Lady and The Wolf

Chapter 3: Something New

Josie stood at a rather large table in her living room, a medium cauldron bubbling gently on a portable burner. She added various drops of liquid and herbs from her garden to the pot, whispering and humming incoherently as she worked. Her eyes were glued to a book on her right, while her left hand pointed towards the kitchen area. Almost instantly, a long wooden spoon freed itself from a hook on the wall and gently floated toward her. It dropped gently into the cauldron as Josie twirled her finger in a small circle. The spoon slowly stirred her current creation and she looked at the cauldron with a smirk. She knew she could have just grabbed the spoon and stirred the cauldron herself, but this was much more fun.

'Always gotta take time to enjoy the little things in life.'

“That was so cool!"

Rakesh's amazed voice broke her train of thought. She looked up to see him fastening the last couple buttons on his shirt. She was pleased to see his clothes had been repaired correctly, putting another of her worries to rest.

“It's just a silly little parlor trick." She shrugged, suddenly feeling shy from the praise. “Nothing to shout from the rooftops about."

“There's nothing silly about your talents." Rakesh shook his head. “You saved my ass and nursed me back to health. Plus, you help out so many others and, yes, they still tell stories about you. That's not something to downplay."

Josie found herself almost dumbfounded at the sweetness coming from Rakesh's mouth. Being in solitude as long as she had meant she didn't have contact with the outside world in a friendly sense. When it came to her interactions, it was to cure ailments and offer assistance, as well as to gather information on who was asking around for her. She would have been lying if she said the words weren't refreshing to hear, but she certainly wasn't used to them anymore, or at the very least, used to them being so genuine.

“I, umm…thank you." Josie said quietly before clearing her throat and turning her attention back to her potion. “Are you hungry?" She asked, her voice going rapidly once again. “I could fix something if you are."

"Oh, well, I don't want to be more of a bother than I have been already." Rakesh waved her off.

"You're not a bother, Rakesh." She scolded sweetly. "Don't talk about yourself like that."

It didn't escape Josie that his eyes widened at the mention of his name and the color of his cheeks deepened with a blush. She didn't want to embarrass the poor man any further.

"Do you have anything in particular you want?"

"Would bacon and eggs be too much to ask?"

"Not at all!" Josie's face lit up. "I haven't had that in a while." She motioned to the couch just before she turned the burner off. "You wait right there, and I'll have breakfast ready in a bit."

"Y-you mean, you're actually going to cook?"

"Of course, I am." Josie answered with a chuckle. "What did you think I was going to do, magic up the food?"

"I, ummm–" Rakesh began before quickly clamping his lips shut.

Josie tried to contain a laugh as he hobbled over to the couch. She turned and made her way to the kitchen, pulling open her fridge and quickly surveying the contents. As she pulled out some bacon and eggs, she made a mental note to have a few things delivered. She gathered her pans and utensils and lit the stove. Soon, her cottage was filled with the smell of deliciousness. She even added buttered toast to the menu.

Josie put together two plates, making sure Rakesh had a good bit more, and joined Rakesh on the couch. Without hesitation, the man dug in, eating like he was starving.

'Good to know I still got it.' She mused happily to herself as she ate.

The two ate in relative silence, until Rakesh ventured more questions.

"The amount of times I've been in this forest," he began, "I've never seen this cottage or you."

"So, my plan has worked very well so far." Josie nodded. "If I don't want to be found, I know how to disappear. Those who actually need me find it very easy to locate me."

"And in the case of those two hunters?"

"Oh, no. They wouldn't have been a problem." Josie took a bite of her toast before continuing. "They're actually not the first cryptid hunters to come here, but they are the first to bring that kind of equipment."

Rakesh felt a shiver go up his spine. “That's more frequent than I'd like."

“You and me both, kid." Josie huffed. “If you couldn't already tell, I tend to like my privacy."

“I honestly used to dream of living like this." Rakesh sighed thoughtfully. “Wide open spaces, not another soul for miles except the wildlife. Must be difficult to sustain, though, isn't it?"

“At first, I stumbled a bit, especially with getting a routine going." Josie admitted with a chuckle. “I figured out that I had a talent for helping others like us, along with a few Mundanes who know how to keep a secret. I saved up some money and got the solar panels installed first. It was pretty much smooth sailing from there. One of my regulars was able to help out with that part. Whenever I need food, I just get in touch with another contact of mine and it's on my doorstep."

“I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous." Rakesh looked amazed. “Do you ever miss the city, though?"

Josie frowned slightly as memories came creeping back. “Every now and then, I do." She admitted. “I'm happier out here, though. I make a good living helping others and I have my space. What more could a woman want?"

“How about some help?" Rakesh blurted out. Off Josie's shocked expression, he continued. “I just figured it'd be my way of thanking you for not just helping me, but saving my life. It's the least I could do."

Josie thought for a moment before she finally spoke up. “So you're willing to chop wood, gather water, even make runs to town if I need it?"

“Like I said, it's the least I could do." Rakesh shrugged. “You can keep an eye on me while I heal and I can give you an extra hand. I can also be an extra bit of protection." He winked, earning a laugh from his hostess.

“Alright, alright." Josie chuckled. “For now, your first task is to go on a little walk. I don't want that leg getting stiff. There's a trail to the left that leads to the brook where I gather water. Pretty sure we don't have any company either, so probably try to shift to make sure you can without any trouble, too?"

If Josie hadn't been looking at him, she would have missed the drop in his features. She placed a hand on his forearm and gave him a warm smile.

“It'll be okay. Just a suggestion. Whenever you're ready, okay?"

Rakesh half smiled and nodded. “For now, I'd like to take a peek at that brook."

“Thank me when you get back." Josie smiled as she grabbed their plates. “Also. it's a lot more fun with no shoes."

Rakesh looked to respond, but thought against it. With that, he made his way out the door. Josie found herself watching him through the window. She couldn't deny he was a fine looking specimen, but she didn't make it a point to mix business with pleasure, either.

“Down, girl." She scolded herself. “You remember what happened last time."