Uncharted Sorceress

Uncharted Territory

Phoebe. Phoebe Phillip's? I stood at the call of my name. I walked towards the middle aged women who had called me. She was short and stout with greyed hair styled into a pixie cut. Her face was plain with ordinary features, her eyes a dull blue behind square glasses. The expression she wore was bored. Her outfit choice was as plain as her other features. A plain white button shirt, a grey blazer that was buttoned up over her extended belly and a knee length grey skirt to match. "Good morning Miss Phillip's. I am Margeret. I will be your workplace coordinator and counsellor from here on out. If you will please follow me to my office so we can become better acquainted." She spoke quickly and rehersed. I smiled and nodded appropriately and immediately felt underdressed for the occasion. Margaret led me away from the dim reception area that I had been waiting in, down a carpeted corridor that had shaded glass panels and doors. She stopped in front of one and extended her arm. "My office Miss Phillip's. Please take a seat." I ducked my head through the glass doorway into another square carpeted office space. There was nothing overly special about the area. Just more white walls with oak coloured cabinetry, an oak coloured desk to match that held a computer, a pot of pens, a stack of paperwork and one photograph of a much happier colourful looking Margeret with her arm around a young handsome man. I sat in one of the two plastic chairs directly opposite of the desk. Margeret strode around and sat within her cushioned computer chair that made a slight squeak under her weight. "Thank you for coming in today Miss Phillip's" "Please call me Phoebe" I interrupted with a nervous smile. "Right. Phoebe then. Well, I assume you're here in regards to obtaining employment. Is that correct?" "Yes. Before my 18th birthday I was a ward of the state, living with a foster family. Unfortunately I was never officially adopted. I have since come of age and am now in desperate need of gaining a steady income for myself. I really need to get a place of my own." I hesitated and looked at my feet, afraid I had said too much. My back story was one I normally did not willingly offer up, especially to strangers. "I see. Well then. Let me add your details into my system and then we can actively start your search." She tapped away at her keyboard for a few minutes, pausing now and then to ask me random details. Some I knew the answers of like my date of birth, others I didn't. Like my birth parents names and dates of birth. Her questions about my previous skills and job experiences was a quick conversation, as there wasn't any. Apart from the norm of primary and highschool education there was nil to report. Finally Margeret looked up from her computer. "Well then Phoebe. Your lack of previous skills and experience within the work force has both pros and cons. Basically it means there isn't one particular field we can look into for you. Which does eliminate certain job possibilities where they're asking for certain educational requirements. However it does open up other areas and fields for you to learn and grow into. Is there anything in particular you won't do? employment wise?" "Ah. No. At this point I am pretty much happy to take on what is on offer." "Excellent. Well we will need a current resume from you and cover letter. I will print off some templates for you as guide lines. You will need to create one of both for yourself. Once you have done so you will be able to use either a computer or phone to search for suitable job positions for yourself, and apply with your resume and cover letter accordingly. If you have lack of resources to you we have computers within the main reception areas to the left. They have internet available and can be used by you at your will to apply for jobs." My face must have looked lost or confused because she seemed to be awaiting some sort of response from me. "Oh, thank you. That is great news. About the computers I mean" I said stupidly "I will head there after the appointment to start up my cover resume." Her mouth twitched into a smile. "Very well dear. Stay here a moment. I will be back with your templates and information pack." I let out a deep breath as she left. Here I thought today was going to be the turn around. Gaining employment could take me months at this rate! Seedy grandpa's head flashed into my mind. Argh. I really hope he misses out on a spot tonight. Margeret returned with the said documents. "Here we are dear. Also there is a flyer I have popped on top. You mentioned earlier that you were inclined to take on any kind of employment. I know some people are adverse to the mutants and their ways. They are however hosting a festival that runs the entire weekend. They seem to be in need of cleaners and clerks to check mutants into the grounds. They are advertising paying wage in human currency. If you're interested it is there. Now, I won't be seeing you again until the 23rd of February. Good luck. Give the office a call if you need any assistance with anything." "Ah, okay. Thank you Margeret." I gave her a quick smile and left her office, walking directly to the office computers. I sat down and tapped the keys. The computer hummed to life. I glanced down at the papers in my hands, to the mutant flyer.

~ATTENTION ALL~

THE ANNUAL SORCERER AND SORCERESS FESTIVAL IS UPON AS AGAIN

It is with great honour that we announce we are in need of a helping hand. We extend our hands to our fellow human counterparts. Fully paid human currency positions available.

Positions avalible~

~General grounds cleaner

~Admin clerk grounds check in

Contact 0452 553 781 for the interview process

I looked from the computer to the flyer. I sighed. Well at least it is money. I snatched up my belongings into my bag and dashed out the doors into the drizzling day.

"Alazard." A deep voice crackled at the other end of the line. "Ah, Hello? My name is Phoebe. I got this number off a flyer. I am calling ab.." "Interviews are being held at the festivals location. Be there at 11.30 today." The line hung up. Charming. Definitely honoured to be extending their hand as the flyer states I see. Somewhere inside my inner voice is telling me I'm about to walk into my own burning at the stake. I know. Ironic right. "What do I have to loose." I muttered to myself. Gee, I don't know. Your life perhaps. My internal voice answered my rhetorical question. Because my life is so much to loose. I sarcastically and insanely responded to my own self. I yanked the flyer out of my bag and read the fine print down the bottom for the location. City Park lands. About 30 minutes bus ride. I can make it. I walked swiftly to the nearest bus stop, hopped on the bus and travelled to what I hoped was not going to be a mistake.

The world wizzed by me and finally I arrived at the park grounds. I waved polietly at the bus driver as I hopped off at the stop. I couldn't deny that the witches new how to throw a party. Even from accross the street and from afar it looked impressive. I was expecting the normal mundane thick white tents that the humans normally pitched around everywhere when hosting an event of sorts. I was wrong of course. These tents if you could use that term where all varrying in different sizes. There were no obvious poles, strings or pegs that were visable that seemed to be tethering them to anything. Almost as if they were magically standing on there own, which they probably were. Like there sizes they varied in structure and colours. Some beautiful loatus style tents, others resembling historical looking castles, some perfectly round bubbles, some that had multiple stories. The colours varied from whites, to satin greys, chocolate browns and black. Every so often little orbs of light magically wirrled around, illuminating the area on this cloudy drizzly day. It truly was beautiful. "Here goes nothing" I said as I approached the grassed area. Rather than the human equivilant of orange cones to indicate direction or line ups, the witches had more hovering orbs. These orbs however flashed different colours down the line, one after the other. I followed them. Like a moth persuing her own death. I soon came to the enterance. It was equally impressive. High above there was the name of the festival made from intertwined twigs and sticks, with beautiful dark coloured wildflowers popping out from all over. There were two large black lantarns placed on the floor with hundreds of pillar candles alight and twinkling within. I was in awe of the sheer magic and beauty before me. I'd never seen anything like it. I shyly outstreched my foot to take a step forward when a very tall man stepped directly infront of me blocking my enterance. "Name" Came the deep voice from the hooded figure. "Ah, Phoebe. Phoebe Phillip's." As soon as I spoke my name a sheen almost see through vail I didn't previously notice wisked away from the entrance. "Follow me" said the dark hooded man as he stalked away through the grounds. I almost had to jog to keep up with his long strides. I didn't have the time to take in my surroundings, nor to feel any kind of way about this situation. Which should of been terrified. After about 5 minutes we came to a holt in front of an almost identical enternace to the one we had just came. The only difference being that this one had a small square chocolate brown hub of a tent directly at the front. "This will be your station. You are to inlist all sorcerers and sorceress into the grounds. There is a book list for your reference. They are to give their names to you upon entry, find them and stamp them off. Pass them an entry band. One per individual only. The boundary perimeter will only open when they state their names. If you can not locate them on the list you are to press this button here." He lent into the tent and pointed to a small round knob. "It will alert security. Someone will be in contact to relieve you of duty. Good day to you." He strode off. "Wait!" I yelled after him. "Sir. Please." Too late. Although he had just left he was already completely out of sight. What the f*ck was that all about. I looked around me. Absolutely not a soul in sight. I guess this means the interview went well then. With no further instruction I slid into the hub. At least there was a chair. I sat down and looked at the book before me. It was a large volume, old looking, leather bound. Definitely something you'd see in a witches lair on TV. I flipped it open to see hundreds and hundreds of names. I closed it with a thud. To the left where the security knob stood was one lonesome handmade looking bracelet. It appeared to be made of twine, twigs and sticks. I assume this is the entry bracelet. I hope shady head plans on dropping of a large batch soon. Hate to be fired before I even start. I sighed. Staring out into the grass lands ahead of me. The only thing to captivate my attention was the flashing orbs. Hours and hours droned on. Still not a soul in sight. Not one damn witch had come to check into this place. Was it even open? Was the event even on? Did people even come to such event? I was starting to become restless and sceptical as the sun was now resting behind my tent. I was just contemplating either trying to find the hooded vlad himself or pressing the security button to attempt to converse with someone, anyone when footsteps approaching and happy chatting caught my attention. I held my breath and froze in an attempt to hear all I could. Suddenly a family of 4 stood infront of me. Great. Four people, one bracelet and no hooded cloak dude. The women and her daughter that looked no older than 7 wore elaborate chocolate coloured, floor length dresses, with sweet heart necklines, drop waists and cloaks. The father and son of about 10 wore speckled coloured suits, vests, bow ties the lot. I stupidly stared at them and said nothing. "Ah, Florna Goldsworthy" the women spoke. The veil whipped open. I fumbled with the large book. Ripped it open and ran down the pages to find the G section. I banged down the stamp and passed her the only bracelet available. She gingerly took the bracelet from my hands. As she slid the bracelet over her wrist I watched in awe as it moved of its own accord down her slender wrist and tightend perfectly around her arm. She smiled slightly at my open mouthed expression. I quickly composed myself. "Ah, next" I said quietly. "Lorna. Lorna Goldsworthy." The vail opened again. I stamped the name and looked down. To my surprise there was another bracelet where the one before hand had been. I passed it gently to the little girl. She took it happily. I then repeated the same steps for Linus Goldsworthy and Lindal Goldsworthy. All four of them walked into the grounds. Nailed it. I can do this. Easy money. The rest of the afternoon followed suit. I only had to press the security knob once for a group of boys that I assume were actually human attempting to gate crash. The rest of the afternoon was uneventful. "Hello" a nervous sounding voice next to me made me jump. "Ah, sorry. Sorry. I have been sent to allow you for break." I turned to see a small frail looking boy next to me. He had short brown hair, acne, a large nose and glasses. "Hi. Oh. That would be great. I could use a walk. Um, okay. So this is the book. Everyone will present here and state their names. You will find their names in here alphabetically. You just stamp it off with this" I showed him the stamp "And then hand them one of these bracelets. One per person. Don't worry. The bracelets magically restock themselves. Wish someone had told me that much." I smiled at him. "Oh, and if you can't find their names in the book and the veil doesn't open upon statement you push this knob here for security" I gestured to the button "they'll take care of the rest." I hopped off the stool and stretched out my legs. "Ah, okay. Thanks" He twitched nervously. "Don't worry. They don't bite or anything" I laughed as I walked off. Although greatful to break free of the tent I really had no idea where to go or what to do. I had no money on me although I doubt my human currency would be useful here anyway. I walked past many tents and stalls holding many different items. Some things I recognised others I had no clue about. Delicious smells of sorts reached me from all around making my stomach protest at me. Argh I was so hungry! I wish I had currency for food and water. They could have mentioned that on the phone. I thought grumpily to myself. I walked around taking all the wonderful sights in aimlessly for a bit, I wondered when I should head back and save the poor boy. He never stated when my break was over. I halted for a moment and took in my surroundings. The grounds where starting to fill in now. I couldn't help but notice the looks I was starting to get from the witches around me. I definitely wasn't going unnoticed that was for sure. When we locked eyes their expressions ranged from hate, to disgust, to surprise, to shock, to interest and back again. I guess they weren't the only ones not accustomed to having a human in the midst of their festivities. I tore away from one particularly strong glare to see a small out of place looking shed. It looked to be unused so I set off in its direction. I approached it cautiously. Listening intently to make certain there wasn't a cult inside or something. It appeared dark and empty so I found my way inside through a small window like opening on the side. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the lighting difference. Not complete blackness but certainly dark. There wasn't much at all to view. Just dirt, tin walls and some rather out of place hay bales. I stalked over to the bales, jumped up on one and layed down stretching out length wise. Ahh. This was better. Just another 10 minutes and then I'll go free nerve boy. I thought to myself. I laid there for a while just listening to the sounds of the festival in the distance. Things were starting to become busier and I was starting to dread the walk back to my post. The sounds of rustling much, much closer made me sit up bolt right. I suddenly had the feeling I wasn't alone in this space anymore. Sh*t. What if an unfriendly witch finds me here. It hadn't occurred to me before now that I might be in danger here. I jumped up to the higher levels of haybales and dropped myself into the levels behind, hiding my body within them. Please don't let me sneeze!

Very light footsteps started approaching the larger space where I was just openly lounging. My heart rate spiked and beads of sweat broke out along the back of my neck. Great. Now I have to pee! Why is it when in these moments now your body desides is the perfect moment to urinate! Thanks for that bladder.

I peeked through the gaps within the hay to see... to see a girl? Not just any girl. The most stunning girl I've ever laid my eyes on.

I examined her through the small space my vision had. She probably stood around my height, her hair was pulled into a half up half down style. It was black, thick and luscious and hung all the way down to her waist. The way her hair waved and clung to her body made her appear so small yet it assentuated her beautifully carved hour glass shape. Her facial features were angular and strong yet so very soft and feminine that I had the oddest desire to place her face gently within my plam. My stomach pulled together tightly as this thought occurred to me. What in the world, what was happening to me. I wriggled uncomfortably slightly at the turn my thoughts had taken and hay crunched underneath my feet. Her almond shaped eyes flickered in my direction and I caught a glimpse of their sheer power and beauty. They were unlike any colour eyes I had seen. Not quite brown but orange maybe? No that isn't right either. A mix of the two somehow? They pulled me in. I wanted to step out of my hiding spot at that very moment just so my eyes could search hers for some time. Stupid, stupid, stupid. What are you thinking. I forced myself to look downwards past her straight nose but soon became stuck on her beautifully plump love heart shaped lips. Oh. They looked so soft and plump, the perfect shade of pink. I instinctively touched my lips at the same time. Imagine... I wonder what they feel like. My stomach tightned even further. This time I couldn't control my movements. I stupidly stood erect and stumbled over my own stupid feet.

"Who's there?" rang out her sing song voice as her beautiful eyes located me and locked onto me. I gasped under their sheer influence and intensity. I must have looked so stupid. Like a deer stuck in head lights. She just contuined to stare at me. Finally she c****d her head and said "Who are you?"