126 Older than dirt

Hattie found her way to the main house only to realize that Erin was no longer there. She then proceeded to walk up the stairs and knocked gently on her bedroom door, "Erin?" she called out softly.

Hattie waited for a moment to see if the girl would respond. After waiting a couple of seconds she turned around to head back down stairs. Her guess was wrong, oh well. She couldn't be right all the time she chuckled to herself.

As Hattie took a step down, Erin's bedroom door creaked open. Erin peaked out the door and called out to Hattie. "Sorry, I was just resting my eyes. I thought for a moment your knock and voice were just a dream. Took me a minute to realize that it might not be. Sorry again."

"No dreams. I am here in the flesh."

"Dinah found you?" Erin asked opening the door inviting the hag into the room.

Hattie nodded to Erin's question and surveyed the room noting the crumpled covers on the bed. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Yeah," Erin spoke hesitantly.

"Are you sure? That didn't sound very convincing." Hattie asked as she sat on the edge of the bed. She then patted the mattress next to her, "have a seat." the woman offered.

Erin looked at the older woman and let her shoulders droop. "I fee terrible for the way I treated Elizabet. It's been haunting me. Eating away at me and it hasn't even been that long since she told me! What kind of person am I?"

"It's okay, do not beat yourself up. She kind of wanted you to to paint her as the villian. Her way of saving the coven as a whole. Again, do not be too angry with yourself. You know in a way, her story makes me the saddest. They are all nearly terrible histories filled with trials and tribulations. Not to mention overwhelming sadness and loss. But, to feel love and to only realize it is not real. Although part of me wondered if the Wendigo did feel something." Hattie said to herself as much as she spoke to Erin.

Erin nodded and then shook her head, "you think that vile creature loved Elizabet as well?"

"I don't know if it was love or not, only it could say. But the way it was so angry with Elizabet, it felt something towards her that I am sure. Anyways, are you prepared for your ceremony tomorrow?"

Erin nodded, "yes, i'm glad you told me to chat with all the women. I guess I know what I am getting myself into and the protection the coven can provide. Seeing as how I too am a mythological creature of some sort!"

Hattie snorted and laughed at the same time. Elizabet must have let it slip out. "Yes, of a sort."

Erin furrowed her brows, again disappointed by the secrecy of it. It was her life after all that they were talking about. If anyone had a right to know it was her! "What the hell?!"

Hattie turned and patted her lightly not her shoulder. "I have my suspicions, but I am not sure."

"Come on! Fine. Whatever. Fine." Erin grumbled dissatisfied with the answer. "I still have one more history to learn about until I know everyones."

Hattie smiled. "I'll go make us some tea."

Erin squinted her eyes and wore a half cocked smile. "Can't you just snap it into existence."

"I could, but all magic comes with a price. And besides, I really enjoy the mindfulness of making a cup of tea. Shall we?" Hattie stood up. "You can learn all about Hattie the hag over a cup of tea, and maybe they made some scones or other treats too." Hattie stood up from the bed and headed out the of the room to begin her descent down the stairs. She paused at the first step and only continued when she heard the mattress creak and soft padded footsteps follow behind her.

Hattie made her way into the kitchen to see fresh fruit and a plate of scones sitting on the dining room table. She ushered Erin to take a seat at the table, "Is it all right if we speak here or would you prefer to talk someplace else?"

"Here's fine." Erin said gripping the chair ready to sit down. "Do you need any help?"

"No, no. I can manage take a seat and I'll be along shortly."

Erin nodded and watched Hattie disappear into the kitchen. Minutes later she heard the tea kettle whistling. She could see and hear the hot water being poured into the tea pot and set on the tray.

Hattie emerged from the kitchen with the tea tray. "I suppose I have stalled long enough." She gave a smile and a wink to the the seat girl to indicate she was joking. "Ready?"

Erin nodded, "are you?"

"You know, my history is long! I am older than dirt!" Hattie joked. "My story begins in what is know know as the British isles. I was born in a lowland swamp long before the common era. Born in a time when stone henge was erected and in fact there where versions of stone circles located all through the land our places of worship."