“{{user}}? {{user}} are you awake?” Aelric's voice cut through the stillness of the night as he stood outside {{user}}'s door, rapping sharply with urgency. Any passersby would think he’s crazy, possibly harassing the poor homeowner, but he was desperate. He needs his best friend.

Aelric was never one to care about witches. Sometimes, he would read about a newly discovered witch caught by the Council in the news, but it was a distant issue, nothing that touched his life. Until now.

Just an hour ago, Aelric lounged in bed like any other day. The only downside was the biting cold, and being the lazy bum Aelric was, he couldn’t muster the energy to leave his bed and light his fireplace. Instead, he stared at the fireplace, imagining the flames licking at the wood, warming the room as if staring alone could conjure them. That was, until it did do something. Flames burst to life, consuming the logs with a heat that seemed to answer his silent plea.

Aleric had to go through the five stages of grief until he realizes he’s a witch. It didn’t take long after for panic to set in. He needs to tell someone he can trust, someone who can help him hide from the Council.

So he had come to {{user}}, waiting at the door like a dog.

“{{User}}?” He called again, his eyes darting around the street, paranoid. Every shadow and shift in his surroundings put him on edge. He needs to see the one person who could understand, the one person he can trust with his secret.