Episode 17: Blissful Memories

December 24, 1096, Romania – Safely nestled in the high peaks of the Carpathian Mountains were the vast snow-covered forests of the Transylvanian Plateau.

Far above the prying eyes of society, this secluded place provided a perfect haven for those who value the utmost privacy, the beauty of peace and tranquility, or perhaps those who simply abhor the stench of humanity. Regardless, this place was not for the weak. Aside from fierce winds, high altitude, and bitter cold, the plateau also plays host to something frightening. Though it lurks just above the clouds to elude sight, its monstrous form unavoidably casts an ominous shadow on the land. No one knows what it actually is since the massive barbed tentacles often seen appearing and disappearing amongst the dark clouds were enough to dissuade anyone from finding out.

Fortunately, the thick forest canopy below safely protected its denizens from most of the horrors. And that is why a certain house remained completely unseen despite its appearance as a Halloween pumpkin.

Far from civilization, the building was in a surprisingly good shape considering its location. The windows were all broken, but they were replaced by torn pieces of clothing. It didn't keep the cold out, but at least it kept the wind at bay. The outer walls of the building were riddled with holes, but a few clumps of earth and clay patched things up. The roof was heavily battered due to falling branches and heavy snow, but a little cleaning seemed to have kept it from caving in.

In conclusion, the building would've collapsed a long time ago had it not been for these makeshift repairs. But then again, the freezing temperatures; the lack of food and water; and the constant threat of dying made this house somewhat less than ideal. Nevertheless, this was the humble home of Blair "The Witch" de Valesti.

Creeeeak!

The door slowly opened and a small Blair at the age of 6 appeared at the door way. She was carrying some firewood as she stepped in. With sapphire-blue eyes and waist-long blonde hair, this little girl looked nothing like the redheaded witch of today.

Moreover, she was dressed in the dreariest of wears. It was cold and snowing outside yet the only thing that seemed to keep her from freezing was an old, tattered, white tunic that was big enough for her to use as a dress.

After closing the door with her foot, she immediately declared "I'm home!" Her cheerful voice echoed throughout the house, but no one answered back. She didn't seem to be bothered though for she hummed a merry tune as she made her way towards the fireplace.

Currently, she was in the living room which was the first room one would see upon entry. There was a fireplace at the end of the room in direct opposite of the entrance. In between, there was an empty coffee table with two chairs facing each other. And that was all there was to it. It really wasn't that much to look at. The furniture was tacky and the walls had no pictures or decorations of any kind. So, it was all room and not much living.

Anyway, there were two doors at either side of the fireplace. The door to the left was made of thick oak and sealed shut by a large silver lock. Meanwhile, the door to the right was unlocked and it led to what can only be described as a kitchen for there were a lot of shelves and cupboards and even a large cauldron was sitting at the corner. However, what all of these had in common was that not an ounce of food could be found anywhere.

So, it was a wonder how a little girl of six could survive in such a place. Fortunately, she was not alone because when she set herself down by the fireplace some semblance of life finally took notice.

"There you are," she said, spotting a black kitten emerging from an old mouse hole.

"Mew!" it ran happily to her owner. It stumbled about at first though, but it still managed to curl up against her leg. She couldn't help but giggle at the sheer cuteness of it.

"Look! I found more food!" she took out a couple of red berries from a pouch on her hip. After tearing them open with her finger nails, she placed them before the small animal which gladly went at them whilst making adorable eating and mewing noises. As for her, she had to make do with only a handful of nuts.

Well, it wasn't a proper meal, but at least it was something to fill their bellies. With the winter months nearing their coldest point yet, times grew increasingly difficult as food grew ever scarce and so, they had to make do with whatever morsel of food they could scrounge up.

After eating, Blair lit a flame in the old fireplace. "Mew," the kitten watched anxiously as the warm heat began to envelope them both.

"That's better isn't it?" Blair smiled.

"Meow," the kitten replied.

"Yeah, it's pretty cozy, isn't it?" she giggled, curling up with the furry creature in her arms.

Then, the kitten meowed, worriedly.

"It's only been a few days. I'm sure Mother and Medusa-neechan will be coming home soon."

The kitten suddenly began hissing.

"No, don't say that," she said, "Arachne-neechan didn't mean what she said. I'm sure Mother will come home and take care of us again, especially if she finds out how a good girl I've been. And didn't Medusa-neechan promise that she won't bully me anymore."

"Meow," it looked sadly at her.

"No, no. It'll be alright. We'll be a family again," she smiled happily.

Slam!

The door suddenly swung open. The cold wind rushed in and two figures appeared at the doorway.