Circles, Symbols and Quandaries… oh my! (9 of Pentacles) (Part 3/3)

The stonemason said he could have it done tomorrow, which would give Bran time to gather up the stones I requested, or at least find someone else who could help him find them. I was hoping this would be as simple as taking a ramble and laying out protections that would link up in a circle, that of course is not how the day has gone. I won’t actually be able to do the actual spellwork until tomorrow.

In the meantime I headed back home and pulled out my map to mark all of the places I would need to visit to deliver the marker stones to. Twenty four would likely be better with three to define the curving part of the eternity loop, but I doubted I could get so many stones of a like size and shape nor could I find that many people willing to put up with me bothering them, regardless of the reason for the visit.

Sixteen would be enough to mark the outer boundary and the energy flows would know how to flow to continually circulate and keep everything balanced. It wouldn’t be a circle, but it would be a powerful shape with eternity layered over eternity layered over eternity.

Once Dagan got me the piece, I would need to carve my own marks into it to fully prepare it for the binding ritual.

This was supposed to be an afternoon of a good walk and good use of my power I’ve stored, instead it has turned into a ritual undertaking of which I was not expecting to do for some time yet, at least not on my own. In general, I was not expecting to do a ritual of this size for some time and certainly not a protection one on such a scale.

It will all be worth it, Stonehaven will be protected long after I’ve gone if I do this right. The protections I had in mind before were something I’d renew yearly, well this will be far more permanent in the end.

I just hope everything goes as I planned… We’ll see tomorrow.

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Circles, Symbols and Quandaries… oh my! (9 of Pentacles) (Part 2/3)

I quickly started drawing again and clapped my hands together in delight. The village would not be protected by a circle, but by a flower, at least in a manner of speaking.

Four symbols of eternity is all it would require, which would mean sixteen points around the village where they would be anchored. All of the center points would lead to a keystone I would place in the very center.

This would be an interesting little walk around to say the least. I would need one keystone and then sixteen marker stones, all tied to that keystone. I quickly hurried off to the stonemason and intended to pay Bran the miner a visit on the way.

Bran was taking a couple of days to rest still, so I went to visit him and ask him for some very specific things. I needed a minimum of two things, but needed three to be most effective.

I handed him a list with descriptions of the crystals and stones I needed. I needed at least sixteen hematite stones all from roughly the same area. I needed a sizable and fairly clear quartz crystal and then four other stones for the cardinal directions. I needed black tourmaline for the north, amethyst for the east, red jasper for the south and sodalite for the west. I needed these four to be roughly the same size and shape, but size was more important than shape. I also needed all of the hematite to be fairly similar in size and shape as well. This would work with just the hematite and quartz, but the cardinal stones would simply add to it overall.

He had to look at what had been found recently, but he thought he could get it all, hematite being particularly plentiful in places around here. I left him to it and ran off to the stonemason. The keystone would be important and needed to be particular. Dagan lived on the lowest level of the village on the main thoroughfare and I paid him a visit with a very specific request.

Thankfully it was one he could deliver on handily. I requested a short stone octagonal obelisk which came to a scooped out point. The only requirement is that it had to be made of the same stone that most of Stonehaven was made of. I also requested that he carve small holes in it around the middle of it, two per face near the middle and one in the middle of the slanted sides for the four cardinal directions with the tip of the obelisk scooped out on top. The niches would be to hold the quartz at the point, the four cardinal stones and then all of the hematite markers.

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Circles, Symbols and Quandaries… oh my! (9 of Pentacles) (Part 1/3)

Today I had to overcome a challenge I never quite thought I would be facing. I decided it was time to gather as much power as I could and use it to craft a circle of protections and blessings around the village.

Normally, this would be as simple as marking out the route on a map and following it in a circle starting from a particular point and coming back to that point. Stonehaven Hollow presents a problem in this regard. It is built into the side of two mountains, or at least in a rather deep gorge between two of them. The geography is such that to encircle the village properly, I would need to either dig through part of each mountain or climb them and place the protections upon the slopes.

I pulled out a map of Stonehaven Hollow that I had been given and my light wand. It is just a wand that produces a trail of light wherever I move it, in whatever color I wish, while concentrating. It is similar to a quill and ink, except far less permanent.

I poked the map in a few spots where the important homes were. The village leader, my own home, the homes and places of business on the other side including Orrin’s place with the still unoccupied pig pen. I marked the road through the village and the four cardinal points and then the very center based on what had been marked so far.

Sure enough, most of the southern and northern circle would be within the mountain. Even with traveling up river in some cases, it wouldn’t get me where I needed to be and honestly the workings shouldn’t be elevated too high from each other to be most effective.

I was always taught that a circle had to be the thing used as it was the stronger shape, if a barrier was created, it would provide equal pressure no matter which surface.

I Used the map to draw what could be best described as an oblong shape around the village using the highest points of each side of the village as the longer sides.

I stared at it for a long time and created a miniature barrier, poking it at different places. It would work in theory, but it would not be nearly as strong as a circle would be.

I brushed away the oblong and stared hard at the map with the faintly glowing spots and stared hard at the center point. Something about it was nagging at my mind until I remembered something. The reason Stonehaven was built where it was because it had access to a stable underground network of caverns and caves that linked to some cold springs. They used most of them for cold storage. The center point of the village was set where one of the caverns rested and one I had thought was likely not in use due to being where it was.

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A Pleasant Surprise (Ace of Pentacles) (Part 3/3)

It had three stamens sticking out of the center of the delicate blossom and the scent was something like a mixture of gardenia, jasmine, lilac and orange, but not quite any of these either. It was delicate and almost fruity.

Finally I cupped my hands beneath the blossom and took it carefully from them with great care. I will admit that I shed some happy tears. Not because this was such a priceless gift, but more so that I had earned the trust of the moss sprites of this region in what seemed like such a short amount of time. I had to quickly wipe my tears away and explain they were because I was so happy and honored to be given such a treasured item.

The buds on Thistles head bloomed and their eyes glowed bright. The room felt somehow warmer, like a gentle spring breeze had just passed through or the sun had warmed the air just a bit.

I carefully placed the moonbeam blossom in a crystal bowl and placed the lid on it. The lid was smooth and made of clear crystal without any facets to allow peering into the bowl. It was created to preserve delicate magical herbs and the blossom fit into it perfectly.

Thistle beamed at me, their tail swaying as their ears twitched uncontrollably with their evident happiness and excitement.

As amazing as the moment was, the hug I got from them was even better. Hugging a moss sprite is like hugging a doll because they are so small, but their fur is as soft as the most comfortable soft moss and warm too. They hugged my neck awkwardly as I held them up. They even insisted on giving bumper a hug, who was happy to oblige them especially from the look of bliss that came over him when some greenish gold energy flowed from Thistle to the goatling, his form solidifying just a little more than it had been.

Bumper tried to lick the sprite, which thankfully was not possible at the moment. Bumper did not have the control yet to always impact the physical world you see… At the moment, that was likely a good thing as he would have likely slobbered all over poor Thistle.

I offered Thistle some of the edible amber candy I kept and they happily accepted it before leaving for the night. They assured me that they would return soon and they would always be watching. I hope that one day I might see their home high in the mountain above the village but only time will tell.

I’ve decided to keep the moonbeam blossom on my mantle piece for now, carefully preserved in the crystal, spelled for freezing time. I hope I never need to draw on the power this single blossom contains, but I have it if it ever comes to that.

I certainly never know what to expect here in Stonehaven Hollow… the more I meet the people here, the more I learn about the beings that surround the village… the more it feels like home.

For now, I seek my bed and dreams, the night has gotten quite long as I needed to write this all down. Tomorrow is a new day full of adventure.

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A Pleasant Surprise (Ace of Pentacles) (Part 2/3)

“Um, h-hello… I’m Thistle, and I um… wanted to meet you and have brought a token of friendship from myself and my kin.” Thistle said, his voice still hesitant and quiet. It carried the sound of nature, the sound of a babbling brook, wind through the mountains high above, the silence of a mossy cave…

I quickly invited Thistle into my home and turned to give Bumper a warning glance. He merely lay watching the little sprite, head tilted to the side, as they carefully made their way into the room and sat on the cushion I placed on the ground for them. My chairs would require them to climb up in them and that would simply be rude.

Thistle explained they lived high up on the mountain in an enclave on a cliff full of moss with a natural spring trickling through it. They had heard from other spirits and folk in the region that a new village witch had come to Stonehaven Hollow and that I apparently have been seen in a favorable light. I did wonder if Faelan had anything to do with some of this, but that had only been a day or two ago. Word can seemingly move faster among the magical species than it can humankind so it would not surprise me if he did have something to do with it.

Thistle assured me that they had been watching me since I had moved into the village, they had liked the last witch to live here, but it had been a long time. They hoped I would prove to be worthy to be called friend and so it seems in a short time I had been.

The moonbeam blossom is a flower that grows only within the light of the full moon on the highest peaks of mountainous regions. It normally grows in places most people cannot reach and it is difficult for witches and other magical beings to get at times. Thistle must know exactly where they grow to have managed to get one as small as they are. It would not surprise me if it grew quite close to their home from how they described it. Not to mention, their home is riddled with magic and spiritually charged crystals. The moonbeam blossom is possible only thanks to some very specific circumstances.

To me, this blossom was absolutely priceless and contained within it the very essence of the moon at its most powerful along with the essence of the region. To Thistle, this was a symbol of friendship and acceptance in the language of moss sprites, a rare gift indeed, but to almost any other magical practitioner, this blossom is worth far more.

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A Herbal Help (Ace of Swords) (Part 2/2)

I held out the box and the sachet to him, first offering him the box.

I instructed him to use a level tablespoon of the herbal mixture in a small cup of boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes to steep it into a medicinal tea. I told him he is to drink a cup of this tea morning and night and to inhale the steam first thing in the morning as it steeps and to drink it right before bed to assist in a good night of rest and continued healing. I grinned at the look he gave me to the tea and I wiggled my nose at him and assured him that he can sweeten it to his liking once steeped with honey if he liked.

Next I held out the sachet to him and instructed him to sleep with it under his pillow as the scent of the herbs would assist in healing overnight. The healing energy and spell I wove into the herbs should promote healing. I instructed him to drink the tea until the herbs were gone from the box. Even if he starts to feel better, I told him he’d better continue until there is nothing left.

I showed Aderyn the herbs I had used and told him the amounts as well. I said that if the cough came back, to try this mixture without the added spellwork and see what happened. I also gave Bran a cloth mask which would cover his mouth and nose. I had embroidered some clean air spells into the mask in the past.

Why did I have such a thing? Do you realize how utterly smelly some of the swamps can get? I needed something to keep the rotten egg stench out of my nose. It also helped to keep pollen and other particles out of my nose and mouth and thus out of my lungs. I would have to remember to create more of these for the other miners.

Bran thanked me by giving me a small piece of what appeared to be hematite, a pyrite and a brilliant blue azurite, the azurite still rough and needing to be tumbled and polished. I loved them all and was very thankful for them, especially the azurite, as I could polish it and infuse energy into it while I did. I gave Aderyn a hug before he left and gave Bran a hearty pat on the back. I sincerely hoped that he would feel better soon because I witnessed his cough quite a bit during the visit.

I did tell Bran to please let me know how it works out, but as he has a couple weeks of tea to drink, I may not hear anything for a few days. I expect it will take that long for the effects to start showing.

That’s one good deed I did today, now back to that scarf… I’m getting better at it, you know, and I will finish it soon enough.

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A Herbal Help (Ace of Swords)

TodayAderyn brought someone to my door in need of specialized care that he and Senna could not treat themselves. Bran Coppervein was one of the local miners and had been suffering from a persistent cough and fatigue. Nothing they have been able to do has helped for long, so they hoped a little magic and my knowledge of healing herbs may help where they have been unable to do so.

I invited both Bran and Aderyn into my home and settled them each into a comfortable chair while I began to gather ingredients, listening to the tale from Bran about his day to day life and his work in the local mine.

The more he talked about the conditions of the mine as I asked him questions about it, the more I began to understand the issue was the environment itself. I began to gather up a mixture, pouring them into a bowl with a small spout.

I gathered up mullein for its traditional uses in promoting lung health by soothing irritation and clearing mucus. I gathered up some eucalyptus, which not only smells good, but helps reduce pain and inflammation.

I added in some ginseng for overall energy and health and a large amount of elderberry which would hopefully help with his immune system. Finally I added a touch of lavender to aid him with getting a good night’s rest.

I settled in a chair and began to hum a song of healing, weaving a spell into the herbal mixture as I began to mix it thoroughly, grinding any larger pieces into an appropriate size for tea. I poured the mixture into a small cotton-lined herb box and filled a small sachet with the rest.

I carried both to Bran, the man watching my work with interest. I took a moment to look him over, his broad shoulders and arms a testament to his physical work while his ruddy, freckled face, fiery orange hair and bright blue eyes were quite different from the usual folk around these parts who tended to be in varying shades of brown hair and eyes.

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A Good Deed (7 of Cups) (Part 2/2)

Luckily I had come across him in his time of need and was quite happy to help, especially after he marked the location on my map of a cave that had the moss I was seeking after he was across. But I am getting ahead of myself.

I tend to keep a supply of helpful spellcrafting items on my person in a few pouches on my belt just in case. While we walked to the river, Faelan serenading me with more of his performance, I gathered up what I would need. There were a few ways I could do this, but I thought it would be most simple to call on the spirits of the wind in this area to help.

Now, the thing about wind spirits is that they are playful and like pucks, sometimes little tricksters. I thought they might be willing to help my new friend if I offered them just the right things.

When we got to the river I outlined a circle of salt on the ground away from the white water spray and began to lay out some items in the circle. First in the very center, some edible amber pebbles, those candy honey bits, some feathers, some colorful glass beads in all shades, some tiny silver bells on a braided ribbon and a small cone of incense which I lit allowing the scent of cinnamon to fill the air around us. Faelan also added a small pile of fairy dust to the offerings on hand.

Then, I began to call to the spirits of the wind. While Faelan played his flute, I sang in a soft voice to them, calling to them imploringly, offering what was laid out here and borrowing from the chaotic energy of the river to send out to them if they would assist.

It took a little bit but before long items in the circle began to glow. The more attention I gained, the more the items glowed with a soft white light. Faelan moved to the edge of the river and continued to play, his dragonfly wings beating hard and fast in spurts as he glanced around.

Suddenly a twisting swirling miniature tornado swept around him, lifting him up. A moment later one also swept me up and we were carried across the river, just above its surface to the other side.

Faelan bowed his deep thanks to me, marked my map and offered me a small vial of the dust while leaving another small pile near his feet. He said that if ever I should ever need him to simply toss a pinch into the fire and he would answer. He also said he would come visit Stonehaven when he could, but that he must be away.

In a flash of green, he was gone. The dust he left behind had glowed bright white for a moment before vanishing and a moment later I rose back into the air only to drift back across the river.

I sang to the spirits a while longer before heading to that cave, gathering up all the mos I would need for now and thanking Faelan silently as I hurried home.

And that, my friends, is how I met a puck and made another new friend.

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A Good Deed (7 of Cups) (Part 1/2)

It isn’t every day you meet a puck, but that’s what I did today while out rambling around. Also, I am not referring to those things people like to bat around with sticks on ice.

I went out today to try and find a cave that may have a particular moss I was seeking for a particular spell working. There are plenty of caves about, but not all of them have the right conditions for moss, much less pigtail moss. Oh it is called that because it grows in very tiny pigtail-like spirals.

It was the middle of the afternoon and I was heading for the next cave on the map I was told about when I suddenly heard the sound of a high-pitched flute. Stonehaven being the only settlement nearby, I went in search of the source of the sound.

Popping out from behind one of the few sparse trees in this area I suddenly saw a most unusual sight. He was striking in his appearance with moss green skin, dragonfly wings on his back, sparkling blue eyes, pointed ears and the most brilliant silver hair standing up from his head I’d seen in many years. It really did look like silver, which only added to how utterly alluring and strange it was.

He sat upon a rather large mushroom like it was a stool, but of course he could as he was only two feet high. He played a tiny reed flute and was dressed in garb made of leaves and petals.

At first I had to recall that this wee folk was a puck, there are so many fae and fairy folk that it can be hard to distinguish them at times. I stepped out from behind the tree and he stopped playing as he gave me a cheeky grin followed by a bow.

“Goodly lass of the witching powers. I am most pleased to see you, for you see I am in need of help only one such as you perhaps can give.” he said, his voice only a bit higher than one may expect from another person of a normal height.

I greeted him and offered my name as he returned with his own. It seemed Faelan was a messenger from his fairy queen to another in a neighboring forest not too far away from Stonehaven. Despite his light load of the sealed message scroll and some fairy dust for emergencies, he desperately needed my help crossing a wide, raging river that currently barred his path.

This particular river was rather rough, full of rapids and debris. That massive storm still being felt days later.

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Dabbling in Handicrafts (3 of Wands) (Part 2/2(

My sad excuse for attempted crochet was sitting on a side table with the gorgeous yarn in a stone bowl I was using as a yarn ball bowl, the stone hook next to it. I hadn’t thought to put it anywhere else after I had set it aside and Tilda asked me about it.

I explained to her that I was hoping to give my hand at crocheting a scarf and why. I had no real end goal for the scarf once done, I had only planned to make it and see who may need it most.

Once I had given her the charm scrolls she asked for we turned back to the yarn, the hook and my poor attempts. She asked me to grab a ball of string, which I did so and brought it out to her. She had my hook in hand and took the string from me.

She slowly showed me the basics again, which I thought I had known. My memory is clearly not what I thought it was as when she handed me the string and the hook to try it again, I managed far better than any of my fumbling attempts earlier in the day had. Mind you this was string, so a different material, a different feeling and I did not try and weave any spells into it as I worked, but it looked so much better.

After a while Tilda stopped me and helped me to carefully undo the mess I had made of the precious yarn and started a foundation chain for me. She handed the hook over quickly and urged me to try again.

I was hesitant, it was only by her great care we were able to undo the wreck I had made. I was terrified that I’d mess it all up again and worse than before.

With some more gentle nudging from the weaver I started slowly, carefully and deliberate in my movements. After a few stitches I started focusing on what I intended this scarf to do and represent, all the while Tilda watched and gently guided me with words and the ever so light touch of fingers on my hands adjusting.

Before long a half hour and then an hour passed and as a light tinkling sound broke me out of my reverie, I looked down at the rather large piece of fabric I had created with hook, hand and guidance.

Tilda sat there beaming at me as I stared, probably like a landed fish, at the piece. It was absolutely beautiful and my particular flavor of magic had been woven seamlessly into it. I sincerely believe that tilda has some magic of her own to have guided me into such a meditative state while I crocheted only with her voice. I doubt I will ever find out one way or another.

The scarf is not entirely done yet, however, I got quite a swath of it done and hope to finish it soon. It will be wonderful practice for the next while. I also found it to be incredibly soothing and relaxing, so IHave decided to work on this every night before bed until it is finished.

Perhaps this project will encourage me to do more crochet once it is finished. We’ll see, it really depends on … well a lot of things.

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Dabbling in Handicrafts (3 of Wands)(Part 1/2)

Today I was fortunate enough to be able to trade some spellwork and divination for some extremely pretty yarn and a stone crochet hook.

The yarn is a pretty variegated yarn dyed with natural berry dyes from around the valley so it is a mixture of colors from a pretty purple-blue to red and pink with some of the natural color left in the mix. It goes from avery dark to light and back again. It is also very warm yarn made of merino wool from sheep raised in the region and the undercoat fur of the local yak herd that just shed them now that spring is here.

It has been a while since I did some magical weaving into my weaving as it were, and longer still since I picked up a hook to crochet. I thought today would be the perfect day to start both again and weave some spells for warmth and protection for the wearer and durability for the item itself into a simple scarf.

Well… simple it was not, as beautiful as the stone crochet hook is, smooth and polished with perfect grips, I felt like I was all thumbs. I either held it too tightly until my hand got sore, or I dropped it. The thing with weaving anything into something you create is the need to focus on it, so my focus was divided as I worked trying to imbue the weavings into the material as I worked.

I tried to hold the yarn just so with my other hand and let it flow between my fingers as I worked andeverything just seemed to go wrong repeatedly. My stitches were uneven, my tension was all wrong and then sometimes the yarn would catch on itself and somehow manage to tangle up when I went to undo some poor work.

At one point I simply had to set it aside with a sigh and go do something else because I was so frustrated with it. I had not crocheted for long, but I don’t remember being so utterly hopeless and terrible with it. I was thoroughly discouraged.

Later the clothier and weaver, Tilda Woolspin came by in search of repelling charms or herbs for vermin. She had been having some issues with some enterprising rodents chewing on her fabric stock and taking bits of fabric for nesting material.

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Offerings (9 of Swords) (Part 3/3)

Finally I tied the scroll shut with a bit of copper wire and placed a pebble-sized bit of dull gray metal, rough and pitted on the plate next to it. This stone, this bit of metal, so tiny like a little forgotten pebble, was actually a piece of metal that had fallen from the stars above. It was part of what had come to the land leaving behind a small crater in its wake.

I crossed my arms, unhappy with it, there was something missing and I was not certain what. I jumped up and quickly made my way to the baker and the bee keeper’s shop before racing home once more, two small bags clutched in hand.

On the offering plate to the left I sprinkled a few small white puffy marshmallows, faintly colored with the berry juice added to them during cooking to give them some variety in flavor. On the right side plate I pulled out and arranged some bits of what the beekeeper called edible amber. In reality it was honey turned into a sweet candy that looked like little amber rocks. The village children absolutely adored it.

So do I, to be honest with you. There is nothing as wonderful as honey candy in all its forms.

After ensuring the presentation on each plate was just right, I took the time to perform an energizing ritual over them, imbuing the items on the plate with spiritual energy, each flavored just a bit differently to match the spirits these were intended for.

I took up each of the plates and carried them to where they were to go. The plate in my left hand got placed in the bottom of my built-in storage cubby in my room. The other plate, the one in my right hand, I placed in the furthest back corner of my storage room on the topmost stone shelf.

I moved back to my altar and settled myself on a floor cushion and began to meditate. The plate in my room was for the websilk wisps and the one in the storage room for the stone whispers.

I went to bed later that night hoping each would approve of the offering as I left them overnight, as was customary. The next morning I woke up and found that both plates were absolutely clear of all of what I had offered. Each plate had also appeared to change. The one in my bedroom was somehow cleaner and more polished while the one I had left in my storage room was now adorned with crystal clear quartz and rimmed in shiny polished copper. I took the time to thank them and perform another energizing ritual, offering it directly to the spirits this time before I started my day in earnest.

This was just a reminder that I should pay more attention to what I’m sensing or feeling. My intuition rarely ever leads me astray. I have righted a wrong and hopefully made life better for everyone in the village by helping both the websilk wisps and stone whispers of my home. By helping the ones of my home, I make all of the websilk wisps and stone whispers of Stonehaven Hollow stronger.

What will come next? I can’t wait to find out.

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Offerings (9 of Swords) (Part 2/3)

For a while I communicated with them, hearing them out and offering my own greetings back to them, same along with apologies to the websilk wisps. By the time my porridge was cool enough to eat, perhaps a bit too cool, I had devised an idea that I would begin to enact as soon as I was able.

I finished breakfast and began to gather tools and materials from my own supplies. I laid out two offering plates on my altar and began carefully selecting items for each from what I had on hand.

On the plate I set aside on my left I pulled out some shiny silver wire and with the help of a little magic and artistic ability, laid out a little wire butterfly that had some mirrored glass set into the wings, the wire wrapped around the colored discs. I keep little bits of mirror for spell workings in all kinds of shapes and sizes. It took only a little color changing to color the surface of the glass to be a shade of blue, green or purple. This particular butterfly had aqua and purple wings with two beads of gold on the ends of its antennae.

On the second plate I set to the right side of me on the altar I placed a tiny stone owl I had obtained once upon a time. It was made of marble and barely bigger than the tip of my thumb. It was almost a marble, except a bit more oblong and flat on the bottom. It was the image of a chubby owl with large amber eyes. The detail was truly exquisite. I pet its head fondly and turned back to my supplies thoughtfully.

On the left plate I then set aside a few downy feathers, wispy and pure as freshly fallen snow. I could not recall where I had gotten them, but I knew they would be perfect for this case. On the plate to the right I laid out a small pile of dried sage and thyme in the depression in the center of the plate just for such a purpose.

On the left hand plate I made a small pile of herbs in the center that contained some lavender, lemon balm and rosemary, mixing the herbs just so. I turned to the right side plate and pulled out a long, thin five sided faceted clear quartz and arranged it on the plate.

I furrowed my brow and began to dig for something. I had two things I needed and knew it had to be there. Eventually I did find what I was looking for and pulled out a teeny tiny string of bells on a silk ribbon. It was only a small string of three bells, but I laid it out carefully on the plate to the left. I pulled out a tiny scroll of parchment and a self-inking pen, spelling the ink to be a beautiful copper color and began to write in my best handwriting.

Stone of the mountain,
Full of strength, wisdom and heart,
Secrets dwell within,
Protected within your care,
Sentinels of life itself,.

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Offerings (9 of Swords) (part 1/3)

Ever since I arrived in Stonehaven Hollow I’ve had a sensation of something and wasn’t quite able to put my finger on what it was until yesterday. I was making breakfast and thought I caught sight of something out of the corner of my eye. I looked but nothing was there. Bumper has a habit of crossing into view in such a way that I see him for only a mere moment. It is a game he’s taken to playing rather than headbutt a witch.

I continued to make my bowl of porridge and caught sight of a flash of light like a reflection again and felt a sort of spiritual tugging like someone tapping my shoulder. I glanced with my inner sight this time, you know the one that helps a witch see more than just the world around them. I still didn’t see anything, but I certainly felt something… more than one something in fact.

I finished making my breakfast and settled into a chair with it cupped in my hands in the bowl, using its heat to focus while I allowed it to cool. I closed my eyes and reached out for the sensation and got a rather clear sense of what I was feeling. I was feeling multiple websilk wisps and some stone whispers.

The latter was much like the stone, deliberate and sturdy. The websilk wisps were playful and rather akin to other hearth and home dwelling spirits. I’m certain some of you have heard tales of certain sprites that are rather useful, love abandoned places and sweets and have a rather cute squeaking sound they make.

It seemed the websilk wisps were somewhat annoyed with me as in my cleaning of my new home, I unknowingly cleaned away one of their homes. Websilk wisps live in elaborate cobwebs in corners and love to collect small shiny objects and things they can easily add to their homes. It seems that one of them had built their home in a more open space than they normally do, not believing anyone would ever move in.

It seems this home had been without a resident for some time, and while the villagers did come to ensure its care, deep cleaning while no one was living here was not a priority it seemed.

The stone whispers were simply taking the opportunity to greet me in their own way. They lived in every home in Stonehaven hollow as they were a spirit that dwells within the stone, with all of the homes being built directly into the mountain, it became the perfect place for them.

Stone whispers also carry the stories of people and events that happen around their home. Stone whispers rather liked Stonehaven because of the opportunity to gather more stories than any one spirit could carry through the ages.

#VillageWitch #SoloRPG #Writing

Making Connections (The Empress) (Part 2)

Once our introductions were out of the way I welcomed her into my home and to one of the most comfortable seats I had while gathering up bowls of stew for each of us and placing the flatbread to toast as I poured drinks.

For a long time neither of us said much of anything as we were both enjoying the food too much. Bumper shyly came from the hallway to say hello in a gentle bleating voice, which thankfully did not scare Xanth into dropping her mug or her stew bowl.

When finally we had both had our fill of multiple bowls of stew, bread and tea, I finally explained what I hoped she could do for me and in return offered to teach her about some of the other poisonous plants I knew of from other more temperate regions than her own, in case something happened to get shipped in or she happened to visit another region.

We spent many hours gabbing about our favorite herbs, our knowledge and what we still hoped to learn. The topic shifted from herbs and poisons to other things as well such as animal and insect based venoms, toxins or poisons and to more mundane things such as our favorite books or crafts we enjoyed.

The more people I get to know in Stonehaven, the more I appreciate it. I am very happy to know Xanth and form a wonderful budding friendship with her and a wonderful working one as well. I still don’t know if Stonehaven will end up being my true home, but little by little I come to feel more welcome here.

I am pleased that Senna and Aderyn recommended I meet with her. I can see why they value her skill, she is extremely knowledgeable and it is priceless to know of such deadly poisons and venoms, especially if a village child ingests the wrong sort of berry or happens to be bitten by a snake. Aderyn has some of this knowledge, but it has happened more than once that Xanth was able to identify a plant or what snake or insect it could have been by a poor description or by merely examining the sting or bite.

Xanth seems a bit like me when I want some time to myself. She spends more of her time out in nature than with people sometimes, but she seems to simply fit there. I think I like people a bit too much to become one of those witches that live in a hermit hole way out on the edge of some swamp, butI think Xanth could be perfectly happy living away from the village for extended periods like that. Either way, I look forward to seeing what will come of this friendship, as tentative and new as it is.

#VillageWitch #SoloRPG #Writing

Making Connections (The Empress) (Part 1)

This evening I had a most pleasant visitor to my home and one I believe I have created a new bond with. Let me start at the beginning.

I’ve been attempting to build up a stock of herbs, but with everything going on I haven’t had a chance to go gathering on my own. I went to speak with the village herbalist and apothecary owner Senna. It also happened that I met the town healer Aderyn while visiting the shop.

Well, both thought I should reach out to the local poison expert Xanth, whom both have worked with her many times. It seems that Xanth brings in most of the herbs that Senna sells and Aderyn uses. It also seemed that Xanth was the one called on when any kind of poisonous plant or snake bite or poisonous insect was involved with one of Aderyn’s cases.
Senna suggested I leave a message with her as Xanth was often out during the day gathering and was today.

Well, this worked out quite well as I just happen to need someone who would be willing to keep an eye out for some very specific herbs and plants when I cannot always be rambling around. Until I get my garden started properly I will need to gather from the surrounding region.

I took the time to write an invitation for Xanth, inviting her over for an evening meal. I then hurried off to gather what I’d need for a hearty stew. It just happened I managed to get some rather tasty rabbits one of the local hunters had managed to catch earlier that day. Being as it was spring, rabbits were quite plentiful.

I also ensured that I stopped by the bakery to purchase some amaranth herb flatbread to dip into the stew and use as spoons, at least until we finished it off. I did buy likely more than we honestly needed, but as you know, I do love my baked goods.

I began the stew immediately, becaus eall of the best stew cooks for a long time and melds the flavors together. Before long I had local children hovering outside of my home as the smells wafted from my open windows. I guess I’m not a half bad hand at it, and after tasting my results, I’d have to say I do make a wonderful stew. I am likely somewhat biased ont hat though.

I also made some chilled light tea flavored with macerated mountain berries and mint to accompany the heavy, hearty meal. So, with everything ready, the bread stored away until we were ready to lightly toast it to eat with our stew, I waited with a good book as I was uncertain when exactly Xanth would arrive. After all, I only asked if she would please call on me any time this evening after she returned.

The sun had only just sunk below the mountains when came the tentative knock on the door and there stood who I assume was Xanth. She was weather worn by sun and wind with tanned leathery skin of one in it often. Her hair was a soft golden wheat color in a series of braids and her eyes were a soft spring green.

#VillageWitch #SoloRPG #Writing

Making Connections (The Empress) (Part 1)

This evening I had a most pleasant visitor to my home and one I believe I have created a new bond with. Let me start at the beginning.

I’ve been attempting to build up a stock of herbs, but with everything going on I haven’t had a chance to go gathering on my own. I went to speak with the village herbalist and apothecary owner Senna. It also happened that I met the town healer Aderyn while visiting the shop.

Well, both thought I should reach out to the local poison expert Xanth, whom both have worked with her many times. It seems that Xanth brings in most of the herbs that Senna sells and Aderyn uses. It also seemed that Xanth was the one called on when any kind of poisonous plant or snake bite or poisonous insect was involved with one of Aderyn’s cases.
Senna suggested I leave a message with her as Xanth was often out during the day gathering and was today.

Well, this worked out quite well as I just happen to need someone who would be willing to keep an eye out for some very specific herbs and plants when I cannot always be rambling around. Until I get my garden started properly I will need to gather from the surrounding region.

I took the time to write an invitation for Xanth, inviting her over for an evening meal. I then hurried off to gather what I’d need for a hearty stew. It just happened I managed to get some rather tasty rabbits one of the local hunters had managed to catch earlier that day. Being as it was spring, rabbits were quite plentiful.

I also ensured that I stopped by the bakery to purchase some amaranth herb flatbread to dip into the stew and use as spoons, at least until we finished it off. I did buy likely more than we honestly needed, but as you know, I do love my baked goods.

I began the stew immediately, becaus eall of the best stew cooks for a long time and melds the flavors together. Before long I had local children hovering outside of my home as the smells wafted from my open windows. I guess I’m not a half bad hand at it, and after tasting my results, I’d have to say I do make a wonderful stew. I am likely somewhat biased ont hat though.

I also made some chilled light tea flavored with macerated mountain berries and mint to accompany the heavy, hearty meal. So, with everything ready, the bread stored away until we were ready to lightly toast it to eat with our stew, I waited with a good book as I was uncertain when exactly Xanth would arrive. After all, I only asked if she would please call on me any time this evening after she returned.

The sun had only just sunk below the mountains when came the tentative knock on the door and there stood who I assume was Xanth. She was weather worn by sun and wind with tanned leathery skin of one in it often. Her hair was a soft golden wheat color in a series of braids and her eyes were a soft spring green.

#VillageWitch #SoloRPG #Writing

Bumper Gets Bumped Back (Part 2)

Bumper stood up somewhat shakily on his cloven hooves. He was so young he was still sometimes uncoordinated with them, even as a spirit. He looked confusedly at me and then at Brother Eamon who smiled gently and what I saw was rather apologetic as well.

Let me see if I can recall what he said as I was struggling to get my composure back.

“I am sorry little friend, I did not intend to dazzle you. I only wished to catch you, it seems I am yet still learning my own spiritual control as you too seem to be. Will you forgive this young monk? I wish to be your friend.”

He said it all so calmly and directly to Bumper, as if he were a person, not simply a creature. Well, Brother Eamon, I, and I hope you as well dear readers, understand animals are more than they seem.

Bumper blinked once or twice and very deliberately took one step after another to walk to the monk. He bleated quietly up at him and bowed his head as if in apology of his own.

I am certain he was apologizing then because Bumper has been far less inclined to bump random people without some kind of greeting or warning. If he does not know them, he acts more shy than before.

Brother Eamon reached out and petted the little ghost between his horns, a golden light glowing around his hand like that of the first rays of sun in the morning sky. And Bumper seemed to sigh with happiness and grow a bit more solid with a bit more color returning to him.

“There now, you and I are friends and I am happy to know you.” At this point he looked at me, one eyebrow raised in question. I returned that his name was Bumper and then explained the entire tale of how I came to be lovingly haunted by a youngling goat after he properly finished introducing himself to the friendly ghost.

Brother Eamon stumped Bumper that day and yet I have seen him trailing the monk all over the village. I really best warn Brother Eamon that his monastery may end up with a ghostly visitor more often than they may like.

I believe Bumper learned an important lesson, even if headbutting people is his way of saying hello or that he likes them, it is rather surprising, and by accidentally being bumped back by Brother Eamon, he now understands that better than any attempt to explain it before.

I am certain little Bumper will find other mischief to get into around the village… at least eating all of the farmer’s best greens won’t be one of them.

*Author's Note: So, I'm sure you've noticed a lack of Tarot cards for the last two journal entries. These are just extra little ones I'm writing without any prompts. I'll do this from time to time to add more random stuff that I just feel like writing, so please enjoy. Hoping to have at least one tarot prompted entry done today too, its been busy!

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Bumper Gets Bumped Back (Part 1)

Now that I have a most wonderful cup of tea with plenty of honey, it is time to finally put down the meeting between Brother Eamon and Bumper. Honestly, any time I attempted to start writing this particular story, I would burst into giggles and scribble all over my page and splatter ink all over it. It is a good thing we witches know some ink vanishing spells or I would have wasted so many pages of my journal.

Brother Eamon had come to the village to meet with the head and other folks and I invited him to visit my home so I could find out why a monk of his order was visiting. As I’ve said before, it is rare to often see members of the Order of the Tranquil Dawn in most towns as they are a sect that prefers nature and more peacefully remote areas. Looking back, I should not have been too surprised as small and remote as this village is.

Anyway, we were having tea and Bumper had been absent. I never do worry over much of the little ghostly goat, except when he decides to go pester our neighbors because he wants some attention. Normally he is quite happy to rush over and meet someone new, so after a good hour had passed and there was no sign of the kid, I was beginning to wonder.

Suddenly, out from the wall of my bedroom rushed Bumper, aiming right for Brother Eamon, head down, pale amber eyes fixed on the monk. I expected surprise considering Bumper had run out of the wall and was very obviously not a solid or a live goat.

Instead, Bumper’s appearance only seemed to bring a smile to the serene monk’s face and with a single hand held out at Bumper’s head height, the little goatling headbutted the hand with a rather solid sounding thump. Bumper bounced back and fell on his hindquarters, eyes wide and rolling in a look of absolute astonishment on his little face.

I sat there, saucer in hand and blinked before falling to a fit of giggles. I am sorry to say my cup did not survive my violent shaking laughter as it tumbled to the ground and shattered, my tea lost to the stone. At that moment I didn’t have even the slightest bit of control to simply repair the cup as I would have done in an instant.

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Storm Startled goats (Part 2)

All of that rain created a small but violent mudslide.

Now, you may simply ask what about the gate to the pen? Well it too was made of a thick heavy and solid wood on hinges that would swing outward. It is good that it did, to be honest. As far as we can guess, the goats heard and felt the rumbling of the mudslide and fled with the biggest ram attempting to break down the gate. They must have succeeded or simply leapt over the waist high fence in fleeing. It is hard to say with the mass of mud and the gate being broken as it is now.

The pen was a muddy mucky mess and every goat, even the kids, managed to escape, however, in the storm and the confusion and fear, they ended up scattered all up and down the village’s main thoroughfare.

I was called to help calm the poor things as they were each collected and gathered up. Many were muddy and scraggly from being in the downpour and getting coated in mud in their flight.

I ended up with poor little goatlings pressed into me as I fed them calming potions and soothing drafts while doing some minor cleaning spells to deal with some of the muckier ones. Bert thankfully had enough room to house all of the goats with his own until the other pen could be cleaned out and precautions made. The gate did not survive as mentioned, but the fence certainly still did.

No one is quite sure how none of the goats were lost. Mudslides are deadly, so I’m told, but something warned them in just enough time to escape. Honestly if I were Orrin, I would find a different place to keep the goats, the pen is not likely worth saving for the goats as it is full of mud and muck now and the fence itself is buried.

The farmers are rather pleased by it, as there is some good soil there now once it dries out a bit. It is a bit stoney for their liking, but shovels and care will produce a nice yield of usable, nutritious soil. I’ve even thought to perhaps poke around for any stones or crystals that may have ended up washed down from the higher,steeper slopes when it is more dry.

Some villagers have commented how nice that pen would be to keep some truffle pigs in if it could be done. They tell me that they grow around the mountains but the best way to find them is a specially trained pig. Only time will tel if the pen can be made safe enough to house anything, but wouldn’t that be something to add truffles to the local bounty?

I suppose we will find out together.

#VillageWitch #SoloRPG #Writing