Pine & Sage

My name is Dahlia Blu Mayson. I live in a two-story cottage in a valley with towering snow-capped mountains. The community I resided in was small but loving and close-knit. I'm in my early twenties, my sister is seventeen, and my parents are hippies from the seventies. We owned a quaint shop on the main street of the town; home to my Mom's apothecary business and my Dad's gorgeous woodwork and exquisite candles. We also happen to be witches. The valley was peaceful and tranquil. There was a werewolf pack just to the north of us as well. They kept to themselves, which was quite alright with everyone. Some would come to trade goods and offer a strong hand for purchase, but otherwise, we rarely saw many of them. Harmony was the name of our town, and it fit perfectly. Everyone knew everyone and we treated each other with respect and dignity. It was a dream. The morning routine was typically always the same. A cup of coffee, milk, and creamer until golden brown. I'd watch the sunrise from the second-floor balcony with my cat, Dixy, and listen to the birds sing. Dad would join me at some point and we'd sit in silence enjoying the morning. When I got up to leave, I would always kiss his forehead and wish him good morning. Then I'd finish getting ready with my usual jeans, tank top and flannel, sneakers, and ponytail. Leashing up my Great Pyrenees, Judas, I'd begin the walk to the family store. "Good morning!" A young boy by the name of Teddy ran up to me from his lawn where he was playing. He and his family were Pixie's and his wings fluttered behind him as he pet Judas. "Hey, little man," I said, "Off to school this morning?" He stopped and looked up at me. His big saucer-like blue eyes twinkled and blinked. Teddy's shoulder-length blonde hair was pushed into his face by the morning breeze. "Not today, no." He sounded a bit disappointed. "Momma says we have to go see Aunt Lil." Ah, I heard his Aunt who was in the city south of us had fallen ill. "Why don't you tell your Mom to come to the store before you leave and I'll send you off with a package for her; free of charge." "I sure will, Miss Dahlia!" He beamed and pivoted on his foot towards his house before saying, "Thank you!" Teddy scampered up the steps and slammed the door behind him, but not before I heard him shout, "Momma, guess what? Guess what?" I chuckled to myself and continued down the cobblestone roadways to downtown. As I passed each cottage and waved at some passersby, I smiled. Life couldn't be more perfect. I unlocked the doors to the shop and flipped the closed sign to open. The smell of herbs and spices mixed with sweet candles and sawdust filled the air. As I walked around flipping on lights and display cases, I snapped my fingers and the radio came on with a small burst of static. Folk music poured softly from the wall speakers and filled the shop with life. Judas lay down behind the cash register and began chewing on his bone. I lit a candle that smelled like pine and sage as I began packaging orders. It wasn't long before Teddy and his Mom walked into the store with a jingle from the bell above the door. "Mornin' Miss Corina and Mister Teddy!" I grinned with a goofy smile. Corina giggled and Teddy beamed up at me. "You're always such a dear, Dahlia," Corina smiled, "Teddy tells me you have something for us." She ruffled his hair playfully. "I do. Just one minute." I turned and walked into the apothecary's closet and grabbed her a couple of vials filled with various tinctures, a dried herb mix, a specially baked cherry pie for illnesses, and a well-wishing rune. I put it all into a wine-colored box and tied it with a gold bow. To top it off, I muttered a chant and placed a spell of protection on its carrier for safe travel. Placing the box on the counter, I filled out the ledger so Mother wouldn't be missing her inventory. "All yours, Corina." Teddy placed his hands on the edge of the counter and peered over it, looking at the box. "It's so pretty!" He exclaimed. "Just like your mom," I whispered to him as I winked. "Oh, come on now," Corina said, blushing. I have had a crush on her since we were kids. Although, I think she believes it's all for kicks. The flirting, and all. She grabbed the box under one arm and grabbed Teddy's hand with the other. "Thank you so so much, Dahlia Blu." Her smile curled up into a smirk, as she winked back at me with beautiful hazel eyes. Maybe she doesn't believe in kicks... I ran my hand over my ponytail and waved her goodbye. I watched as they walked away and sighed. If only. A couple of hours passed, and customers came and went. People from all over came here for my Mom's magic and my father's enchantment work. It was close to lunchtime when a tall burly man walked through the front door. "Hello! Welcome to Tink's Magic & Crafts. How may I help you?" My usual customer service smile was plastered on my face. "I need to speak with Altink and Blane Mayson," He says. "I'm sorry they are not in today." My parents aren't usually in the store on weekends, and this man seemed off. My assumption wasn't far off. "Hmph. That's too bad." His hand runs along the side of a display case before shoving it over and that's when I realized he was a werewolf. His forearms and hands were filled with thick coarse hair, his nails were long and claw-like. He was half-shifted. The case had come crashing down, shattering glass and wooden carvings all over the floor. "HEY!" I yelled. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" A laugh barreled out from his chest, loud and obnoxious. "Baby, I do what I want." His hand smashed down on top of another display case filled with jewelry. "I get what I want." He picked up a golden brooch with a large ruby in the center. "Although, nothing in here could possibly suffice for what the Maysons owe me." He tossed the brooch towards me and I fumbled trying to catch it. I set it on the counter in front of me and tried to keep my poise. "I don't know what my parents may or may not owe you, but you can't just destroy our property!" I yelled. Suddenly, a presence behind me made itself known. "Oh. So they had a daughter," A raspy voice stated. "Dear, dear." I whirled around to face a thin-framed man just a few inches taller than me. He wore a top hat and coat, a cane at his side. "What kind of clique bullshit are you on?" I blurted at him. "No need to try and be offensive dear." He removed his hat to reveal a stoic face framed by straight black hair. His skin was stark white and his eyes were completely black. "Excuse Bartolomeo, here. It's been quite a journey trying to find your parents." "Me? Offensive? You come into my shop and destroy property!" "Please, you're witches. You can fix it without worry." I rolled my eyes. "Get out." "Mmm. That's not how this works, babe." Bartolomeo stated. "Indeed, it's not. It's quite unfortunate for you, my dear." "You have three seconds to get out before I whoop both y'all into the streets for the town to see." Standing firm, I attempted to conjure lighting in one of my hands. However, nothing but a pitiful spark would emit from my pointer finger. Bartolomeo let out that same awful laugh from earlier. "Useless, baby. Useless." He lunged for me and everything went black once his fist connected.