Migdalia
*Sorrel was working on the plants on their front porch, humming a merry tune as they did so. It was a bright and sunny day in the Shifting Forest, and Sorrel was enjoying as much sunlight as they could. They had chosen to stay in the shop today, instead of going out to the markets, so they considered it a sort of day off as they tended to their plants.*
Jacqueline
*As fun as it was, Jordyn very quickly came to regret feeding the shopkeeps dog a grape. The dog was fine, but how was she supposed to know it would piss him off? Running was good exercise and having the motive of not being caught added a challenge she doesn't get on her own. Sadly she made the mistake of looking back, she wasn't being followed, but the stick in front of her wanted to help her brake. She stumbled head first, landing about half a foot away from a front step* "Shit! Stupid plants"
Migdalia
*Sorrel jumped about a foot in the air, very obviously startled. The moment they hit the ground though, they twisted to look at the other.* "Oh, gods! Are you okay? Are you hurt?" *They asked, quickly bouncing up to check on their newly arrived guest. Blond hair with seafoam tips, brown eyes, and patched skin, it was very obvious this person wasn't anywhere near normal. They seemed as if at first glance, but looking closely? Absolutely not. And the black cat that joined them wasn't helping.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn took a hot minute to debate following in the pain to get special treatment but when they saw the cat she perked up* "Hello kitty, the mean dog isn't following me anymore, right? Here, have a cookie" *She pulls a shortbread cookie out of her hip pouch, it wasn't crumbled which relieved her more than it probably should*
Migdalia
*The cat curiously tilted her head, before taking the cookie and jumping up onto Sorrel's shoulder.* "Uhm, I don't think there is a dog around these parts of the woods. You're safe. But mayyybbeee we should go inside, just in case." *Sorrel offered her a hand, seeming quite shy and awkward.*
Jacqueline
*Dip shit finally realizes the person* "Oh, Hi yea inside sounds good, I pissed off a leather worker by giving his dog a grape" *She takes their hand, wincing when she puts weight on her left hoof* "Goddamn it, my legs are getting matted"
Migdalia
*Sorrel couldn't help but laugh softly as they led her inside, smiling.* "He got mad because you gave his dog a grape? Sure, grapes aren't good for dogs, but one wont hurt! And don't worry, you'll be safe here. Mi casa es tu casa, y'know? I'll help you the best I can!" *Interestingly, they were wearing an apron with pockets full of needles and thread. They also wore a pair of ripped jeans, and no shoes.*
Jacqueline
"No clue what that means, also the dog looked old as hell" *She looked around at the building, nodding in approval at the amount of windows, then glancing at her new compatriot* "Hey, you sew? That's cool, how long have you been in the woods?"
Migdalia
*Sorrel opened the front door and nodded.* "Yes, I do. I make clothing, and then I sell them in the market. Can I get you anything? Food? Drinks? Something to help with any pain? Bandages?" *They offered, leading the other to the couch, before letting go to go close the door. Interestingly, the cat had jumped down and just seemed to be... Watching... Jordyn.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn sat down with a huff, putting the hoof that was giving her problems on her other knee, assessing the damage* "I'm good on all that, but do you happen to have a hoof pick? Using my knife isn't working that good anymore, the hoofhorn is all uneven and it's not fun" *She looks over at the cat and sticks.Out her tongue at it*
Migdalia
*The cat gave an annoyed mewl, causing Sorrel to chuckle. They walked off for a moment, before returning with a hoof pick.* "Here ya go! Now, I never introduced myself and neither have you! My name is Sorrel Harper, They/Them. What is your name and pronouns?" *They asked, smiling as they offered the hoof pick to her.*
Jacqueline
*She takes the pick with a smile, then puts down what looks like a shop rag covered in various leather stains under her hoof before scraping the crap out of it* "I'm Jordyn, spelled with a y, She/her, don't got a last name but I could a been in the circus"
Migdalia
"Ah. I've heard of the circus, but I've never been to one. I'd rather stay home, only go out when needed, yknow? People don't really... Like... My kind..." *Sorrel sat down in a chair, watching the other as the cat jumped into their lap.* "This is Lunar! She doesn't really like people at first, but she'll get used to you soon."
Jacqueline
"I'm a child of Pan,there isn't an animal I can't get along with, except for dogs apparently. AHA GOTCHA" A small rock fell from her hoof to the rag. She looked at her hoof, not too concerned about the redness around where the rock was, more concerned about the line of black around the edge of her hoof.* "That thing has been bothering me for days"
Migdalia
*Sorrel raised an eyebrow, and nodded.* "It seems like it. I'm glad you got it out. Is there anything I can get you from the kitchen?" *They offered, standing up and smiling. Lunar took their place once she had fallen off of their lap with a satisfied meow.*
Jacqueline
"Hmmm I could use a drink, if that's ok with your cat. You mentioned people don't like your kind, what does that mean?"
Migdalia
*Sorrel chuckled, and walked away again, before returning with a glass of water. They sat it down for Jordyn, before sitting down once more, having shooed the cat off of their seat.* "I'm a witch. Lunar is my familiar," *They explained.*
Jacqueline
"Oh, so you're normal with an upgrade there's no reason for people to hate you. Is that why you live in bumfuck nowhere in the shifters woods?" *She takes a sip of water, swirling it around in the cup* "See I like annoying people because people annoy everyone else, I gotta balance it out, ya know?"
Migdalia
*Sorrel chuckled, and nodded.* "I completely understand. I don't find you annoying, however! You seem quite lovely! *And you're pretty...* Anyways! Yes, I live in the woods because people hate witches for some reason." *They hummed, smiling softly.*
Jacqueline
*She huffed and rolled her eyes, not picking up on the pretty comment* "I'll kill em for you if you want" *She originally meant it jokingly but then thought about the rarity of helpful people*
Migdalia
"Please don't. Killing is senseless and petty. I'd rather correct them and their ways." *Sorrel pulled their legs up into their chair, sitting with their legs crossed as the looked at the other.* "Do you have a place to live? A home? A job?"
Jacqueline
*She thought for a moment, debating whether or not to expose her living situation, then remembered it didn't matter* "I usually find some clearing in the woods, I try to be outside as much as possible. I don't have a formal job but I can do just about everything"
Migdalia
"Ohhh, thats no way to live! You need a proper place to stay! You can always stay with me, yknow. I don't mind, I quite enjoy the company!" *Sorrel fussed, seeming quite worried about the other. They started to pick at their nails, quickly looking the other over.* "And if you need a job, I could use help in the market..."
Jacqueline
*Jordyn looked up at them, a little shocked* "You just met me and you want me to move in? How bad is the cat at keeping you company" *She looks at Lunar* "That's a joke, your fur is lovely and I bet you're good company on a good day"
Migdalia
"Lunar is HORRIBLE company, I cannot even talk to her!" *Sorrel jested, earning a soft hiss from the cat.* "Oh, pipe down, it was a joke Luney. Anyways, You seem honest and friendly! So I wouldn't mind if you stayed with me!"
Jacqueline
"I mean it would be nice to not be ambushed by rain in the middle of the night..." *She looked around her at the room she was in, looking over at the cat she was pretty sure was giving her the stink eye* "Where would I stay? I don't want to take up too much space"
Migdalia
"You can have my room! I sleep on the couch anyways because I stay up late working!" *Sorrel explained, before going to pick up their cat with an amused hum. They then pointed to the room, so that Jordyn would know where to go.*
Jacqueline
*She blushed a little at the thought of sleeping in someone else's bed, frantically trying to find a reason not to* "But Ill leave goat hair everywhere, plus my hooves are caked in dirt, it's ok"
Migdalia
"Miss Jordyn, my house is covered in cat fur and dirt. It really isn't a bother, I don't sleep there anyways. Its no hassle at all!" *Sorrel stated. They seemed awfully determined.*
Jacqueline
"I guess if you insist..." *She smiled and messed with her hands, ears wiggling nervously* "To be completely honest I haven't slept in a bed since whenever the last storm was, and even then it was a hammock in a barn"
Migdalia
"I guess if you insist..." *She smiled and messed with her hands, ears wiggling nervously* "To be completely honest I haven't sl...

 *Sorrel gave her a warm smile, seeming delighted that she had accepted their offer.* "Wonderful! I'll go prepare the bedroom, feel free to explore my home."
Jacqueline
*Jordyn was shocked at the hospitality of this stranger, she wandered through the house, making note of the kitchen, bedroom bathroom and exits, then she settled on standing in the porch where she stumbled into this life just moments before*
Migdalia
*Lunar had followed her around the entire time, seemingly having warmed up to her. Sorrel had gone off to prepare the room, and they could be heard singing a happy melody*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn smiled softly, then crouched down and looked at Lunar* "Listen kitty, I get it I'm a stranger, but they're being nice to me, and I don't get that often. We need to make a deal, tolerate my existence for at least a little while so I can find a way to get out of your way without hurting anyone's feelings. Then you won't have to deal with me any more. Ok? And don't kill me if I accidentally kick you at night." *She seemed solemn when talking about leaving but even more concerned about burdening Sorrel*
Migdalia
*Lunar didn't really seem to care, seeming content that Sorrel had found a friend. The cat didn't seem as defensive, and wasn't glaring at her anymore. If anything, she was standing in front of Jordyn, on her hooves, to keep her from leaving.*
Jacqueline
*She chuckled dismissively* "I'm happy we can coexist for a little, this is a really nice house, there's gotta be a catch..." *Jordyn trailed off, getting lost in her own head, she thought about all the nights she spent wide awake. She'd never tell Sorrel but she wasn't the most safe out in the wild. Yea she could run but so could wolves and bears, not to mention all the other predators who like the taste of goat, and there were a couple close encounters with people who wanted her horns, she was happy there was a structure to keep her safe*
Migdalia
*Lunar gave a small mew, her tail wrapping around the other's leg as she listened. She seemed to be attempting to assure the other that there was no catch.*
Jacqueline
*Hesitantly, Jordyn reached out to pet Lunar, unsure of how to act around not hostile geriatric house pets* "Thanks, kitty. Your person trusts easily, don't they?"
Migdalia
*Lunar seemingly shook her head, purring as she pressed her head against Jordyn's hand.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn scritched in between Lunars ears, internally questioning why she was trustworthy when she literally crashed on their property while being possibly chased by a dog* "Does Sorrel hum a lot? The only music I hear is from the bards in town singin about flirting with me, it's gross, they follow you around sometimes. Be happy youre a cat, some guys are nasty"
Migdalia
*Lunar seemed to nod, her tail flicking. It seemed the answer was yes, Sorrel did hum alot. And not in a flirty way, more in a cheerful way.*
Jacqueline
*She chuckled, then grew a little sad, Scared that her life of solitude would make her a bad friend, or worse* "I used to hum too, my parents would sing to me every day, then I was too much, they dropped me off at the circus, hoping they'd take me in, but I was a kid, I didn't have the talent they wanted and wasn't bizarre enough to be part of the freak show. On the cold nights id hum the songs they'd sing..."
Migdalia
*Lunar seemed a bit sad, rubbing up against the other to try and comfort her. Poor thing...*
Jacqueline
*She shook her head, as if shaking off the memories* "No use fussing about the past huh? *Jordyn looked around at the woods* "Y'all got quite the view, I wonder how many stars you can see from your front porch"
Migdalia
"Indeed, it is quite the view," *Came Sorrel's voice from behind her as the young witch moved to stand with her.* "The stars, the fireflies lighting up the skies, it is truly beautiful."
Jacqueline
*Jordyn jumped, turning to look at them* "Sorry, just monologuing, how much of that did you hear?" *She wiped a tear she hadn't before realized had rolled down her face*
Migdalia
"All of it. You know a witch can see through their familiar's eyes, right?" *Sorrel asked, a slightly worried look on their face.* "Are you okay? You've been crying..."
Jacqueline
*Jordyn looked ashamed. Too scared to make eye contact, her ears were down and back, she stared at the ground* "Sorry about that, you don't need to worry about me."
Migdalia
"Jordyn, you know this is a safe place, right? There is no need to apologize! Cry all you want, cry your heart out! As long as you don't hurt Lunar, you'll be ayo-kay. No need to be ashamed." *Sorrel gently reached to take her hand in an act of reassurance.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn looked up at Sorrel, trying to hold back her tears. She said nothing but shakily pulled them into a hug, her arms were shaking from containing her emotions, all she could say was a choked up* "Thank you"
Migdalia
*Sorrel gave a soft smile, and held the other close, whispering a soft "Anytime". They just kept her close, for as long as the other wanted to stay in their arms. They weren't judging, they didn't mind.*
Jacqueline
*At some point during the hug, Jordyn began crying, melting into their arms. It was a gentle cry, but they could tell it was needed, after a few minutes she was calm enough to let go, wiping the remaining tears from her face. She took a deep breath before saying anything* " Your shirts wet now, I can buy you a new one"
Migdalia
*Sorrel couldn't help but laugh, smiling softly at her.* "Silly goat, I make my own shirts! I can just make a new one! Plus, it'll dry! I'll... Just have to be shirtless for a bit..." *They were starting to see the issue, and it was quite obvious that when they normally got their shirt wet, they just took it off and hung it up.*
Jacqueline
*A quiet baby goat sound (you know the one) escaped her mouth, she turned bright red and looked away* "Sorry"
Migdalia
*Sorrel couldn't help but laugh, smiling.* "It's alright. I'll go find a tank top or something. Be right back!" *And with that, the witch ran off to find something to wear.*
Jacqueline
"O-ok" *She put her head in her hands* "What's wrong with me" *She sat down, leaning against the wall and looked out at the sky, admiring the way the trees swayed in the wind.*
Migdalia
*Sorrel wasn't gone very long, happily returning in a tank top. They had a little bit of a chest, and it showed, but they also had a bit of muscle.* "Heyyy! I'm back! Wanna come with me to chop wood?" * They offered, offering a hand to her.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn glanced over their body, blushing before she looked at their face* "U-um sure, I can go chop wood with you, yea" *She was quite the blushing satyr at this point, thinking about Sorrel chopping wood, but then she took a deep breath to center herself*
Migdalia
*Sorrel seemed to take no notice of her blushing state, happily leading her over to a pile of wood. Some logs had been chopped, others hadn't. They grabbed their axe with ease, picked out a piece of wood, and brought the axe down with shocking acuracy. These kinds of things took strength and skill!*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn jumped at the first crack of wood, but stared in awe at the fact that the log split with no extra help, it was very evident she was stronger with her legs than her arms. She sat and watched for a little bit, in admiration and shock that this person could do that*
Migdalia
*Sorrel chuckled lightly when the other jumped, offering a soft "Sorry!" , before continuing. Easily picking up the wood, chopping it, and tossing it into the pile. After getting quite a bit of wood, they stopped, wiping their forehead.* "You wanna give it a shot?" *They offered, a delighted grin on their face. It was hot, and they were sweating, so maybe they were offering because they needed a break? Or they were curious as to if she could do it.*
Jacqueline
*She looked up at them and smiled a little nervously* "Uh, yea, sure! Why not? ... What do I do?" *She took the axe, trying her best to hold it the way they were, shocked at how top heavy it is*
Migdalia
*Sorrel looked at her for a moment, before moving to adjust her arms a bit to hold it correctly. They then grabbed a piece of wood, and placed it down.* "Once I'm outta the way, bring down the axe on the middle of the wood, mkay?" *They explained, before stepping back.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn swung down, clearly putting the axe instead of letting gravity do the heavy lifting. The blade wedged into the log at the corner but only a little bit. She tried to pick up the axe again and the wood came with it* "I don't think I did that right"
Migdalia
"It was a great first try!" *Sorrel gently took the axe from her, and swung it down, splitting the wood in half.* "Let gravity do the heavy lifting." *They then passed the axe back, and grabbed another piece of wood. * "Here, try again."
Jacqueline
"What, so like drop it?" *Clearly she didn't know shit about wood cutting* "This is complicated, why not just use smaller sticks and stuff?
Migdalia
*Sorrel shook their head, and took the axe.* "This wood burns longer than sticks, keeps the house warmer. Now watch closely." *They grabbed another piece, sat it down, waiting so that Jordyn could observe their posture, before bringing down the axe and splitting the wood.* "It just takes alot of practice, you'll learn!"
Jacqueline
*Jordyn tried their best to follow their advice, this time the axe got just about halfway through the log before getting stuck, she picked up and dropped down the axe again and the log split. She belated out of excitement before happy screaming then she found her resolve and acted casual*
Migdalia
*Sorrel offered a nod of approval, smiling.* "See? I told ya you'd get the hang of it! Try again, but this time? Try it in one hit." *They instructed, grinning as they watched. They seemed proud of the other!*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn set her stance, a look of pure will was on her face, she lifted the axe high and when she released it got an inch away from the bottom of the log. She quickly tapped the axe back down and the weight of the wood helped it split the rest of the way, she acted as if she did it in one hot, smiling proudly* "Boom, step aside Sorrel, there's a new wood chopper in town" *She couldn't help but burst into laughter*
Migdalia
*Sorrel's eyes sparkled as they busted out laughing. A good hearty laugh at that.* "I can see that, Jordyn!" *They jested, crossing their arms.* "Well, you can chop wood while I go make dinner, hm? Unless you wanna come help me cook?" *They offered, picking up some of the chopped wood to haul back to the house.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn debated for a minute, then her stomach growled, making the decision for her* "I can help you cook, if that's ok"
Migdalia
*Sorrel chuckled and nodded, before using their head to motion for Jordyn to follow. And with that, they happily walked back to the house, humming a merry tune the entire time. They were tired, they were sweaty, but they had gotten some good work done, and it was satisfying. They'd just have to remember to grab a glass of water.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn follows behind, trying to see if she can remember the tune from anywhere, then wondered what they'd be making for dinner, then how comfy the bed would be. She yawned at the thought of a good meal and a full night's rest*
Migdalia
*It didn't take Sorrel long to forget about the water once they got on the train of figuring out a meal. They grabbed some lettuce that was stored away, before turning to Jordyn.* "Dumb question, do you eat meat?"
Jacqueline
"Only in moderation, and nothing with hooves" *She gestured down to her own hooves* "For reasons you could probably imagine"
Migdalia
*Sorrel nodded, pulling out several veggies.* "How does salad and pasta sound?" *They asked, looking at her curiously as they held up the veggies.*
Jacqueline
"That sounds amazing!" *Her stomach growled, seconding her thoughts. "Want me to wash or chop?"
Migdalia
"If you could cut up the carrots that'd be great!" *Sorrel smiled, moving over to the sink to wash the carrots before handing them to her. Then, they started focusing on the lettuce, pulling it apart with ease.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn happily accepted the cleaned carrots, using her knife to easily chop them into even slices, when Sorrel wasn't looking she took the larger chunk of one of the carrots and put it in a snack pocket for later use*
Migdalia
*Jordyn happily accepted the cleaned carrots, using her knife to easily chop them into even slices, when Sorrel wasn't looking s...
Jacqueline
*Jordyn helped wherever she could, and when she wasn't helping she was watching what Sorrel was doing, when they were chopping cabbage Jordyn took a piece to munch on, pretending that nothing happened if Sorrel looked at her*
Migdalia
*Of course Sorrel was aware of what the other was doing, but they found it quite endearing, so they never said anything. Not long after, the salad was ready (as well as some Pasta Sorrel had in the fridge)! Problem: Sorrel didn't seem to have a dinner table... And the solution was clear once Sorrel had dished out the salad/pasta duo, because they led Jordyn to the living room.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn looked around, then sat in a weird cross legged manner on the floor, she looked comfortable and content, being more focused on her first full meal in over a year. Her first bite made her realize that gone were the days of onion grass and squirrel, and she didn't need to worry about getting chased away over some bread or fruits in the market. She no longer needed to rely on whitty comebacks and quips in order to get out of situations*
Migdalia
*Sorrel flopped down on the couch with their bowl of salad, Lunar hopping up with them and curling up beside them. They seemed fairly happy, and occasionally they'd look over to her and smile once they knew she was enjoying her meal. They had missed having a friend, as much as they hated to admit it.*
Jacqueline
*Jordyn's meal very quickly disappeared into her stomach, she sat back, leaning on her hands* "I think that was the greatest thing I've eaten in a while, thank you"
Migdalia
*Sorrel nodded, their mouth still full of lettuce and pasta. Lunar added an (unhelpful) meow of a comment, batting at her owner playful, as if to tease them.*
Jacqueline
"Do you want me to clean up anything? I can do the dishes for you if you'd like" *She thought to herself about how rare it was that she did dishes, she ate wherever she could, if she needed a bowl she carved one, she wasnt used to re using dishes because she rarely used them. Yet she didn't mind getting her hands dirty for this person*
Migdalia
"Nah, you're good. I'll wash them tomorrow." *Sorrel swallowed her last bite of lettuce, before getting up and moving to take the other's empty dish.* "Can I get you anything else? Anything to drink? Maybe dessert? I made an apple pie!"
Jacqueline
*Her ears perked up at the word pie, she remembered the last time she had pie, she had made enough money at the market that day to spoil herself, the pie was mediocre, they used old apples, but in the moment it was delicious* "Pie sounds like a dream right now, you really are a blessing, Sorrel, I can't thank you enough."
Migdalia
"Well, you don't have to!" *They hummed, before scurrying off to retrieve two slices of pie. After a few minutes, they returned with two slices of heavenly looking pie, as well as two glasses of milk, setting them down on the table in the middle of the living room.* "There!"
Jacqueline
*Jordyn looked at the pie, then at Sorrel, pure amazement on her face, almost as if she couldn't believe she was allowed to eat it* "That looks amazing"