It happened again. After Frida stopped by to drop off Twig, explaining that she had a falling out with Hilda, Johanna sat patiently in her living room, staring at the door in anticipation of her daughter's return that evening. She didn't. Hours passed, but there was no sign of her.
Before she knew it, morning had come, awaking to the sound of Twig's loud barking. Her eyes shooting open, she leapt to her feet and bolted for Hilda's room, expecting her to have crashed out on her bed.
But she wasn't there.
Her heart sank. The day rolled on, and she waited. She tried to distract herself, focusing on her graphic design work, but it did little help. No matter how many times she reviewed her specifications, the ideas wouldn't flow, her worry drowning any creativity she could muster.
Hours turned to days, and still, Hilda was nowhere to be seen. She called Frida and David multiple times, growing ever more desperate for news of her daughter. Yet the answers were always the same; they hadn't heard or seen anything of her since their fight. Worse still, neither Alfur nor Tontu had heard from her.
With no leads and no further information, Johanna was left with only one option. Printing out a large stack of missing posters, she handed them out to anyone she could before making her way into the wilderness.
*********
Frida lay awake in bed, her blank stare affixed to the ceiling. The Rokh had survived, thanks largely to her quick thinking, but for as long as she lived, she would never forget the demoralised look in its eyes, its spirit shattered – a sentiment she found relatable.
She'd led Twig and David back down the mountain without further incident, though neither of them said a word to each other. She'd argued with Hilda before, but it had never been so ferocious - all their other past problems seemed tiny in comparison.
So, that's it then? I've really done it this time. I pushed her away, and now she's gone for good.
The thought weighed on her like an Albatross about her neck. Hilda wasn't entirely wrong - she was fighting to protect her friends. So why couldn't she acknowledge she was taking things too far?
She rolled over onto her stomach, her head buried in her pillow. She had to say something. Hilda could have killed the Rokh. She had to stop her. So why had the cost of doing the right thing been her familiar? What more would she have to sacrifice to do the right thing?
Letting out a frustrated groan, she threw her pillow across the room, knocking a pile of Hilda's clothes off her chair. She'd returned to the spot where Hilda had undressed daily, always finding them there, covered under a small pile of leaves. Even if she had run away from home, as was looking more likely, why hadn't she come back for them?
Frida only had a rudimentary understanding of how the Ulfhednar magic worked. If her behaviour at the ruins was any indication, she would be warm enough whenever she was in human form. Though she had only known of Hilda's powers recently, she hadn't anticipated she'd abandon all human social conventions, clothes included.
In the end, she couldn't leave them out there. If Hilda didn't come to get them, someone else would. That would put her in even bigger trouble, to say nothing of the potential strain on the already tenuous relationship between humans and trolls.
Shutting her eyes tight, Frida tried to relax, but it made no difference. The same worries kept swirling around her head, repeating over and over in an endless loop. Oh, Hilda... she thought solemnly. I wish I knew where you were. Right or wrong, all I want is to know you're safe.
Just as she got up to retrieve her pillow, a strange sound caught her attention. At first, she dismissed it as the result of her sleep-deprived brain hallucinating, but the longer she listened, the more obvious it became. It was the sound of something sharp scraping on glass. A claw, maybe?
Wait, a claw? Flicking on her bedside lamp, Frida rushed to the other side of her room, yanking back the curtains to reveal the talons of a small phoenix scratching on the windowpane. Hilda!
Fumbling for the key, she quickly unlocked her window and pulled it open. The phoenix flew in, transforming into a human with the same flash of golden light.
But it wasn't Hilda. No, this was someone different; a girl of similar height and build, but with pointed ears and long, golden-blonde hair that stretched all the way down to the small of her back. Like Hilda, she was naked, but to this Frida didn't react. There was only one other person who this could be.
"Let me guess. You're Aevana, right?"
"So, she did talk about me." Aevana smiled, performing a little bow. "I suppose that takes care of introductions. You know why I'm here, do you not?"
"Is it about Hilda?" Frida blurted out her reply, leaning forward in anticipation. "Do you know where she is? Is she alright?"
Aevana's expression dropped. "I... wish that I did. But, alas, I do not. Though you are right about one thing - I have come to talk about Hilda. I need your help."
Frida blinked. What more could I do after all the things I've tried?
"May I sit down? If we are to save Hilda, time is of the essence, and we have much to discuss."
"Um, sure. We can sit on my bed if you'd like?" Though she didn't say it in words, Frida couldn't hide the hesitation from her voice. She didn't even sit on her bed naked, let alone invite someone else to do so. Regardless, she kept her objections to herself. Any information regarding Hilda was far more valuable than any personal squick.
Once seated, Aevana took a deep breath, placing her hand flat against her chest, then raising it again as she exhaled. "I suppose we should first establish some common knowledge. I will be blunt: Hilda is in danger. You are aware that her feather is enchanted with Ulfhednar magic,yes?"
"She didn't say it directly. But, yes, that's what she implied."
"It is correct, to an extent. As I explained to her, we Ulfhednar do not differentiate between the magic of humans and the magic of the wild. Though we have adopted wild magic as part of our culture, it is more a style than a distinct system. Are you with me so far?"
Frida nodded. She hadn't thought of magic by this method before, though she was the first to admit she had little frame of reference. The line between doing magic and being magical was never clear to begin with.
"The magic of Ulfhednar is the magic of the wild," Aevana continued. "And, as we found out the hard way, it carries potential to change a person—not necessarily for the better. This, you have also witnessed."
"Ugh, I knew it!" Frida slapped her head. "I had a feeling Hilda was acting differently. Yes, she can be reckless, but never violent. Not like she was to that poor Rokh."
"I'm ashamed to say, I had a part in it." Aevana curled her fingers, gripping tightly at the bedsheets. "I tried to warn her. I took her to the grand hall, the Ulfhednar holy ground, and showed her the history of our people. My warning couldn't have been clearer, but she dismissed it. I do not wish to talk ill of your friend, but..."
"It's a lot to take in, for sure, but I think I get it. Hilda can be reckless, but she's not malicious."
"You are as wise as I hoped, Frida. Now you understand why I have come to you, specifically. Hilda has let herself go. I believe we can still save her, but only if my people do not get to her, first."
A cold shiver shot down Frida's spine. "What do you mean?"
"For so many centuries, the Ulfhednar had a separate, but equal relationship with humans." Aevana grimaced. "We are taught from an early age to stay away from them, that they would never understand us. But after the Mountain King returned, I saw something special in Hilda. I had already caught glimpses of her achievements from afar, but after she became a troll and bonded with trollkind? I knew in my heart that I could, at last, end this pointless division. I wanted to prove our knowledge could make us allies again, as we did in the era of Vikings.
"But now? I have only created further division. I could have— should have - done more to nurture our friendship, but I pushed her away, and now that the word is out, my tribe wishes to retrieve the feather by force. Should they catch her..." The words caught in Aevana's throat. "Should they catch her, they could turn her into a troll, locking her away from both humans and Ulfhednar. And this time, there will be no turning back."
Frida's heart sank. What have you gotten yourself into this time, Hilda?
"I know the news I bring is grim," Aevana continued. Despite everything, Frida noticed a certain levity to her voice. "But we are far from beyond hope. That is why I come to you."
"I... don't know how to respond to that," Frida muttered, fiddling with the hem of her night gown. "I mean, I tried to talk her down back at the ruins, but she wouldn't listen. What chance do I have now?"
"You have the Witch's council," Aevana replied, placing her hand on Frida's shoulder. "If you can help to plead for their aid, you can reach Hilda before my tribe does. Achieve that, and your empathy spell should be enough to reach her."
Frida waited a moment to reply, letting the idea stew. To track down Hilda would be a monumental task on its own, let alone keeping her still enough to work an empathy spell. But, on the other hand, she didn't have many options. If she were on borrowed time, as Aevana said, then there would be no time to waste.
"Alright," she said. "Meet me at the library first thing tomorrow morning. One of the Librarians, Kaisa, is a powerful Witch who introduced me to her mentor, Matilda. Between the two, we should be able to formulate a plan."
"I am so relieved to hear that," Aevana clasped her hands over Frida's and shook it vigorously. "Thank you ever so much! I will do everything I can to stall my tribe's hunt. If we are fast enough, we may still be able to save Hilda before it's too late."
"It's, um, no problem," Frida said, trying to suppress her awkward chuckle. "I'll set my alarm for seven. Kaisa always takes the morning shift, so she'll be there to let us in."
"Understood." Releasing her grip, Aevana stood up and bowed. "I shall leave you to rest until then. Once more, I thank you for your aid."
Without waiting for her to reply, Aevana transformed back into a Phoenix and flew out the window. As the cool night breeze prickled at Frida's bare arms, she picked up her pillow and slumped back into bed. Now knowing that the fate of her best friend rested on her shoulders, her only hope for sleep that night would be from pure exhaustion.
**********
The library wasn't hard to find. Flying into town as a Phoenix, Aevana spotted the large, ornate building with a long series of white steps rising from street level.
Though it was far sturdier than the historical human settlements of old, she couldn't help but chuckle at how little had changed with their architectural philosophies. Just like the Vikings in centuries prior, if a building was to be designated as important, it would always be of a grander size and scope than anything else.
Of course, she was less interested in the building than who was to occupy it. Circling lower, she spotted a young adult woman, dressed in a drab uniform of greys and blacks. To the untrained eye, she was no different to any other human librarian, but Aevana knew better. To her, the cape was a dead giveaway. She had to be the witch Frida had talked about - Kaisa.
Her timing was impeccable, too. As she reached to unlock the front doors, Frida shot around the corner on her bicycle.
"Wait!"
Part way through turning the key, Kaisa paused and looked over her shoulder. "Frida?"
Skidding to a halt, Frida dropped her bike at the foot of the stairs and ran up to meet the librarian. "Good thing I... caught you," she said, leaning on her knees as she panted heavily.
"Why, what's all the fuss about?" Kaisa cocked an eyebrow. "It's not like you to rush. Is there trouble?"
To answer her question, Aevana decided to show off a little. At around two metres above the ground, she folded in her wings and transformed, landing between Frida and the Librarian in the shape of a deerfox. Kaisa's jaw dropped.
"I need to see Matilda straight away," Frida looked Kaisa straight in the eye. "I promise I'll explain everything, but to cut a long story short, Hilda's in trouble with the Ulfhednar."
Kaisa's expression darkened. "And here I thought the tide mice were serious business. Follow me, quickly."
**********
With Aevana's help, Frida explained everything. Neither Kaisa nor Matilda took much convincing to offer their aid, but they both knew the Committee of Three wouldn't budge so easily. Through Matilda's authority, the four of them marched straight through each layer of security, descending through level after level of winding passages and hidden doorways until, at last, they reached the foot of the Witch's Tower.
Bursting through the double doors, all eyes were immediately drawn to them. Their loud bang of slamming open was enough to startle the guild's new bard, nearly making them drop their bass guitar mid-performance.
The Committee's chamber was as grandiose as Aevana expected. Reaching up to a height of at least a hundred meters, the circular room served as the Tower's heart, where all matters pertaining to Witch-based operations were decided. Though separate from the library in terms of space, the chamber was still a bookworm's paradise, with thousands upon thousands of literary works packed into bookcases that stretched from floor to ceiling.
But Aevana wasn't here to admire the architecture. Already, their dramatic entrance had attracted the ire of the Committee, with all three witches glaring daggers at Frida.
"What is the meaning of this?" snapped the first witch, pushing back the orange side of her two-toned, shoulder-length hair away from her face.
"Honoured Committee," announced Frida. "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I've come to you with an extremely urgent matter regarding my familiar."
"Shouldn't that be your responsibility?" asked the second witch, the shortest of the three, looking down her nose at Frida through tiny reading glasses.
"Responsibility is exactly why I'm here," Frida retorted, her expression dire. "Hilda has gotten herself involved with the Ulfhednar, and has become consumed by their magic."
"Hold on a moment," said the third witch. From the way she was dressed, she looked more akin to a horse racer than an experienced spellcaster. "Did you say Ulfhednar?"
To that, Aevana answered by reverting her transformation, watching the expressions of all three committee members turn to shock as the deerfox moulded to a more humanoid shape.
"Good gracious!" the first Witch recoiled, nearly losing her footing. "Arline, you have experience with Ulfhednar. Is she what I think she is?"
"It's been many years since I've seen one in person," she answered. "Either this girl is one, or she is an illusionist of far greater calibre than anything I have seen before."
"I am an Ulfhednar," Aevana answered. "My name is Aevana, and I have come to ask for aid."
"We won't be discussing anything unless you put some clothes on first!" the third Witch sneered, her face contorting in disgust.
"Hold on a minute!" Frida protested, but the second Witch silenced her with a raise of her hand.
"I concur with Amelia," snapped Arline, speaking in a tone akin to a scolding mother. "We are aware of the Ulfhednar culture's shamelessness, but this is neither the time nor the place for it. Aevana cannot waltz into human territory and expect to be taken seriously whilst flashing her privates! If she does not respect us by covering herself, then we have no reason to take her seriously."
"But—"
"It's okay, Frida." Aevana flashed her a weak smile. "Your concern is admirable, but if covering my body is what grants us an audience, then it is something I will accept without contest."
Frida shuffled uncomfortably on the spot, but said nothing.
It was Kaisa who offered her a cloak, to which Aevana took, sliding it over her shoulders and clipping it closed around her front. With her cheeks burning hot, she dropped to her knees, bowing before the Committee of Three.
"I gave Hilda the means to use wild magic," she said, tears rolling down her cheeks. "And now I come to beg for your aid. Hilda is more than just a familiar - she is a friend. If we do not act now, my tribe will hunt her down and permanently turn her into a troll. Please, help us to find her, and together we will prove how much power our unity possesses."
Clearing her throat, Matilda stepped forward, adding her voice to the conversation. "The consequences of Hilda's actions could have greater implications, too. The young Ulfhednar may have fallen short in her mentorship, but so have all of us made errors at one point in our lives. Why should we let one oversight ruin our potential for progress between our two races?"
"All Hilda has ever wanted was to protect the wilderness," Frida added. "That's the same goal as the Ulfhednar. To lose her would not only be a huge loss to the mediation of human and troll relations, but also any hope of mending the long-standing division between us and Ulfhednar. Shouldn't we focus on improving our relationship with them instead of souring it?"
Silence fell over the Committee chamber. The three witches looked at each other, then began a new conversation amongst themselves, speaking in hushed whispers inaudible to those below. Aevana felt her whole body shaking. She had done as they asked, and one of their most senior members had helped to plead her case. What more could they have to decide?
"We have reached a decision," announced Arline, her expression unreadable. "As the Committee of Three, it is we who make decisions for the Witch's Guild as a whole. Therefore, we must first consider the safety and security of all witches who study under our organisation."
Aevana swallowed hard, preparing herself for the crushing blow.
"That includes both Witches and their familiars. A war between humans and Ulfhednar is far too big a risk to ignore, but by the same token, so is a rogue familiar who could pose a danger to others. We will offer all the help we can, but it must be Frida who helps to save Hilda from herself. After that, it will fall to you, Aevana, to aid in further negotiations to ensure peace."
Aevana sat up, using her cloak to wipe away her stinging tears. Never had she anticipated aligning herself with human kindness over her people's staunch traditions. That was the funny thing about fate; sometimes, the wisdom of those once feared turned out sage-worthy.
**********
It took another week to set up a scouting network. For that, Alfur took command, using the combined forces of the Nisse and Elves to set up communications relays at select points based around Trolberg. Any sightings of Hilda were immediately reported, be they unexplained flashes of magic to animals with unusual chimeric features.
With this in place, it didn't take long for Alfur to start charting the accumulated data, marking out point after point until a complete pattern emerged. With this information in hand, Frida made the decision to bring Johanna back into the fold, telling her the whole truth about the Ulfhednar and their magic – even the details which Hilda had asked not to share.
By this point, revealing her secrets was far less dangerous than her promise of silence.
Then, on the fifth day, the breakthrough came. Zipping out of nowhere space with Frida and David, Tontu broke the news to Johanna that Hilda had been found.
"The Witches are closing in on her as they speak," he explained. "But we don't have much time. The same Tontu who spotted Hilda was also attacked by the Ulfhednar. Aevana's done what she can to throw them off, but they must have caught on. She's part of the hunt now, too!"
Frida felt her blood run cold, and by the look on Johanna's face, the feeling was mutual. "Where was Hilda last seen?"
"Near the Windmill," Tontu replied, grabbing Frida by the wrist. "I'll take you all through nowhere space. Quickly!"
Picking up Twig and linking hands with Johanna and David, they were off, racing through the gaps between furniture and into nowhere space. To Frida, the pocket dimension looked like the inside of Swiss cheese, littered with a large assortment of miscellaneous objects that people tended to lose behind their sofas.
But there was no time to stop and admire the scenery. Before she knew it, Tontu had them charging at full tilt into another portal, exiting into the Windmill. In a matter of seconds, they had traversed a distance twice the length of the whole city.
There, Kaisa was waiting for them, standing in what was the doorway with her back turned. The moment Frida flashed into existence, she snapped around, assuming a battle stance and thrusting her wand in her direction.
"Relax, it's just us," said Frida, holding her hands up.
"Thank goodness you made it," Kaisa visibly relaxed, sighing. "You're just in time, too."
"Where's Hilda?" Johanna all but pushed her way to the front of the group, grabbing Kaisa by the collar. "Is she safe? Is she hurt at all?"
Kaisa hesitated, breaking eye contact. "She's... not hurt. Listen, Matilda and the Witches have Hilda surrounded, but the Ulfhednar have also found her. They're not far off. Follow me."
She wasn't kidding. No sooner had they crested the hill did the situation unfold before their eyes. Dozens of wolves—all covered in bright, golden-coloured fur—encircled the witches, outnumbering them two to one. All except one were snarling, snapping their jaws and lunging in a display of force, but none, Frida quickly realised, for show. No one dared to make the first move and initiate true combat. Likewise, the witches stood shoulder to shoulder in a near unbroken line, glowing wands brandished at arm's length.
All this to protect a single figure in the centre of it all.
"Hilda!" Frida and Johanna both cried, skidding down the slope in near-perfect synchronicity, with Twig following close behind.
Three wolves snapped around in response, greeting them with pinned-back ears and bared teeth. Twig responded in kind, and for a moment, it looked like the little deerfox was prepared to get nasty if it meant reaching his companion.
That was until a much larger wolf stepped into view. Compared to its pack mates, this wolf didn't show any hints of aggression, nor did it need to. The act of looking down its nose at Twig sapped him of his defensive fury. Then, as he was retreating with his tail between his legs, the big wolf transformed.
The Ulfhednar woman that emerged was no less grand in stature than the wolf she had been before. At her full height, she towered over even Johanna, her broad hips adding to an already heavy build. Like Aevana, she had long, golden-coloured hair that stretched down to her hips, but even in her human form, she retained the ears, claws, and tail of a wolf.
"You will go no further, humans," she commanded, scowling at them.
"Please, you have to let me through," Johanna begged. "That's my daughter back there, I have to reach her!"
"Your daughter is running amok with our magic." With a click of her fingers, the large Ulfhednar ushered a pair of wolves to come forward, dragging behind them the smallest pack member with a chain of vines. "Aevana, transform. Now."
Aevana did as commanded, her head bowed low enough for her hair to cover her eyes. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please don't hurt them, Chief Vulcana. This was my mistake; they shouldn't have to pay for it."
"Then why did you conspire with the Witches to impede our progress?"
Aevana shot the chief a resentful glare, her posture stiffening. "I want to save Hilda, not trap her!"
"You don't know Hilda as we do." From behind Frida, David added his voice to Hilda's defence. "Yes, she's made some mistakes but her heart has always been in the right place. Give us a chance. When she sees us, she will calm down and regain control."
The fur on Vulcana's tail bristled as she flexed her claws. Frida braced herself for a fight, but to her surprise, the Ulfhednar leader relaxed, a broad grin cracking across her face. "Alright then," she said, gesturing behind her with an exaggerated, mocking bow. "You humans think you can control wild magic better than we can? Then I propose a challenge: You have five minutes to calm your friend down. But should Hilda so much as land a scratch on you, the justice of the Ullfhednar will take priority, no matter how much your 'witches' try to resist."
Frida and Johanna looked at each other, then to Aevana, though she looked as surprised as they were.
"I'll go," said Frida.
"Hold on just a moment—" David protested, reaching to grab her hand, but she brushed him off.
"Hilda's not in control of her emotions right now. Remember, I'm the one with magic here, so my empathy spell has the best chance of reaching her."
"No," Johanna interjected, stepping between them. "You don't have to do this alone, Frida. Hilda is as much my responsibility as she is yours, so let's stick to the plan and work together."
"What are you waiting for?" Vulcana sneered, tapping her foot. "If you care so deeply about this criminal, then stop wasting my time and show it already!"
"Just ignore her," Johanna said, though from the way she bit her lip, the taunts of the Ulfhednar chief still had some effect. She did her best to follow her own advice, walking through the parting crowd of wolves and witches.
At first glance, Hilda could have been mistaken for just another deerfox, but it quickly became apparent how inconsistent this shape was. Though she retained a basal shape of a canine, her limbs were shifting constantly, flicking between feathered wings, tough hooves, and clawed hands every few seconds. Only when her limbs revealed bare skin was her identity as a human revealed.
Her behaviour was as delirious as her magic, thrashing wildly on the spot and swiping at anything that moved. It was only thanks to a near-invisible magic barrier cast around her by the witches that she remained where she was.
"Oh, Hilda..." Johanna let out a long sigh, dropping to one knee. "I wish I had known the whole truth sooner. After everything you've been through, it's no wonder you snatched up this power when offered."
"N...no!" Hilda snarled in a distorted voice. "Stay... back. Away, go!"
"It's okay, Hilda," David said softly. "We're here for you, we just want to talk." He reached out to touch her, but she snapped back, nearly biting his hand clean off.
"Hilda, listen." Frida held up her wand, trying to keep her tone of voice firm, but not unkind. "We know you're struggling, but you can't let the wild magic consume you."
"Fri...da?" For just a moment, recognition seemed to flash across Hilda's eyes, only for her to recoil away as the feather's power once more forced her to change. "Friends... control. No. Mine! Away!"
David clenched his fists. "Now would be a good time for that empathy spell of yours," he chimed.
Frida hesitated. Now that she saw it with her own eyes, everything Aevana had told her made so much more sense. The Ulfhednar magic alone had not done this to her - she had done this to herself. Her mind and body were equally chaotic, and it would take more than just an empathy spell for her to get through. She needed a way to calm her down and make her receptive to conversation.
Her attention turned to Twig. Of all the creatures that could help Hilda see sense, Twig was the most loyal companion she could hope for. But even he was struggling to reach her, though not from lack of trying. Whimpering with his tail tucked between his legs, he reached out for Hilda, only to get swatted away time after time. Still, he persisted.
As the seconds ticked by, the pressure to act mounted. Had she promised too much? Was Johanna right to trust her, a novice witch, in saving her only daughter?
Today, I just need you to trust me.
The memory of Hilda's words washed over her like a bucket of icy water, shocking her with a realisation she had almost blinded herself to.
In a sense, everything Hilda had feared was coming true. She was being judged, not by her friends or her mother, but by the Ulfhednar. It didn't matter what she had intended to do with this power, or what Aevana's goals were. She had been caught red-handed breaking the taboos of their society, and now they had made it their mission to punish her for it.
"David, Johanna, can you shadow me?"
"What do you mean?" David asked, but Frida didn't answer. She was too busy taking off her clothes.
"Look at me, Hilda," Frida announced, her cheeks burning bright red. She now stood butt naked in front of nearly the entire Witch's council, a situation straight out of her nightmares. She kept her gaze locked on Hilda, holding her arms wide open. "You wanted me to trust you, right? Well, here I am. I've literally got nothing to hide. Can you trust me as well?"
Hilda paused. Though her body still flickered, Frida's bold decision had not gone unnoticed. For what had to be the first time in a fortnight, she relaxed, standing still long enough for her witch to cast her empathy spell.
**********
Plunging into Hilda's mind, Frida had expected the familiar greeting of thick, mental fog. Yet even the volatile emotions of the mother Thunderbird hadn't generated a cloud as dense as this. She could barely see her hand in front of her face, let alone her friend's self-imposed mental prison.
Undeterred, she pressed onwards, floating in a straight line until a more concrete image came into view. In this case, however, it was less concrete and more plane rock. Hilda had trapped herself within a reconstruction of the stone forest, though there were no trolls to be found, no matter how far she travelled.
+Hilda?+ she called out with a thought, hoping her magical connection was strong enough to make her telepathy heard. +Hilda, where are you?+
Then, she spotted her. Her visage was faint, no brighter than a candle in the darkness, but amongst the dull, phantom landscape, her bright blue hair was unmistakable. The closer Frida got, the clearer Hilda's image became, revealing her to be hidden within a conclave carved from one of the towering stone trees. The space was small, barely wide enough for her to squeeze in, but it was enough for her to curl into a ball, burying her face in her lap.
+Hilda, can you hear me?+ Frida sent again.
"Go away!" Hilda snapped behind muffled sobs. "I want to be alone."
+Hilda, it's me, Frida. I know you're hurting right now, but I'm here to help.+
"Frida?" Hilda sat up, snapping her head back and forth in an effort to find where her friend's voice was speaking from.
+I'm here, Hilda,+ Frida sent softly as she levitated down in front of her. +I'm using my empathy spell right now.+
+Oh...+ Hilda replied in thought. +I guess that means I've made a mess of things, haven't I?+
Frida waited a moment to respond, carefully thinking over her words before she transmitted them. +I can't lie, Hilda. Things aren't looking great right now, but it's not your fault. It never has been.+
+Honestly, I don't know what to think.+ Hilda slumped back, breaking eye contact. +It feels like every time I find something freeing, it just turns into another responsibility, bringing on more stress than it ever took away. It's like I'm never allowed to have control over my life.+
+Hilda, can you see how I look right now?+
+Well, yeah, that's how I know you're.... Wait. Frida, are you naked?+
+Yes,+ Frida smiled, taking hold of Hilda's hand and rubbing her thumb across the top of her fingers. +I don't know if I should have, but I did it, and I stand by it. If doing something embarrassing is what it takes to show you I care, then I'd do it again, any day.+
Hilda rubbed the back of her head and blushed. Then, she shuffled out from her hiding spot and patted the ground on the ground next to her. Taking the hint, Frida landed and sat down next to her.
+You probably already guessed this,+ Frida said. +But being a witch isn't all fun and games, either. You've seen how much hard work I've put into learning magic, and yeah, there have been lots of times where I wondered if I'm good enough to master it. But you know what? I wouldn't change any of it for the world.+
+You've always been the responsible one between us, though. I always wanted life to be all fun and games, not stressful.+
+That's not true and you know it, just as Aevana does. I could talk for days about all the responsible things you've done, but I don't need to. But believe me when I say, I also know what it's like to crack under the pressure - I mean it. Nothing is ever going to be stress-free, especially not magic, but that's why we have the Witches Guild – so we can handle it together.+
+I'm sorry, Frida,+ Hilda sighed. +For snapping at you and running away, I mean. I guess I've got a lot more to learn about Ulfhednar magic than I thought I did. That is, if they'll even let me keep it.+
+That's why I'm here,+ Frida patted Hilda on the back. +So is David, Aevana, and your mum. I'm sure you've figured out by now I'm using my empathy spell to talk to you?+
+No, really? I always thought you were a psychic,+ Hilda giggled, a small smile finally returning to her face. Leaning over, she rested her head on Frida's shoulder and hugged her. +Thanks for talking to me, by the way. I take back everything I said to you at the lab.+
+Think nothing of it,+ Frida returned the hug. +Let's get back to the waking world and sort this whole thing out at last, okay?+
**********
Hilda's eyes shot open. It took a moment for her vision to refocus, though this didn't stop her from noticing the large crowd gathering around her. Some figures were clothed, others were not, but the strangest thing was how half of the people appeared to be golden wolves. She sat up, only to immediately have a wave of dizziness wash over her.
"Easy there, Hilda," said one of the nude figures, whom she soon recognised as Aevana. "Rest for now. You are safe."
"You're not hurt, are you, Hilda?" asked another. Dressed in black shorts and a bright orange sweater, he had to be none other than David. As her vision cleared up, she saw he was looking at her with a soft expression, wiping the sweat from his brow. "You had a close call, there!"
A sharp bark yanked Hilda's attention down to her lap, where a small fuzzy deerfox had now sat up, ears erect as it pawed at her.
"Twig? What—?" Hilda cringed as a sudden stab of pain shot through her head. Leaning back on one arm, she rubbed her temple with her thumb and index finger, trying to keep her vision from blurring again. She felt like she'd just woken up from a long nightmare, with only fragmented memories left to piece together the details. "What.... I mean, where am I?"
"Hilda!"
Before she knew it, Johanna had dropped to her knees, sweeping her up into her arms for a tight hug.
"Mum? What are you doing here? What's going on?"
"I guess the Ulfhednar magic really did a number on you, huh?"
Hilda looked down to see Frida smiling back at her. She was holding her wand close to her chest, which she couldn't help but notice was the only thing covering her body.
"Oh, no." Hida's expression dropped as the full severity of the situation flooded her mind, along with her memories of the last few weeks, gnarled roots of guilt creeping back into her soul.
"Mum, I can explain."
"It's okay, Hilda," Johanna replied, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Frida and Aevana explained everything. I'm so glad you have such amazing friends."
"I'm sorry..." Embracing her mother tightly, Hilda felt herself tearing up as well, the weight of her actions finally settling in.
Frida cleared her throat. "If I may, I think we can all agree that, for now, the important thing is that you're safe. We'll sort out where to go from here in a bit, but if it's all the same to you, I'd like to get dressed now."
It was at this point Hilda noticed that she was draped in a long, black cloak, implying that she had been covered up while unconscious, while Frida remained naked in the cold mountain air. "Yeah, um, Frida. You can get dressed again... if you want."
"Thanks," she chuckled as she collected her loosely discarded clothes. "Maybe I should develop a warming spell, like you get with wild magic. I've always wondered what nude sunbathing felt like"
"Are you done with idle chatter?" another figure stepped into view, this one a large, heavyset Ulfhednar woman. "Frida, I congratulate you on your success in reclaiming your friend's sanity - but you must still relinquish the power that is ours to claim."
Aevana opened her mouth to protest, but before she could, Matilda intervened, stepping between Hilda and the Chief.
"Excuse me - Chief Vulcana, was it?"
The Ulfhednar chief narrowed her eyes, claws flexed. "And who do you think you are, exactly?"
Despite her sneering aggression, Matilda didn't so much as flinch. "My name is Matilda Pilqvist. I am Frida's mentor and retired member of the Witch's Committee. I wrote the book on Ulfhednar history, from which all Witches learn today."
"Hold on, Matilda Pilqvist?" Aevana asked, her eyes lighting up. "The Matilda Pilqvist, ancestor to the Viking mages who set the Ulfhednar free?"
"The very same," Matilda beamed, smiling at Aevana.
"So, I am right to assume you speak for the Committee, in this case?" Vulcana glanced back at the current Three, all of whom nodded in approval, but said nothing.
"Yes." Matilda looked back to Vulcana, her expression falling back to neutral. "Did you ever consider why Aevana gave Hilda her phoenix feather?"
"Why should it matter? She broke our laws, and she must face justice for her actions."
"I agree with you, there."
Hilda's heart sank. She had been dreading this moment, but it looked like she couldn't run from her actions forever. Her recklessness had put people in danger, and now it was time to face the music.
"To an extent," Matilda added, and Hilda did a double take. "I fully understand why your isolation was necessary. If a Witch were to divulge the secrets of potentially dangerous magic, then we would be equally protective of it falling into the wrong hands. We both have the safety of our people to consider; more so for you, given your history of oppression at human hands."
Vulcana narrowed her eyes at Matilda, her ears twitching. "What is your point?"
"My point is that Aevana should, at least, have the opportunity to explain her reasoning. After all, is it not the purpose of justice to right past wrongs?" Matilda placed her hand on Aevana's shoulder. "She and Hilda share the same goal. You are no tyrant, Vulcana. If you were, you wouldn't have given us the chance to calm Hilda down. Surely it's reasonable to offer her the same opportunity?"
"Miss Pilqvist?" Aevana piped up meekly. "I am flattered that you are defending me, but I still failed in my task. I could not prevent Hilda from losing control."
"We are all young, once," Matilda said with a calming smile. "We all have times where we bite off more than we can chew - that includes me. However, that's why, despite my age and retired position, I offered to become a mentor – so that I can help young witches learn from my mistakes."
Vulcana took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. "You are wise beyond your years, Miss Matilda. "Alright, Aevana. I release you from your binds. Please, speak your mind."
Clasping her hands in front of her, Aevana took a deep breath. "You are no doubt aware that the humans and trolls have made peace. I watched it all happen from afar. I saw how much humans can change – have changed. Hilda is the most curious, most compassionate human I have ever seen. I would not dream of granting her the power to harness wild magic of anyone besides her. I did so because she is unique.
"Whether she is aware of it or not, she has learned from the evils of ages past, as her heart is strong and pure. Yes, we are isolated for our own protection, but even that is far from absolute. We already have the protection of the human witches, after all. I'm not asking to integrate our society back with the humans. Rather, I implore–" she dropped to her knees, bowing her head low before the Ulfhednar Chief. "No, I beg you, please make an exception this one time. Allow this one human to grow, to learn from her experiences, so that she can learn from us as much as we may learn from them."
Hilda could hear the strain in Aevana's voice, watching her dumbfounded as she bowed over and over.
"Please, let us not rush to make new enemies. Just this once, let us make a new ally instead."
Hilda was speechless, unable to take her eyes off Aevana as the roots of her guilt tightened their grip. I wish I'd listened to Frida. I should have been more careful. Now I've hurt Aevana, and...
A sharp clearing of the throat snatched Hilda's mind away from her spiralling thoughts. It was Frida. She had stepped in front of Aevana, locking her gaze with Vulcana's. "I've known Hilda for two years, now," she said. "Everything Aevana said about her is true. I wouldn't have become a witch at all if it wasn't for her. She has made me a better person. If there's anyone who could learn from the Ulfhednar to make humans better, it's her."
"There we have it," added Matilda. "You've heard her case, as well as that of her familiar. What do you think?"
For several long seconds, Vulcana looked back and forth between Hilda and Aevana in silence. Hilda's heart hammered hard in her chest, so much that it felt like it was ready to explode.
"Once upon a time," Vulcana said at last. "Ulfhednar and humans were allies. Though our societies differ, I cannot deny that there have always been humans who understood us. From the first mages who set us free to live our own lives, to Hilda, the one who talks with trolls. With isolation, there also grows stagnation. Progress requires change."
"Does that mean...?" Hilda began, though she couldn't bring herself to finish the question.
"Hilda. If your heart is with the wild, as you say, then I will allow you to retain the feather, under one condition: you will be trained by me, personally, until such time I deem you to have enough control."
Hilda looked up at her mother expectantly, but Johanna just laughed off the unspoken question. "What kind of mother would I be if I didn't let my daughter live a little? Keep me in the loop, and everything will work out."
A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, with Hilda all but throwing herself around Aevana. "This is amazing! Aevana, do you know what this means?"
Aevana sat up, wiping the tears from her eyes. "That I was right about you, after all?"
"Well, that," Hilda chuckled. "And that you're part of our adventuring crew, now!"
"Three cheers for Hilda," announced David. "The first honorary human Ulfhednar! Hip-hip..."
As the crowd cheered, Aevana opened her closed palm, handing the feather back to Hilda. "This belongs to you. I hope it can continue to be a sign of our friendship."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Hilda smiled, handing the cloak back to Kaisa as Twig propped himself up against her leg. Picking him up, she added, "Don't worry boy, I haven't forgotten about you, either!"