No Call Home

He never did finish telling the Hag what had happened as Mair had gathered supplies from the storage cellar and who knows where else as she returned with clothes in his size. She led him to a corner where he could change privately as he examined the clothes she had given him... some sort of pants with a drawstring, a loose shirt with a vest, and what he thought might be chaps. As he dressed he realized the vest had pockets on the inside as well as the outside... pickpockets must be common for this to be a required item of clothing. He would have to remember to keep his more valuable items hidden... Just then something crossed his mind.

"Oh Shit, there's no way I can call my boss and tell him I won't be at work tomorrow! What am I going to do?! I'm going to lose my job... my retirement benefits... my shares will be revoked by the company... what about my apartment?! HOW WILL I PAY MY BILLS?!" He suddenly realized in a panic.

He thought he heard a silent wheeze of laughter and peaked around the corner... sure enough Mair was tearing up and doubled over in a fit of silent giggles.

The Hag suddenly appeared on the other end of the room and sighed, "I wouldn't worry about that dear... you've got bigger fish." Glancing at Mair she smiled, "though I haven't seen her laugh like that in years... here ye almost died and you are worried about work... ye daft lun... I jus, realized I've not asked what name ye go by."

"My name is Einar Travers, but you may call me Ein." he replied politely, "What should i call you?"

"I've no use for such thangs ho'ever I was once called Graeae Erichtho Bogach so ye may call me Bodaeres as it has much the same meaning," The Hag retorted ,"An unfortunate name ye 'ave... an' I'm sure yer life shan't be boring Ein."

Mair finally caught her breath and tossed him a pair of stockings and boots... Ein finished dressing to find they were somehow much more comfortable than his $80 sneakers and the swirling designs in the leather reminded him of something elves in an LOTR movie might make. Except these were definitely leather and those elves only used plants not animals so perchance some sort of cobbler and elves type story would fit better? Or Brownies maybe... he wasn't sure if they were the same creatures or something entirely different... the stories must've come from somewhere though so why not here?

Mair was waving her hand in front of his face and clapped them together which made him start... Ein hadn't noticed he was spacing out. He must be more stressed than he realized.

"Don't worry dearie, he will be fine but ye best be on yer way if ye intend to be there before sunrise. Oh, and take these, you'll need 'em." The Hag handed them each a bundle of sticks as Ein stared at them with a confused expression and Mair grabbed the bundle she had collected and rushed him out the door before he could ask about them.