1 Once Upon a Time

Once a long time ago, in a long-forgotten kingdom, lost among the thousands of heroes and nobles, a young witch resided. She was still young at merely 15 years old and still unaware of what the future had in store for her. The little witch had long coal-like hair that fell in curls around her face and eyes with the color of the sky reflected in them. Together with her grandmother, she lived in an old house in a poor village, where everyone knew their neighbors and helped each other when in need. Her parents were never there for her but she didn't resent them because being with her grandmother was all she needed in life.

Her lovely grandmother, although she was well stricken in years, had a young heart which made her a good mother and friend to the young girl. She also protected her, taught her magic and cared for her as if she was her own child. Nothing could break the bond between the two, as they were closer than any other family. The pair was well known in the village for the great medicine they made which was also their livelihood.

One day, while helping her grandmother look for various plants on a plain near their home, the witch was startled when she felt a hand grab her shoulder weighing her down. This was not the usual light and bony hand of her grandmother, it was a firm hand that commanded unfaltering obedience. When turning around to see the owner of that strong grip, she almost fell on her back as a towering man glanced at her with a sharp look and brought his face closer. Standing behind her, the man was almost twice her size, dressed in a red and blue uniform that made him stand out more among the poor peasants of the village. His eyes were a bright green just like a polished emerald and shone with intelligence while his jaw had sharp edges that betrayed a strong personality, barely hidden behind a stubble.

"Are you Celia?" The giant asked while loosening his grip on her shoulder.

"Yes..." the witch heard herself say and at the same time regretted her words. She knew some people could be less than kind and this giant screamed danger to her.

"Follow me!" he simply ordered and started walking without looking back. Celia was in a daze, unsure of what to do when he suddenly turned and stopped. As if urged by something she couldn't see, the little witch took the flowers and plants that were laying by her feet and shoved them in a ragged bag hanging from her shoulder. She soon reached the giant who took her bag and slung it over his shoulder. They walked in silence until they reached her house. Once there, the giant knocked on the door and her grandmother opened with a smile on her face. He took a short bow before entering and taking a seat at their small kitchen table. Everything seemed smaller compared to the man who was now looking around with his brow raised slightly, investigating his surroundings.

"Long time no see Tom. How have you been?" Celia's grandmother beamed as she placed a kettle on the fire and prepared some tea for her guest.

"Just fine Beatrix, the usual stuff." He grumbled while suddenly taking an interest at the young girl in front of him. Celia was sitting with her back straight, her muscles all tensed, as she flinched at hearing her name. In the small house, his voice seemed louder which made her want to hide. However, Celia trusted that she was safe as long as her grandmother was there with her and the little pride she had didn't want this giant to know he scared her out of her wits.

While the man was now lazily looking at her grandmother preparing tea, Celia took this chance to study him some more. She noticed several light-colored scars on his big hands and she almost grimaced when she recognized them as sword wounds. He must have been a seasoned fighter judging by the callouses on his palm that she felt through her light dress when he touched her shoulder. His dirty blonde hair was a bit too long, sticking to his sides, making him look like he just got out of a fight. There was something intriguing about his physical appearance, that made her feel curiously drawn towards the giant man that was calmly looking around the house.

When the tea was ready, the steaming hot liquid was poured into the tiny cups by her grandmother. The old woman felt the tension in the air and as if to counter it she began chattering away with a cheerful voice.

"Celia darling," she said in a voice that had a hint of amusement in it. "This is Lord Thomas William. He is an old friend of mine." She added while looking at the giant. "Tom, as I told you before, this is my niece Celia." She said in passing.

"We've met." he simply said turning his attention to Celia for a bit before placing his big hands around the teacup and staring into it.

"Good then... what brings you here Tom?" Beatrix asked while taking a seat herself and waiting for the tea to cool down. A stifling silence took hold around the table for what seemed hours, and with a short sigh, he replied and broke the stillness hovering over the table.

"I think it's time for you to come back," he uttered with confidence in his tone but he quickly looked inquisitorial at the two women sitting in front of him. Beatrix took a short glimpse towards Celia and then looked at Tom wanting to measure the gravity of his words.

"Is it urgent?" A small sigh leaving her, while her old shoulders slouched in defeat. Celia watched as a sad nod came from the giant along with him lowering his eyes towards the table. "I understand." was all her grandmother responded. "Celia darling, go pack some bags that will last us a couple of days. We're going on a small trip." Beatrix ordered Celia who was already half-way through the task.

"Thank you..." she heard the giant mutter in a soft voice as if he was talking to someone really close to him.