Witch's Hut (Sedna)

When the giant frog seemed to dissipate into fog, Sedna almost went crosseyed. She moved closer to snatch up the vial, wondering at the scratchy picture drawn on the label then looking to her ibis who had landed with an equally confused look, pecking at the glass like he wanted to drink it. Now was not the time or place however, after what happened with that clear pool, she wasn’t about to risk it until they were somewhere much safer, like back home.

It couldn’t be much further now, but as if to taunt her just one last time there was a flash and a sound like burning fat. As the old woman made her accusations Sedna’s ears folded against her skull. Shit! Tilly was better at this sort of thing than she was! At least she had enough standing to call the old crone sister, but despite her age, Sedna felt she would only get madder if she used a more customary ‘Granny’ greeting. She had to explain herself and fast!

"Wise one!" She began, her ears turned back and tail tucked, body folding in on itself in remorse. "My apologies! I only came t’ yer swamp in search o’ herbs ter aid my troubled pack mates." She dipped her head lower until the satchel around her neck could be removed with ease, gathering up the cords in her teeth to crawl forward and gently place the bundle with the stolen meat at the old crone’s feet before sliding back to allow her to address the old woman’s toes. "There’s a child in m’ pack with a broken leg, an’ another with a great big gash in ‘is shoulder, I was searchin’ fer somethin’ ter aid ‘em. Please forgive my trespass.

She couldn’t do much about drinking the bath water, she would screw her face up over that one later, but the meat... "I thought yer meat might ‘ave healin’ properties an’ just wanted ter look a bit closer where m’ nose would find it easier, m’ apologies again." But in her mother’s pack, words were wind, and she knew she would have to do better than that. "I am still just a student when it come’s ter healin’. Would yer allow me ter return with an’ offerin’ of herbs from my stores ter atone fer m’ drinkin’ o’ yer bathwater?" She held no expectation that her apology would be enough, but perhaps if she could meet the woman again on better terms, she might be willing to share some of her knowledge with the younger woman. Everyone knew witches had the best cures.

Her ears were still flat against her skull, tail tucked low, but she wouldn’t flee, not yet. She chanced a glance at the witches face, hoping to gauge whether her words had had any effect.  

"speech".