In a cluster of trees laid a single camp surrounded by broken stone and overgrown flora lacing its way through ground and to any remaining structure. Whether it be a tree or something from the past, nature took over and planted its roots. Forecast weather of the day was cloudy, though the winds carried with it a warmth that almost seemed eerie, as if something was alive in it. Mist rolled in on the lonely hill side and disappeared off the neighboring cliffs. The sight was something to behold.
Settled down on the earth of leaves, dried mud and stone was a makeshift tent of furs and leather, a single fire and luggage contained in a light wooden box with steel handles. A lone person had found a spot to call hers. The traveler did not need much, truth be told. She came to this place by accident. Waiting to escape and find peace with how tired her being was becoming. Even mages needed their rest, and those energy potions weren’t exactly all they claimed to be with those sugar crash drawbacks.
Luckily the traveler was glad she had stumbled across this spot during a storm. It was her second sun here, and she had finally found the calm she was looking for. She could fish if she followed a stream upwards like she had did yesterday. Or spend an afternoon in her hammock supported by tree trunks.
While this day wasn’t planned out yet she hoped to stay longer. There was still much she could collect and find. Sighing, the witch tossed in some herbs she had found from a neighboring valley and some of the safe to consume from bushes that were spotted along the mountain side.
In the shelter of ruins of an old stone building with partial walls that acted as pillars the place was probably once grand. Having traveled up the slopes of the mountain and seeing other parts just like this, buildings crumpled away to dust, the lost pieces in time, it brought excitement and questions. While she wandered it felt as if she was like a heartbeat, resting in the ribs of a skeleton. Where there was a past, there was also a history of the present being recorded. Sadly no books or trinkets left behind had been found, though there was a charm in mystery with little clues. Maybe the place was too scary for others to recommend taking up a spot to camp, or bandits preferring not to fall to their demise from the rather tricky layout of the land. The less folks who could find the place, the better the camp was. No sharing, just all personally found treasures.
The witch shrugged her shoulders. This place was like a sanctuary. Her own sanctuary, even if just temporary, she could always revisit. It was quiet, resources were quite alright, and it was safe, at least away from other people. She wasn’t the social type.
While consumed by her thoughts once again a rustle by a tree brought her back. Instinctively grabbing her wand the witch held onto her wooden ladle in defense.
“I know you’re there, I can hear you.” She grumbled. Her peace felt threatened. Only some days in and already another traveler was trying to take it away. She wouldn’t have any of it.
“Well pardon me.” A badger appeared and wobbled out from behind the tree. It almost looked like a strange cross between a bear and an overgrown house cat. “That stew pot smells nice.”
“…Thank you?”The woman tilted her head at the creature and got a closer look. Cautiously walking over. She noticed one of its front legs was injured. A sprained ankle dashed with cuts. “Oh you’re hurt. Where did you come from badger?”
“I’m from close by.” The badger replied vaguely and slowly walked over to the boiling pot, avoiding the other question. “Is that tea? It’s been so long.”
The witch sighed and holstered her wand in her belt before continuing to stir the cauldron. “Yes, local tea from things around.”
“Ah I see.” The badger sat back and watched the embers go up from the flames. “Are you leaving soon?”
The stirring was paused and the ladle was hung up. “Yes, but not today, why?”
“Oh no, I’m glad you’re sticking around. Much better than fur trappers or pesky others. People, am I right?” The badger huffed when they finished speaking.
The witch chuckled a laugh.”I’d offer you some tea but I don’t need you getting sick, you look hurt enough from that leg.”
She lowered herself and lifted up the badger before placing them on the stomp. Pretty heavy fellow. Surprisingly the badger didn’t revolt against being picked up by the stranger.
“It wouldn’t hurt just a sip or two…” The badger assured.
“Alright. After I check your leg, I suppose it won’t hurt to share my camp with you.”
The witch placed a lid on the pot and walked to her tent. The walls held a collection from the forest grounds. Samples of different tree bark, wild flowers and some berries, feathers found from around the ground. Some chipped stones from the pillars and other nature found trinkets she had collected in her time here. She went to the badger and began working on their leg. Cleaning the cuts, applying a medical slab of paste and finishing up with a wrap of bandages. In case the badger decided to run off at least they could free themselves without too much difficulty.
“All done, Badger.” She stepped away after checking her work.
“Thank you, Witch.” The badger looked at their leg and seemed impressed.
“Of course.” Once she placed her things in her wooden crate she passed out the tea in a bowl and poured herself a mug full. The two didn’t talk much for a while. Watching the afternoon sky darken in the passing hour. The birds spoke among themselves while their wings left being a echo of where they once were.
“What brings you here, miss witch?” The badger asked.”
“Peace, away from others.” Her nose wrinkled slightly thinking back to where she had traveled from, however it was replaced with a small smile and a question in return.
“What brings you to this spot, badger, I thought you would avoid people, especially a witch?”
“Oh, I smelled something good after getting into a scramble. Grandma and grandpa used to spend their afternoons drinking tea, and I’d help them gather the herbs and berries. Your tea is almost like theirs, but I can show you where the honey bees hide…This was their favorite spot.” The badger stopped as if they felt like they shared too much, though the witch wouldn’t bother to ask them more.
The rest of the day passed on with sharing blueberries, lighting incense, sharing jokes and later making a fish stew after all the tea was finished. The badger hadn’t left for home though, one could tell they were happy and content as if reliving a happy moment in their life. The witch felt she enjoyed the animals company. At least the camp wasn’t as lonely and she could have a conversation. She wasn’t a mad woman just yet.
While the hours were towards their end the witch could even say that she had even made a friend with one of the animals here, and possibly helped them recover a memory besides fixing their leg. A badger that seemed to be more than what was beneath the eye. Whether they were cursed, accidently changed themselves while casting a spell, or was just an ordinary badger, it didn’t replace the happiness that the two had. Like two friends adventuring in the wilds.
Fire crackled while the witch sat down on the log besides the stump. The badger began to talk again.”I’ve known this place as a home, and home for others too, until…that day... Though from a traveler's point of view this is a rather dim place, but you definitely seem to be at peace here…That’s good.”
“Some might say that their experience during traveling marks a chapter of a greater story.” Replied the witch softly.
“I say the best camp has one with a story attached. It makes part of the trip all worthwhile and interesting.”
“Agreed.” The badger closed their eyes and smiled in their own way.
When night arrived it felt as if the spirits were whispering to one another in a little song. It was softly hummed, though the words were not distinctive she could still feel the melancholic vibes of the unseen choir. She looked up to the sky and watched the stars slowly gather as the sky grew darker. The fireflies were dancing around near the fire and the branches of the trees. The badger also sang along, knowing the song though keeping it low, as if not for other ears. This place had its secrets, though that was part of what made this camp the best. When travels bring you to a spot that is more than just a simple plot of land, and when one can feel at ease it was truly something special.
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