On her way to see the Mage Lukrasta, Alice mentally prepared herself to visit her clan.  She had to convince them that their help was essential in freeing the county of this unwanted threat.  The witches usually distance themselves from the affairs of men, neither aiding nor hindering unless it affected them directly, but when attacking en masse they were a fearsome force. Alice knew they could be a tremendous help. As she neared Pendle hill, she could feel the eyes of her clan on her suspiciously watching her every move but not daring to confront the powerful witch.  Alice was headed directly to the head of the clan, Bony Lizzy.  

There was no love lost between Lizzy and Alice.  As far back as she could remember, she felt the hatred in her mother's eyes.  As a child, she could not understand her mother's actions.  She could almost taste the blood in her mouth remembering the mistreatment she received from the person who was supposed to care for her and love her.  As a child, Alice counted herself lucky if she got a few scraps of food and didn't acquire a new bruise.  She spent most of her time like a faithful dog at her mother's feet, barefoot and dirty waiting for her mother's command or displeasure at her inadequacy.  As she grew up, Alice's beauty blossomed in spite of her tattered and dirty clothes.  Her mother could not stand the sight of her and sent her off to live with her aunt.  It was probably the nicest thing her mother ever did for her.  

The contrast between her kind aunt that taught her about herbs and healing remedies and her vain and vengeful mom was palpable.  She did not want to be in Lizzy's presence now or ever, but it was necessary.  The odds were against her that Lizzy would want to help.  Most likely she would just send her on her way with some beast of her's on her tail, wet teeth gleaming ready to bite and tear at her flesh.

In order for her plea to be heard, Alice would have to be respectful and appeal to her mother's vanity.  The minute their eyes met, Alice was greeted by Lizzy's fake smile ready to taunt her daughter.

"Hello, my dearest girl, what brings you here today," Lizzy cackled unattractively as Alice's eyes narrowed.

"I'm here to ask for your help, dear mother."

"Oh, what do you need help with? ... Do you want me to tell you how to please your man?"  She laughed again.

"That's not necessary.  I know how to please him just fine.  By the way, I'm going to visit your lover, Lukrasta, later today.  He has invited me to dine with him."

Bony Lizzy was not amused.  Her jaw tightened as she glared at her irritating daughter. "What are you up to, girl? Fill me in on your dirty plan to seduce him," she snickered.

"I have no plans for that.  I simply require his aide and yours if you are willing to help your daughter and the county for once in your life."

"My dear, I have always protected you from the Fiend, your father."  Bony loved to tease Alice with the fact that the Fiend that she loathed so much was actually her father.

"Well, I need your help and that of the clans.  We need to unite to fight the Kobalos.  If you don't believe me come with me to see Lukrasta."

"I don't see how those creatures can threaten us.  They should know better than to come near me," Lizzy said showing no fear.

"They don't know our power but still, we should not underestimate their abilities," Alice cautioned.

"Alright, this should be fun, I'll go with you.  It will be nice to dine with Lukrasta, my old friend."

"Thank you."