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'Well that was a rather successful mission.' Raine announced rubbing the knots out of their neck as they headed into their bedroom, the youngest Clawthorne following behind them. The younger members of the group had already said their good nights and headed to their camps beds as soon as they set foot in the building, too tired to make conversation.
'You sound surprised. What, did you doubt my ability to kick some guard butt?' Eda asked jokingly.
'No, I could never doubt that.' Raine chuckled, setting down their bag and throwing their robe onto the back of a chair.
'I guess I'm just surprised that we're actually making a difference now.' Raine said honestly as they set down on their bed before untying their laces.
'You were before. Those speeches got the message out to the people to start fighting back.'
Raine shook their head, 'Not like this, Eda. No, tonight we actually saved innocent witches from the Emperor's oppressive system. And it's all because of you.'
'As much as I would like to take all the credit Rainstorm, it was a joint effort.' Eda replied, looking at the maps and scrolls that decorated the walls.
A few moments of silence went by and Eda soon realised that Raine was staring at her curiously.
'What?' Eda asked.
'Nothing. It's just I've never heard you deflect a compliment before.' Raine said pulling off their boots.
'Okay, first things first. I am the most powerful and most bad ass witch that the isles have every seen, so don't forget about that-'
'How could I?' Raine joked.
'-but I guess I've grown up a bit you know. I've started to see things that are actually important and realised I don't need to rely on other people's opinions.' Eda said honestly, although it sounded more like she was reminding herself.
Raine couldn't help but feel taken aback, 'Woah that is pretty mature of you.'
Eda ran a hand through her hair awkwardly, 'Yeah well Luz has been teaching me all about mushy crap like that recently, I guess I must have actually listened to some of it.'
'This Luz sounds like a good person. I'm glad you found someone afterall these years.' Raine said, a hint of disappointed in their voice
Quickly realising what the bard meant, Eda jumped in to correct them, 'No, no it's not like that. Luz is my... this kid I've been looking after for a while. She's a pretty good kid.'
Raine unconsciously let out a sigh of relief, which didn't go unnoticed by the wild witch.
'Oh. Well she sounds it. Is Luz the human I've heard about then?' Raine asked.
'Yep the one and only. Never quite met anyone like her.'
'That's because there's never been a human here before.'
'That we know of. I mean there are stories you know.' Eda responded, folding her arms as she leaned against the desk.
'True. Either way I hope she stays safe. The Emperor has got it out for her.'
Eda sighed heavily at that, 'She's barely a teenager and has already pissed off the Emperor. I guess I should be proud.'
Eda was joking of course, but it was clear that deep down she was worried.
'It's a dangerous game to play. Belos is... terrifying to say the least.' Raine said quietly.
'She's a tough kid. She'll handle herself if she needs to. I mean she's already saved me and Lily from being petrified.'
Raine suddenly felt a pang of guilt. 'I saw on the crystal ball, it was awful to watch. I was next in line to be given leader and yet I was still completely powerless to help you.'
Raine couldn't bear to look at Eda.
Eda could practically hear the cogs turning in the bard's head, so she quickly pushed herself off the desk and sat down on the bed next to her old friend.
'Hey. It's okay. I'm okay.' Eda reassured, placing a hand on Raine's back.
'But you nearly weren't! I nearly had to watch you die and you would have died thinking I supported the Belos and his actions!' Raine's voice wobbled as their emotions rose to the surface.
'Oh Rainstorm.' Eda said softly, pulling the bard towards her to hug them and they soon found themselves resting their head on the wild witch's shoulder.
'I'm sorry for staying away from you all these years.' Raine sniffled.
'You were doing what was necessary. For the cause.'
Raine quickly sat up and turned to face Eda, 'Screw the cause! I've spent my entire life trying to fight against the system and what have I done to show for it? Nothing. I have achieved nothing. Until you arrived.'
'Just needed a dash of chaos around here I guess.' Eda joked in an attempt to cheer them up but from the look on their face, it was clearly not working.
'Raine you have given so much to the cause and do you know why? Because you have a big heart and you dare about the future of young witches who are growing up in a twisted system.' Eda said, placing her hand on top of the short haired witch's.
Eda made sure to look the bard in the eyes before continuing, 'You say you have nothing to show for your work. Then how do you explain those three young 'uns downstairs? They are here because of you, because they believe in you and what you are doing. And that is damn impressive, and I don't impress easily you know.'
Raine chuckled softly at that,'No I guess you don't. Thank you Eda. I needed that, it's just hard some times.'
'I can imagine. It must have been pretty lonely being high up in a coven, if you didn't agree with things.' Eda said as she held their hands in her own.
'Yeah it's been a little rough. But I pushed through.' Raine admitted.
'Well you are one tough cookie.' Eda said, emphasising each word with another squeeze.
Raine looked down at their linked hands and sighed once more.
'I've missed you Eda.'
'Same here.'
A moment of silence passed.
'Do you want to stay for a bit?' Raine asked, sounding hopeful.
Eda smiled softly, 'Sure, Luz and King should be alright for a bit longer.'
'King?' Raine asked curiously.
'He's this little furball of a demon I found a while back. Him and Luz make a good team.' Eda said smiling as she thought about the duo and wondered what antics they were getting up to.
She must have gotten lost in her own thoughts as when she looked at Raine they were smiling fondly at her
'What?' Eda laughed.
Rained shook their head, laughing slightly, 'Nothing. Just never thought I'd see you become a mother.'
'I'm not... not really.' Eda's eyes became downcast and fixated on one spot on the floor.
'Could have fooled me.' Raine said, moving to one side to be in Eda's line of sight.
Eda smiled as her vision focus back onto the musician, 'That's because you're easy to fool.'
'I am not!' Raine exclaimed, their tone making it clear they were joking.
'So how are you, really?' Raine asked quietly. Genuine concern creeping into their voice.
'Honestly Raine, I'm tired.'
Eda threw herself back onto the bed and stared up at the cracked ceiling.
'I'm not as young as I used to be, I'm raising two children despite having no idea how to do so and I'm living with a curse that stripped my magic. So, I've definitely been better.' Eda would never admit it but her shoulders and chest actually felt lighter after her admission.
Raine soon found themselves laying down on their side next to the wild witch, 'I wish I could do something to help you with the curse. It pains me to see you without your magic, I know you loved the rush it gave you.'
By Titan, Eda would give anything to feel that buzz of electricity in her veins once again. She had never felt happier than when she was using magic.
'Yeah. I gotta get my kicks from somewhere else now. I mean apple blood sales must have tripled since I got cursed.' Eda joked.
'Well that sounds healthy.' Raine replied, half jokingly and half concerned about how Eda was coping with her curse.
'Hey, we've all got our vices. Even you, Whispers.' Eda said, turning over to face the bard.
'And what's my vice?' Raine asked.
'Me.'
Raine let out a huff of laughter at that, 'Bold as ever Clawthorne.'
'You know it's true.'
'Perhaps.' Raine said quietly as they cupped the wild witch's face.
Neither witch knew what to say in that moment so both just gazed into each other's eyes.
Raine could have lay there forever just staring in awe of the woman but instead found themselves being hopelessly drawn towards the woman and before they knew what was happening, they were kissing the wild witch.
It had been a long time since they had done this. The last time both witches did this they were still acne ridden and sneaking sweet kisses hiding inbetween the shelves in the school library, terrified of someone seeing them.
But the feeling of butterflies was still there. And by Titan, it was addicting.
Neither witch wanted to part but eventually they had to seperate in order to catch their breath.
'I hope this isn't just part of the initiation for the BATT's you know.' Eda joked.
Raine laughed, burying their head into the mane of grey hair.
'No, this is just for you.'
'Good. Cause I don't want anyone else finding out how good a kisser you are, I might never get you back.'
'I'm yours Eda. For as long as you'll have me.' Raine said as they looked at Eda adoringly.
'I'll hold you to that Raindrop.' Eda replied lovingly as she threw an arm tightly across the musician and snuggled close.
Raine placed a kiss on top of the woman's head and found themselves unable to stop smiling.
Both witches slept well that night, content to be in each others arms and hopeful of the future they may have together.