Aurora had started the day like usual. She woke up, fed Bean, her rescued cat. His Mather had been trampled by a horse and she had swooped in to save the kitten from the same fate. She said hello to her brother and joined the table for breakfast. Her sister ignored her, per usual. It was better than if they acknowledged her. They would snark and whisper and when she responded, it was Aurora that got in trouble. Her mother had that disappointed look in her eye and her grandmother told her what a disappointment she was. That was a quiet breakfast in the Greene household. A small miracle in Aurora's opinion.
She finished her chores per usual, house cleaning and tending to the garden outside. It was hard work, demanding, but it kept her occupied and out of everyone's way, for the most part. She had to do it the mundane way. If she attempted magic on the plants, they always died. If she attempted on the household chores, let's just say it was utter chaos. Not worth the try nor the disappointment she felt and received.
But tonight, that would all end. She had a plan. Her book was stowed away along with the ingredients and supplies she would need jn her little cave off in the woods. Her own safe haven. No one knew about it. Not her family, not her brother, no one. It was all hers. Her safe space. And the prefect place for this spell. Far away where she wouldn't cause any harm.
The sun had begun its descent in the sky and Aurora had changed into a navy gown and a simple pair of boots. It was easier to trek through the woods in boots than her usual shoes. It was too early to go to her cave. Her spell required a full moon as it peaked in the night sky. She still had several hours until then. She would head over to the Maiden's Tavern for a drink or two and a few rounds if card. Gambling was how she afforded most of her nights off. She got a few coins from working. Her family owned an apothecary, her mother a healer and her sisters with an affinity for plants and potions. They brewed all sorts of concoctions they sold to the town. Aurora would run their delivers and make a few coins off of it. But not enough to support her drinking addiction. That cane from gambling.
She received a grunt in acknowledgement as she announced she was leaving. She took the familiar path to the tavern, the bell ringing as stepped through the bar. She sauntered on up to the bar, grinning at Eldra, the bartender and owner. The woman tusked at Aurora. "Weren't you just heds last night?"
"And now I'm here tonight. Just a pint of ale, please." Auaroa gave her her best smile. Eldra shook her head and poured the pint, setting it in front of her.
"You need help," the woman said.
Truer words hadn't been said. But Aurora only shrugged her shoulders. "That's why I'm here. Alcohol makes it all go bye bye." She gave a smile and wink and she found her usual spot in the tavern. Eldra already knew to start her tab. She grabbed her deck of cards out of her small bag and began to shuffle them, waiting for someone to sit down at the table with her.