As he walked he could hear stange and erie sounds coming from the trees. He recalled the witches words and did not stray from the path. As he appoached the house he saw off to his left a beautiful giant Oak tree with a bench around it. There was a woman sitting there petting a cat and talking to it. Since this was the only person he saw at the moment he decided to approach her. "Excuse me dear lady, I am lost and would appreciate it if you could help me." The woman looked up and smiled. "Hello Rowen, welcome to Miss Tessa's house. I have been expecting you." Rowen looked at the woman and wondered how she could have known he was comming. "I'm Crystal, Magick told me of you and your name." Rowen asked, "Who is this Magick. She said she is a ghost witch, yet she carried me. I thought ghosts were not real." Crystal patted the bench beside her and said, "Come, sit and I will tell you a story.

Magick was a beautiful witch with wonderful powers. She loved all around her. She fell in love with a man who thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. For several months they could be seen arm in arm laughing and talking.
One misty evening Magick decided it was time to tell this man she loved beyond anything else who and what she was. In so doing he would have nothing more to do with her. Saying how could he love a witch, someone who believed in evil and did spells on people. What if she were to get mad at him and turn him into some horrable beast.
She tried to tell him that she was not the kind of witch he had read storys of. She loved nature and all manner of people. Would never harm anyone as it would bring harm to her three times worse.
But he would not hear it. To him, she was an abomination. He left and never returned.

Magick was so broken hearted that she mixed a poisonous potion and quietly slipped away from this world. Now she roams these woods protecting strangers from the harpies and other manner of ill creatures.
I gave her Bewitching to watch over her and to be the one thing that would love her back unconditionaly." Rowen looked so sad, he had tears in his eyes from such a sad story. Crystal smiled and told him not to be sad, "Magick will always be a part of our family and we love her very much. She also takes care of our ghostly pets. My little dog, spooky, Tessa's wonderful Lady and many more. And this little lady I am petting is mama kitty. She came to me one day and has never left. She is my friend and I hope I have her for a long time, but when it is her time to go I know Magick will take care of her, too." Rowen watched as Crystal petted her beloved cat and wondered what other interesting people he would meet in this strange and wonderous place.

As Crystal and Rowen were talking a middle aged man with thinning hair walked up. "Hello,you must be Rowen. I'm Freedom Starr1, he said patting momma kitty lovingly. "I take care of the forests and gardens here. I love the forests,and growing things for food and such. You see, I too am a student here. Let me show you some of the wonderful things around the yard." "Merry part", Crystal said,her words sounding like music in the air as Freedom Starr1 and Rowen began walking away. As they did ,Rowen was awe struck as to the beauty of the place. A wonderfuly well kept yard with soft grass, and a beautiful flower garden surrounding a lovely pond with beautiful fish swimming happily. Here Rowen saw two of the other students reading their books. They looked up from their studies and greeted Rowen, "Merry Meet Rowen". He bowed slowly, surpised still at everyone knowing his name. Freedom Starr1 and he continued on, marvaling at the wonders around them. Even the wind seemed to have a life and fragrance all it's own, as if one with the living forest and beautiful surrounding landscape. "Yes....said Freedom Starr1, I just love the green growing things here. I feel as one with nature. The forest is my home and Nature, my mother. We must respect both , you know. Here," Freedom Starr1 said, "let me take you to the house. If you like architecture, you will love this place. It's LIVING beauty." As they walked toward the majestic Victorian styled house the man marvled at the architecture, the fine hand carved filligree. The roofing tiles seemed to have been there for as long as time itself.....but never wearing out or having to be replaced, as if the house itself was a living thing....seemingly maintaining itself. Breaking the spell the man was under by the majesty of the beautiful home, Freedom Starr1 spoke to Rowen. "There is a wonderful person within whom I'm sure would like to meet you." They walked up the porch steps hewn from the solid granite of the earth itself to the broad wooden double doors with crystaline stained glass glowing with a living light, seemingly, from within the house itself. Freedom Starr1 opened the giant oak doors and Rowen gasped in awe.

As the door opened and Rowen stepped inside, he turned to ask FreedomStarr1 a question, but before he could utter the first word he was gone, and there was Magick once again with Bewitching and Spooky beside her. Giggle, "Relax Rowen, tis only me. I see you met my friends. FreedomStarr1 had to check on the garden, seems a lilac bush isn't blooming like it should and Miss Tessa loves lilac's. So FreedomStarr1 always gets concerned when they aren't flowering the way he likes, but don't worry (giggle) he will fix things, he always does." "Where is Lady Crystal?", ask Rowen. "Oh Crystal loves to create cat pictures for Miss Tessa. See, Miss Tessa gets sad once in awhile so Crystal makes magickal paintings for Miss Tessa, and hangs them in the office or in Miss Tessa's room. I believe she went to finish one before Miss Tessa get's home. You might be wondering why no one hears you while you speak or sees you either. I've made you invisable. Come I want to show you around." The first place Rowen sees, is the family room. Furniture in deep dark purple velvet, persian rugs on the hardwood floor, delicate lamps grace the mahogany tables and dainty purple silk curtains blow in the breeze. Though there was a big screen tv and other entertaiment goodies in the room, it all seemed to fit together. "Who is that?" whispered Rowen? "Oh that is Sweetwulf. See, she is at the computer storing all the test from the students. She is like the second in command here. If you can't find Miss Tessa you go to Sweetwulf.
Over there on your left brushing the dog is BeckyBoo. Hmm.. she is like the watcher of things. She helps with class, oh, she does to much to remember. (giggle) The dog is Jeremey. I bet BeckyBoo is brushing him because Miss Tessa likes to talk to him and loves when Jeremey and Pooper (miss tessa's dog whispers Magick)play together.". The next room is the living room. Rowen gasp as he sees the hardwood floors polished to a shine that's almost blinding. No wall was the same, here Rowen sees different designs all created by different students. He stops at a big painting on the far wall. "Is that the house?" ask Rowen. "Yes", smiles Magick. "It's my favorite. Crystal painted it. She thought Miss Tessa should have one painting of the house. Do you know, not one picture did Miss Tessa have of this place till Crystal made this". Suddenly two witches run past with a pie in each hand, "I'LL GET YOU", yells one as the other says "JUST TRY." Suddenly Crystal runs past shouting, "Girls, I JUST CLEANED THE KITCHEN!!!!" "Hmm come on Rowen I'll fnish the tour in a few minutes, let's go into the kitchen and watch what happens. Before the night is over FreedomStarr1 will get a pie or two. Let's watch and see what happens shall we?"

Just as Rowen and Magick enter the kitchen behind Crystal, SPLAT, Crystal gets one of the pies in the face. Rowen can't help but laugh. He knows Crystal wasn't expecting that to happen. As Rowen watches one of the other girl gets one in the face. Now he is laughing so hard he has tears. When he is finally able to speak again he asks Magick, "Is it always like this around here?" "Oh yes, and much more. Why just the other day GreenLady, that's her with the pie in her hand, flushed one of the magical spiders down the toilet and it multiplied and nested in one of the other girls' hair. It was quite a mess. And since GreenLady likes to play practical jokes Miss Tessa keeps changing her room. Not long ago she had it all blue, now it is pink with pictures of Donny Osmond who sing when ever Greenlady enters the room. It's great fun around here." Rowen says, "But I thought this was a school? When do they study?" "When Miss Tessa tells everyone there is going to be a test everyone starts looking around for all the info they can find to read up on, they get it read and then they play. Everyone knows when Miss Tessa says to study she isn't messing around. She will put a spell on you if you miss behave. Either that or you will get one of her famous pies that taste good but will give you the runs or make you change colors. So, most everyone here behaves." Rowen just shakes his head and smiles. Suddenly the witches are on the run again. This time Crystal and Oceana are after GreenLady. They have grabbed a couple of pies and begin chasing her out the other door of the kitchen. You can hear the giggles and the shouts of "I'm going to get you GreenLady".

Just as Rowen turns to ask Magick another question in walks FreedomStarr1 from the back door. He finished checking the lilac bushes and came in to see what else he needs to do. "Hi Rowen, I see you have been getting the tour from Magick." "Hi, wait, I thought no one could see me. Magick here...hey were did she go?" FreedomStarr1 giggles, "She does that alot. When you are with her she can make you invisible, but as soon as she leaves you are normal again. You'll get used to it. Say, you are staying for dinner aren't you? All the witches get together and whip up something for dinner. They are pretty good at it, although the dishes might look strange they are rather good. And I am proud to say the food all comes from my gardens." Rowen, still a little overwhelmed by all he has seen and heard says yes without even thinking what he is saying. He is still thinking about how Magick made him invisible. FreedomStarr1 just smiles and says, "Good. I will inform Sweetwulf you will be staying and to add another plate. You might have to stay the night, too, as it is starting to get dark so I will see if we can find you a room. I will get Crystal." "I just saw Crystal and another girl chasing another girl out that door over there with a pie." said Rowen. "Hello, Rowen." Crystal says from beside Rowen. Rowen jumps back and turns white as a ghost. "How did you do that? I just saw you run out that door over there." "My husband called me and said you needed a room for the night." said Crystal. "Your husband?" "Yes, FreedomStarr1 is my husband." "But he never left the room, how could he have called you?" asked Rowen. Crystal giggles. "Honey, you want to explain it to him?"
FreedomStarr1 laughs knowingly, pieces of greenery still stuck in his greying beard and an arm load of lilacs and roses. "Crystal speaks to me in my mind. Where ever I am. I might add sometimes at the most inopportune moments, too,like when I'm in the middle of a rose trellis trimming project or when I'm just planting a lilac bush or ...well, you get the Idea A?" Rowan smiles and just shakes his head. "Excuse me a moment if you will Rowan." FreedomStarr1 walks over to SweetWulf. "Hello SweetWulf, is there anything else Tessa would like me to do right now? I was out in the lilacs singing to them and in so doing was helping a sickly one to gather strength from the music." Sweet Wulf looked up at FreedomStarr1 smileing. "You always have a way of helping nature mend things in your song. The plants do seem to enjoy it so." she said. "Oh," Sweet Wulf said, "I think Tessa wanted you to get some swans and peacocks for the yard and pool." "Ahhh yes," said FreedomStarr1. "I know just where to go for those. Thank you Sweet Wulf , I will tend to that shortly." Bowing slightly, FreedomStarr1 returned to where Rowan was standing admireing the Greatroom. "Well my friend , I leave you in capable hands here. Crystal, my love. Will you show Rowan where Tessa makes those delicious pies? I just LOVE pie ,don't you? I'm off to the forest. I've a friend there named Noah, he cares for all the wild life and fish in the streams. Noah is also a see'er. That's one who FEELS what others, whom are close to him, feel. He can tell when something is wrong with both his wild thing friends and people. I shall take my leave now. Much to do." FreedomStarr1 vanished amidst a Joan Biez tune ,that was much to his likeing.

When Rowen turns to say good-bye to FreedomStarr1 he is gone. All Rowen hears is FreedomStarr1's voice singing among the trees. He expects to see Crystal, when suddenly, Magick appears. "I'll never get used to you doing that", says Rowen with a smile. Magick giggles, "Come, I want you to see the newest and youngest student Miss Tessa has ever had. Slowly Magick and Rowen walk to the spell room. Sitting in a big comfy chair is a beatiful girl. About 10 years old, Rowen guess's. He never saw such a sparkle in a pair of eyes, nor had he ever seen anyone study so much. The room they were in had walls of crushed red velvet, black silk curtains and a warm fire in a fireplace that was big. There were crystal vases of flowers every where. Pictures of all the family members took up one wall. The rest of the walls had shelves built in the walls. Tons of books were thers from white magick, black, occult, and to many other titles to read. "Where did Tessa get all those books?" ask Rowan. "Oh she has studied many topics. She just finds them somewhere. Oceana, one of her students, always finds books for her at garage sales, yards sales, and estate auctions too, I believe. There is just one book Miss Tessa won't allow in this house. The name of the book isn't even allowed to be mentioned, so everyone here calls it 'THE BOOK'. It's a nasty piece of fiction according to Miss Tessa. Anyone who brings 'THE BOOK' here is banished forever. Hmm? Who is the girl on the sofa? Oh that is SilverAngel or 'Our Elizabeth' as Miss Tessa likes to call her. Her Mom, Gentle Spirit, is a student here. Miss Tessa caught Elizabeth reading one of Gentle Spirit's assignments. Miss Tessa knew Elizabeth loved to learn so Miss Tessa gave Elizabeth her craft name SilverWings. Now Elizabeth is studying for her first test. Over there, by the desk, is her Mom, Gentle Spirit. "What is she doing?" ask Rowan. "Oh, she's writing to Prince Thomas,he lives far,far away. Come on we best leave them be." Suddenly, the house starts shaking, the animals that were once laying around content, are now suddenly all looking for a place to hide. "OH NO !!!!" yells Magick.

Rowen is scared. "What is it?" he asks. Magick shakes her head, "I'm sorry, but I have to leave. I knew it was going to happen soon, but not this soon." Magick disapears as quickly as she appeared.

Now Rowen is standing in the hall way hanging on the banister trying to stay up right with all the shaking. All of a sudden all the doors upstairs start opening and the witches all start running down stairs. Rowen trys to stop one or two of them to ask them what is going on, but no one will answer him. As they are running past him he catches a word or two hear and there, "I am getting out of here" "Me, too!" "I knew it, it was only a matter of time." "It had to happen, all that energy built up like that?" "Hurry up, I don't want to be in here when it happens!"

Finally, Rowen sees Crystal and yells her name, hoping to get her to stop. "Crystal, what has happened? Why is everyone running and what is that shaking?" Crystal looks visably shaken, "Oh, its awful Rowen. I knew it wouldn't be long. Why can't they do this outside? I am so afraid they will wreck the house when they do this." "DO WHAT??" Rowen asks. Crystal looks at him as if she didn't know who he was, then comes back to were she is and says, "It's Miss Tessa and GreenLady. They are always throwing spells around. When those two go at it they do get crazy every now and then. Pies aren't the only thing that gets thrown."
Rowen looks confused, and asks Crystal what she means. "Lets get outside first. I will tell you out there." Both took off running for the front door. As they get out on the porch they meet up with FreedomStarr1. "Don't tell me its begun. I just brought in fresh flowers and put in the new vases." said FreedomStarr1. "Yes my love, they are at it now. We knew it couldn't stay quiet for long." Rowen is really starting to get mad. "WHAT ARE YOU TWO TALKING ABOUT??" "I'm sorry Rowen. Come on, lets go sit at the tree. It looks like I have another story to tell ya." As they head over to the tree, its already getting dark outside so the house looks really erie. All of a sudden they hear a big "CRASH". Sparks start flying and the house is flashing erie lights. Now Rowen is really scared. This is a house full of witches and the most powerful one is still in there. What are they doing? "Well, Rowen, Not long ago Miss Tessa decided she needed some rest from all the bickering and stress that running a school full of witches can bring. So, since GreenLady is the biggest instigater of trouble, Miss Tessa decided to put a 24 hour spell on GreenLady to behave. She made her like fuzzy pink things. Turned her room pink, fuzzy pink blanket and had her knitting pink fuzzy booties.

Now, a woman, witch or no, can't have her world changed so drasticly and not be affected by it. It was great for her to be so nice for awhile, but soon it even started waring on us. We couldn't stand to see this gal who liked to whip up a spell at a moments notice or throw a pie just to hear a shriek, suddenly like pink fuzzy fun. YUK!! But we knew Miss Tessa needed the peace so we all stuck it out.

NOW the 24 hours are up and GreenLady now knows what happened and she is fit to be tied. I have never seen her so hyped. She is seeking revenge and in a big way. It's a good thing Miss Tessa is such a powerful witch or I would be afraid for her safety." Here Crystal shakes her head. "I know deep down they both love each other, but you can only push a person so far before they are bound to get even. Lately it has been funny, but I don't know about this one. It looks pretty bad. This time I AM scared. When Magick takes off like that, something is going to happen. So it's just safer we remain outside for awhile until this all blows over." Crystal reaches for FreedomStarr1's hand for security. He squeezes her hand in reasurance.
Amidst all the noise and carrying on FreedomStarr1 walks calmly to the exact center of the yard. A kind of peaceful look on his face, his eyes close and he lifts his arms out sideways slightly. All at once the wind ceases,and all that can be heard are the curses and yelling eminating from within the Big Purple House. Then.....All is silent, the yelling stops abrubtly, the flashes of light cease, even the trembling subsides. After a few moments, both Tessa and GreenLady walk through the huge oak front door of the house, hand in hand with bewilderment on their faces. They walk towards FreedomStarr1 who, still in a trance like state, looks pale and some how older. Then, FreedomStarr1 opens his eyes, now filled with tears, and he looks at the two witches standing but a few feet away,a small smile appears on his face.
GreenLady is the first to speak,"Oh my" she says softly,and looks at Tessa, who also has tears in her eyes. Then Miss Tessa looks at GreenLady, "Yes" she whispers. Rowan, who has been standing beside Crystal, looks bewilderd,"What" ...he started to say, Crystal shushed him, "Wait", she whispered. FreedomStarr1 smiled and walked calmly up to the two women, with arms out and hands open the three embraced. A warm and fragrant breeze began and a calmness was felt in the hearts of all present, even Rowan had an idea of what had happened. "Now",Crystal (with moist eyes) spoke softly to Rowan,"did you FEEL that?" Rowan looked from the visage of the 3 people in warm embrace, back to Crystal,"Yes", he said, "I did. Did FreedomStarr1 do that?" he asked. Crystal looked at Rowan and nodded, "Yes, FreedomStarr1 dosen't like violence of anykind, and when he sences it he can only act. What he did was this", Crystal spoke in calm even tones as she explained "FreedomStarr1 reached out with his heart and his mind to both Miss Tessa and GreenLady, entering their thoughts and hearts at once causing them both to see what they were doig to one another, how they were hurting each other and also how they were freightening and hurting the family itself, and lastly, the pain they were BOTH causing FreedomStarr1's sensitive inner self." Rowan listening to Crystal with tears of emotion in his eyes, looked at the three, now walking toward he and Crystal. Miss Tessa, GreenLady, and FreedomStarr1 all smiled and held out their arms, and they all embraced, "Oh FreedomStarr1", whispered Green Lady, "I felt so foolish, I didn't mean for it to get so out of hand." Miss Tessa looked at FreedomStar1, who looked younger again, as though recovering from the effort involved with what he had projected with his heart. "Thank you for letting us see what we where doing to each other." She whispered. "What a wonderful loving family you have indeed", Rowan said. Everyone in the big yard began smiling and clapping. Rowan looked at Starr1 and asked, "Does this happen a lot?" Freedom Starr1 grinned and chuckled, "No,thank the Godddess".

The calm and warmth of the Big Purple House had returned and all was as before, the sweet smelling breeze had returned and even the stars had a warmer twinkle to them as all walked back into the house. Picking up pieces of broken pottery Freedom Starr1 exclaimed grinning,"Whats for supper, Im Starved!" Everyone laughed, even Rowan, who now felt as though he had a special place with this family of Forest Witches.
As everyone heads for the house suddenly bright light, of purple and white appear. Everyone sees, Tiggy scamping to meet the light. Even Miss Tessa is running to greet it. As everyone watches the light changes to a beautiful woman. Blonde hair,with sparkling eyes that flash warmth and friendship.The stranger picks up Tiggy as Miss Tessa runs and shouts SilverGirl! SilverGirl! Your Home! Thank the Goddess your home! Tessa and SilverGirl embrace as if they haven't seen each other in years. Crystal and FreedomStarr1 never saw Miss Tessa and Tiggy so happy. As all watch Magick appears. "Well FreedomStarr1 & Crystal,things will change now. No more excuses will people be able to give for late test, for SilverWillow is back. She protects Miss Tessa and they are the best of friends." Rowan ask"Who is she?" Crystal says "Come my dears, Magick will fill you in." Magick looks at SilverWillow and Miss Tessa, a smile appears on her face. And she begins. "Miss Tessa and SilverWillow met in a strange way. A evil witch named New Moon tried to harm SilverWillow, though Miss Tessa didn't know SilverWillow then, she stuck by SilverWillow and because they are both strong and powerful witches, the two got together and banished the evil NewMoon witch. Peace was once again returned. Afterwards, Miss Tessa named SilverWillow, SilverGirl. No one but her can call SilverWillow that. SilverGirl went away. Some horrible people were hurting animals so she left to stop them. She has been gone for a long time. SilverGirl is Miss Tessa's best friend. She can tell her anything. One day Miss Tessa and SilverGirl will traval and get to see all kinds of sights. But for now it's good she's home. Miss Tessa has been so worried, she hasn't been the same since SilverGirl's been gone, as Crystal can tell you Miss Tessa has been sick. But all that has ended. SilverGirl's return is the best thing for Miss Tessa." All watch as SilverGirl and Miss Tessa come towards the small group. "Merry Meet, I'm SilverWillow, you must be Crystal. I hear you made the new sign. Thank you! It helped me to find my way home. And you must be FreedomStarr1, the one who has made all so green and alive, this place has never looked so well. Magick, my dear witchy ghost. It is so good to see you! I see we have many new members here. I'll get to know them soon, but first I must unpack and get settled in. Merry Part all", and with a wave Silver Girl was gone. "What about me" ask Rowan,why not greet me? Magick giggles, "Because she will talk to you later Rowan, she only spoke to the ones she has heard of. She can see you? Oh my yes!! SilverGirl is like Miss Tessa, She sees all. Oh FreedomStarr1 thank you for bringing peace once again. You know GreenLady and Miss Tessa (giggle)they love to stir the cauldron. But wait my friends. Once SilverGirl settles in, GreenLady will really have fun. SilverGirl can think of things to do better then anyone. Well I'm going to walk around the forest. Crystal can you replace the lavender pillow in my room?" "I would love to, Magick," says Crystal.
As Crystal goes off to make a new pillow for Magick, Miss Tessa goes into her bedroom to relax awhile. This has always been the favorite place of Miss Tessa's, though the gardens are wonderful, the kitchen is homey and the library a favorite too. This is the room where peace is given to Miss Tessa after a long day of gradeing tests and other chores a teacher must do. Today was the most trying of all. Poor Igor, once again being chased by GreenLady. Debbie finally arriveing, Sunny hiding in the cauldron, Adri settling down from her trip, poor Laurie can't find her new broom, Little White Kitten finally finding her way home, poor lamb was so tired after her snack of cream and lobster bits. Barely having the strength to play with her favorite mouse toy. And so many other things still left to do. But for now, Miss Tessa relaxes with a new Titanic book in her lap. Her eyes looking slowly around the room. Soft lilac walls, that took Crystal forever to find a shade of lilac I liked. Old victorian desk, a small dresser and my favorite candles all around, a slow burning fire in the fireplace, making the room just the right tempature. On the night stand (painted a soft white) are several bunches of flowers from Sarah and Nicky. Lyn's darling little girls. Auntie Tessa's newest angels. What wonderful pictures they have given me, thinks Tessa as she looks at the girls newest drawings. From the drawings Tessa looks at the newest family pictures. There is Adri with My Little SunShine Amber, (tessa sofly giggles) a witch in training and barely 4. This one will be such a witch. Already sent a ghost friend to the white light! What a brave girl she was that day. There is Wolfy. As usual watching who comes and goes. I'm surprised Wolfy sat still long enough to have her picure taken, thinks Tessa. As Tessa glances at the family portrait, the favorite of all Crystal has painted, a gust of wind can be felt, candle flames went out. And a shout can be heard from downstair. "MISS TESSA I"M HOME!!!!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU??? WICKED WITCH IS BACK!!!!!"
Tessa offers up a gentle smile with a little twinkle in her eye. Yes, her Wicked Witch was back. What a gal. She always had a way of making Tessa smile. She also could be a handful sometimes, but that was the joy of her, never knowing what was going to happen next.

Tessa also knew that things wouldn't get out of hand with Wicked around. She was a take charge kind of lady. She was fun (in a wicked sort of way) but could be stern when the need arose.

Tessa slips her spider slippers on that Crystal gave her and heads down stairs to greet Wicked. "Wicked my dear, how nice to see you made it."says Tessa. "Oh My Miss Tessa Honey, how have you been? I sure have missed you. And how is that hairless spider Igor doing? Is he still mad at me for taking the hair off his butt for my magick pies?" Wicked giggles. "Oh, you are a wicked witch."Tessa grins. "So, which room is mine? I am bushed. I need a little rest before dinner," replied Wicked.
As Crystal comes in the door from outside Tessa askes her,"Crystal, would you mind showing Wicked to her room? I know there are several. How about the one next to Greenlady. The two of them should get along great. Both like to pick on my poor Igor,"Tessa giggles. "I would love to. Come with me Wicked, you will like the room. You can decorate it yourself. Everyone has free hand, short of punching out walls, to decorate their own. You need anything you just let me know. We have a lot of supplies in the craft shed."

Wicked gives Tessa a hug and follows Crystal up the stairs. On the way up she spies Rowen by the library door. "Who is that interesting young man there?"she whispers to Crystal. "Oh, that's a traveler who Magick brought by. He seemed to be lost in the dark woods." replied Crystal. "My, he is good looking, is he staying long?" asked Wicked with a mysterious glint in her eye. "I am not sure, he hasn't even had dinner yet. We invited him to stay the night. It's too dark to leave now. He said he would love to. We are giving him the room next to Freedom Starr." said Crystal. "Hmmmm," said Wicked. "I might have to look into this tomorrow." "Now, Wicked, he is a guest of Tessa's, so behave yourself. Besides your old enough to be his mother," Crystal laughs. "Maybe he likes older women," Wicked laughs in return. The women continue up the stairs laughing.

Just then Greenlady pops out of her room. "Oh, Greenlady," Crystal says "look who is here. Tessa has given Wicked the room next to yours." "Hello, Wicked. Nice to see ya. What you too laughing about?" she asked. "Wicked was admiring Rowen," Crystal laughs. "Now Wicked I have first dibs. I saw him first." softly scolds Greenlady with a smile. "Oh fine, he's too young for me anyway." Wicked laughs.

Down stairs Tessa can hear the laughter of the women and smiles. Looks like all is going well. Just then Serenity comes in and askes Tessa, "Tessa, do you know where Sunny is? She's suppose to cook dinner tonight. I believe it's Gentlespirits turn to help her, too. Is she still in the library studying?" "I believe Sunny is in her cauldron again in the livingroom. I think I am going to have to have a talk with that girl. I can't seem to get her out of that thing for any length of time. I need to find something for her to do to keep her occupied. I think you are right about Gentlespirit. I believe she's still in the library. She has Elizabeth with her. Maybe the two of them could give Sunny a hand in the kitchen,"answers Tessa. "I'll take a look. Also, do you have any plans for the entertainment tonight around the fireplace? I think it would be nice for a change." says Serenity. "Sounds like a wonderful idea to me. Maybe I will tell the tale of how this house came to be. I think Rowen would like that and I know Wicked will, she always love that story,"smiled Tessa.
Supper turned into a delicious wholesome meal. Rowan hadn't seen so much fun and happiness around one table, let alone so many witches together!! Amber and Elizabeth started talking about what they have learned. Amber being only 3yrs of age, struggles to keep up with Elizabeth, but not to worry, those two have found their own way of dealing with big words and little time!!! "What is this?" Rowen asks Crystal, probing at the food on his plate. "Oh, let's see, Adri added something from africa to the menu tonite... called Mompanie (mompaahny) worms." "What??!!worms??" Adri overheard the question, and while Crystal burst into a giggling fit, Adri tries to explain to Rowan. "Hi there Rowen, I am Adri, I hail from South Africa, and had learned loads of the African ways. Amber over there is my daughter, she is almost three years old. I was sent these Mompanie Worms today, by my gran, and I wanted to share them with everyone. These are worms, but if you did not know, you would think they are pieces of dried fruit. They are very wholesome, and don't worry, you are not the only one who is upset by your food!! Looky over there, the Green one is making them dance on forks!! Oh, and Rowen, my hair, I see you staring. Love, it changes with my moods. This bright orange color is the latest... Only had it for a day. But if you wanne find out where I am, just look for the odd hair color... No-no-no, that won't work... " Adri is walking away talking to herself "no it won't, last time I had green hair cus.. oh yeah, the green one had a tiff with me..." Crystal is still laughing at Rowen staring between his plate and Adri, now walking away. "Rowen, she looks scary, but dont worry, she is good at heart. She writes poems for Tessa and the family, especially when she feels they need them. She is also a student of Tessa's, working very hard." All Rowen could say to that was "OH" and then relaxed a little. "Time to clean up all" was the last thing everyone wanted to hear, suddenly the air was charged with lazyness and full tummies... even the animals refused to move...

With the meal finished, and the kitchen gleaming as usual,all the family gathered together to hear the tale of how the house came to be. Tessa's smiles softly as she looks at all the witches, even Sunny is out of the cauldron for the story with Igor resting in her lap and there is Igora muttering under her breath, but here none the less. On Tessa's shoulder is Mina, the resident pixie, and snuggled on Tessa's lap the Little White Kitten, purring softly as she awaits her favorite story.
Ah, thinks Tessa, there is Lyn, with Nicki & Sarah, the newest members to join.
"Well my dears, how the house came to be is sad in a way, but true. The ending is not to be yet, it has not been written, but I will tell you the story as it is so far.
Once I went by a different name, a name I no longer use, nor like, as it brings back to much pain and bad memories and what it was is not important. I was happy then. Free and into my music with some friends. I would visit my best friend Donnie, we would sing and he would play the drums. Life was good. On one such visit I met a Prince. Dark hair, long and thick, blue eyes like the sea. We started dateing, his name was Robert.
When we were together people would remark on how much in love we were. One day I saw a house on a hill. It looked lonely. All boarded up,gardens overgrown,paint peeling. I admired it from afar for a long time, there were "no trespassing" signs all around so I never went there up close. Though I wanted to.
One day Robert and I were to go out and spend some time with friends,but he never showed up. All the calls I made were useless. He was gone, like he never existed. I had learned later on, after many sleepless nights and many tears, that a evil witch named Faye, and her troll John, banished Robert to a land that no one knows. Though I have tried to locate this place and him, through the help of others,my search still leads to dead ends after several years. For many years I blamed WitchCraft for all that went wrong. For if Faye was evil as she eventually revealed herself to be, why did WitchCraft not show me? I saw others in my life that were not true. Why not her? For several months I blamed WitchCraft. Then I realized one day,some people are so good at hiding their true selves that it takes time to reveal the truth. WitchCraft was blameless. I picked up the Craft again, and started studying other things, too.
Once I gathered my full powers again, I embraced the Craft. I wrote my first spell in years, "Bound By Flame". For I had learned the evil witch Faye had hurt others as she had done me. She thrived on causeing pain. After "Bound By Flame" was cast on her and her little troll, all the pain they had caused others they finally felt. The spell after 3 years still protects those they try to harm,and all the spells Faye tries to cast comes back to harm her.
Though Robert is still out of my life, and Goddess knows when or if he shall return,I remembered the house on the hill. The victorian that looked as lonely as I felt. I started seeing how wonderful this place could be. Took me awhile to buy her. For months I cleaned, had workers fix and repair the house to her natural beauty. One of the first things was to change the old grey paint, to a soft pastel, lilac.
At first the house was meant as a home for me and my pets. Then one day a witch appeared. Yes, Crystal. She had played in the home long before I bought it, when she was just a wee thing. She wanted to see the inside. Well she has been here ever since. Decorateing one room at a time, seeing to all that needs to be done. FreedomStarr taking care of the gardens.
One day Wicked Witch(though she called herself a fluffy bunny name then) came and asked for help. She had seen teachers, offering to teach young and old witches, chargeing much money but not doing as promised. Others were promised spells for 5.00, advice also cost much money. It was then and there the house was turned into a school and family home. Teaching is free, as is advice and spells. All who come to live here are welcome, none is turned away. They don't have to be a witch to be a family member. But all must respect each other, that is the golden rule. What has happened to Robert and why don't I use a spell to bring him to me, you all might be thinking. Simple my dears. I do spells for others but not for me. Just me I guess. But Crystal's painting are a comfort. For she never realized there was always a dark haired man in her paintings. That man looks like Robert. And I always smile. For as long as he appears in the paintings, I know he is there with me, in a way. Maybe someday he will be found. Until then he is in the paintings and always in my heart. And, that my dears is the story of the house and how it came to be".

Everyone clapped and thanked Miss Tessa for telling the story. Most had heard it before but loved to hear it again. Those who hadn't heard it before had tears in their eyes at Miss Tessa's lose. Everyone spoke of their favorite parts in the story.
Soon everyone was stretching and saying how it was time to hit the books. They all wanted to get their tests done as soon as possible so they could play. As everyone started walking away headed for their individual rooms Crystal approched Rowen. "Come Rowen, let me give you a tour of the different rooms. Everyone is so creative, I just have to show them to you." "That sounds wonderful. I would love to see them." Rowen says.
Crystal and Rowen head up the stairs. "Here is Blackwolf's room. We have to becareful, she has two Rottwielers. I am not sure how friendly they are with strangers, so you will have to wait until Blackwolf introduces you to them before we approch them. But what do you think of her room?" Crystal askes. "My word. She does like wolves. She has a very pretty room. I can tell from looking at her room that she likes wolves, fairies, loves her Craft and has lived in Montana." "Very observant of you. Your right on all accounts. Most of the people here have their rooms decorated to their particular likes. They are as close to their rooms at home as they could get without moving the whole thing here." smiles Crystal. "Well, lets go on to the other rooms." Crystal takes Rowen to the rest of the rooms. Next was Greenlady's room. Crystal starts to chuckle, "You see those cute bunnie slippers? I couldn't resist making those for Greenlady. When Miss Tessa put a spell on her so she would like wearing bunny slippers and Donnie Osmond posters, I gave her those. She still has them." "They are so cute. It's hard to believe that stern young lady would like such a thing." said Rowen. "She is only stern to strangers. She does like to act tough some times. We all love her just the same." replied Crystal.
They closed the door and continued on down the hall to Serenity's room. "Very nice" exclaimed Rowen. "Isn't it though? I like the dolphin lamp on the table by the chair. I am partial to dolphins."said Crystal. "She seems like wolves and indian things, too." admired Rowen. "Most of the women here, do." remarked Crystal. "Let's see, next we have Silverwing's room.
"Wow, look at all the sparkly stars on her wall. How beautiful. I see she even has a balcony." "Yes,"said Crystal,"hers was a special request. Not too many here so, since she asked first, she was allowed a room with one. There are only four on the second floor." "Very nice. I see she likes the victorian look. Is that her cat?" asked Rowen. "No, I believe that is one of Miss Tessa's. There are so many cats in this house it's hard to keep track of who's is who's." laughed Crystal. "Come on, we only have two more rooms to see tonight and I will show you the rest tomorrow. This next room is Sunny's room." As Crystal opens up the room she screches and quickly shuts the door again,"Sunny, get out of that cauldron and put some clothes on, I wanted to show Rowen your room." "Oh, alright. But hurry up, I have some tests to do and I do my best thinking in the cauldron." replies Sunny. "Ok, you can come in now." Sunny yells. Rowen's face is a little red at what he could have seen. Crystal tells him it's ok to come in now, she's dressed. But still he hesitates. "Can I come back later, I really don't wish to disturb her." "You better see her room now, while she is dressed, it's hard to catch her out of that thing. She drags it all over the house. She was in the family room earlier. You just missed her when you were talking with Freedom Starr. So come look in quick and we will rush on to Lyn's room next." "Boy, she sure does like yellow." says Rowen. "It kind of goes along with her sunny disposition. Hense the name 'Sunny'." explains Crystal. "Ok, Sunny, we are leaving now. You can get back into your cauldron. Thank you for letting us peek in." "Oh, your more than welcome. See you later Rowen." "Bye Sunny" "No, it's Merry Part, silly, never good bye." giggled Sunny. "Oh yes, Merry Part then." Rowen smiles. "Alright, here is our last one for the night. This is Lyn's room." "Now this is my kind of room" says Rowen. "I love the woods. I see she even has a hammock. How unique. A very lovely room." "Yes, I do like the feel in here. It always seems so cool. That mural on the wall there makes you feel like you could walk right over to that little creek there and taste it's cool water. As you can see this waterfall over here is a real waterfall. I helped her design it so it would have real water coming from it. She wanted a waterfall fountain by her bed, so we came up with this. It adds the feeling of coming from the woods." remarked Crystal. "Well, that's all the rooms for the night. I will make arrangements with the others to see their rooms tomorrow. In the mean time I guess I better get to my tests. Feel free to wonder around the house. There is always someone to talk to. I believe that Tessa is still in the family room if you would like to visit with her. See you later then. Have a good evening." Crystal turns and heads down the hall to her room.

After Miss Tessa got finished with her story on how she came to buy the Purple house, SilverWings had wondered off to her room to polish her beautiful shiny broom. Silently, thinking to herself, 'I think I will set off on this beautiful shiny broom and see what mischief I can get into'. After looking in everyones pocket for Igor, Tessa's pet spider, SilverWings finally finds him hiding, in of all places, Greenladys room. "Dang Igor!! Do you have a death wish??? You know the Green one doesn't like it when you take sneaky peaks at her in the shower!! Come on, hop on and buckle your bristle belt!! Were going for a ride". Out through her beautiful balcony doors, SilverWings SSWWOOOOPPSS out into the sun sunny day. Oh looky Igor, there goes a nekkid Sunny!! Who's that runny away with her cauldron?? Hey, a bunch of the witches got together under that willow tree to finish up there tests. Were gonna take a swing around the enchanted forest to see if we can find any faries". By the time they get there it's dark. Hey Igor, I dont know about checking this place out at night time. "Why" Igor asks?? "Because, with my night vision I see dead people", Silverwings laughs. What hair Igor has left is now standing up on end!! They decided to head back to the purple house. In her room, Silverwings says, "Come on Igor, I know you got some choclate pudding stashed out here some where, your wife,Igora, told me so. We'll stuff these here pudding guns and have a blast!!!" Back through the open window they swooped, down over a nekkid Sunny SSQQUUIIRRTT!!!! SSPPUUDDDDEERR!!!! SSPPUUDDDDEERR!!!!! hehehehe, they laughed. "Looky, you can only see the whites of her eyes now!!!!!" Next, "ooooohhhhhhh!!!!!!! A little white kitty!!! MMMWWWWAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAHHHHHHAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SSQQUUIIRRTT!!!!! SSPPUUDDDDEERR!!! SSPPUUDDDDEERR!!!!!!!!! HEHEHEHE!!! A little choclate kitty. Hey, there goes Aunty Crystal SQUIRT!!! Not to much now, Igor. "Where are the marashino cherries?? Here we go, get ready Igor!! Top Aunty Crystals new "do" with that cherry, hehe. WHOA!!! guess we've been found out, all the witches are running around, looking for a hiding place". Quick back through the balcony doors. SSWWOOSSHH!!! SilverWIngs puts her beautiful shiny broom away and cleans up the pudding guns and Igor runs to hide them. SilverWIngs settles down in her comfy chair and opens her book, while Igor settles down in his nice silky soft spidie web.

With all the screeching coming from out doors Wicked decides to make an apperance. "Boy" she says "I must have been tired. I wonder if I have missed dinner? And what is all that racket. If I didn't know better I would say somebody got on Igora's bad side, that or stepped on poor Adri's spider Tarra. That spider can sure make Igora sound like tinkling bells. I don't think I have ever heard a spider screech so much." Wicked makes her way down stairs mumbling to herself. She see's Miss Tessa coming from the family room. "Hello Wicked, I see you have decided to rejoin the living. How are you feeling? Rested?" "Hello", Wicked says blurry eyed. "I am feeling better. I was really tired. That Igora is quite a handful. Do you think Crystal would take her back? I haven't had a good nights rest since she came to live with me. All she does is screech for this and screech for that. I was wondering why her and Igor weren't living together any more, now I know. Say, did I miss dinner? And what is all that screaming going on outside?" Miss Tessa giggles,"Well, lets see, the screaming is from Silverwings swooping down and squirting pudding on everyone with her pudding guns, dinner is over, but I am sure you will find something left over in the frig. You also missed my story of the house." "Oh no, and I just love that story. Rats! Will you be telling it again someday? I hope so. Maybe next time I won't miss it." "Well, it won't be for awhile, but several of the sister witches haven't arrived yet, so we will see. I may have to for them. Don't worry, you will get to hear it. As for Crystal taking back Igora, I doubt it. She has been sleeping pretty good since she gave her to you. I am afraid you will just have to work out an arrangement with Igora. I am sure you two will work something out." says Miss Tessa. "Why don't you go get something to eat. I have some test papers to grade, so I will be in my room if you need me." she continues. "Ok, thanks Miss Tessa. By the way, have you seen Crystal? I need to talk to her about redoing my room. It's so, so, cheery...yuck. I have got to tone it down some. You know me, gargoyles and black. Puts me in good humor. Helps me to think. All that sunshine and trees makes me sick." Tessa laughs,"She's one of those screaming outside. Silverwings not only bathed her in chocolate pudding, but Igor went and put a cherry on her head. Now she's looking for him to take back her butt cover she made for him." "Well that sneaky spider. So that is why he hasn't been afraid of me pulling his hair out for my magic pies. I knew something was up when he kept wiggling his bottom at me saying 'Come get me'. Crystal must have made him an angora butt cover. Angora is so hairy I wouldn't have noticed. You wait till I see that spider." Wicked's eyes have an evil twinkle in them. "Now, now wicked. Don't be to harsh. You did pluck him pretty bald last time. Give him a chance to grow some back before you two go at it again. Now, go eat. If I see Crystal I will tell her you are looking for her. I am off now, to my room. I will talk to you later." Tessa smiles and goes off to her room while Wicked heads for the kitchen for a bite to eat.

FOREST WITHCES
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