when signing a birthday card to her adoptive son, she felt that signing her name was as personal it could get.

I sighed softly, confused. I continued to study the crystal in my palm, walking quickly. It was clear, almost like glass, but it shimmered different colors in the faint light of the sunset. It was as long as my pinky finger and kind of shaped like a key, which would make sense if the lock was circular as well; the end was rounded with very delicate ridges, forming a beautiful design.

I fingered it softly, trying to understand it's purpose. I was so lost in thought that I didn't even notice Carolyn until I nearly ran into her. I yelped and jumped back, making both of us flinch.

"Goodness apprentice!" Carolyn gave me an exasperated look. "You need to watch where you're going." Cozbi's eyes were wide and unnerving as she flickered her tongue out at me. Her neck twisted out as she pointed her head at the crystal in my hand.

An idea occurred to me. I held out the crystal to Carolyn. She took it and I began signing. 'Do you know what this is?' I asked. 'Mother told me that my' (I hesitated) 'first mother wanted me to have this.' I reached into my pocket and pulled out the note. Carolyn's expression was thoughtful as she read the note and studied the crystal. Cozbi seemed to read the note as well; their expressions were so similar it was comical.

"Hmm." She looked up at me. "It looks like a key. If it is a key, then the lock will most likely be made of the same material." She continued looking it over. "The lock is probably something that your mother knew you would have. Something that she gave you." She pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Do you have anything like that?"

I paused. I was very private and didn't share very many things about my past. For instance, no one knew that my broom had belonged to my father or that my pendant had belonged to my mother. I'd never even shown my pendant to anyone; it was always hidden under my tunic. The only reason Remy knew about it was because...well. She was Remy and knew basically everything about me.

My hand unconsciously moved up to my chest. My pendant...

Carolyn must have seen something in my expression. She nodded in satisfaction. "You know what it goes to then." She started to hand me the crystal, then paused. I gave her a curious look. "Forgive me, but would you mind sharing what it goes to?" She looked embarrassed, which was odd. Carolyn was always unapologetically herself.

I bit my lip. I didn't want to share with Carolyn, which was a little odd. I was very grateful to her for choosing me as her apprentice; I had not been a good student in magic, even if I had memorized all the theories and facts. I had done my best in school, but it was a useless endeavor that hadn't really paid off. I admired Carolyn greatly for her work and personality. I wanted to be just as confident as her. But I was also hated sharing things about myself with anyone. The only person I felt safe with was Remy, and that was because I didn't have much choice what I shared with her. So I signed 'I'd rather not tell' as gently as I could. I held my hand out for the crystal.

Her face was disappointed, but she handed it back. "Just be very careful with it." She warned me as she stepped away. "It seems very delicate." I nodded as I placed it in my pocket.

She looked like she wanted to say something more. There was something very odd in her expression, almost like concern. Cozbi slithered against her face and up into her hood, trying to warm up a bit in the chilly air. Carolyn shook her head and bade me good evening. I watched her back as she walked away, feeling bemused. Then I shrugged and continued walking into the dying light, ready to test my theory.

Author's Note: Hey my dudes! For those who are reading I just wanted to say that I am beyond grateful for those who have chosen to read this! Seriously, you guys are cool. 

May I make a request of you? I was wondering if (and only if) you like this, you could tell your friends about it? Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely going to try and tell as many people as I can about it, but I can only get so far and reach so many groups of people. Again, you don't have to and I won't be offended if no one chooses to do so. But I thought I'd make the request all the same. ;)

Honestly, I love you guys. I may be a Logan nut, but my Patton shows all the time. You guys are so cool for reading this. Can't put it in words. <3