I did as the voice told.

"Step into the cottage, dear." It said.

The hand disappeared into dust.

I walked a few paces to the cottage. I saw a witch-like creature in the cottage. It was hard to tell her age. Her hands were wrinkly, but her face looked as if she was only in her thirties. She was sitting at a table in a cherry wood chair.

I had always imagined witches with green skin; not this witch. She had pale skin, dark auburn hair, bright sparkling green eyes, and rosy cheeks.

The cottage was lit with candles. There were potions on shelves, different jars of unknown substances, weird little creatures in cages, not fighting, but playing, there was a cauldron-like container in the corner over a fire. It was a small cauldron, a little bigger than a teakettle. It wasn't a magical brew; more like soup or something.

What kind of with was she? Was she good or evil?

"Child, I see you have questions. It is written on your face. Don't worry, I am a good witch, not evil. I will help you through this journey." she spoke with that same slightly raspy voice, not a harsh voice, but rather kind and gentle. It was the same voice that had spoken to me outside.

"Please, sit." she said, kindly smiling at me. I did as she said and too the seat opposite of hers.

"Journey?" I asked.

She giggled a bit, kind of like an old lady watching her cats play. "I assume you don't know who you are, nor why you are here?"

"No, actually. What do you mean by 'who I am'?" I asked.

"You will find out in time." She replied.

I nodded.

"I have been expecting you for centuries, you know. Ever since I was forty. My master foretold that a young girl would rule all of the Forever Forest. 300 years later, when I am 340 years old, she finally comes." She sighed.

Wow, 340 years old?

"I have been preparing for this. I present to you, a magic crystal, an invisibility potion, and a book of spells." She handed me the three objects and a leather satchel to put them in.

"Thank you." I nodded again.

"Be on your way. If you shall cross trouble's path, I will be there with you." she said calmly.

"Thank you for everything!" I smiled at her and left.

A/N HOLAAAA!!! What did you think?

It would be nice to get some feedback from you guys so I can write stories you'll like.

-Zozo