Witches Brew

[EarthWind]

~ To post character info, please go to:

A Witches Brew ~ OOC


IC:

The small community of Four Corners was located approx. 30 miles from the nearest town. With a small church, a local store, a tavern and a smithing shop, Four Corners pretty much ran in a tight circle. Everyone knew each other, yet not everyone got along.

Of the few local people who knew something about medicine and healing, the Woods women excelled at it. Amber Woods tended to the ailing and broken of Four Corners. From the weary traveller to the eldest resident, Amber knew exactly what to do and say to aid the sick. Soon, Eva Woods would follow in her mothers footsteps.

Eva was no stranger in Four Corners, herself being born there. At 19 she was regarded as someone you could talk to, intrusting your darkest secrets. She had a calming manner which made her patients feel at ease when she cared for them.

Eva's favorite pastime was to walk through the forest on a cool evening, surounded by the sounds of the dark. She herself was born in the middle of a glen, night owls beconing her forth into the human world. She wore her dark hair in a loose braid, taking it out only when she was alone or sleeping. Her green eyes danced with merryment when she was happy and her face beamed when she smiled.

On this particular evening, Eva was on her way home from tending to Mrs. Ohare's sprained wrist. Walking along East Rd, Eva glanced up into the night sky to see a few stars dotting the blackness. The moon, great mother of all, shone down on Eva and gave her light to see by. Kissing her fingers, she held them up to the moon and said a silent blessing. Sighing contently, she continued to kick her feet along the rocky road when a strange sound comming from the bushes startled her.

 

[Paendragon]

Redfeather

He rose from the bushes, his left hand trying to hold closed the long tearing wound in his side and hip. It was a measure of his injury, that he had not heard the town woman before he saw her.

Could she be with those who had hunted him? Possibly... but she looked unarmed. The ground seemed to move underneath him, and he steadied himself by leaning on a nearby tree.

He would have to risk it. He was losing too much blood...

He opened his mouth to ask for help, when the earth moved again. The last thing he saw was the ground rushing up at him before blackness engulfed him.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James messes up

There was a cold breeze in the air and the stars barely produced enough light for the work James was intended to do. He groaned to himself as he tried to balance the metal bars on his shoulders. He had no idea why his father wanted him to bring all this metal to the blacksmith's at this time of night. What a fanatic.

But that is what comes from being the son of Thomas Gilder, the owner of the Four Corners Shop. He was expected to run the store when his father retired. A load of weight was on his shoulders to learn the ropes, and he would have to do a lot of tough labor before his father would even consider handing the business to him. Not that he wanted to run the shop....

James kicked at a stone and sent it into a nearby bush. He immediatly began to lose his footing. He stumbled a little bit, then tipped too much to one side. "Whoa!" he shouted as he fell down, iron bars crashing down onto him. He tumbled into the bushes, rolling along the sloped ground until he finally stopped on the road.

He groaned and rubbed the back of his head. He felt a few bumps and bruises from the metal peices. He looked over and noticed a pair of feet by him. As his eyes slowly gazed upward, following her legs up to her body then up to her face. The fall had blurred his vision slightly and he could not make out the girl's face.

"Um...hello." James said feeling more than a little sheepish because he was lying on the dirty ground. He then noticed the man who was lying on the ground next to him, obviously unconsious. "Uh...is he okay?" James asked the girl.

 

[poohlive]

He moved in through the house, replacing the gun on its original setting above the mantle. Two sharp hooks dug into his quaint wall gave ample placing for the destructive weapon. Nothing big, just an old fasioned flintlock.
Still, with as good an eye as he had, one shot was all he needed. He took off most of his more hunting apparel, the loose fitting furs and leathers that had aided him in the night, moving into a more comfortable cotton clothing, fitting over his frame.
The clothes allowed him to work better. Something he could throw on in a heartbeat and not bother with it. He had thrown out common dress a long time ago, living in the new world does that to a person.
Some keep the uptight aristocracy, but for the most, comfort soon became a necessity working out in this harsh wilderness. He sighed, arching his back in a big stretch, letting muscles tighten and joints crack.
Inside, he stirred the fire, moving around charred embers so they helped more heat. Without thought he through another log into the whole mess, sending out a wide array of sparks up his chimney.
He sat back in his favorite chair, rocking away as the empowed fire began to warm the room around him. Rocking back and forth, he felt himself relax, but not fall asleep.
If he wasn't mistaken, he would have a visitor tonight. Perhaps a few.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Marthe Williams

Marthe moved away from the window and shivered. She shivered not because she was particularly cold, but as a reflex to the heavy darkness that surrounded her home. Sighing softly, she crossed the room and sank into the big easy chair, which had been her husband's and tried to concentrate on the fire, which leapt cheerfully in the grate before her.
Pulling a shawl about her shoulders she watched the flames dance.

Her house was positioned at what could be termed the “quieter end” of town; not that any end was particularly lively, it was just that she was situated on the opposite side to that where the store and the tavern were located. She smiled wistfully as she remembered how Henry had teased her that they would be slightly apart from the prying eyes of their new neighbours and that as newly weds he was sure that they could keep themselves gainfully employed. She could still hear the deep rumble of his laughter, the shine of his eyes, as he had watched her blushing at such comments.

Now she was on her own, Marthe found that it was the evenings, the nights that were the worst. She still found it strange not to share supper with him, not to have company before the fire, not to share the bed at the end of the day. Without her sewing and chores to distract her Marthe gave herself up to her memories and though she knew she must plan for her future, it was still too soon, she insisted to herself and to the well-meaning neighbours who quizzed her on the subject.

A log crackled on the fire and Martha found her head turning once more to the window.
She sighed heavily.
She was not of a nervous disposition, yet she was restless that night.
She knew that it was high time to take to her bed and yet, she was reluctant to do so.

Training her eyes on the fire once more, Marthe knew from past experience that the best way to attain at least some rest was to allow the flickering light to lull her into a light dose. Only then would she temporarily escape from the uncertain reality that was her life now.

 

[EarthWind]

Eva was surprised to see a man tumble out of the bushes. She was even more surprised to see another man roll down the hill and stop before her feet. “Is it raining men?” she thought. Eva bent down and noticed the bumps on the mans head. He was awake, so she helped him to his feet. A flash of recognition
crossed his eyes.

“Miss Woods, is that you?” he asked, rubbing his head. “What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same thing James Gilder.”

“I uh.. was making a delivery” he mumbled.

Eva smiled and pushed James’ head down to inspect his bumps. “I’ll put a salve on that” she said.

“What about him”, James said, nodding towards the fallen man, forgetting about his metal pieces that were still at the bottom of the hill.

“Oh!” Eva looked up quickly, she had momentarily forgotten the other. “Can you help me turn him over?”

Together, they managed to roll the stranger over. Eva realized the man was loosing a lot of blood, the color already draining from his face. “I need to get him to shelter.”

“I was on my way to Strongfelds, can we take him there?”

“Yes!” Eva shouted. “Quickly”.

James tried to lift him, but he was too heavy. Eva moved to his legs and they lifted him a few inched off the ground. They succeeded in alking a few feet before Eva dropped her end. “He’s too heavy” she sighed.

“We can do this” James said encouragingly.

“Ok. One, Two Lift!”

Together they pulled, pushed and somehow carried him the half mile to Strongfelds Smithy. James ran up the front steps to Mr. Strongfelds house and banged on the door.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James

"Miss Woods, is that you?" James asked rubbing his head. How come he didn't notice her at first? He didn't think he would ever be able to forget her shining emerald eyes. What was she doing here?

There wasn't any time for small talk, however. There was an injured man on the road and they had to do something. James suggested bringing him to the blacksmith's and Eva agreed. It took some work but they brought the man up the rocky hill to Strongfelds Blacksmith. When they got there, James began to knock loudly in the door. Garret has been James's friend for a while, so James wasn't shy about trying to knock the door down.

"Garret!" James shouted as he pounded on the door. "C'mon Garret! Answer the door!" He continued to pound on the door until the large blacksmith opened the door up.

"I was coming James! You don't need to act like my house is on fire! I knew you were coming to deliver that iron shipment."

James felt like slapping himself. He had forgotten completely about the iron bars. His father was going to fillet him alive! But more important matters were at hand. "Garret! We have an injured man here! There is a large gash on his side! We need to bring him in so we can help him!"

"Well, what are you standing around for, boy? Bring him in!" James nodded and he motioned to Eva to follow him in. They carried the man in and placed him on Garret's bed.

James's thoughts suddenly moved to Eva. What were they doing together? His father had made it very clear that the Woods' were dishonorable and that they were enemies of the Gilders...Surly Eva's father had told her the same thing.

Yet Eva sure didn't act like his enemy. She even offered to help heal his bruises. This was the first time they had really spoken to each other. They have only viewed each other from a distance. Maybe she was being nice to him so he would help her with the injured man....that was probably it.

James rubbed the back of his neck as he turned back to the man on the bed. "So, how are we going to help him?"

 

[poohlive]

Garret didn't waste much time. He knew about pains and aches out here in the open. A simple cut could be deadly if not treated very well. Although he didn't know the specifics about medicine, he did know what was needed.
"James, I need you to run over to the widow Martha's house. She would have a bucket of fresh water, and some clean blankets. I don't trust any of my stuff to help this man. Get on now, and hurry back."
Martha would be the closest to have fresh water and some sheets to use. He didn't want to run the boy all the way across town for water. Didn't seem much sensible.
"If you need anything," he looked at the woman, already busy catering to the lad's needs, "I don't have much, but if it'll help."
He moved to add some more logs to the fire. All of a sudden it had grown too cold in here.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James on the Move

James ran through the night, trying to watch where he was going. He had to get to Martha Williams fast. He didn't know how long that man would last.

He tripped and fell twice, but quickly got back on his feet and continued onward. By the time he made it to Martha's home, he was winded. He'd had to carry iron bars, carry an unconsious man, and run all the way to the William's house, all within the time frame of an hour. This was shaping up to be a very long night.

James frantically knocked on Martha's door. "Ms. Williams!" James called between breaths. "Ms. Williams! Please (gasp) answer!"

After a few seconds, the door opened and Martha's figure stood in the doorway, shawl draped across her shoulders. "Yes?"

"Ms. Williams!" James panted wearily. "There is an injured man over at the Blacksmiths! Do you have any clean water and blankets we could use?"

 

[EarthWind]

Eva took off her coat and gloves, placing them on a chair nearby. She had her pouch with the herbs she usually carried, but she would need some other things she didn't have.

She glanced behind her as James left in a hurry. Now she was alone with Mr. Strongfeld, and the unconscious stranger.

"I need a small bowl" she asked timidly. The blacksmith reached up on a shelf and handed her one. For a slight moment their fingers touched and Eva shivered. His hands were so dark and big. She had only been inside the smithy a few times, and that had been with her father, never inside his house, and certainly not alone. But she pushed fleeting thought from her mind and concentrated on the wound. After placing some herbs in a bowl, she poured in some steaming water from the kettle, and set it aside to seep.

"If you could...." she started to say, but her voice failed her when she turned and saw Mr. Strongfeld standing close by. "Nevermind".

Eva's hands were jittery as she carefully peeled back the mans clothing from were the wound was. A low moan escaped his chapped lips, and she saw his eyes flutter.

"Have you any pieces of cloth?" she asked, still keeping her eyes down.

She heard him rustling around and he presented her with a rough fabric of some kind. "Will this do?"

"Yes, that will be fine" she replied, taking the material from him. Taking up the bowl with the herbs, she poured it over gash, then placed the cloth over it to allow the herbs to do their work.

"Looks like bear marks" said Mr. Strongfeld.

Eva nodded her head in agreement. She sat on the floor beside the man, and carefully poured more water into the bowl, adding different herbs this time. "I hope James comes back soon" she thought.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

Marthe awoke with a start.
She was unsure what it was that had dragged her back from her slumber, but looked about her confused.
Then she heard it. The sound of frenzied knocking at her door.
Her first instinct was to hide to flee, but very quickly she came to her senses and recognised her name being called through the thick wooden frame.

"Ms. Williams! Ms. Williams! Please answer!"

She moved swiftly to the door and drew back the bolts.
Drawing her shawl about her shoulders she peered blindly into the darkness.

"Yes?"

She was relieved to recognise James standing on her doorstep, but alarmed by his words.

"Ms. Williams! There is an injured man over at the Blacksmiths! Do you have any clean water and blankets we could use?"

She moved back into the room, indicating that he follow her.

"Mon dieu, an injured man. Yes, of course..."

She thought quickly and explained where the bucket was kept.

"If you would draw the water James, I'll seek out some blankets."

So saying she disappeared into the far room and opened a chest.
Glancing at the contents, she selected two old blankets. They were worn, but clean and warm. She also drew out an old sheet incase clean material was needed for bandages or dressings.
Returning the the room, Martha saw James already stood, bucket in hand, in the open doorway.

"Perhaps it would be wiser if I were to come with you, "

She offered, expecting the young man to decline her offer.
She was almost disappointed when he assented.

"Very well, I'm sure I may lend some assistance, "

She murmured, pulling on a thick cloak, remembering belatedly that her hair hung immodestly loose. She wrapped the shawl about her head, concealing her fair tresses and took up the blankets and sheet.

"Let us make haste..."

She urged following her visitor out into the dark night.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James Returns

James let out a sigh of relief upon hearing that Ms. Williams had the water and blankets. He was almost sure he'd have to go across town for it.

"If you would draw the water James, I'll seek out some blankets." Martha instructed him. James nodded silently and ran out back. Using up whatever energy he had left he dashed around frantically, first to try and find a bucket, then to work the pump so he could get the water. Once he had filled them up, he ran back to the door. Martha came out with blankets just seconds later.

"Perhaps it would be wiser if I were to come with you. " She said.

"..." James didn't want to trouble her, but they would need as much help as they could get, and she did offer..."Good idea Ms. Williams." He said. Together they dashed off back to the Strongfeld's.

As they ran, James tried to keep up with Martha while not spilling any water. Despite his current record of clumsiness, he managed to keep his balance the whole way to the blacksmith's.

When they finally arrived, James threw the door open and he and Martha brought the supplies into Garret's bedroom. As he walked in, Eva turned and gave him a look that said she was very relieved that he made it back. For some reason, it made James feel ecstatic and he had to work to keep a smile off his face.

"All right. We have the water and blankets." He said, placing the bucket on the floor. He moved over by Eva and knelt close by her. He was closer to her than he had planned to be, but he made no effort to move. "How's he doing?" James asked.

 

[poohlive]

Garret couldn't help but remember her as a child. The bright young and eager face of a girl who shied behind her father. He remembered her all too well, but as she kenlt before the man, he saw something different, something effeminine about her.
A brush of a woman within those eyes that he eternally wanted to be a child. She had grown into her own, right under his nose. He hadn't even seen it until she looked at him, that touch that brought a spark through him.
He added another log to the fire, stirring up the embers so they would help with the added guests.
James arrived, and just as he hoped, Martha came in the door as well. He welcomed her, showing her to the injured man.
"Eva is helping him right now. I think she has everything for the moment, but I am grateful for your help. I know... what a troubling time this has been."
He offered her a sorrowful smile, looking down at his own bed.
"Thank you."

 

[EarthWind]

Eva heard the crackle of the fire as Mr. Strongfeld placed a log in the hearth. She turned her head when she heard the door opening and saw James and Marthe walking in with some supplies. A smile crossed her face and a sigh escaped her lips. She was glad he got back ok, and having brought Marthe cheered her up a bit.

James sat beside her and asked how the man was doing. The nearness of him comforted her. He smelled like the earth mixed with sweat.

"I don't know" she replied. "He's lost a lot of blood, but his breathing is steady. With the water you brought I can make him a broth, and hopefully he'll be awake enough to drink it."

James nodded and smiled. "If there is anything I can do..."

Eva returned the smile, then remembered his own injuries. "I have something for your bumps and bruises". Eva took out a small container with a herbalic salve and gently rubbed some on the back of James' neck. "This should help with the stiffness, and I will give you a tincture to take home to drink in the morning. It will help to heal the bruises."

"Thank you". James' gentle smile lit up his whole face, causing Eva to blush and look away.

Marthe distracted her for a moment as she placed a blanket on the stranger. "He looks Indian" she stated.

Eva looked closer and nodded her head. "Yes, I believe you are right. Mr. Strongfeld, is it alright if he stays with you tonight?" As he nodded, Eva continued. "I'll have my mother stop by in the morning to check on him. I'll leave this with you in case he wakes up." Eva stood up and held out a small cloth bag. Mr. Strongfeld took it, his fingers touching hers again. She looked into his eyes and saw something she hadn't noticed before. "Its for a broth, just seep it in hot water for a few minutes before giving it to him" she said, lowering her eyes.

Eva put on her coat and gloves, placing her bag over her shoulder. "

"I'll walk you home" James stated, rising to his feet.

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James

"I'll walk you home." James said, getting to his feet. His mind began to scream at him that this was not a good idea. Her father hates his family! And he was already in deep water with his father! But he rationalized every qualm with one thought: he wanted to spend more time with her.

Eva turned around to watch him rise up. Her cheeks flushed slightly. "Oh, you don't need to..."

"No, I insist. It's dark out tonight and ladies shouldn't be walking home alone." James tried to sound as chivalrous as possible. Eva smiled at him again. Her warm look sent shivers down his spine. He quickly strode to her side and followed her out the door. He wasn't sure, but he thought he caught a glance of Garret rolling his eyes.

The night air had become colder and there was a chill in the air. James noticed the moon was still bright in the sky. He stared at the glowing orb, trying to think of something to talk to Eva about. He couldn't quite explain it, but he wanted to know more about her.

"So...uh...that was a nice job you did on the man back there. I guess that comes from being in the healing business, huh?" He asked, hoping to spark some conversation. She smiled at him.

"Yes, I take after my mother." she responded.

"Of course, Amber Woods. A great healer." They continued to walk a little bit further, awkwardness evident in the air. James took a deep breath. "Eva, can I ask you a question?"

Her look told him he could.

"Look, I know our families hate each other; they have for a while now...so why are you being nice to me?" He tried to avoid her gaze. "I mean, I know your father must have told you to stay away from me. Yet, here you are walking beside me. I'm grateful for your help, but I'm confused. You should hate me. Why don't you?" James tried to look her in the eyes, but found he couldn't do it.

 

[EarthWind]

"James." Eva reached out with her hand and turned his face so that he was looking at her. "Hate has no place in my heart, and I know it's not in yours either. You may be your fathers son, but you carry none of his beliefs. Or so I hope."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James Comes to a Realization

James felt his mouth go dry. Her hand felt as smooth as silk and her touch sent shocks through him. Her words were soft and pierced his mind. He had followed his father's words and ideals almost blindly for as long as he could remember. But as he looked into her depth of her green eyes, he realized what she was saying was true. He was his father's son, not his father.

Instinctively, he raised his hand slowly and put it on her cheek. He felt some shaking, but he didn't know if it was him or her. Maybe it was both.

"Eva..." James said slowly, trying to form words. He wanted to tell her how she had just opened her eyes, or say how much she has helped him see the truth, but he didn't say that. His mouth merely moved with what he was saying in his heart.

"Y-your eyes are beautiful. They're like shining emeralds." He whispered, staring into her eyes.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

Martha came through the door, moving forward into the light as she carried the blankets with her. She followed Mr Strongfield into the room and looked over at where the injured man lay.

ber is helping him right now. I think she has everything for the moment, but I am grateful for your help. I know... what a troubling time this has been."

Martha was touched my his comment and smiled softly as she thanked him for his concern.

Handing the blankets to Eva, Martha moved to look more closely at the injured man. She watched Eva working and was concerned to hear that he had lost alot of blood.
She drew closer to the unconscious man and realised with a start.

looks Indian"

She did not recognise him, at least.

"Yes, I believe you are right. Mr. Strongfeld, is it alright if he stays with you tonight?
I'll have my mother stop by in the morning to check on him. I'll leave this with you in case he wakes up."

Martha remained knelt on the floor, her hand soothingly on the man's forehead as she watched Eva prepare to leave.

"I'll walk you home"

She heard James announce and smiled as he wasted no time in slipping out of the door with Eva.
In the silence that hung in the room, Martha looked up at Mr Strongfield and wondered what she should do.

"Do you want me to sit with him for a while, whilst you rest?"

She offered softly. She was dreading the solitary walk home in the dark, even though it was not far. She wouldn't be sleeping anyway, so she might was well make herself useful. She looked up at the man who watched his patient carefully, unaware that her shawl had fallen free of her head and that her hair now spilled out about her shoulders.

 

[poohlive]

Garret turned his attention to the fire, stirring it for a time, keeping the flames fresh and alive. It was his basic blacsmith instincts, to keep up with the fire. He knew little else.
"I don't think I'll be resting any time soon," he said, moving embers about, "But I would appreciate the company. It is a lonely night tonight."
He motioned to one of his chairs looking across at the fire, "Please, come sit. Rest yourself. I have tea, or if you'd like something a bit stronger."

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Martha Williams

"I don't think I'll be resting any time soon.
But I would appreciate the company. It is a lonely night tonight."

Martha turned her head to look out of the window at the blackness that seemed so heavy and sombre.

"Yes ... very lonely ... "

She spoke almost to herself.

"Please, come sit. Rest yourself. I have tea, or if you'd like something a bit stronger."

She looked up at him and smiled shyly, realising that she was alone with this man.

"Tea would be welcome thank you."

She responded softly.
With a last look at the injured man she stood gracefully, dusting down her skirt and pulling her shawl about her shoulders, letting it hang loosely there as she made her way to the fire.
Thank fully she sank down in the offered seat.

Smiling shyly at him, she took the steaming cup he offered her.

"Thank you Mr Strongfield, you are most kind, "

Her soft voice and demure smile showed her gratitude.

 

[poohlive]

"You are welcome my dear," he sat across from her, in his old rocker. A comfortness coming over him, one he liked. She sat there resting herself. She seemed so small and fragile. How long had it been?
Too long. He remembered losing his own mother. It was not a fond memory, and the pain still comes to take him on these colder nights. At times he welcomes it though, it keeps her memory fresh inside of him. For that, he is thankful.
"So, how have things been?" He sipped at his own tea, wanting to break the awkward silence somehow, "I tried to stop by a few times before, see if you needed some wood chopped or just other chores to be done, but you seem to have things pretty well done up over there. I hope your getting along well."

 

[EarthWind]

Eva smiled back at James. She had this sudden urge to kiss him, but she looked up at the moon instead. "Give me guidance" she thought. A feeling of energy rushed through Eva, and she suddenly felt the urge to run.

"Come" she called, as she began to run down the road. "I want to show you something."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James

James's heart was beating quicker than he ever thought was possible. Did he just tell her that her eyes were beautiful? Why did he say that to her? What was he thinking? Would she be offended? Why wasn't time moving?

He noticed Eva's face melt into a smile. He felt relieved that she wasn't angry, but his heart rate didn't slow down at all. She suddenly looked up at the moon for a few seconds, then turned back to him.

"Come. I want to show you something." She said, then ran off down the road. James was caught off guard, but he quickly recovered and began to chase after her. Where was she going?

He followed her as closely as he could, slowing down slightly when he got close enough to make out her figure in the moonlight. She had the grace of a dancer as she ran along the path. Her every step looked like the movements of a ballet performer. James couldn't help but stare at her as she moved.

What was she doing to his mind? He couldn't take her thoughts off of her. He was so entranced in her that he never even thought to ask where they were running to.

 

[EarthWind]

Eva felt the cool wind brush accross her face as she ran. She looked back a few times to make sure James was following her. When he caught up with her, she slowed her pace and continued to jog a bit furthur down the road.

She stopped in front of a stone well, bent over and tried to catch her breath. James stopped beside her and did the same.

"I'm.. sorry.." she said. Looking beside her at James, she saw the confusion in his eyes. The run had made his cheeks pink and his was hair messed up. She thought he never looked more beautiful.

Eva would never admit it, but she had often taken unessesary trips into town just to see James. He often did not even know she was around, which she liked. She would hide behind the maple tree in front of the store and watch him go in and out, loading wagons with the purchases that people made. She knew it was wrong spy, but something drew her to him, something she didnt understand, but tonight she would find out. The Goddess had told her it was time.

Standing up, she drew some water from the well and after taking a few sips offered the bucket to James.

"I won't run anymore, I promise. But, will you come with me. There is something I want to show you."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

James Gets Even More Confused

James happily accepted the bucket of water and drank out of it. He hadn't expected her to be so fast. She certainly gave him a good run. He was starting to think he couldn't run anymore tonight if he tried.

"I won't run anymore, I promise" she said, trying to catch her breath. James panted as he smiled. Good. No more running. "But, will you come with me? There is something I want to show you."

James looked up at her slowly. Something she wanted to...show him? He gulped nerviously. What did she want to show him.

He watched her as she began to leave the well, beconing him to follow. James obediantly followed her. He tried to grasp where he was by looking around, but he had no idea where he was. He didn't think he ever came here before.