The Crone's Love

In a world far, far away from the one we know of, a small group of children sit under an oak tree as they play a game. The trees are very big and tall, so you can get lost in them but they aren't too hard to find. The forest is really dark and damp and all around them there's scary sounds that make them jump. Some of the kids say something like 'it's or 'don't worry, we're safe' but most of the other kids look scared. They have no idea where they are going or what awaits them when they do make it out.

The children start running around They don't want to stay and wait for someone to come looking for them. So, some of them run towards one of the trees, hiding behind its branches. The others stand by the edge waiting and watching, hoping that someone will show up. And someone does.

***

I stood at the edge of the trees behind the children and watched them panic with a smile on my face.

It's time.

"እርጅና ልሁን." I whisper the spell.

My fair hand morphs into a bony, wrinkled hand much like the bark it's lays on. And the wrinkles slowly spread tumbling over my knuckles into my palm making my fingers stretch out. My fingernails grow sharpening and blackening as they break the skin covering the ends of my nails and turn into claws. I feel my straight back bending as I held on to my staff to maintain my balance. The wrinkled skin filled with warts hangs off my skull.

A metallic taste invades my senses and I spit out a mouthful of blood along with some decayed teeth.

I groan in annoyance. I hated this. It is not a problem, I can grow them back.

"How do I look?" A creaky voice originates from my mouth.

"Like a witch in fairy tales." Ren, an owl and my familiar hoots from the branch above. "The one that eats children," they add.

"Well, that's the role I am going for. Let the play begin." I look at the sky and command, "you know what to do."

The milky white clouds turn a dark grey as a storm approaches. The wind picks up and whips the leaves in every direction leaving them torn to shreds before falling down to the forest floor.

The children gasp and cower. All of them try to hide from the rain but that only makes me laugh harder because I already know how their story will end.

A loud cackle echoes through the forest, it's sound high over the thunder. The children begin to cry and yelp.

I make my presence known, twigs crunching beneath my feet. Their heads all turn towards me.

There's nothing but fear and anxiety etched across all the faces of those who fear me. Some more than others.

"Ooo goody, look how much meat we have today. Hmmm, these should last me a month," I say in an exaggerated voice.

One boy, who appeared a few years older than the other kids, stood in front of them in a protective manner and screamed, "Stay away! You can't hurt us, witch! The Goddess will protect us!"

"The Goddess?" That earned them a genuine laugh. "Your pesky Goddess isn't here now, is she?"

I take a step forward, and another. The children cower more.

"Run!" The elder one screams and the children get on their feet and start stomping away.

I chase them. My cape flying near my feet, appearing as if I were floating on air. The children take a turn at the diversion, going to the right.

Nope, you guys ain't coming to my home.

"ቴሌፖርት"

I appear in front of the children and veer them to the left path. A child falls behind and I ignore it, continuing to chase the group. And soon, they were out of the woods.

At the edge of the forest, a crowd stood. Villagers were gathered holding various farming equipment. It must be noted that the ones they were holding could be used as weapons.

Ugh, I hope they don't chase me. The sickle hurts a lot.

The children ran to the arms of the villagers. I stood at the edge and tusked, making sure they saw me. Then like a certain emo wizard, flung my cape and disappeared into the forest.

Ren came and sat on my shoulder. "Is that all of them?" I asked.

"No, one was left behind." They said, lifting a white wing in the north-west direction.

"መለወጥ"

I looked at my hands, the creased skin began smoothening and reforming. My spine straightened and I no longer needed the staff to support me. As my claws went back to normal, they felt a bit numb but I didn't care too much as Ren kept nipping at my ear. I gave them a glare before walking ahead.

We reached the centre of the forest and Ren flew off to find our new companion. The rain was still pouring and I lifted my head and felt the cold drops hit my skin.

I love the rain. Should I make the rainy season come early this year? Nah, I don't want it flooding again.

Then suddenly, my foot touched a hard object and my world began to spin as gravity pulled me.

No no no no no.

I closed my eyes and braced for the impact, praying.

Please, male lead come and hold me, I don't want pain.

But...nope.

I fell face first into the puddle of rain water.

Damn it.

My hair stuck in place from the rain and the mud. I huffed and stood up shakily and brushed myself off.

Of course, male leads do not exist for me.

"Kekekekekekekeke." I heard cursed laughter above me and saw a perfectly dry Ren flying in circles.

I smiled and raised my middle finger at the stupid owl.

"Did you find the child?"

"Yes"

"Take me to that brat."

"You are not going to eat it, are you?" Ren asked in a worried tone, sitting on my head.

"Is that even a question? Of course, I am going to eat it. Troublesome little brat that invaded my territory." Sarcasm rolled off my tongue as I shook Ren off my head.

The rain stopped, and dark clouds receded, completing their job. I bowed my head, thanking them.

Whimpers caught my attention and I ran in that direction. A small child wearing tattered clothes and carrying some tools was lying on his side crying. He was covered in scratches and bruises, his arm broken.

He was shaking badly, obviously terrified and probably traumatized.

And its time for you to get out of this forest. I snapped my fingers dramatically, "ሂድ"

The child disappeared.

I let out a sigh of relief.

"Are all of them gone?" I asked Ren.

"Yes, mistress."

"Good. Hope they get spanked by their parents. They should not wander into dangerous places like this."

"You are the only thing dangerous in here." Ren quipped.

Breathe. You can't kill your familiar.

I took in a deep breath and said, "Home. Let's go home."