I knew just what to do. Crouching by the ailing plant, I put my hands up in front of me and concentrated. I visualized the loving, nurturing energy of the earth flowing into the plant, and then saw it growing strong and vibrantly.
I used to have to close my eyes to visualize, but I was experienced enough to do it with my eyes open. Besides, I always loved this part, and didn't want to miss it.
The ground by the yarrow stalks started glowing with a faint green shade, pulsing in time to a heartbeat that no human but myself could hear. The light started pushing itself up into the plant's stalks, going a bit further with every pulse. Bit by bit, the yarrow was filled with the green energy, and the leaves started to perk up and return to normal.
I took my hands away, and the green light faded. Where before there had been a sick and dying plant there was now a healthy, beautiful yarrow patch.
Smiling, I stood up and admired the plant. “Now take care of yourself.” I told it before turning and continuing on my way.
Another hour, and I came upon a local playground that normally marked my turn-around point. I hadn't been around people very much since I became the Sorceress, because I could sense emotions and thoughts much more sharply than any human alive. I wasn't quite able to read minds, but I could sense moods, and that was almost the same. I had spoken to my Mom over the phone, and had been promised a dampening spell that Raina could cast to deaden my senses for a little bit so we could get together in person sometime soon. Until then it was better to stay with those aware of my true nature.
I stopped, however, when I saw a group of children standing in a circle over by the swing-sets. There seemed to be about five or six of them, and they were staring at someone in the center of them.
I couldn't see the focus of their attention, but I could feel him. His abject terror at his situation radiated off him in waves, and my stomach flipped in sympathy with his.
“What's wrong, sissy?” one of the taller boys taunted him. “Afraid?”
A red-headed boy to the first one's left joined in. “Afraid that we'll turn him down for a date, maybe!”
“Yeah, sissy,” a blonde boy said, “We're not perverts like your sorry ass, you faggot!”
As soon as I heard the 'f' word that I despised so much, I knew I had to do something. I wanted to use my magick to pick the bullies up and dangle them for a while, but I wasn't ready to reveal myself to the world just yet. Instead, I hatched a different plan.
I closed my eyes and stretched out with my senses, searching for an energy that I knew was out there. I soon heard it's familiar buzzing, and sent out some clear instructions for what I wanted. I opened my eyes and waited.
I didn't have to wait long. I saw one of the bullies absentmindedly swat at something flying near his head, and then another one did the same. Soon they were all looking around, waving their hands at the bees that were diving at them left and right. Outnumbered, they quickly took off running, trying to get away from the stinging menaces attacking them.
The boy that they had been bullying covered his head, fearing that he would be next. The bees ignored him, however, instead flying after his assailants. I walked quietly over to the huddled, quivering child and knelt next to him.
He couldn't be over nine years old! I thought. Those other kids looked to be in their teens. Oh, how I hated bullies!
“It's okay, they're gone.” I said softly, not letting my inward anger show.
He looked up at me timidly. I smiled, and he relaxed a little.
“What happened?” he asked. “Where are the bees?”
“They... some bees are attracted to sweat.” I said, thinking quickly. “And those boys were particularly sweaty.”
“And stinky?” he asked, grinning.
“And stinky, yes.”
He picked himself up and brushed off his clothes. “I never liked bees before, but I do now!” he said enthusiastically.
“They're helpful in a lot of ways.” I told him. “Do you live far?”
“Only a block from here.”
I closed my eyes again, but could sense no sign of the boy's attackers. “Well, run on home. The coast is clear for now.”
“Thank you.” he said quietly, and then turned and ran for home.
* * *
I exited the woods behind the mansion and walked up to the patio. Angelique, as pale as ever and looking ethereal in her body-hugging black dress, was outside tending to the remains of the seasons roses. It had been a good year for her roses, what with all of the magickal energy flying about.
“Did you have a pleasant walk?” she asked without looking up.
“Gorgeous as always.” I replied. “Oh, by the way, we have a new lake on the property.”
“Are the lowlands having draining issues again?” She snipped a dead flower stem from the bush she was working on, getting the bed ready for winter.
“No, it's a lake. A real lake. Just down the path there.” I pointed down the way I had just come.
She stopped tending and looked where I was pointing, her long straight black hair swaying as she turned. “Hmm. That's strange.” she said simply. Shrugging, she returned her attention to the plants. “Mention it to Vincent, will you?”
“Will do.” I said, walking away towards the back door.
I found Vincent in the kitchen, fixing food for my breakfast. The smoky scent of bacon hung heavy in the air as he used the leftover grease
