Wicked Casters

Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga, and other media added to this story

Chapter 18: Witch hunt feud

Eleanor's POV

Legs crossed, hands on my lap, and eyes closed, concentrating on the object across the backyard. I've been desperately practicing improving my telekinesis, so the car accident from last week doesn't happen again. Across the backyard is Zelena, who sat on top of a boulder. The objective is to levitate her and the boulder without destroying it or knocking her off. So, with deep breaths, I focused on spreading my powers to wrap around the boulder and then lift it.

It is more complicated than it sounds. It's a safety requirement if I do this wrong. For starters, Zelena could get hurt by either falling, crushed by the boulder, or my powers. I took another deep breath; lifting my hands, levitating the boulder. The element of earth rattle before lifted up slowly. I felt a slight headache but nothing too serious as I levitated my mentor on the rock about ten feet in the air. Afterward, I kept her there for about a minute.

"Alright, Eleanor, you can put me down," Zelena instructed.

I nodded, lowering my hands down simultaneously with the boulder and mentor. Once that was done, I fell backwards on the damp grass, taking a breather. Zelena got up, walking over to me with a pleased look.

"You are improving rapidly, my dear." She complimented. "Not many Casters your age could accomplish such a task."

"Thanks," I breathed.

Zelena nodded as she walked inside to check on Ginger and her training. I sighed, closing my eyes and just relaxing on the earth. In times like these, my magic would relax, vibrating deep within in an attempt to restore lost energy. Something about Forks heals me spiritually. As if the spirits of these lands accepted my presence. Usually, this happens on Caster or historical lands, but never in a logger town.

Maybe there is something here for me after all.

I've been accepted here. No one calls me a witch. No accusing stares. No irritating taunts. And no bullying. Here it's a clean slate. Eleanor Rivers, the new girl. Not Eleanor Rivers the witch. Of course, I had to adapt to my appearance, but I still feel me. I have new friends, Ginger, Angela, Jessica, Mike, Eric, Tyler, and Jacob. The thought of Jacob made me smile. I don't know what it is, but thinking about him makes me smile. He just has a way of making a person relax, free going, and more.

Suddenly there was a snap of a branch. Instantly I sat up, expecting Edward Cullen to come over for a visit. But there was no Cold One in the area. No. Across the small meadow to the forest line was the unknown. Whenever I'm near the woods, I see or sense this presence. I could never get a clear glimpse of the being from my near sight. From what I could tell . . . it was big, feral, and a force not to be reckoned with . . . at the same time, it held a protective atmosphere. Listening to the wind, you can hear the deep breathing, the pounding of its heart, and the silent growl.

I walked to the forest line, hoping to get a better view of the creature. Sadly, as I stood along the first row of trees, I could only see blurs. This time the creature was not alone. The black blur growled at a dark grayish brown blur.

"I can't see you," I said. "But I can sense you."

The two blurs stopped growling, so I continued. "You are part of these lands. Protectors, no doubt."

They remained silent.

"If only I had my glasses," I grumbled.

Suddenly there was a cackle… almost like a canine. Before I could reply, the blurs turned around, running away. Maybe they are not meant to be seen. Either way, I shall respect the forest and the spiritual lands. Sighing, I headed inside only to enter into another argument. Seems Ginger asked the wrong question, to which Zelena is recanting.

"I don't get it," Ginger yelled. "Why do you not trust vampires?"

"Georgia, it is not your place to know about my opinions on them vile creatures." Zelena scolded.

"But the Cullens are not like that!" she objected. "You don't know the history of them."

The older witch said, walking to the living.

"Yes, I do," Ginger said, following her. "Edward told me of Carlisle's history and the others."

Zelena stopped in mid-step. The atmosphere became tense to a point it became unbearable. I remained in the corner watching the two dispute this out. This is not my argument, but I'll have my powers at the ready in case I need to separate them. The last thing we need is the cabin destroyed.

Ginger panted as she glared at her mentor. "Is it vampires or the Cullens?"

Zelena turned around, her blue eyes becoming gray like a storm. "Tell me, do you know what Carlisle did to our kind, to our brethren and sisters?"

Ginger stood there dumbfounded before she answered. "Yes."

"So, you would know who Carlisle's father was. The pastor who had the ability to detect our species and burn them to ashes? That man, Pastor Cullen is the man who forced our people out as they escaped to the New World?" Zelena said, her voice rising slightly.

"What?" I gasped, surprised.

"Yes, Carlisle is the son of the man who hunted our ancestors." Zelena continued. "He is the man who killed half of my clan. It was long before the trials. The Magnus Coven was the hierarchy in London, a noble friend to the monarchs, and a supporter of the new protestant faith. At the time, they believed in creativity, politics, and expedition. That was before Cromwell's rule. Follow me." She said, gesturing upstairs.

We went upstairs to the private study. Ginger and I are barely allowed in here, for there are dark artifacts and another object for us girls to see. I shuddered at the amount of energy in the room. Ginger did the same. On one of the walls was an oil painting. I recognized the women in the painting. Bridget Bishop and Mildred Magnus. I heard countless tales of these two women that what is true and false is impossible. Bridget Bishop was not a powerful witch, not like her cousin. But she was known for potions and jinxes. Now Mildred Magnus is another story. Mildred Magnus was second in command of the Salem Coven. The right hand towards the Supreme of the New World at that time, Prudence Mather.

"My ancestor, Mildred Magnus, head of the clan as she and her husband dealt with England's Caster society and kept the peace in the royal court. One night Mildred was at a council meeting in a section of London for the Casters. As she passed the Anglican Church, Pastor Cullen started shouting accusations of demons. Saying blasphemy of previous monarchs and their behavior is sinful. He gazed upon Mildred and accused her of being a sinner, a demon. Accusing many, he had seen her not age for decades. More relying on the Protestant faith, Mildred laughed it off, saying the pastor had gone mad of wine and the sweat.

"Unfortunately, Pastor Cullen followed Mildred and her ladies to the private property. It is unsure what happened, but he witnessed magic being performed. He took this to the church, but England no longer had ties to the Catholic Church. He took matters into his own hands, going for the lower class, primarily, the lower ranks."

"Lower ranks?" Ginger asked.

"Skipped generation, commonly known as Saltats," I answered. "A Caster giving birth to an offspring who doesn't possess magic. And held no abilities of a guardian. They usually do apothecary, potions, and medicine."

"Yes," Zelena agreed. "He went after those in the apothecary or any herbal qualities. As Mildred got word of the people kidnapping Saltats from homes and beds, burning them on a spike. Especially the witches who help deliver babies for the community, including his son Carlisle. And this is how Pastor Cullen repays his neighbors. Not love or respect, but spite and damnation. Mildred stared in horror as Saltats were being murdered. Caster and humans were burned at the stake: accused of being witches, vampires, and werewolves.

"What made it worse was her cousin, a witch who married a blacksmith, being burned by fire. The pastor had his men torture her in wretched ways, which she confessed to other casters. Outside of London, Pastor Cullen ordered the town folks to hunt down the Magnus Clan at a summer home in the country and set it ablaze. A third of the village was destroyed, while half the Magnus Clan was murdered. While Mildred was in London for the king's court with the Queen, her husband Richard and other relatives died. It wasn't long before Vampires took the chaos as an excuse to feast upon mortals. The Council advised that the Casters or any witch and warlock leave England and migrate back to Europe or the New World. And we all know what happened in Salem, barely half a century."

Zelena took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. I wonder if she was an old soul or a spirit of the past possessing her. It's rare, but usually, spirits would guide their descendants from trouble.

"My ancestors had to change their name from Magnus to Playfer," Zelena explained as she stared at the portrait of Bridget Bishop. "Bridget had to bring her children to the new world when she had lost her husband."

Zelena took another deep breath, yet there was so much fury inside her from the generation of trauma.

"I despised Carlisle Cullen for he is the son of a monster. He and his bloodline destroyed my family. Mildred Magnus had to watch her husband, sisters, and best friend suffer under the tyrannical religious faith Pastor Cullen established in England and Salem. That monster destroyed lives, killing souls that have not been born yet. . . Carlisle may have redeemed himself in his new life as a vampire by becoming a doctor. Still, he has not apologized for his and his family's actions."

Ginger and I stared at Zelena with mixed emotion. Who knew the Magnus family held so much negativity over the centuries? Then again, the Caster families hold feuds and grudges longer than any historical families.

"So, Georgia," Zelena murmured sharply. "Are you happy now?"

With nothing else to say, Zelena left the room. I stared at Ginger with a disappointed look. She stood there dumbfounded in learning the dark history of one of the most powerful Caster families in the world. Also, why does Zelena hold so much bitterness towards Dr. Cullen? It wasn't about one species of a Cold One, but the blood of the man who destroyed England's Caster society.

"Damn," Ginger grumbled.

"You can say that again," I said. "You need to control that curiosity."

"I know, but I didn't expect that from her." She said, looking at the portrait. "Say, what happened to Mildred in the end?"

I paused going through Caster's history, "I think she married a French Warlock in New Orleans, living as a socialite while keeping the peace with the voodoo society." I chuckled. "Rumor has it; she and Marie Laveau were quite a friendly disruptive pair. She died at the age of 275, with quite a legacy for what remains of her children and new family."

Ginger nodded.

I grabbed her hand, leading her out of the room. I guess tonight's dinner will be in each other's rooms. Ginger went to her room to have some alone time. Meanwhile, I went to the kitchen to get dinner started. I thought about Zelena's heritage and then my genealogy. The Rivers Clan originated from France near Normandy, the descendant of the Gauls. They were Cross between the Celtic and Aquitani tribes. That part of France was conquered by England in the first millennia after the Common Era.

From what Grandfather Horatio said, the Rivers Clan were a middle class, primary knights to earls. I had ancestors who became scribes and page boys to monarchs and ladies in waiting. Grandfather Horatio mentioned that ancient cousins married into the Blood of the Roses, as the Woodvilles were Rivers, and Casters Jacquetta of Luxembourg was a strong witch. As her magic continued onto her daughter Elizabeth Woodville who married King Edward IV. Followed by her daughter Elizabeth of York who married King Henry VII and thus the Rivers hold connection to the Tudors until their bloodline ended.

The Rivers gained suitable rank is not to be noticed, but wealthy to survive the tundra environment. Having an estate while affiliating with the druids in the highlands. After Pastor Cullen's witch hunt, the Rivers left under the Council's orders, either to the New World or France.

Taking a deep breath, I went back to cooking. My clan is massive, and now my father Gideon is the head of my family's branch.

I thought about my full name. Eleanor Elizabeth Rivière Woodward Rivers.

Woodward being my mother's maiden name while Rivière was my ancient name until my ancestors moved to the New World in Salem.

.o0o.

Ginger's POV

I took a deep breath, as Zelena's story came to mind. How can a person hate another being that happened in the past? Then again, Casters have a more complicated life compared to any other supernatural being . . . minus the werewolves. I need some escape from the supernatural world. Picking up my cellphone, I went through my contacts, praying to God that the owner of the number was still the same.

A few rings and a familiar feminine voice asked, "Hello?"

"Mom?" I replied.

"Georgia?" she asked in shock.

"Yeah, it's me," I confirmed.

"Oh, Georgia," Betsy said. "I've thought I may not hear from you again."

"Sorry, been busy." I apologized.

"I understand, my smart girl getting good grades and learning new spells." Betsy complimented.

I smiled a little, "Yeah, still in AP courses getting A's and B's, though basic biology."

"That's alright. Make sure you enjoy senior year and don't stress yourself." She said.

We continue to talk about other things. Betsy discussed her life so far in Florida. Apparently, the company had sent her to Florida to do more training. She has already made a new friend, her name being Renee Dwyer, a wife to an upcoming baseball player. They meet up and chat while Phil, the husband, goes into training. She mentions having a daughter, named Bella. Mom thinks I might like and maybe be friends. I doubt it, though I didn't say it. Not to be rude or anything, but I just think we wouldn't get along. Anyway, Betsy added she is trying eHarmony. Giving up, on the whole, going to bars and waiting for prince charming, or in her taste, tall, dark, and handsome. To hear so much about how my mom accomplished had me missing her even more.

"That's good, mom. I'm sure you'll find someone," I said. "So, how is the Nursing program?"

Betsy emailed me a few weeks ago that she got her AAS degree in nursing to use some sort of equipment. Now she was working on her nursing degree. I think it was using the X-ray machine or OBG. Anyway, she emailed me saying she took a few more courses to get a better promotion. Also, having been accepted to New Orleans for a small private medical clinic for women and children, though requesting she take extra courses in nursing to be sure. Betsy didn't have a problem with that, as she spent time in Jackson. I'm proud of my mom.

"I've been working hard," Betsy answered. "After the spring semester, I'm looking for a house to rent if things become permanent in New Orleans. You told me you like it there. So hopefully, once we both finish our training, we can be together in an exciting environment, sweetie."

"Yeah?" I said. "I also like Forks."

"What?" Betsy chuckled. "My daughter who prefers sun and heat over cold and rain."

"Yeah, apparently," I replied.

"Does this new desire involve a guy, perhaps?"

"Um…" I chuckled. "I think so."

"Oh my god. Tell me everything." She demanded playfully. "What is he like? Jock? Bad boy? Nerd? Knowing you, he has to be smart and funny. Is he charismatic?"

Suddenly there was a whoosh followed by a thump. I gasped, turning my head to find Edward Cullen sitting at the foot of the bed. He appeared serene, eyes watching me like a hawk. But I couldn't stop but notice the tiny smirk on the edge of his lip.

"Uh, mom, Zelena's calling me." I lied.

"No, we gotta talk boys," Betsy said. "Tell me you're being safe?"

"I promise I'll call you this weekend," I said quickly.

"I'm keeping that promise." She reminded happily.

After hanging up, I placed a hand over my chest. My heart felt like it ran a marathon from out of nowhere. Correcting myself, I threw a pillow at him. Quickly he caught it, chuckling a little.

"How the hell did ya get in here?" I asked.

Edward still has the smirk on his face but is much mischievous now. "The Window."

"Seriously?" I asked, surprised. "I'm surprised the barrier hadn't tricked you or captured."

Edward paused, "So that was the black tendrils chasing after me in the beginning."

I sighed; the barrier takes on many forms. The stronger the barrier is with nature, the more it manipulates it. Zelena says if anyone supernatural dares enter without consent, the trees will chase or grab the invader.

"You are fast," I noted. "How long have you've been doing this?"

"Well, just the past couple of months." He answered.

"You know that is another form of stalking," I stated, crawling closer to him.

"I like watching you sleep." He added, with a naughty grin. "It's um…It's kind of fascinating to me."

"Dude, the creepy level just went up." I chuckled.

Edward chuckled, shaking his head. Somehow, his coming into my room was not disturbing. In fact, it proves that I'm not insane. So, I wasn't dreaming about Edward Cullen. Instead of assuming my magic, allow me to be aware of his presence through dreams. Got to ask Zelena if this is an ability.

"I always wanted to try one thing," Edward murmured, leaning closer to me. "Just stay very still."

As he leaned closer, I felt my heart double time. Never have I been nervous about a simple kiss. My lips are not pure, for I have kissed other boys…and girls. But Edward was different. He had this power over me to feel more feminine instead of the tomboy that I am.

Our foreheads pressed together, his cold skin sending shivers down my warm flesh. Closing my eyes, I let him take control. This boosted his confidence as his cold lips kissed the top of my own. I gasped softly from a bolt of electricity from a simple peck. Taking the risk, I kissed him gently, pulling his lips a little. He breathily chuckled, returning to the same level of passion. We make out for a moment at a distance; before I somehow manage to be on his lap while his arms around my waist. A grunt escaped his lips while my lower half accidentally ground against his groin. His hands slide under my shirt, groping my hips not too gently but with not enough pressure to hurt.

Suddenly Edward shoved me away, falling backward on the mattress while jumping back across the room. "Stop it!" he ordered. I gasped in shock, not understanding what the hell just happened. Edward, on the other hand, looks like he was in pain. Body stiff as a board, eyes much darker than golden brown, and probably holding his breath.

"What's wrong?" I asked, confused.

"I'm stronger than I thought." He said.

"Yeah, I've noticed," I muttered.

Edward took a deep breath, head bent down, glaring at his feet. "I can't ever lose control with you."

"I'm not fragile, Edward," I told him. "And you know that."

"I know, but… I'm afraid of hurting you." He confessed.

Better change the topic, I thought.

Remembering Zelena's story, I have a plan to calm the tension between Zelena's hatred towards Carlisle. Therefore, Edward can be a helping hand. Edward saw my scheming look and sat down, asking me to tell him what I was thinking. Oh right, he can't read my thoughts. So quietly, I told Edward what Zelena told me.

"I'll inform Carlisle. Maybe we could put an end to this." Edward said.

"Thanks." I smiled and pecked him on the cheek.

As a result, Edward groaned.

Can you guys figure out what Eleanor saw? In case you are wondering, Eleanor is nearsighted. She can't see after fifty feet before things become blurry, other than that. Enjoy

Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.

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