#hm?

Part 1

"We're not going to find him Mikey"

"Shut the fuck up. We are"

"It's nightfall. You know he doesn't work during the night- ah fuck"

"Jack. We are going to find him"

Both of the men are panting and grunting at each other. Robby is pretty much holding Jack up through the rough terrain. The storm not helping at all, making their search for the 'witch' all that harder.

Dennis earlier knew there would be a storm tonight and put out extra protections, double-checked the coups and his roofing. He also put a wooden bucket out in his meadow to collect the storm water that sits perfectly under moonlight.

He had a rose and chamomile tea before bed, chewed on some cloves, and sparked a lavender incense by a crack in his bedroom window before setting off to sleep.

It's deep into the night, he awakes feeling a presence nearby.

As he gets up, putting a gown on and stretching, his leg protests a little. There's an ache where there wasn't one before.

He hums while lighting candles around the cabin. Also, setting up his stove area for the tea.

Putting the crushed green leaves in, debating on adding turmeric and ginger. Or maybe even some passionflower.

He adds in all, perfectly, so the herbs balance with each other. Giving it a stir three times clockwise, he leaves it the brew while grabbing two mugs, hesitating a little before getting another out. Not one mug matching the other.

When he opens his door to the porch, he lets the air flow through him and into the cabin. It's fresh and cold. Making his lungs feel anew.

As the winds flow into the cabin, not one candle blows out.

He alights the oil burner that hangs next to his front door before sitting on the steps that lead up to his porch. He is covered from the rain but feels the spray of it nonetheless.

He smiles at the fireflies that have braced the storm to come say hello as he waits.

It's not too long before there's two figures at the edge of the wood where the density of the woodland starts to thicken.

Dennis squints, checking if its not a couple of them, but he feels no fear, just a little apprehension from them.

As they get closer, Dennis studies them.

The taller one has a rifle over his shoulder, a thick jacket and matching thick cargos with attached holsters holding all kinds. He is holding up the shorter man, which Dennis can't see any weapons on him in the quick once-over he does but can feel that the man is well trained and protected.

He is also limping so badly, the taller one is pretty much dragging him.

They are mumbling to each other, voices not picking up over the storm until they are close enough.

"See, I told you."

"Fuck off"

Dennis stands, giving them each small smile, before glancing over the shorter ones leg.

"We need your help.

Please"

It's strained but desperate. Like the men don't like asking for help but are in a situation where they don't have another choice.

He makes eye contact with them both before nodding his head to a wooden storage box in front of his porch.

"I'm not sure if you have heard, but there's no weapons here.

It'll be great if you could place them in there please"

His voice is soft, sweet even. Both Robby and Abbot get hit with a warmth that almost feels nostalgic, the voice ringing in their ears like little bells.

When the words settle in, Jack freezes. He knew of the rumours but doesn't want to get rid of his weapons.

"Mikey.." his voice gruff, looking over the beautiful creature in front of him, unsure if he wants to truly disarm himself.

He makes deep eye contact with the 'man' on the porch steps, blue as deep oceans, they look as if they are sparkling. Abbot shakes his head. It's probably just the reflection from the fireflies that circle him.

"Come on. We need to get your leg looked out. He is our only choice. It's also nighttime. We don't really have another option"

Robby is now staring deeply into Jack's eye, almost pleading with him, its as if they are having a conversation with just their eyes.

Abbot huffs and nods once. He lets Robby lean him against the bannister of the porch stairs while Robby takes off his weapons and places them in the box. When he is finished, he stands in front of Abbot, holding a hand out.

"Come on"

Jack looks at Robby before turning his head to look at the 'witch' again,

"I do really want to help, but please. No weapons. Especially in my home" Dennis says while gesturing behind him.

As much as Dennis can see these men don't want to be away from their own protections, he can tell they are strong. They are bigger than him, and they have the advantage in numbers.

His gut is telling him to trust these men (something deeper in his soul, is also reaching towards them)

But his rules are rules. His safety comes first.

It's three minutes of Abbot taking off secret weapons he had on his body and passing to Robby to place in the box before the two of them turn to the steps and make their way up.

Dennis has come around to Jacks other side to help him up, "Im Dennis, I'm going to take you in and place you on the workstation to get a better look at your leg. I can't lie to you, it looks uncomfortable, but I assure you it's soft."

"Abbot. Jack Abbot" he grunts out while feeling a little relief from the help on both sides,

"I'm Micheal Robinavitch, people call me Robby".

Dennis gives them both a small smile "Hello, Abbot, Robby. I hope I can help you in no time"

mephone bore

-

where. is. louisa.