Page 26 of The Noldrin Witch

“I destroyed part of the apothecary and relieved a man of a tooth,” Elise said. “It would have been worse without the potion.”

“At the very least the scoundrels fared worse, darling. I consider that a successful outing.” Morgaine smirked. “And the rescuer?”

“Why do you care about that? I’m telling you the outrage I just went through.”

Morgaine settled back in her chair by the fire. “Ah, dear,” she chuckled. “Even I am fond of a good love story now and then. I was at the window when I heard the horses approach.”

Elise moved to the kitchen, and in the reflection of the glass panels she could catch a glimpse of what had caused so much trouble in the city. Her eyes widened at the way the dress accentuated her bosom and hips. The bodice drew tight at her waist, shaping her in a way that left little to the imagination.

Morgaine was still waiting for her to recount the tale of her rescuer, though, looking back, Elise realized she had not needed one.

“If you already know it was the duke who saw me home, what do you wish me to tell you?”

“Everything, darling…details. The devil is in the details. I won’t recommend falling for a man like that, but we can’t deprive ourselves completely of the pleasures of the flesh. Love among the poor is best if you want my opinion. Nothing quite matches their passion. That is why I go about in humble clothing from time to time and play the part.”

Elise sighed. She did not trouble herself with the witch’s views on love. “Nothing happened between us, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“Well, something must have been said during the ride, I presume. I would have made more of it if I were you, but I can see you are still under the yoke of Noldrin. No virgin has ever become a witch, you know.”

“You needn’t worry about that,” Elise said. “As for becoming a witch, I am not so certain anymore. Perhaps I should be a fairy, if their guild would have me.”

“Ah!” Morgaine laughed. “So that is what the conversation came to?”

Morgaine took another drink, as though the thought required it.

“The fairies are nothing but a pack of harpies,” she murmured. “A false clan of cowards, and so insufferably proper they make Falaine look like a brothel.”

Elise gasped. The more Morgaine rambled about the fairies, the more she thought they might be a better match for her...at least until the talk of false powers began.

“You can recognize a fairy by the way she seeks attention. It’s like watching an infant reach for its mother’s milk. No woman with real magic has ever resorted to that. They have no command over any force of nature. They’re quite good at making teas, but no fairy has ever stopped a war or performed the sort of miracles witches are known for.”

Elise listened with growing interest. Until now, it had been hard to convince Morgaine to take her under her wing, but the fairies seemed to have ignited the last remnants of doubt. For a reason she couldn’t understand, Morgaine was aghast at the idea of Elise showing any curiosity about the other group of magic women. Perhaps it would be good to feign some interest in the fairy world, even if just to fully convince Morgaine to initiate her as a witch.

“The duke mentioned there’s an opening in the king’s staff among the fairies,” Elise said carefully. “Even if they’re not as powerful as witches, they might be more inclined to take me in as an apprentice.”

“Ha!” Morgaine scoffed. “Go on, try it, and tell me how it turns out. That world is full of pampered nobles and their toadies. Good manners alone won’t win you a seat there, dear.”

“I might as well try,” Elise said, as if the thought had only just occurred to her. “I can survive a rejection. Besides, I need to return this cape. If Kurt isn’t there, I’m sure someone will have the sense to see it returned to him.”

“Ah,” Morgaine grumbled. “You’ve barely been a fortnight here, and you’re already thinking of joining others. Have you no loyalty?”

Seeing Morgaine’s agitation grow, Elise held her tongue. It was plain something had passed between her and the fairies, or perhaps between fairies and witches at large.

“So that means you’re taking me on as an apprentice?” Elise ventured after a moment.

“Magic has to claim you,” Morgaine said, recovering her composure. “But stay for now, and I can begin instructing you in potions.”

Elise could hardly believe what she was hearing. She was now on her way to witchcraft. She felt as though the whole place had brightened at once. A small trick, and she had accomplished what weeks of hard work had not. No words came to her; the excitement was such that she restrained herself from jumping up and embracing Morgaine. She soon began to imagine all the things she might do once she finally became a witch.

“It would be just a trial period,” Morgaine said. “I’ve already been thinking on the matter, and I think you might have some potential for it.”

This time Elise couldn’t contain her excitement and hugged the witch with enough strength to force a squeak from her.

“Remember you still have the effect from the potion,” Morgaine cried.

Elise let go of her new mentor. She knew full well this was the opportunity of a lifetime, and suspecting Morgaine could change her mind at any moment, she offered just enough of her newfound knowledge of potions to suggest she was already well along in the craft.

“I brought some Heartblooms,” Elise said. “Perhaps we can start with a Love Potion.”