[center][h1]๑  JɄ₦ł₱ɆⱤ ๑
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 ๑ Chapter 1 - Welcome to Corinthia ๑
Friday 6th February
6:15am
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The train of Juniper’s vintage black dress splayed behind her, gathering at her bare feet as she descended the pronounced staircase of her home. She suddenly felt hyperaware of her surroundings, realising as those dark green orbs drifted over the hallway, that soon fresh eyes would be taking in these original fixtures and fittings. Granted, her predecessors had modernised the manor, restoring the run-down beams and worn floorboards. Her mother, with her unwavering obsession with order, had redecorated en masse with style. No room had been safe from Sorrell’s painfully tasteful touches. Lashings of paint, thoughtfully placed one-off furnishings and a scattering of many houseplants had transformed this gothic manor into a home that greeted with arms wide open. It was the kind of interior design that forced your jaw to drop, so juxtaposed to the manor’s dark and looming exterior. Of course, the home belonging to a long line of Earth Witches would be full of various plants ranging from tropical to domestic, housed in an array of handmade pots. Everywhere you looked, lush foliage stared back. The pops of green with textured leaves against the dark walls was refined in a way that only Sorrell would be able to execute. 

[quote][i]“Gothic doesn’t have to mean cold, Junie”[/i] her mother had said, paint roller in hand dripping green paint splatters at her naked feet. She’d thrown herself into this home, letting the ongoing project absorb her completely at times. After all, the Hawthornes spent so much time at home hiding from the human world that the least they could do was be amongst beauty whilst locked away, right?[/quote]

Now, years later, June stood in the hallway beneath the chandelier ready to welcome the new Covenhood into her mother’s passion project. This time, she would be the one at the front door, brandishing the manor proudly. Ironic that Sorrell was not here herself to apologise for the (non-existent) mess and laugh melodically whilst graciously accepting compliments on her choice of artwork. It was down to Juniper to fill that role now… Aislinn cawed softly at June’s ear, shifting her claws that were fastened on her right-hand shoulder. 

[quote] [i][color=39b54a]“Corinthia is your home now, Juniper”[/color][/i] Aislinn corrected with a tone that felt firm and encouraging. The raven often interjected when she felt her Master’s inner monologue drift off the beaten track. She was ever the voice of reason. Her words were chosen carefully, knowing the secret recipe to put June at ease.[/quote]

Bare feet padding across the floorboards, Juniper gripped the grand brass knob and hesitated for a beat. Her skin prickled. The hairs on her arms stood rigidly, crackling with the presence of fellow Witches. Her body knew, regardless of the knock that had reverberated through the hallway just moments ago, that she was in the presence of great power. On the other side of Corinthia’s door gathered quite the amalgamation of Magic, June could sense it. It had been so long since she’d been in the company of the Charmed. This visceral response to her fellow Witches had been dormant whilst inhabiting Corinthia on her own. She revelled in the sensation, flexing her grip on the doorknob before clicking the lock open. The grand front door swung open, revealing the faces of 6 strangers scattered across the Corinthia steps. 

Juniper and Aislinn looked back at them all, a genuine bright smile flashing across her face. Her raven cawed loudly, beak snapping in greeting. The birds tail twitched excitedly and June made brief eye contact with each and every one of the new arrivals. Luggage gripped in hands, rucksacks on their backs, pairs of eyes staring back at her expectantly, she nodded in greeting.

[quote][color=6ecff6][i]"Hello. I'm Gregori. You've been expecting me?”[/i][/color] the caramel-complexioned, dark haired man at the front of the group spoke first. Thick, doe-like lashes framed his auburn eyes that fixed her with a curious gaze.[/quote]

His voice was soft, calm. June inclined her head in a subtle bow. 

[quote][color=8dc73f] “[i]Indeed[/i],”[/color] she affirmed, Aislinn’s head flicking side to side as her pinprick black eyes flitted from one Witch to another. [i][color=8dc73f]“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gregori. A pleasure to meet all of you, in fact.”[/color][/i][/quote]

Another voice chimed in from just behind Gregori, her dark eyes holding a steady gaze. She had a quiet confidence about her that made June smile. 

[quote][color=662d91][i]“I take it I’ve come to the right address? I’m Robin Lee, though I prefer to go by ‘Wren.’”[/i][/color][/quote]

Aislinn chirped in approval, one beady eye glinting at Wren.

[quote][color=39b54a][i]“Ha! A Raven and a Wren… I like her. Her energy is… Anchoring. She harbours great power, I can sense it. Connected…” [/i][/color] Aislinn’s voice spoke in Juniper’s mind crisp and clear, that Familiar/Master soul tie connecting the two of them mentally.[/quote]

Some morning joggers chattered, their voices breathy, as they ran past the Corinthia manor. Consumed with conversation, the pedestrians didn’t so much as glance in the direction of the large group forming. There was nothing necessarily unusual about the scene unfolding, save for the Raven and pet ferret whose nose sniffed curiously from between its cage grates, but the traditionalist witch narrative begged for them to hurry indoors. June mentally brushed this self awareness aside, dismissing the second-hand anxiety that told her to usher everyone in before they attracted attention. The familiar scent of Nag Champa burning in the hallway drifted out the open door, filling the entryway. The Witch looked over Gregori’s shoulder at the others that waited patiently behind him. With an elegant flourish of her hand, Juniper gestured for her new Covenhood to make their way inside. She stepped aside, allowing enough room for their entrance, luggage in tow. 

A thick, unashamed Irish jilt rung out from the small crowd. The accent had innate charm, commanding the airwaves effortlessly with its unique tones.

[quote] [color=0054a6]”[i]Oi oi, how much a place like this cost?[/i]”[/color] Noah whistled to herself as the door opened wider. Her head angled to look past Gregori’s shoulders at the grand hallway that was hidden the other side of the threshold. [color=0054a6]”[i]Feckin’ half expected cobwebs an’ cockroaches on the walls. Proper cabin in the middle o’feckin’ nowhere, like… Movin’ on up in the world! Dibs on the basement. Perfect place for night terrors - Just fuckin’ wi’ya. So. When do we start burnin’ shit down?”[/i][/color][/quote]

She had spirit. “Spunky” is how Grandma Hawthorne would’ve described her. Juniper responded with a graciously warm smile, dimples pinching her cheeks. 

[quote] [i][color=8dc73f]“Manor’s been in the Hawthorne family for generations… Mortgage was paid off years ago. Place is worth a fortune now but… It can’t ever leave Hawthorne hands,”[/color][/i] June addressed the Irish Witch, the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. [i][color=8dc73f]“Basement’s got a weird energy,”[/color][/i] she continued, remembering the shift in atmosphere and cool air that kissed her cheeks every time she ventured down the creaky basement stairwell. [i][color=8dc73f]“I’m pretty certain Hawthorne Witches past still linger there… But I’ll leave it to you to ask them to leave. Don’t burn anything just yet, okay? At least get unpacked first.”[/color][/i] She smirked warmly, tilting her head affectionately at the Witch. [/quote]

Shoes shuffled as the Witches made their way inside Corinthia, coats rustling as they moved past the front door. Aislinn chirped approvingly as the pair of them watched their new housemates trickle into the hallway. Flashes of brightly coloured hair, ripped jeans and a buzz of Magic followed in the groups wake. The Corinthia Manor seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as warm bodies filled its interior. The house had been lonely and the new arrivals were a welcome splash of colour to the blank canvas. 

[quote] [color=92278f][i]“I’m really hoping this isn’t a terrible idea…”[/i][/color] the youngest of the Witches spoke quietly, almost to himself. His head was dipped, shoulders rolled inward, purple locks falling in front of his lowered eyes. He took a few hesitant steps into Corinthia and June could taste his apprehension on her tongue. [i][color=92278f]“Hi… um… I’m Soren… I hope I’m not too early… Or too late…”[/color][/i][/quote]

The young man’s voice was laced with nerves, each word creeping from his lips like it wasn’t quite sure of where to tread. Juniper automatically rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her palm aglow with warmth. Her eyes softened, soothing him with an encouraging nod. 

[quote] [i][color=8dc73f]“You’re right on time, Soren…”[/color][/i] Juniper said, her voice soft and euphonious. [i][color=8dc73f]“…And the bravery of a new adventure is never a bad idea.”[/color][/i][/quote]

She spoke with a certainty that was matter of fact. Aislinn emphasised her Master’s encouragement with a peppy caw of approval. Then, her eyes flicked to the next arrivals, a pair. The two of them walked together with a practiced synergy, falling into step with one another effortlessly. The woman was observing the Manor with a bright, curious stare. Shoulders broad, chin slightly raised, she had a commanding presence that lead her more introverted counterpart in a somewhat unspoken way. Together? Their Magika was palpable. June smoothed her expression as she felt her skin hum like the conductor of a powerful current. Being in their presence was like stepping into static. Not wishing to make the pair of them feel self conscious, she shared a bright smile with them both. 

[quote] [i][color=ed1c24]“McKinley, two spare rooms.”[/color][/i] It was the girl who spoke first, of course. She lifted the cage gripped in her right hand and a ferret squeaked in greeting.[/quote]

Aislinn’s feathers instantly ruffled and she gave her wings a quick flap. Juniper felt her raven spiritually horripilate as she tried to assess whether this creature were a fellow Familiar or not. June summoned her Charm, calling to it like an obedient hound. Instantly, her Magika pulsed in response and she subtly flicked a finger in the ferret’s direction. She suddenly sensed the caged animals determination to be released from the carrier, she heard the excitable squeaks of an animal keen to explore… But no inner voice shared with a Master. The endearing ferret was just that. A pet. 

Now that all the Witches had filed inside, Juniper closed the front door with a satisfying click. She spun on her bare heels, sidestepping past the group as they fleshed out the entryway. Nag Champa smokiness plumed from the burning incense sticks dotted around the house and the enchanted Kitchen whistled in readiness. Juniper had called upon a simple animation spell for a large pot of coffee and fresh tea with loose leaves to be ready for the Covenhood’s arrival. The old fashioned copper kettle had filled itself with water and sat atop the flickering stove. The coffee pot had burst to life, brewing the granules and releasing a rich, vanilla accented aroma. The high-pitched whistle that cracked through the air was a call to arms for June. She breezed past them, shoulders brushing and dress billowing, entering the kitchen with a sense of purpose about her.

The infectious smell of freshly brewed coffee, English Breakfast tea leaves and freshly baked buttery croissants filled the open-plan room. It was perfect for hosting; A large island in the centre with a few wooden bar stools nested beneath the countertop. Then, a dining table permanently laid for guests and always hosting a large vase of fresh flowers. This bunch was picked by Juniper the day before; An impressive arrangement of roses, gypsophelia and eucalyptus. Fresh flowers brought a unique natural elegance to a room and Juniper simply adored curating arrangements from the well-groomed Corinthia gardens. As the Witch buzzed around the marble-topped island, revelling in the pleasure of hosting, she laid out an assortment of hand-pottered mugs for her guests. Stacking some antique side plates, she peered around the doorway at the new arrivals.

[quote] [i][color=8dc73f]“Aislinn will show you to the vacant rooms available!”[/color][/i] she called breezily, voice tinkering with excitement. [i][color=8dc73f]“You’re welcome to pick whichever rooms you like, of course. I’ll let you set your things down and then if you’d like to join me here in the kitchen, there’s tea, coffee and fresh pastries ready for you.”[/color][/i][/quote]

Aislinn’s wings fluttered as she broke into flight. Feathers rustling enthusiastically, the raven circled overhead. She flew in a couple of quick circles above the group of Witches and cawed twice and glided up the staircase to the first floor, disappearing from Juniper’s view. As she heard the sound of steps thudding up the staircase, a strange spiritual energy vibrated through the air. It was unfamiliar, unknown. Another stranger. Not a Hedge Witch by any stretch, simply an expert in the atmosphere of Corinthia, Juniper could feel a presence in the air of the manor that felt alien. It made the hairs at the nape of her neck raise, a chill skittered down her spine. She froze, hand hovering above the cutlery drawer as if she were being watched. Hesitant, June listened and watched for a sign. This was a spiritual presence that she had not come across before. Someone had entered Corinthia Manor with the 6 Witches who now busied themselves upstairs. Someone who wouldn’t be needing a room of residence. 

Shelving the unusual feeling that dissipated as quickly as it appeared, a proud smile spread across her face as June prepped the welcome treats. One large hot oven tray of cooling, crispy croissants. A steaming pot of good coffee and loose tea leaves that crackled as they swam in boiling water… The Corinthia Coven felt more like home in that moment than it had in months on end. Bedrooms full of strangers, foreign clothes hanging in wardrobes, someone else’s trinkets being laid out at dressing tables… This Manor was full of fresh starts and the Earth Witch that had summoned them all positively brimmed with that novel feeling. She couldn’t wait to place warm mugs in the hands of her guests and make their introductions. It felt like the beginning of something. Something even more magical than the Magika that coursed through all of their veins. 

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