Unexpected Visitors

[Alexia Longbow]

Alexia had woken up early that morning, as usual, in the warmth and safety of Danny’s strong, well muscled arms, and after toying gently with his auburn curls, they rose just a few short hours later, ready to start the day. He had plans to work on the next draft of his latest project, and she desperately needed to give her full attention to her mostly neglected garden. It was in dire need of care beyond the basic watering and pruning. After a quick breakfast, and a playful argument of who would do the dishes, they both set to their individual plans. On her way out the door, she brushed her lips gently on Danny’s cheek and murmured a loving farewell. Naturally, it resulted in a firm but gentle grip around her forearm as he pulled her back in for a full, deep, passionate kiss that nearly made her forget where she was going.

Now, she knelt in her small but vibrant garden, simple weeding gloves covering her scarred hands as she uprooted weed after invading weed from her treasured wild flowers. Her face was red and her forehead beaded with sweat. Strands of unruly hair, previously pulled into a quick messy ponytail, had long since worked their way free and stuck to her face and neck. The little wisp she had rescued from someone at the inn now hovered quite contentedly around her nebula orchid. The rambunctious chimera kitten, Kai, upon arrival, had been deposited directly into the small patch of wild catnip just off the back door and was currently lying on her back with her tiny murderous little claws jutting out into the air, high as a kite.

She worked hard, weeding, reaping medicinal herbs and setting them safely aside to be later turned into tinctures, poultices, steeped into teas, or even jarred whole. Seeds and vine sections of rare flowers and plants were reaped and labeled to either be later gifted to Jeffrey and Albert, the older couple that owned the flower shop and rented out the studio apartment above it to Danny, or sown and watered. Fruits, vegetables, edible herbs and blossoms were harvested and washed thoroughly.

Throughout the chore filled day, she hummed happily, though she was entirely unaware that she did. The soft, sweet sound drew all manner of creatures near. A small gathering of birds perched on her garden wall, joined soon by a pair of squirrels and chipmunk. Little lizards and newts squeezed through small cracks in the fence. A clever little bunny, who had long since taken up secret residence in the thick bushes by the back entrance that led to the lake, poked her little face out from under a raspberry bush. All in all, it was a very productive day for the little fae in her treasure trove of a garden. It was idyllic, picturesque.

It was only until she began to feel a strain in her big brown eyes that she finally looked around, startling a bit to realize the sun had begun to set. Somehow, several hours had flown by. She sat back on her heels and wiped at her brow with the cuff of her glove, a long puff of air parting her lips. Feeling satisfied for now, she pulled both gloves off her hands and stood, her eyes scanning the garden for that two-toned, furry little face. With a shake of her head, she scooped the dazed little kitten into her arms and headed inside, dropping the gloves just outside the door. Once inside, she quickly lit a few lanterns and, after setting out fresh food and water for Kai, she ran a much needed bath.

Soon all the sweat and grime of the day was scrubbed from her petite body, leaving a rosy tint to her skin. She had every intention of soaking for a while as her muscles were begging for just that, but she just couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t alone in the tiny little cabin. So, instead, she dressed quickly and was soon running a comb through that obstinate mane. Suddenly she was sure she heard Kai make an odd noise. When she emerged from the washroom, the sight of an unfamiliar figure at her front door tore a frightened squeak from her lips. Frantically, those saucer wide eyes began scanning the room for anything to defend herself. Then, a familiar voice deflated all panic from her body.

“Easy, Rapunzel, it’s me!” The witch closed the front door with a soft click and stepped into the dim light of the tiny living room, an amused smirk on her face.

“You know, you really should get a lock for this thing.”

“S-Sammie!” Alexia’s voice sounded exasperated, but very relieved. “Wh-What are you d-doing here?” She glanced over to Kai who was simply sitting under the kitchen table, her tiny tail curled neatly around her, those mismatched eyes glowing in the lamp light.

“Looking for you, actually. I texted your Prince Charming and he said you’d be here. I knocked a few times but I guess you didn’t hear me… did you get a cat?” Sammie took the few steps that placed her directly in front of the table and bent over, her hand reaching out toward the kitten. When she received a miniscule but unmistakable hiss for her trouble, she nodded once and stood straight, her index finger pointing at the 12 ounce ball of furry vitriol.

“I like her.” She declared, before turning back to Alexia. “You said to stop by sometime today for some supplies, remember?”

Alexia blinked a few times before recognition colored her face in the form of a warm rosy cheek. She nodded, remembering the conversation now, and snapped her gnarled little fingers as she made her way to the mantle above the fireplace. She grabbed two medium sized jars, one labeled ‘Dragon Scales’, the other, ‘Hatchling Shells’. Sammie took both jars and inspected the contents.

“You’re sure these are legit?” She was fairly certain she already knew the answer, but it was habit for the witch to question it.

“Y-Yes,” the little fae nodded, adding “and ethically s-s-sourced.”

Sammie looked up from the jar of scales to stare hard at Alexia.

“You acquired these yourself, didn’t you?” She asked flatly. Alexia stayed quiet for a long time before finally speaking again.

“I-Isn’t that your c-communication device b-buzzing?” Her unreadable expression made Sammie snort.

“Alright, princess, fair enough. I should get going anyway. Got a hot date. Thanks for the merch!” She winked salaciously and, after tucking both jars under one arm, headed back out the front door without another word.

Alexia shook her head and a small, voiceless chuckle parted her lips. Ready to head back to Danny’s apartment, she turned in search for Kai, glancing under the kitchen table. When she found her, the little kitten was wide eyed, her pupils narrowed to thin slits, and her entire little body was rigid. She stared intensely at the boarded up room that belonged to the late Owen Shadowsoul and what began as a low rumble quickly grew into an unsettling, elongated growl. Concern twisted Alexia’s features as she followed Kai’s gaze, finding only the simple wooden boards nailed across the doorway, the door long since broken off its hinges. She was about to start speaking soothing words to the kitten, insisting all was well and there was nothing there when suddenly she could smell it. The unmistakable and overwhelming odor of whiskey and stale tobacco.

Her eyes went impossibly wide and her entire diminutive frame began to tremble. With a strong tremor in her voice, she called out softly.

“U-Uncle O-O-Owen?” The moment the name left her lips, a gust of air, acrid with old smoke and dust seeped through the cracks between the planks of wood and made the little flame in the lanterns flicker and wink out. Without giving it another thought, Alexia grabbed Kai, ignoring the little kitten's protests and desire to stay and take on whatever had invaded the little fae’s cabin, and ran out the front door, straight for Danny’s apartment.