The Loner and The Enchantress of Red Creek Woods

Chapter Four

After taking a little break and refilling his jug of water. Beauty and Solas continued their journey down the river following the directions that the note had listed. It seemed all was calm and everything felt a little lighter than when they first entered the forest. Solas took a moment to pull Beauty to a stop by a lovely tree that had light purple flowers sprouting from different branches overhead. He hopped off his horse grabbing her reins and leading her on foot giving her a rest from his weight. Leading his horse forward following the river he could make out what looked to be a sign in the distance. Nervousness and eagerness began to bubble inside of Solas as they moved closer and closer to their destination questions began to fill his mind. Could he make this sacrifice? Would the witch talk with him? Or would she kill him like everyone has said she has done before?  It was some time of walking and the sun was beginning to set silent chirps were sounding about the area.  Once they appeared in front of the sign Solas took a deep breath and uttered the words that he was given “Flash of Smiles Cry of Tears.” What felt like minutes a veil that was covering Solas’s eyes seemed to have lifted and a fog that he had never noticed was gone and right before him was a bright light that called to him. Taking  a look at Beauty and not seeing any sign of distress on her he began to move them forward towards the light. Pushing through what felt like the outer layer of a bubble (weird I know but hey I don’t make up the witchy stuff) he laughed at his inner thoughts and glanced behind him to see nothing but darkness. He had passed layers of  protection and for that he was somewhat relieved but worried at the same time. He took a look at his surroundings finally and the sight had shocked him he was standing in front of a meadow that was covered in so many beautiful flowers, and despite it being so dark out in the forest thanks to the thousands of trees blocking the sunlight it was very bright and sunny within this meadow. His heart felt so much at ease as he watched little bunnies scurry about stopping every now and then to nibble on some food. He saw some deer grazing by a beautiful small wooden cottage that had some plants hanging from the front and the left side encased in veins. It was like a scene from a fairy tale, surely he was in the wrong place, how could such a horrible witch live here? The air within this bubble was so light he felt like he was on a cloud. The warmth of the rays seemed to hug him and release whatever stress he had built up. And the sight of all these beautiful animals made him feel like he was in a dream. Everything seemed so perfect here so carefree. Solas was so wrapped up in the sight before him he didn't notice the young woman that was slowly making her way to him. A small smile playing upon her lips. Her long curly black hair that fell down passed her bottom swayed side to side with every step she took. Her purple eyes held wonder and kindness. She had watched this man for many years and even taken a liking to his hard working demeanor and as the profits had mentioned he would of course seek her out. She stood before him watching his eyes wander her home and she couldn’t help the smile that erupted on her face. She was glad he loved her home. She spent so many long years building it and making it a perfect paradise for herself. 

Solas was so caught up in the beautiful view that lay before him that he never noticed the beautiful woman that stood before him and of course he jumped and let out a low yell. The woman not only did not attack him but she laughed at him a laugh that was so beautiful that it encased him like a silk robe and held him close. She was beautiful she was shorter than him only coming to the middle of his chest, her long dark curly hair seemed to wrap around her like a protective cocoon, she has such lovely caramel skin that the sun seemed to kiss so lightly, but the one thing he noticed were her eyes they were so beautiful and the only thing he could think of was a sea of purple lilacs that he could swim in all day. He was snapped out of his thoughts by her small yell he looked at her just in time to see her jump up and wrap her arms around Beauty muttering over and over how magnificent she was and how much she had grown. But he had never met this woman before so how does she know his horse? After some time he cleared his throat to gain her attention.

“Excuse me madam but I am looking for the witch who lives in this forest. Is there any way you can take us to her please?”

Solas thought he was very respectful with his question but the glare the woman was giving him from Beauty’s neck told him otherwise.

“Why do you people come here, call me witch and demand that I help you? I am not a witch, I am an Enchantress. We are  two different types of people, though the witches can be a lovely bunch they can get mad very easily.”

“I do apologize I didn't mean to offend you I just heard that was what you are I came on those assumptions.” Solas placed his hand over his heart and bowed to her showing her he was truly sorry for making that mistake.

She waved her hand as if dismissing the whole topic completely and began walking down the small dirt path.

“Come you must be tired and starving. I have already set up the spare room for you and I will show you where Beauty will stay. She already has fresh hay, a bucket of oats, and water waiting for her.”

Solas looked at Beauty who seemed to look antsy and without me leading her by reins she began to trot behind the Enchantress ready for her meal. It was as if Beauty understood this woman and on some deeper level knew her. Solas shook his head to clear the thoughts there couldn't be a way for her to know his horse that he raised  from a colt. After clearing his thoughts and ruling it as Beauty must just be hungry and understands hay and followed the woman he too set out after the woman to see where Beauty would be resting for the night. He had followed them to a stable behind the house where a light was on, Solas walked inside and watched as the Enchantress led Beauty into a stall and removed the bridle from her mouth.

“There young one you must be tired from the journey and you need your rest.” The enchantress spoke softly to Beauty as she grabbed a brush and brushed out the horses mane. After some time the Enchantress walked out and turned to another stall in this stall there was a full white horse. Solas was shocked because it was the first time he had ever witnessed a full white horse heck Beauty was the only full black horse he had ever seen and if it wasn’t for his quick thinking and the money he had just earned she would have been put down. The owners had believed her to be a bad omen because her mom was a brown Belgian working horse and her father was a Clydesdale horse. His color was a little different; he was brown with white on his snout and black around his hooves. So when beauty was born there was no way she could have been fully black but there she was not a single speck of brown or white. So with one quick fight and 100 coins later I brought her home. 

“This is Argon, he is my horse but also my best friend. I usually let him out to wonder during the day and at night bring him in to rest. If you like Beauty, can join him tomorrow while we speak.”

She spoke so gently as she brushed Argon’s mane and never once did she look up at Solas to see if he confirmed or denied her offer. He of course did not mind Beauty running about because he knew they were protected and Beauty never left the safety of the area he was in. She finally exited the stall and smiled as she glanced at the two horses. She then turned and looked at him with such a nice welcoming smile that Solas couldn’t help his wandering eyes as he stared at her lips. He wondered if they would be soft upon him and if she tasted sweet he began to crave her kiss but before his thoughts got the best of him she had turned away and motion for him to follow. He watched her for just a moment taking in her small figure. She had nice curves and her bottom was nice and round. With every step she took it seemed to call him almost to invite him to feel no to squeeze each cheek with his hands. He shook his head and looked away. What on earth is wrong with him? He had never viewed a woman as such not able to trust himself; he looked down and followed behind her towards the cottage.