Exaudi Nos, et Misrere
"…Hear us, the wretched…"
by: Lost-Remembrance (Red Tail)
Chapter Two:
The journey to the witch's hut wasn't far at all. In fact, it was quite easy since it was at a slight downward incline. The baby had stopped crying and snuggled into the warmth of the blanket, content with making cooing noises instead.
The firelight from inside the hut cast shadows around the pine trees surrounding the hut. A raven was perched on a nearby tree branch, a watcher and guardian for the spell-caster.
Heero raised his hand, lightly tapping on the door. He knew how easy it was to have your concentration shattered if someone where to suddenly pound on your door.
"Come in," The witch inside called, inviting Heero into her humble abode. She looked up and her light blue eyes instantly lit up. "Oh! A baby!" She got up and snatched the baby from a surprised Heero's arms.
Heero frowned, 'I never would have been able to guess she could move that fast for her age.' He walked over to the witch who was fawning over Maia, making the little red head giggle as the witch made funny noises and expressions on her face.
"Her name?" The woman didn't look up from the red-haired child to question Heero.
"Marie-maia. Or Maia."
Her eyes sparkled with joy and memory. "I once had a child of my own who has long since left. Silvia was such a darling child. Oh, such a beautiful name for such a beautiful babe."
"Witch," Heero began, "Can you help me with instructions on how to care for this child?"
The witch turned, brushing some of her white hair out of her eyes, which crinkled in happiness at the question. "Of course I will. Please, however, my name is Noventa." She turned to the baby, "Grandma Noventa to you." She waggled her finger at the giggling bundle of flesh.
"However," Noventa continued, "It will come at a price. Let me have some of your onions in that garden of yours. They look so delicious, but one does learn never to take from one with your powers."
"I'll agree to your terms." He responded. "Noventa," Heero started, but was then interrupted by the old woman.
"Now, now, tell me your name, ice-witch. I would like to know whom I make deals with."
Heero frowned in disdain at the name. "It's Heero." He responded, "Are you the one who directed that soldier to my house?" The woman nodded, making Heero's frown deepen.
The woman sighed, making Heero look up, "I never would have assumed that one so young would have as much power as you. The animals you command are so strong and beautiful."
Maia made a cooing noise, drawing both people's attention to her. Noventa smiled. "Well, we'll have to get her a maid of the mountain to give her milk."
"No." Heero curtly replied, "I'll not have another person love Maia. She is mine to love and raise."
Noventa smiled, "Will you allow me to love her as well?" Heero paused and then nodded. The old woman smiled again. She fiddled with one of the many rings gracing her fingers. She was decked out in jewelry and gold payments of her customers.
"She shall need a cow then for us to milk. Maia must get nourishment from milk until she's grown some teeth to chew or can stomach mashed potatoes and greens."
"Aa. I shall call one then." Heero looked up when he felt the sharp gaze of the wise woman on him.
"No." Noventa replied, "I shall go into the town in the night and steal one away. I shall leave a ring in place. If any one of us is to be a thief, let it be I. Men will come and hunt you and your animals down if they discover you are calling away their animals, I doubt they shall be happy."
"Hn."
The woman smiled. "Until then, how about some broth for Maia and some nice warm potato soup?"
"Thank you." Heero said, picking up Marie-maia and rocked her back and forth gently.
"It seems you know what you are doing," Noventa remarked as she pulled out three bowls and went over to the cauldron sitting overtop the fire. "You shall not need my help as much as one would think."
Heero's eyes softened as he looked at Marie-maia. "I remember my mother holding me this way to calm me."
"Your mother was such a pretty lass. She would always stare out that window though, looking yonder in the east, away from Eld. It always made me sad looking at her."
Heero remained quiet, opting instead to simply rocking Maia back and forth as Noventa prepared a warm meal for him and his child.
"Here you go, Heero." Noventa propped Maia on some pillows and blankets to lean her up. "Eat up before you starve to death sitting there." Heero looked at her with confusion. She put her hands on her hips and looked at him pointedly, waiting for him to at least take a bite. "You're all skin and bones!" Maia giggled.
Heero brought the spoon to his lips, eating the hearty meal. Smiling at the witch kindly, he bowed his head in thanks. Noventa nodded back to him as she ate her own meal, "Now you probably see why I want those onions of yours! What a fine soup they will make!" She then chuckled and handed Heero some both to feed to Maia.
Heero fed the happy baby with little mess, giving Marie-maia smile that congratulated her on how much she ate. He picked her up and rested her against his shoulder on Noventa's instructions until she burped and giggled happily.
"I suppose you shall head over to your home then?" The elderly woman walked Heero to her door as she saw the young boy nod. "Take care then. Come tomorrow morn and that cow shall be here to feed Maia."
"Thank you for your help."
"Such a polite and kind young boy you are." She murmured and gave them a cloak to drape over him and the baby as they walked through the cold night air to Heero's safe abode.
TBC