Jennie Rivers was an artist. She could create magic with paint - any kind of paint, the conventional mediums as well as spray paint. Jennie was also a witch. It was a secret she kept to herself. As she came from a mostly non-witch family, this was second nature to her. Her magic had bloomed in her early teen years with very little fanfare. She was no elemental witch. She couldn't even ride a broom - you needed air magic for that. So there wasn't much magic for her to hide. She was a kitchen witch, a witch who uses herbs to add various effects to their meals, with a minor talent for conjuring apples. Her college dorm-mates just assumed she was a skilled cook- and failed to notice the magically appearing apples.
The hiding came to an abrupt end one day while she was sending an email to her professor, asking a question about their latest project. Suddenly her screen flickered and she was in a chat room.....odd.
Mae: Welcome to Witch's Chat!
Jennie: Witch's chat? How'd I get here? And how'd you know I'm a witch?
Mae: ^^ Easy. I coded a spell to find witches and draw them into chat. A good way to connect, dont you think?
Jennie: Hang on a sec. Code? What're you talking about?
Mae: I'm a spellcoder ^^. I combine magic with some computer code. It really makes online shopping so much easier. I'm also a bit of an earth witch.
Jennie: I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but why are you searching out other witches?
Mae: Networking. There's so many witches out there who have no access to a witching community. My goal is to reach out to those witches and let them know there's places to go where they'd be welcome if they so chose. How about you?
Jennie: I've never been part of a witching community. I didn't know they existed. My great aunt taught me what little magic i have, but I've never met another witch.
Mae: Well honey, you know one now! ^^ Where are you currently?
Jennie: University. I graduate in two days.
Mae: Any plans after? You could always relocate here to Neverglade. What degree are you earning,if I may ask?
Jennie: Fine Arts. I've been planning to become an Art Appraiser.
Mae: Really? Well we could always use one here! So many witches create pretty things. And who better to determine their value than a witch? Would you consider it? Moving here?
Jennie: I could...but most of my savings went to Uni. I wouldnt be able to afford a place.
Mae: Hm... I'm sure a few people around here have a place they could rent out to you. I could check. So you'll consider it if I can find you a place? You'll be welcome here.
Jennie: Um... sure. Ok, why not?
Mae: Great! I'll let you know. Blessed be.
)O(
Jennie graduated her class with high honors. She also received a job offer for an art appraiser in Neverglade. Apparently the "witching community" really wanted her. The written offer also came with a set of keys and a note from Mae. Apparently she had found a home for her after all. Not one to turn down a job or the offer for a roof over her head, Jennie took the offer and hopped on a bus with her small suitcase full of belongings to Neverglade.
It was a modest little house. It even had two bedrooms. Well, she could always turn one into a small studio. She didnt have much money for furniture but she had enough to get by for a while. With hope, she would be able to afford more soon.
After settling in, Jennie received a text from Mae to meet her at the community gardens. After spending around an hour biking around the town, Jennie found the gardens. She was surprised she'd missed it. The garden was lovely, and filled with every plant a kitchen witch could ever need. It was a dream.
Mae spotted her as she walked out of the arboretum and waved her over. "Hi! You must be Jennie. Welcome to Witch Central!" The pair spent hours talking about plants and herbs. Jennie couldn't help but smile as she left with a basket full of fresh produce and herbs. Witch Central was already feeling like home.
