The Tale

"My child, live."

--

Conceived between a human and a witch, a phenomenon that was never meant to be. A child born, intended to be locked away in the woods forever.

When the townsfolk learned of this, they gathered and marched deep into the woods, hoping to kill an innocent babe.

Torches lit up the gloomy forest, glints of steel flashed as the witch hugged her son close. The man went outside in hopes to soothe an angry mob, and begged for their lives.

Blood then splattered across the window pane, as the husband was slashed to death. A blood curling scream then pierced through the night, thunder rumbled as lightning struck the one who killed the witch's husband.

Murderous green eyes glowed, an anger immeasurable, and the intent of killing each and everyone was felt, freezing them in fear.

Smiling one last bitter smile, the witch gazed at her son bidding him farewell, "It was a year full of happiness, my sweet."

With all her magic, a green light came from her chest bestowing the gift of immortality, and a spell that would make her child invulnerable.

She turned her back and made way to the frozen crowd. Sacrificing what remained of her life force, she willed the earth to swallow everyone there, and everyone in town with ill intent towards her family.

The earth rumbled as it engulfed the townsfolk, leaving no trace of their existence.

Legend has it after a hundred years, the child is still around the forest and learned of what became his family. He swore revenge, and takes anyone who wanders lost into the forest. Imprisoning and consuming their life force.

".. They say, he's as tall as a tree, teeth and claws as sharp as a knight's polished sword! "

"Is he bad?"

"I'm not scared, hmp!"

"It's dark out, maybe he's here, Fran! Maybe he's here!"

Their simultaneous statements almost made me waver from my objective, except for Alysha, she's frightened easily, Bran and Kier are both interested and putting on a brave face, determined.

They have been really keen to join me to my daily journey through the forest to pick up medicinal herbs and firewood. They're too young, and I was hoping to discourage them from the idea.

I'm not giving up.

"Well, if you wander too far out into the forest, He will snatch you up and eat you! " I growled and laughed seeing the kid's frightened gazes.

And with that, I think I succeeded. They won't be pestering me with them wanting to go with me, - atleast for a while.

The wind suddenly became chilly, even though the flames around the bonfire greedily swallows up the remaining firewood. My shawl flew when the sudden breeze came. Cold. Maybe we should get inside, I see the children shivering.

A hot breath fanned my, now exposed, nape. I freeze.

"..shall I?"

--

Interesting. They think of me this way. I looked at my fingers. I think claws would be cool. Fangs would be nice too. The things I could do with those extra details!

I wonder how I became such a monster used to scare children at dusk. Who started such a tale? That explains why people rarely go there to pick fruits or herbs, I make sure to plant at the edge though so they could get some. Although they could pick more where I'm located, the abundance never runs low. I should plant more tomorrow.

My mother did cast me a spell to be invulnerable - I don't blame her for forgetting to include trivial things such as being bitten by pesky insects, but. Sigh. Invulnerable against being stabbed to death, I agree, is very important but - oh mother. You should've made my body repellent to insects too. Sigh.

Perhaps I should get closer to their fire, they don't seem to be bothered being outside the hut and all. The night is getting deep.

I'm getting bored getting holed up at home anyway. This is a nice change of scenery, observing people has become my habit lately - for 20 years.

I leaned on the tree. This story never gets better, me hearing my family getting slaughtered every time. Sigh.

It makes anyone think I would haunt them to get revenge. I always wait for the end of these stories, and listen to how creative people become just to scare the children out of their wits. Some even get told, I transform into lice and fester on their tiny heads eating out their brains if they don't stay out the sun and do chores. Outrageous. I don't even transform! Also, disgusting, even I don't want lice on my head!

Sigh.

Perhaps I should go down from this tree and move to the bush behind the girl. It would be warmer there - again, mother, temperature should also be inclusive. Ah, I shouldn't think that, she's done all she could to save me anyway. Perhaps.

I'm gonna stay here after all. It would be trouble if they notice me. I should continue being a legend. To avoid needless bloodshed, assuming they'll gather a mob and storm the home once more.

A stray cat wandered to my cottage, and I went to pet it, it became defensive and clawed me, my body reacted on its own, spikes grew from my body piercing the cat, tearing the poor animal's guts out of its body.

I wonder, if that happened to a human that got scared of me and went to attack- maybe I would never forgive myself. That tastes bitter. I laugh.

Also, that reaction doesn't apply to insects that bite me, how messed up is that? Mother what kind of conditions have you placed in that short time you were casting, I couldn't imagine.

I hear a buzz. Suddenly, an insect is charging at me aiming at my face. Shoo. Shoo. Mother, look at this needless trouble, I'm experiencing right now. Shoo. Go away you pesky little-

Oops.

I slapped way too hard. Wind magic flew out my hand creating a cool breeze across the field. I feel sorry for the kids, they must be cold. I looked at them, as I thought I blew the girl's scarf away and the kids are shivering. I apologize.

A movement caught my eye, I shift my gaze below me. A large man sneaks toward the woman. An unknown feeling surged upon me.

I want to protect them.

I leaped off the tree ready to rush over, but I caught myself on the branch, when she started to angrily talk to him.

"Ervin! That's horrible of you!" He laughed heartily.

"Now, now Fran. Kids, how was her face?"

"Hilarious! Fran, you should've seen it!"

"You're thought that was the beast huh, you scaredy cat."

"Y-you guys, please don't tease Fran"

What a warm sight. The bickering continued. A warm scene. I could never be part of. I bit my lip, maybe a little to hard. Iron. They talked a bit more, welcoming the man, and inviting him inside the shabby hut. Leaving me, and the fire until cinders were left. The moon is high.

I should get home.