Chapter Text
“He hadn’t been expecting anyone….”
The Curator turned to the door a moment before it opened, revealing a young woman dressed in a dark cloak. He noted she held a basket in her hand as she closed the door behind her. His interest now peaked as she turned to face him.
“Good evening, I apologize for the intrusion.” Her eyes held no fear as she regarded him, instead a soft, apologetic smile adorned her lips.
“I normally don’t care for uninvited guests, but you have my full attention. Few come to this place, even fewer intentionally.” He gestured to his desk before continuing. “Please have a seat, I’m quite curious as to what brings a young lady such as yourself to my humble repository.”
He watched as she walked towards the chair opposite him, taking the offered seat after placing the basket on the desk before him.
“For you, if you are inclined to receive it.” His eyebrows raised. It had been centuries since he had been given an offering.
He placed the basket on his lap and moved the fabric covering the items within. What he found surprised him. Different bottles holding liquids of varying colours, handmade effigies and totems humming with power. A generous offering indeed.
“You’ve done your research, I am impressed. Although I wonder, what could an old being such as I have that you would bring such a delightful assortment?”
The woman across from him softly smiled before she spoke.
“I’ve heard of the stories that you safeguard and how you will allow a select few to…alter them to a degree. I wish to do so myself.”
“I sense there is more to that sentence…” He said after a moment when she didn’t continue. She shifted in the chair, her confidence faltering for the first time since her arrival.
“I wish…more freedom than those before me.” Her request caused him to straighten his back, careful to ensure the precious contents of the basket did not fall. This was certainly a turn he had not foreseen. He stared at her for a moment before turning his gaze to the items before him.
“Which stories do you wish to… play with so thoroughly?” As he pulled out a totem, admiring the runes that had been delicately carved into the wood. She had chosen exquisite bones and gems to compliment the power coursing through it.
“I have only heard of four as of yet, though I’m willing to provide more unique items should you be willing to share more of your repository” He hummed at her response, this interaction proving to be far more entertaining than he first thought possible.
“Is there a particular one that you wish to start with?” A necklace was next. The jawbone had crystals growing along the carvings, making the runes almost glow in candle light.
“One of soldiers, trapped underneath shifting sands in a temple bathed in blood and hiding a millennia old secret.”
Something had told him she would pick that one first, it seemed to intrigue many who came through his door. He finally grabbed a bottle filled with amber liquid. He removed the cork with a pop, a sweet, heady smell filling the room. He took a sip, suddenly filled with an energy he hadn’t felt in quite some time. He placed the cork back on the bottle before he turned back to his guest.
“Very well, I accept your offering and grant you that which you seek.” The look of surprise on her face caused a smile to appear on his before he continued.
“It has been a long time since I’ve entertained a witch. I look forward to what….magic you will work.”