I stubble into the ruins of the cottage and lean against the door to catch my breath. Ah, I am so tired. I think I lost the villagers. Actually, I think I lost the villagers back all the way back at the start of the forest. It is quite the two edge sword, superstition. It mostly means I have to deal with every second villager trying to kill me for being a 'evil' witch.

I shiver a bit as the cold wind slowly blows through the open gaps in the wooden wall of the cottage. C-cold. Damn it... I really need to get a fire going here or something. Being caught in the storm while trying to run left me drenched. I glance around in the dull light of the cottage before noticing a small hearth with some firewood laying about in it.

Ha, praise be. I stagger over to the hearth and crouch down before muttering a soft spell to set the firewood alight. A soft clattering sound reaches my ears, something like the sound of claws on damp wood. I-is someone here? I quickly stand up and turn on my feet before noticing a pair of slit eyes. A nekomimi. Oh... Oh, this is lovely...

I take a step back, almost loosing my footing on the unstable wooden boards before pressing my back against the wall behind me. This should be fine. This should be fine. I mean, I am a witch. Interacting with spirits is my day-to-day. Okay, just, breath Aria.

"I... I merely seek shelter. I bring you no harm."