#(also hello i am so sorry this is shorter agdgdgd i promise nettie is thrilled!!!)

[hearthtales]

At first, nothing happened.

Nettie couldn’t help fidgeting. She shifted on the floor to sit cross-legged, her back leaned against the wall. She held her breath as she focused on the mirror’s surface, waiting for something to change. Her reflection looked both eager and uncertain. Hints of sorrow remained — a faint blotchiness to her freckled cheeks, blue eyes still a bit watery.

At last, her reflection rippled and disappeared, and someone else appeared instead. Someone with hair as black as night, sparkling green eyes, and a bright smile to chase away the dark. Though her cheery greeting didn’t include her name, Nettie instantly knew this must be Samhain’s kitty friend.

She exhaled a breath of wonder. Jittery excitement rushed through her and sent her sadness scurrying away. She listened, starry-eyed, as Nightshade spoke; and when Nightshade guessed her name correctly, the child’s face lit up with delight.

A touch of starstruck shyness stole into her smile and tinted her cheeks pink. When the time came to reply, she nodded, fumbling to remember the reason she’d called in the first place. “Sam, um— he said I could use this for not-emergencies, too, and he told me about you, and I wanted to talk to you. I’ve, um…” Her voice grew quieter, hushed with awe. “I’ve never met someone who can turn into a kitty before.”

“Close your eyes… and listen very closely..”

A little embarrassed that he had failed, and in front of Liore at that, Sam was determined to try again and get actual results. He closed his eyes, acutely aware of Liore's hand on his - her voice slipping into his ears and settling down into his chest, into the pits of his stomach. Her words fell over the aching like a salve, numbing it almost. And just as the gnawing was about to fight back one last time, the dream rippled.

He took a deep breath and let out a huge sigh of relief. His heart returned to normal, no longer panicked by unseen shadows or voices. His head felt lighter and he felt calmer for it. Sam finally felt at peace.

He opened his eyes to Liore, staring back at him with anticipation with eyes glittering in the morning light. Yes, those were the eyes he remembered. “Well?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “What did it say..?”

Sam smiled warmly as he answered "..It said 'welcome home'."

—

Throughout the night, Nightshade hoped and prayed that nothing too serious befell her mentor and friend. She was still in perfect health, which was a good sign in itself. But now the clock was ticking and she rushed to get the dream draughts done without jeopardizing their quality. She was in a hurry but knew how important it was to stay meticulous, when even the slightest detail could mean disaster for the user of the charm or potion. And if these were meant for Samhain, she'd make sure to take extra care in their creation.

By the time the draughts were done - little sachets of concentrated, floral and magickal concoction charmed and secured with tie-strings laced with unicorn hair - it was nearly dawn. Nightshade practically collapsed into the mess of blankets and cushions of their den to catch up on a few hours of sleep. She knew she'd feel better tackling the day refreshed and energized, but still couldn't help worrying over Samhain. Her last thought before dozing off was that she hoped he was okay.

Time passed and her dream of eating blueberry and maple syrup-covered pancakes were interrupted by a loud humming. The humming droned on and on before Nightshade realized it was the large scrying mirror hanging on the wall of their den, where they received general calls and invocations.

Nightshade forced herself out of the cozy nest, scurrying off to the nearest sink to wash her face. First impressions are important, Samhain always said. She picked and preened, made sure her hair was in order and straightened our her shirt (Good thing people couldn't smell you over the mirror - she'd shower later). Once she felt she looked presentable, she answered the mirror with her best smile. "Hallows residence! What can we do you for?"

It only took her a second to recognize the girl, based on Samhain's description of her. "Oh! HeeEEeeyyy I think I know youuu~" said Nightshade, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Wait, wait, no let me think," she closed her eyes, tapping a manicured nail on the tip of her nose as she tried to remember the girl's name. "It's Nettie, am I right?! Nice to meetcha! You rang~?"