Chapter Text
Mildred felt like she was walking through a book… The Ancient rooms occupied by ancestors seem to stir an old witchy want in her. She had a feeling, she’d quite enjoy the holiday here- yet, she couldn't imagine living here. It was dark, gloomy and utterly depressing.. But above all else, it felt lonely. Hecate was making more and more sense to her by the day.. She’d found most rooms look almost identical- at least upstairs… It was disorientating. The rooms that stuck out to her were her own room, and Hecates and Pippas.
Boredom was starting to creep in… Boredom led to mischief, of which she was truly trying to avoid. She wandered down the stairs, listening in to the creaks as she did so. There was something off about the middle steps, but Mildred shrugged it off as nothing more than the age of the house.
“Are you alright, Millie?” Pippa’s kind voice startles Mildred. She looked over to her. Her brightness didn't fit in the old house. She stood out like a sore thumb, but it was a welcome sight for Mildred. It took her a moment before she realized she still hadn't responded. Pippa looked at her, waiting... She looked like a real fish out of water.
“Oh- Yep!” She quickly got out, earning a reassuring smile. “I was just thinking…” She began, coming up with an idea on the spot. “Of going out for a walk..”
“You can visit the local town!” Pippa suggested. “It's what's often referred to as a Magical Reserve- So, no need to hide.” She brought a soft hand up to rest on Mildred's Arm. “Would you like some company, or will you be alright by yourself?”
Mildred shook her head lightly. “I’ll be alright- Magical Reserve?”
“It's a location for magical folk… They tend to be hidden from public eyes, so not just anyone can wander in and out.” Pippa explained.
“Oh- Right…” She couldn't help but find that interesting… What kind of people would she meet? Were the locations any different? “I’ll be back for dinner then… Alright?” With Pippa’s nod, she wasted no time in getting going. Down the long long driveway, across the street and down the winding path in the forest. Mildred couldn't tell if the path was supposed to be there- and just overgrown, or made by someone for convenience. She imagined the former.
The trees practically hugged the path, looming over her. She allowed her mind to wander as she walked- she could almost see fairies flying from branch to branch, little homes scattered on the forest floor.. She Imagines what conversations they might be having.
“Good evening, Mrs Tootlepoof” She put on a deep voice.
“Well, Good Evening, Mister Flufferpuff” She responded in a much higher voice.
“What wonderful weather we're-” Her Deep voice halted mid-sentence, as the sound of a giggle echoed out. Mildred Looked around, trying to find the source- maybe there really were fairies- or maybe, it was a young girl, about the same age as Mildred, with strawberry blonde hair woven into a braid on her shoulder.
The Girl sat in the nearby tree, swinging her legs. “Sorry~” The Girl Giggled. “I didn't mean to scare you..” She moved so she could slide down the tree, climbing down like it was what she was born to do.
“It's alright..” Mildred managed meekly, still overcome by surprise and mild embarrassment.
“I haven't seen you about before…” The Girl, more than likely a local, spoke as she approached Mildred. She wore the prettiest Pastel Dungerry, mostly pink- but with one sky blue leg.
“I'm just here for the summer..” Mildred Explained, wringing her hands together..
“Alright, just here for the summer.” There was a twang to the girl's voice, Mildred couldn't quite place it. “I'm Celeste.”
“Mildred- Millie.” She couldn't explain it- there was something about the girl- Celeste’s outward confidence that made her want to curl up in a shy little ball. She oozed social butterfly in a way Mildred just couldn't.
“Where you off to Millie?” She smiled, open, and sweet.. Mildred could feel herself relaxing.
“Just into town…” Mildred began walking in that direction, Celeste walking beside her. “Do you live around here?” She dared to ask.
“My Family owns the local Pub. It's a real Dive Bar, But it's home.” She explained fondly.
“Would you mind showing me the way?” Mildred's question. Celeste's face lit up, her clear blue eyes sparkled with hope and joy as she took Mildred's hand and began dragging her into the seaside town.
The Path spit them out right at the top of town. It wasn't a big location, Mildred could see it all from where they stood… She took in the Victorian-style buildings lined in rows, down to what looked like a small port.
“Welcome to Magus cavum..” As Celeste spoke, Mildred's head whipped around.
“Is that Latin?” Mildred asked, She’d been getting better at it, but she wasn't fluent. Not yet, anyway.
“Yeah, it is... It means Magician's Hollow... I don't know why they had to make it Latin- but, it sounds nice.” Celeste nodded and led Mildred down the path into town. The Long Cobble roads spoke of another time, long long ago. Paired with that Victorian-style building… It made Mildred question just how old this town was...
Celeste insisted on taking her to the Pub first- Mildred could almost Hear Julie telling her she was too young, but according to Celeste, It's much more than just a watering hole. Upon entering, Mildred's eyes widened. There was the bar, and tables catted around, pictures hung on the walls of witches, wizards, and various magical locations including Cackles. As well as A Picture of a Lion moved and roared before repeating... To one side was an alcove- It looked almost dinner-like, she imagined that was the cool kid's area… Pictures of teens from past and present hung above the booth.
Mildred was no doubt going to enjoy it here…