The witch stepped off the train into the swamped subway station and quickly clutched her bag to her chest. The ride had her a bit claustrophobic and on edge, with so many people stuffed into one space. She could never have imagined the Gotham stations would be so crowded at this hour. She glanced down at her pocket watch, and indeed it was merely 3 p.m.! She knew almost nothing about the city, but she thought she could manage at least one thing; avoiding as many people as possible. Sighing, she straightened the bandana wrapped around her head and returned her sunglasses to her face. She best just get to the flat as quickly as she could before she found herself in any more company.
For Epithumia, it wasn't the constant presence of ruffians that shot eyes at her satchel, or the slight smell that wafted from the multitudes of homeless, it was everyone. It started many lifetimes ago, but she still pushed past them all, making herself small and scarce; something that came naturally. She had always found it better to hide than to be sentenced to exile, or as a simple man would put it, rejected.
The street became filthier, the homeless tripled, and the buildings became near ruins as she headed towards the direction of her flat rental, in the Cauldron district. It was all she could afford in a city as big as Gotham. Even though Gotham had its wars and dark underbelly, it still was a lavish city and had a hard, thick line between luxury and scraps.
She got inside and had barely laid her things on the kitchen counter when her cellphone rang.
"Bashem?!" Jason Blood's voice sounded frantic on the other end.
"Yes Jason, are you ok?!"
"Why did I even give you this phone if you're not going to use it?"
She blinked. "Pardon?"
"I've called you five times in the last four hours! Even if you were busy, you could have at least texted."
"I'm sorry Jason"- she lazily falls into the couch- "The idea of phones is still new to me. I didn't even hear it ring until now."
"I know, but- never mind. Have you found your way safely?"
"Yes, I've just arrived. It's not too bad of a place, considering how cheap it ended up being."
There was a slight pause- "I wish you would have considered staying with me. It doesn't make any sense, letting a friend stay in rentals when I have two rooms to spare."
Epithumia sat up and headed to the bedroom. "We've had this talk Jason, I can't handle your condo."
"I know, I know. I'm just nervous with the thought of you in this city. It's not a place to get lost or take a vacation in. This city is dangerous."
"You worry too much, old friend. I'm home now, and I'll head over tomorrow to talk about the ritual, but for now, I need to unpack."
"Ah, right then. Well please remember that my number is at your disposal if you need it Epi. Goodnight."
By morning, the quirky little witch had a crème cheese bagel wedged in her mouth and was out the door by 10 a.m. Her black skirt bounced all the way down the steps of the apartment, as she hastily made her way to the subway station. The crowds were not any more pleasant, but they were significantly smaller and Epithumia could at least feel herself breathe a little better. She was hidden under her hair bandana and shades, keeping her protected, as she pushed past the ruckus and the overbearing scents of cologne. Her small satchel felt heavy and could practically slip out her sweaty fingers.
The trip was a long one, well at least that's how she felt. With Jason's condo two islands away in the Diamond District on Burnley Island, the witch found herself on a seemingly long subway ride. By stop fifth teen she let out a deep sigh, from lack of breath and practically ran out of the train.
'You know what?'- she thought as she adjusted her shades – 'I can walk the rest of the way, it's only a few more blocks.'
"Epi I can't thank you enough for coming all this way, I'm really proud of you for taking a step like this."
Jason swung the door wide for his long-awaited friend and extended his arms for a hug, to which she gladly threw herself into. He ushered her into the parlor, where a cheese platter awaited them and a bottle of Malbec red wine. The fireplace was lit and seemed to make the white streak in Jason's red hair glow.
"So how was your first day in Gotham? I know it can't be too pleasant of a place for you." He inquires as he pours them both a glass.
"Jace I can barely breathe on that subway. How on earth can people live like this? I come from a secluded house, in the middle of 'Nowhere' Pennsylvania, I can't see the need for so much steel."
"Epi, you wouldn't have to go outside at all, if you would simply stay here."
The witch shifted in her seat, as she eyed the display cases that surrounded them both. Jason Blood was a collector of artifacts and relics, but more than that, he was a collector of items drenched in energy.
"For the last time, we've talked about this, Jace. This place-"
"I know, the energies clash with yours."
Nodding, she takes a sip.
"Let's get started with the layout of the ritual, shall we? Halloween is only five days away, and you need to know what you'll be doing."
With those words, he rose from his chair and began on a more serious topic. They talked and practiced until the sun crossed the sky. They practiced incantations, drew proper sigils, and discussed the order in which everything will be done. Once they both felt they had done enough for the day, they sat back down to their glasses of wine.
"Jace, I don't know if I can do all of this. What if I mess up?"
"You're not going to mess up, and even if you did there will be plenty of masters right there with you through the whole process."
"But I don't excel in these advanced stages of magic. You know I'm simply an alchemist and a miner necromancer, at best."
"You don't understand Epi, that's why I wanted you here." Jason gets up and goes to pour himself another glass. "This is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and meet others just like us."
"I've been in hiding for years, you can't expect me to be able to turn around and act like a normal human again. Everything has changed in the last forty years Jace, everything from customs, to style, to speech, and I can't keep up with it all."
"Listen, your social life is not the only reason I want you to participate. I want to help you expand your magic. Magic is a link to one's soul, and the very essence of life, Epi. You would do well to reach deeper into the arcane arts." He stands over her chair and places his free hand on her shoulder. "However, I do want you to consider stepping out of your comfort zone, socially that is. There is a coffee shop not too far from here, in Otisburg called 'Grinding Days'. It's owned by an old friend of mine, Thomas Brundy. I trust that shop, and I feel you should go and just sit sometimes. You can learn a lot about people by just watching."
The witch finishes her glass as she rises from the chair, "Some other time Jason. I really just want to get back to the apartment."
He hands her, her satchel, "You can't keep hiding like this, Epi."
"I'm sure gonna try, Jace. I'm sure gonna try"