& SELF-PROCLAIMED SWAMPWITCH The hag emerges from her swamp with the same intense focus of a lioness leaving her den in search of prey. Fetid water drips from her black belly as she stands there, the sun drying her starry hide in a matter of minutes. The huntress' stare rakes across the field bleached gold by the sun's rays. So far, the only creatures that have risen to appreciate the good weather are the witch and a spattering of rabbits. Her black crown swivels as she follows their lithe forms darting amongst the whispering stalks of wheat, but she dismisses all thoughts of them with a guttural hack. The rabbits grow plump with no contest this morning. What happened to those that hunt them? Despite the promise of a bountiful feast there is no sign of any coyote or wolf. Though their absence is likely due to their mastery of the hunt, the witch cannot ignore the dread that has formed like a lump in her throat. Life must be balanced by death. Memories of her mother's lessons force the lump down her esophagus to slam painfully against her lungs; stormy eyes reveal their whites while she struggles to catch her breath. But you are not here to work the scale, mother. When under the tutelage of her dam and aunt she seldom agrees with either hag, but now that she is without them it is easier for her to relent to their wishes. An ugly laugh slips past her lips at the admission. Amazing what a lack of violence will do. Dark eyes have to roll at that. Though she won't say it aloud, the young witch has already decided to take up that responsibility, and she begins by forging a path through the golden grass. Ears flicker back from time to time like vigilant soldiers watching the rearguard, and the hag is careful not to miss any game trails as she surveys the land. An occasional breeze relieves the black-skinned wretch from the heat, but the clatter of dried stalks of wheat soon makes her anxious of its cool touch. Though the chances of creeping up on the mare are slim -- if any -- one will do best to approach her when the chattering grass muffles her hearing. @Auru AAAAYYYY I DIDN'T FORGET YOU! Be warned, Yana is hunting for trouble in this thread. ;) |
