Green Witch: A Timberhall Trial

Jaime Mills gave one last pat with her garden trowel before sitting back on her haunches and admiring the work she'd put in on her garden. All members of the Timberhall family had an affinity for listening to the earth. Not simply bending it but having a conversation. Knowing which way even the tallest tree or smallest flower could be used most effectively. And though Jaime heard those voices all the same. Though she could pull seething vines from the ground to wrap those who had offended the natural balance. It hadn't come as easily or as early as most witches accepted into the family. Even creating this pocket of space within the trees had been a greater effort. Despite it being on the land of Callen and Blair's, the current heads of the Timberhall family, estate.  And that was not an easy feat for any member not directly related to family. Jaime walked gingerly down the row of herbs until she got to the steps carved into the wall. She intended to grab a bite to eat from the kitchen, maybe go over some notes to make sure a new moon cycle wasn't sneaking up on her, then get started on her roses. They'd been a favorite of her mothers and Jaime would take a few when it was safe enough to visit.  Oh crap! How long has it been? The magical families of Bell Point were almost always in a battle with each other. No neutral point existed, except for a small park overlooking the bay where a statue of the city's namesake lay. No one knew when the rule had been made but not even the two strongest houses, the Summerfields and Winterbourne families, broke it. And smaller families like the Timberhalls, who were mainly fighting not to go under, wouldn't survive the retaliation breaking it would mean. The ever-present tension made it hard to remember that this hadn't always been Jaime's life. But she had accepted it though that now meant keeping secrets from Matilda and Evie. Her thoughts and the sandwich she was making was interrupted by yelling. Jaime paused with a butter knife and a slice of bread halfway covered in jelly. She shouldn't be hearing yelling. Sound wasn't precise here, not quite a part from or in the physical realm. For her to hear the words so clearly the person... no, a crowd had to be right outside the spruce tree Jaime used as a portal. Her chest ached from the sudden pounding of her heart. She felt more than a little lightheaded from the thought of being dragged before the inner court for some transgression. And then she recognized Dusk Timberhall's voice. "Her? Jaime is who you think can replace me?" There was no response to his indignant voice that was rising in pitch. The sound of silvery bells floated down to where Jaime now sat on the floor, mouth agape. After a few moments the bell rung again. This time Jaime scrambled to her feet and up another flight of stairs to the front door. When she opened it the sight of Callen's tall form with sun glinting off his russet brown hair and his stern expression almost sent Jaime crashing to the ground again. "There will be a meeting in the main hall tonight. Do not speak of this to anyone and don't be late." Dusk gave her a look that was almost apologetic but it was quickly covered by his anger and he'd taken off after his father before Jaime could even begin to gather her thoughts.