Chapter Text
The woods were silent that day.
No birds, no critters, not even the insects dared to make any sound while the witch made her way through the thicket. Out of respect, out of fear, all creatures of the forest hid and ran from the predator that was now silently walking through the woods, with purpose, with a destination.
At her side, looming over her shoulders like vultures, were two extra appendages that extended from the back of the witch, ending in sharp tips with the shape of bird-like skulls. These two were on high alert, scanning the surroundings in search of danger while the woman moved slowly, with elegance, leaving soft claw marks on the bark of the trees she walked by.
Dressed in white leather and black feathers, the witch moved through the woods with seductive steps, examining the trees with her blood red eyes. There was a shadow casted upon the forest, the trees looking old and the grass dry, although life prospered even there. She noticed patches of purple flowers, growing contentedly in the perpetual dusk of the thicket.
Blonde, almost platinum, hair ondulated softly when a slight breeze moved through the forest, bringing the scent of old bones and smoke with it. The woman smiled, knowing she was on the right path, and continued her march in that direction.
The closer she moved, more signs were evident for her eyes that she was on the correct way. Small carvings on the wood, little efigies hidden on bushes or hanging from the trees, and the smell of flesh and fire was more pronounced. The road ended in a thick wall of sharp-thorny vines that blocked all access to the other side, and extended to both sides.
Normally, something like this would drag the attention of those pesky Knights, but a series of enchantments protected this barrier with illusions that the witch was able to easily ignore. She moved closer to the brambled wall and spoke with confidence and elegance, letting the old magic carry her words to her sisters inside.
"I am Evelynn, daughter of the Great Harrier, and I seek entrance into thy coven, sisters."
Everything was silent for a moment, until the cries of dozens of crows broke it, announcing the arrival of a new sister, of a new gathering. The vines in front of her retreated at the call, opening the way for Evelynn to the sacred ground of this coven.
Once she entered, the vines closed again behind her to hide the glade from curious eyes. Small statues of stone, bone and wood surrounded the inner wall, maintaining a barrier that hid them from the watchful eyes of the Knights. Evelynn moved through the place to the center of it, where a giant oak tree stood, centuries old and imposingly wide, its wood carved with multiple spells to make it live longer and grow taller.
Multiple torches made with wood and bones, surrounded with offerings, were distributed around it, and at its base, the witch could see what looked like a sigil with scriptures carved on its bark. The shape was strange for the woman as she stood in front of it to read the words.
"Only thy gifts will grant thee entrance." Evelynn recited the words for herself and smiled. The sigil now made more sense for her: It was a representation of the great oak and the entrance.
With a smile, the witch covered herself in a cloud of black feathers and smoke, before shifting into the shape of a black harrier decorated with bone white markings along her face and wings. Evelynn took flight over the tree, and there she could see it: the oak was hollow in its center, a hole in the middle of the trunk that probably led to the underground lair of this coven.
The woman dove head first into the tunnel, sinking into the darkness without fear, descending through it until she reached a chamber at the end. The room was spacious and tall, well illuminated with torches and magical lamps, with a giant ritual circle at the center of it, perfectly aligned with the tunnel. A place of reunions and rituals, thought Evelynn, surely made to receive the light of the midday sun and the midnight moon.
She noticed the group of six women reunited around the circle, waiting for her to descend. And so Evelynn did, flying down to land on the opposite side of them, shaping back into her human form just before touching the ground, greeting her sisters with a respectful bow.
"Uh, stylish." One of the witches spoke with a chuckle, resting against the enchanted staff that floated behind her.
"Welcome, Sister Evelynn." The figure at the center spoke with delicacy and respect, yet her voice commanded authority and power beyond measure. "I hope thy trip was pleasant."
"Uneventful enough." The witch smiled with a chuckle, but soon she adopted a more respectful stance. "I've answered the call of the Old Ones, my Queen, and I seek entrance to thy coven."
"And thou shalt be accepted." Morgana spoke softly, the hint of a smile on her lips. "It would be an honor to have the fabled daughter of the Great Harrier among us."
All of the witches present bowed respectfully to Evelynn, who in turn bowed to Morgana. "The honor is mine, my Queen."
"There'll be time for presentations during the next gathering." The queen looked at her sisters, who began to disperse and return to their duties. "For now, let me show you thy chambers."
"That would be a pleasure." Evelynn smiled gently as she moved towards Morgana, who started walking with refined steps towards one of the exits.
The complex seemed to be built underground, using the tunnels dug by the roots of the great oak, reinforcing their walls with old stones, vines and enchanted wood. Morgana walked through the hallways with ease, knowing each corner of the lair like the back of her hand, while Evelynn followed closely, studying the place.
"Art thou from the southern lands, Sister?" Morgana broke the silence with a gentle voice, leaving the commanding tone behind and taking a slightly more relaxed approach.
Evelynn smiled softly before answering. "I am, my Queen."
"How art our sisters there?"
"Scathered, in hiding. Waiting." The witch answered with honesty. "We heard the call, all of us. All of them. Many were planning to move here north to join thee."
The tunnel split into two, and Morgana guided her towards the left one. "And thou came first. An emissary?"
"I came on my own, to join thy coven, but bringing the news of their eventual arrival."
"I see..." The Queen stops to face Evelynn, to look into her crimson eyes in search for honesty. "What art thou reasons for this, Evelynn?"
"I seek only to awaken our sovereigns, my Queen. My Father included." Evelynn bowed with respect, holding her sight for a moment. Then, though, a teasing smile crept to her face. "And perhaps have some fun with some new lovers."
Morgana examined her for a minute before dedicating her a very little smile. She resumed the walk through the hallways. "As long as thou help the Coven, thou art free to entertain thyself, Sister."
Evelynn giggled a little before donning a more seductive tone. "Would the Queen of the Coven be in need of a consort?"
The Queen giggled with her for a moment, with elegance, before shaking the hand slightly. "She does not."
Morgana then stops in front of a wooden door. She places a hand on the wood to remove the sealing spell placed on it, and then proceeds to open it. The place inside is a spacious circular room with only a big double bed on the other side, and a small counter to place her belongings next to it. It seemed there was another room connected through a small tunnel, but other than that it was mostly a clean canvas for the newcomer to decorate.
"This art thy chambers. Shall thou need anything, come with me and we shall see what can be done."
Evelynn entered the room to examine it, with a soft smile. "Thank you, my Queen."
"We'll gather at midnight for introductions and planning, I'll send someone to come looking for you. Until then, feel free to explore the place at thy pleasure."
The witch nods and bows respectfully to Morgana, who smiles softly before walking away, to continue her duties. Evelynn was left alone in her new chambers, a welcome upgrade from her time spent in the wilds. She took a quick look at the empty place before deciding the first thing she would change.
Her sentient lashers extended to grab the bed from the other side, and together they dragged it to the center of the room. It felt better there, for the witch, and with that little change, the place already felt like hers. It would take her some time for it to be completely ready, to match her likings, but that was a good start for the witch.
Evelynn moved to the counter to see the interior and, just as expected, it was empty. She moved it to the center of the wall, to the spot where the bed was before, and smiled. It would be a good place to store the tokens and reagents she would start to gather later.
The woman moved to the small opening, to see where it would lead, and the sound of flowing water caught her attention. She entered the tunnel, and saw a small room on the other side. A stream of water fell from a hole in the ceiling and into another opening in the ground, creating a small waterfall where she could clean herself.
Evelynn smiled, impressed by the design, thinking about how much dedication and planning went into this lair. She heard the stories and knew the Queen, Morgana, was probably the oldest of all the servants of the Old Ones, and perhaps the most dedicated one. She was alive in the times where the Gods were still alive, and has seen to their return ever since. Her dedication to the Coven and the cause was second to none.
The witch decides to take the opportunity and disrobes herself, letting the clothes fall as she walks out of them and into the stream of water. The liquid is cold but that matters little to the woman, used to bath on rivers and lakes. She let the water run through her naked form, washing the dirt and dry blood from her body.
Clawed hands ran through blonde hair, down her shoulders, into her ample breasts and then to her wide hips, cleaning every corner of her body, letting the water take away the impurities that rested on her porcelain-like skin. Everything flowed down the little hole on the ground, leaving the room clean.
Evelynn stood there for quite some time, enjoying the privacy, the prospect of having her own place, until she started to feel too cold from the shower and decided to get out. One of her lashers took the clothes while she exited the small bathroom and moved back to the main room.
Naked and still wet, she dropped on the bed to rest, to let her muscles relax and give them their well earned respite. The lasher dropped the clothes on the side and both quickly wrapped around the witch's body to join her.
"Wake me before midnight. I do not wish to be late."
Sleep quickly claimed them, although the lashers' sleep was often lighter than that of their mistress. Evelynn pushed all thoughts of exploring the lair for later, she would have time to do it after the initiation. For now, the witch closed her eyes and sinked into the comfort of her new bed.
-----
Quite some time later, she rose from her slumber after feeling a gentle nudge on her body. Evelynn stretched on the bed while she enjoyed the sensation of the sheets under her body, how they felt against her skin now that every muscle and fiber of her being has recovered from the long travel.
With a final stretch, she stood up and took the discarded clothes from the ground to dress again as she prepared for the meeting ahead, making sure she was presentable, wanting to impose and be respected. A couple of knocks on the door grabbed their attention, and both lashers took a defensive stance.
"Sorry to disturb your privacy, my Lady. The Queen ordered me to guide you to the High Hall."
Evelynn relaxed with a smile, and patted both of the skulls to put them at ease. She opened the door to reveal herself, and took a look at her guide. On the other side a young girl, probably in her teen years, was waiting for her, and Evelynn smiled when she saw her eyes widening slightly, taking on the sight before them, letting out a soft sigh of admiration.
"Thou don't disturb me, child. Take me to her." The witch stepped out of her room and closed, before letting the girl lead the way.
After seeing this young one, and hearing the distant voices that resonated in the tunnels, far too young to be those of the witches, Evelynn wondered who else could live in this lair. Probably apprentices, she thought as she walked behind her little guide.
She took her through a new way, descending more into the earth, moving with haste as to fulfill the wishes of her Queen. Evelynn, though, was moving far slower, in silence, observing the form of this apprentice with a smirk, imagining the things she could do with her. To her.
The apprentice never complained, even if she had to stop again and again until Evelynn reached her. In little time, the witch was guided to a set of closed doors made of dark wood and iron. The young girl bowed respectfully to Evelynn, stopping a couple of steps behind.
"The Queen is waiting inside."
"Thanks for guiding me, little dove." Evelynn smiled and blew her a playful kiss before turning to the doors, approaching them, pushing them open for her to enter, before closing them again, winking at the retreating girl as she did.
Evelynn took a moment to examine the room as she turned around. A smaller room than the first one she saw, more private, well illuminated and decorated with all kinds of statues, efigies and engravings on the walls. In the center of the room was a round table with six seats surrounding it.
Morgana was the only one in there, always first, always diligent, working on old maps and recipes. Evelynn greeted her with a gentle bow once she entered her field view.
"A pleasant night to thee, Sister." The Queen bowed her head as a salute when she noticed her presence.
"And to thee as well, my Queen."
Morgana smiled and gestured to Evelynn to join her. "We still don't have a seat for thou, I'm afraid."
The witch smiled softly. "That will not be a problem."
"Stay at my side for this night, and we'll have thy seat ready for the next gathering."
"Thou have my gratitude, my Queen."
Soon, footsteps were heard closing in, and from the entrance came the rest of the witches of high rank. Each one of them walked slowly and bowed respectfully to Morgana before heading to their seats. On the top of each chair was a sigil engraved in the stone, in the shape of the animal patron of each witch, and Evelynn used the chance to examine each one of her future sisters.
Starting from the left of Morgana, the first chair belonged to the Black Crane. The same sorceress that wielded the staff sit in there, her golden eyes scanning the documents and maps distributed over the table, while the weapon rested on the side of the seat, the gem floating at the head moving in mesmerizing patterns.
Evelynn moved to the next, the seat of the Night Dove. Its owner looked like a young woman, her yellow eyes shined in a strange way, and her feathered dress quickly gave way to vines and thorns that seemed to grow from the witch. Evelynn suspected that she was the one that created the barrier outside, and must have had a hand in creating this lair.
The third seat was for the Ebony Ram, and its occupant was silently examining everyone and, especially, Evelynn. Her yellow eyes were full of distrust, for her, for everyone, and it was evident, though the other witches didn't seem to care. Her head was adorned by a piece that resembled her patron's horns, and what got her attention were her legs, ending in sharp edges.
She quickly moved her sight to the next one, to the seat that belonged to the Silver Cobra. Or rather, the small bed. It took only a glance for Evelynn to understand the reason for such change. The woman's lower body was that of a snake, a physical manifestation of her patron. Her eyes were snake-like in nature as well, and something tells Evelynn that she should be careful in holding her sight.
Next seat was that of the Ivory Stag. The witch that used it was nothing like the others, her eyes covered by an enormous mask that resembled the antlers of her patron. She exuded a cold, regal aura that chilled her even by looking, and the strange woman didn't even notice it. It looked like her mind was in another place.
The final seat, or rather throne, was that of the Ashen Owl and her owner, Morgana. The Queen of the Coven called for everyone's attention, and the rest of the women quickly obeyed, turning to their leader.
"On this night we gather to welcome our new Sister, Evelynn, the fabled daughter of the Great Harrier, into our Coven. She honors us with her presence, and I hope ye will treat each other with due respect." Morgana respectfully bows her head towards Evelynn, followed closely by the rest of the witches, and then Evelynn does the same for the rest.
"For the Old Ones, I vow to aid thy Coven, our Coven, in the resurrection of our Lords and to bring darkness into these lands."
The Queen seemed pleased with her words, and instructed everyone to sit with a gesture. She looked to Evelynn, and was pleased to find the witch had a crafty solution to her problem: both lashers moved behind her and bent down to form something like a floating seat, where Evelynn could sit as she joined the gathering.
"And we shall." Morgana smiled. "Now, first and foremost, I'll use this opportunity to remind you of one of the basic rules."
The snake woman sighed softly, knowing full well the lecture that was about to come her way. Evelynn watched her curiously, with a soft smile on her lips.
"I know some of ye have cravings for the flesh or the blood, but the members of this Coven are untouchable, no matter the rank they hold." The Queen placed her eyes on top of the snake witch, before moving to Evelynn. "So I don't want to discover that ye have been harming our novices. Am I clear?"
"Yes, my Queen." Evelynn nodded softly, with respect, though she let out a sigh to escape from her lips.
"You're free to go hunt outside all ye want, but our Sisters are not to be touched." Both Evelynn and the snake witch bowed respectfully after her words, and the Queen was pleased to see they understood.
"Can we have some fun with them, though?" Evelynn asked with a smirk, her tone teasing but a bit careful.
"Knowing the rumours about what happens to thy lovers, I'll prefer thou show restraint for now."
"Understood..." The witch let out a sigh to escape her lips, but accepted the rules.
"With that said, we need to discuss the current situation with the Knights..."
-----
~~~~~
-----
Two wooden swords clashed against each other, their wielders trying to push against their opponent with determination. Seeing it was useless, they step back, moving around, adjusting their stance while evaluating the other's moves.
"Good steps, keep pushing." Their black haired instructor talked with decision while she observed the ongoing duel. "Again!"
Both recruits evaluated each other before clashing their training swords again. The boy was fast and tried a descending swing of his weapon, while the girl he faced was forced to block the attack. She managed to stop the swing and hold it, before smiling softly.
Using his strength, she inclined her own blade and forced his attack to descend along her weapon, his strike being deviated to her right while she used the momentum to raise her left elbow and hit him hard in the face, forcing her opponent to drop the weapon due to the surprise hit.
"Hey! That's unfair!" The boy tried to protest, but he was quickly interrupted.
"There's no such thing as a fair fight out there." The instructor smiled softly while gesturing to the girl. "Point for Akali, and with that she wins this match."
The wild haired girl smiled with satisfaction and put the wooden sword to the side, extending her hand towards the other guy to shake his. "Good fight, buddy. Got me good on the other round."
"Hm!" He took the hand with disdain. "You just got lucky, next time I'll beat you."
Both of them shook hands before separating, returning to the group of rookies that were training in the inner courtyard of the Temple. Their black haired instructor clapped a couple of times to get their attention, and the group quickly gathered in front of her.
"Well done, everyone. Your training is coming along at a good pace." Their trainer said with a smile. "Keep it up, and you'll be fully fledged knights in no time."
The recruits began to murmur among themselves, motivated by the promise to rise through the ranks soon. The young woman named Akali, instead, did not seem so excited as she stood slightly apart from the group, accompanied only by another girl with long black hair.
"In the next few days, I'll inform you about our next training. We'll do a little trip into the Elderwood, so you'll be able to practice your observation skills."
The group got even more excited, and before they started bombarding her with more questions, the instructor continued speaking.
"That's it for now. You have the rest of the morning free, we'll discuss more details over lunch. You're dismissed."
The woman smiled at them as everyone relaxed their posture, and she soon retired into the temple to continue with her tasks. The group of recruits began to chat among themselves as a group of friends about what they planned to do now that they had free time.
On the other side, the young woman with tousled hair sighed and began to walk away from the group, towards the exit of the inner courtyard. The other girl, with long black hair, began to follow her from behind, although she soon stopped when she heard her name.
"Kai'Sa! Come with us, we'll take a walk around the town! Leave that weirdo!" The same boy that dueled Akali before was calling for her.
Kai'Sa stopped and turned around, ready to shout an insult, but Akali quickly stopped her. She placed a hand on Kai'Sa's shoulder to calm her down and simply made a gesture with the head to keep walking. The rest of the rookies shrugged and went about their own businesses.
The young woman with unruly hair guided her companion to the outskirts of the temple, towards a small hill nearby where a huge oak grew, a lone tree that remained standing, vigilant of the near limits of the forest. Akali took Kai'Sa there, as many times before, and they both sat at its feet to gaze out at the grove.
"Kali, you shouldn't-" Kai'Sa tried to complain, frustrated, but was quickly interrupted by her friend.
"Let it be, Kai." Akali let out a sigh. "It's been like that for years, it's not like they are going to change for an insult or two."
"You still shouldn't let them talk like that."
"If I hit them, they'll go crying with the instructors and save their asses that way."
"They can't keep doing that forever." Kai'Sa frowned. "The instructors know why they do it."
"Yes, but they can't precisely do something to stop it. And if I hit them, I get the shout for the aggression, even though half of it is fake."
"Still, it's very unfair."
"It is, that's why Diana gave me advice." Akali smiled softly.
"Which one?"
""Just ignore them", I said." The voice of the black-haired instructor came from behind them. ""If you don't touch them, we'll not do anything to you.""
Kai'Sa jumped up in a second, surprised by the trainer's sudden appearance. Akali, however, was unfazed, perfectly used to Diana's surprise appearances.
"Sorry for scaring you, Kai'Sa. I was looking for Akali."
"What is it?" The young woman spoke with absolute normality, as if have known for a long time.
"About the trip to the Elderwood, you don't have to join us if you don't want to." Diana leaned against the trunk of the tree. "You've done this exercise at least three times, I believe."
"It's fine, I want to go anyway." Akali smiled as she sat up, resting a hand on her friend's shoulder. "I want to teach Kai'Sa the tricks, so she gets the knighthood soon."
"That's noble on your part." The instructor smiled. "You're a good friend."
"Yes, she is." Kai'Sa smiled, joining in the conversation.
"Stop it." The young woman giggled a little. "Diana, say... can I wander out of the delimited area of the training? Explore a bit on my own."
"Hmm..." The woman thought for a moment. "You know the area like the palm of your hand, that's true, but Kai'Sa doesn't, and it's a safe place for her to learn if you want to teach her."
"That is true..."
"I want to do it." Kai'Sa interceded, her voice filled with confidence.
"Are you sure? The forest is safe, in general, but we know far less about what's outside the training area, it could be dangerous." The instructor looked at her, somewhat worried.
"I am. It sounds exciting and I know I can trust Akali."
Diana smiles a little, seeing her spirits. "Alright. But I want a detailed plan of the area you pretend to go to, in case we need to look for you."
"I'll do it." Akali interceded with a smile. "You'll have it tomorrow, I promise."
"I expect to. Now, I'll take my leave." The instructor smiled at both of them. "Use your rest well and don't forget to be back at lunch. Otherwise you don't eat."
"Loud and clear." Both of them saluted with respect and a smile, and Diana returned the gesture before heading her way back to the temple.
Once Diana was out of their sight, the two young women sat down by the tree again to relax for the rest of the morning.
-----
After lunch, and once the routine afternoon practices were over, Akali and Kai'Sa went to the temple library to prepare their plans for the excursion. The place was somewhat spacious, filled with bookshelves on either side, all complete with antique volumes and a variety of books that belonged to the temple.
Akali moved deftly through the corridors, searching for the supplies they needed as Kai'Sa followed behind, impressed.
"You sure know this place."
"I've been here a long time, Kai." Akali laughed. "I had time to learn every corner of this temple."
"Heard that. Why are you still a rookie?" Kai'Sa tilted her head gently, curious.
"Age, mostly. Though since last year, I'm eligible to be a knight."
"Will you go for it?"
"When the Solstice Selection begins, sure, I'll try." The wild-haired girl laughs. "I tried the singular tests, twice, but damn I got a beating."
"Singular tests?" Kai'Sa asks curiously, puzzled by the term.
"The instructors don't mention it, but you can actually request a challenge, to see if you have what it's needed to be a knight." Akali begins to relate as she collects the books they need. "But those tests are a lot harder than the Selection."
"How so?"
"For starters, you have to duel against an instructor. And they don't hold back." The young woman lets out a sigh. "Last time I tried, Diana was the one I faced, and she was ruthless."
"Damn... That's why they don't advertise it, I suppose."
"Yeah, everyone would flock to challenge them, and end up being discouraged."
Akali guides Kai'Sa to a secluded, empty table, where she places the books she has collected for the task. She begins to spread them out as she invites her friend to sit down. The young woman does, taking her place on the bench while Akali sits next to her, opening one of the books where the map of the area appears.
"Okay, so, this is the area used for the exercise." The veteran apprentice points to a wooded area on the map, located a few kilometers south of the temple where they are. "It's a pretty standard forest, with some wild animals and an occasional fae that walks through it."
"Oh, there's fae there?"
"Yes, but it's really rare. They tend to avoid humans, so they stay away from that area most of the time, since we visit it a lot."
"You've seen one?"
"Once, just a passing sprite, but it was really pretty." Akali smiles.
"That's awesome. I hope I can find one."
"Maybe you will. You're such a pure and innocent person, perhaps they get attracted by your purity."
"Stop with that." Kai'Sa laughs as she gently taps Akali's shoulder.
"Anyway." The young woman continues to smile. "The exercise consists mainly of survival, tracking and orientation. And this area offers all you need for that."
"Survival, tracking and orientation..." Kai'Sa accounts with one hand. "So, they test our skills to be able to handle ourselves in the wilds, right?"
"Precisely. The Knights often make patrols or explore the Elderwood, and they spend days away from civilization, so being able to take care of yourself is really important."
"Got it."
"This area has abundant resources to practice fire making, finding food, guide yourself through the forest, and more. That's why Diana insists on remaining there, it's an explored area for the instructors, so in case you lose the way, they'll be able to find you. "
"Ohh, I see." The long-haired young woman nods. "Then, you already know most of it, right? And that's why you want to explore elsewhere."
"Yeah. You don't have to come, really, it's going to be safer if you stick to that area."
"No, no, I want to go. Maybe we find a spirit of the Elderwood?" Kai'Sa's eyes lit up at the thought of finding a fae.
"Ohh, you want to find that? Well, it could happen." Akali smiles at her. "Now, let's focus on this. Once we set up the camp and do the first exercises, we'll be able to go and explore on our own, so I'm going to prepare you for this."
"A camp? We'll be staying?"
The young woman nodded. "Yep, we spend a night in the woods, that way we can practice night shifts as guards."
"Ahh, okay."
"So, we'll prepare the report about the area we want to explore, and then we'll make a list about the supplies we have to gather for the expedition."
"And then we take a bath."
Akali sighed softly. "Yes, once everyone has left the baths, we can relax there and take a bath."
"They'll waste the hot water by that." Kai'Sa grumbled a little.
"Nothing we aren't used to."
"Bullshit, it's freezing! I don't know how you can handle it."
"Years of training, Kai. Besides, in the wilds, there's no such thing as hot water, so you better get used to it." Akali laughed heartily.
"Not funny, Akali." Despite her words, Kai'Sa smiled a little.
"Kinda funny." The young woman smiled, before focusing on the map again. "Now, let's proceed with this."
Akali focused on the books in front of them, opening several of them while she explained to Kai'Sa about the different things of the exercise and the area, such as different plants and animals that they could find, as well as geographical markings in the area of the exercise. .
Kai'Sa paid her undivided attention while she asked some questions, things the young woman had already done, and soon they focused on deciding the area they would explore on her own. They spent several hours doing the task, preparing everything to convince Diana to let them do it.
-----
~~~~~
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"That's the situation. The Eclipse Knights are expanding their influence towards us, while also trying to get further information from both north and south." Morgana explained calmly, gathering the information. "For now, the heart of the Elderwood is in the way, but it will not take long for them to reach into our lands and cut us from our sisters."
Evelynn heard the explanation with a straight face and considered what to do. Before she could say anything, though, Morgana continued. "For now, we'll observe. We need to make sure this place is ready to receive our sister from the southern covens."
The Queen of the Coven stood up, her imposing aura granting her an air of superiority. "Zyra, Lissandra, make sure the accommodations for our sisters are prepared soon. We may have to expand the tunnels for everyone, and perhaps claim other glades."
"Understood, my Queen." Lissandra spoke, her voice cold yet no less imposing. Together with the other witch, who remained silent for the most part, they stood up and left the meeting room to start with their duties.
"Camille, take Cassiopeia to the south, to secure the way for our sisters. Meanwhile, LeBlanc, I need thee heading to the north and look at the situation with the pass to the frozen lands."
"Worried about the Garden of Deadly Blossoms, my Queen?" Asked LeBlanc while the other two left the room in silence.
"Yes. It's been growing faster each year, and those creatures could pose a problem for anyone trying to cross, either be our sisters or the knights."
"I shall see what transpires there, my Queen." The witch nodded and soon vanished through a mirror placed behind her throne.
With them gone, that meant only Evelynn and Morgana remained in the room, and the witch watched with curiosity as the Queen walked away from the throne, circling around the table.
"Sister, given thou just joined us, I'll give thee some freedom to explore the surrounding area, so thou can familiarize with the landscape." Morgana said.
Evelynn stood up, letting her lashers rest for a moment while she explored the thrones. "What can and can't I do?"
"Try to remain unnoticed, we don't want to alert any spirit or knight about our location, but thou can go around as thou please." The Queen smiled, very softly. "Once I've seen what thou can do, we'll talk about tasks."
"What if I'm found by those pesky knights?"
"I guess thee can have fun with them." Morgana smiled wickedly. "Just don't leave a trail."
Evelynn smiled in the same way, her predatory eyes shining brightly at the idea. "Understood, my Queen."
"Thou are free to go. The crows will call thee shall there be another gathering, and I expect thee to answer, Sister."
"I will."
Evelynn bowed respectfully before starting to retreat. Before leaving the room, however, she turned for a moment to see Morgana.
"A question, if I may." The witch asked calmly.
"What is it?"
"I can do whatever I want with the furniture in my room, right?"
"Hmm... what do thou seek?" The Queen turned to face her, curiosity masked beneath her serious gaze.
"A bed with no legs. I was thinking about breaking mine, but..."
"I prefer thou not." Morgana elegantly interrupted. "I can get thee something like that, but thou shall not break it meanwhile."
"Of course. Thou have my gratitude, my Queen." Evelynn bowed respectfully again before leaving the meeting room.
She made her way back to her room from memory, taking her time to survey the surroundings as she advanced. Apprentices moved through the tunnels, all stopping to gaze at Evelynn curiously, drawn by the divine beauty emanating from the witch.
Evelynn enjoyed the attention, smiling with delight as she walked. She decided to occupy her thoughts with another topic, however, and she began to plan her time outside and how she wanted to explore the surroundings.
This would be her new home, her new nest, and every bird of prey liked to know her hunting grounds in detail.
And Evelynn couldn't help but smile at the thought of having new prey.