Christmas Witch

(I will try to post all before the 25e, if you want the x-rated version then comment down below. Also had no time editing it, wanted it out before Christmas)

Looking down he saw the town he had spent his summers, the little house where his grandmother had lived. Now it was his even if it was bitter sweet, he really needed a change. Nore slowly descended from the sky sitting on his broomstick, it had been a long flight. It was in the dead of night he came, for no one really believed in witches anymore nor would it be a good thing to see one. He jumped off now standing outside his new house. The place that had a shop on the lower floor and an apartment like living area on the top floor. 

What do you think Lick Nore said as he looked down on the ground meeting a pair of yellow eyes from the black cat that just jumped out his bag. The cat responded with a purr and rub against Nore's leg. 

Opening the door had him starting to sneeze as a cloud of dust hit him, he turned on the light to see it. There the whole shop was covered in dust a thick layer of filth. Well Lick we have a lot of work to do if we are gonna be open until morning. He took a firm grip around his broom, just one sweep and the broomstick took care of the rest itself. Nore went trough the inventory, what could still be used what was old, what needed to be tossed and so on. It took hours but he managed it just in time for the early rays of dawn. He smiled seeing the sun's rays. Now time for some baking. He went upstairs seeing that even here it needed some cleaning not as much as downstairs but still a lot. He baked a pie in the kitchen, an apple pie with cinnamon and cardamom. The smell swirled around the house, leaving it smelling of Christmas just perfect for this time of the year. The first of December. He opened the window to let it cool down a bit, knowing it would let the smell travel bringing people to the shop, that in the window of the door had the sign now turned OPEN.  

It did not take long for the towns people to come, mostly older people some Nore even remember from his childhood. Almost first through the door was Mrs Maple, Nore just had to give her a hug. 

My beautiful boy, here after all these years she said smiling. Oh Mrs Maple its been to long, but I'm glad to see you, you look wonderful He replied with the same smile. A smile Mrs Maple know to well. Still the same smile, so much joy and that hint of mystery just like your grandmother. The two talked for a time. Nore told Mrs Maple about the last ten years of his grandmothers life for she had lived with them in the big city, not just city a different country. She had passed healthy and in her sleep this made Mrs Maple glad, even if the last time she had seen Nore's grandmother she had not been well. The shop had been closed for almost ten years, not been in order for fifteen. I'm happy your here to open up this towns tradition she said with a sad look in her eye's yet a smile on her lips. As if she knew it once she said it other costumers came. Well Nore I should be of, I hope I see you at the hall meeting later. Mrs Maple waved goodbye. 

The costumers that entered mostly old costumers, some new looked around. Along the shelf’s behind the counter dark jars full of dried herbs, on the floor behind the counter left side, a refrigerator with glass doors stood almost reaching the shelf’s above. Inside small bottles with liquid. On the right side of the shop candles, statues, bags and more, on the left side. Jars with cream, shampoos and so on. In the middle tables with even more products. Also tables with crystals. Jewelry and so much more. Everything was handmade, a nature store. A shop people would call a witch shop, that's what they did even Nore's grandmother had been called the witch of the town yet still they knew it impossible for her to be a real witch. One costumer bought a cream for her acing hands, a older man shampoo for his thinning hair, an other woman bought cream for her grandsons acne. They day went on like this. 

As he locked up he sighed. It was as if people had craved this, as they had longed for this shop to open once again. He had thought he could get some rest after the long hours being awake but he also thought it good if he tried to be part of the town spirit and activities as soon as possible. He grabbed the long black coat with a nice big hood before he left for the town hall. Lick keep the broom in check when I'm out will you. The cat gave a meow as an answer. Nore walked along the houses and soaking in the old world atmosphere, the town being the oldest in this rather new country. Only around 160 years old. Not a big country yet a country. The town it self could not really be called a town, more a village. 

At the meeting they all discussed the budget for the Christmas feast, all looked worried. Something was off, Nore thought he might take a peek as he said hi to everybody after it was over some went to get a cup of coffee. With each hand he shook he got a hint, a word a feeling. The budget had been so low this year. They had to cancel the Christmas dinner for the orphanage the towns big Christmas tree decorations were lost, and so much more. Well this cant do Nore thought on his way home. 

A week passed. Now the 8 of December and the Christmas decor should have been down in town. The garlands of evergreen from roof to roof, the balls and glitter should have been hung on the huge tree in the middle of it all. The center of the town, the heart of village. I was silent, the dark of night Nore stood there looking around. He smiled imagining how it should look. With a wave of his hands a few finger pointing movements and a sweep of his hand there the decorations appeared. Just as the Christmas tree lit up he grabbed the last ornament that flew by and hung it in the tree. Knowing at just that moment people had started to look outside their windows. Nore looked up to one of the windows seeing two children with their mother and father. He smiled towards them and waved just as he was about to leave. 

The next morning came, this day Nore was busy. He had some shopping to do, pick up some packages of orders at the post office. The town was talking about the witch has returned. Nore knew they meant him, but also that they thought they town had lost one now they got a new one. Well more like the witch have been gone now she has returned. Nobody had seen him use magic yet they all knew there was something, as all the work hours it would take setting up the decorations Nore did within a night. 

Hi Mr Brook I'm here to get my package Nore said as it was his turn in line at the post office. He got his stuff and was just about to leave opening the door as it flung back into his face. He dropped everything, almost as if by slow motion he saw it happen and then heard the glass within the box break. He banged the door open and screamed, look where your going jerk! A face turned as it ran. I'm so sorry but I'm in a rush the man said as he waved and continued running. 

Mr Brook came to help, I hope its not to damaged. He gave Nore the boxes. Who was that jerk I have not seen him here before, I don't even remember him from my summers here as a child Nore mumbled. Oh that's the prince Mr Brook replied to a question not asked. Like that makes it okay Nore said and left. He was home again and sighed knowing the stuff would take hours to fix, well he could fix it with magic but even then some tiny pieces of glass could be left in the herbs. Magic was great but not always perfect. He later remembered that the royal family spent their winters. It was time for bed he. You coming to bed Lick? The black cat jumped down from the high self in the hallway, following alongside Nore as he went to his bedroom. Nore and Lick fell asleep almost instantly. 

Morning came, Nore still asleep it had been a hard day yesterday. The doorbell rang. He opened his eye's not in a good mood being awaken when he really needed to sleep and not just that it was Friday he had chosen to keep the shop closed until next week. He dragged himself out the bed down the stairs and opened the door. There a man in uniform stood, a nice suit and tie. You have been royally invited by the queen to spend the weekend at the castle he said and handed forth a envelope.

Nore read the invitation, as an apology for my sons tardiness I would like to personally invite you for a weekend stay here at the castle.  He looked at the man in the suit, I'm here to drive you, he answered to that look. Well come back in a few hours, its to darn early Nore said and slammed the door in his face. He sighed, it was nice of the queen to send this and offer her hand of apology but it should be her son. Nore decided to go but with just one goal in mind, an apology from the prince in person. He packed his bag, Lick your coming with me and broom keep the place dust free and try not go off in the night. 

He let himself be treated with grace as the man opened the door to the car. Nore sat with Lick on his lap, the man placed his bag in the trunk now they where of. It took about 30 minutes, past the wood and up a bit just at the outskirt of the little village. There a huge mansion stood. Nore was impressed, looking at the overflow of luxury the winter decor seen in the windows, reindeer’s on the roof top and a huge star. All the evergreen trees up to the Mansion, well they called it a castle, it might be for it was made of stone, big blocks of stone yet not that big for a castle. He stepped out, Lick followed. The man that had driven them took his bag, then showed them in. There Nore once more was impressed by the luxury, the rich culture and history. 

He suddenly bowed, your majesty may I introduce Nore Silverleaf. The queen stood there, you could tell she was a queen. Aristocratic to the core. She smiled. Nore smiled back taking her hand and shook it. She looked a bit surprised, she might have thought he would bow but no not him. He smiled back. I do hope you will have a pleasant stay here, Carl will show you to your room. Dinner is at six, see you then. She walked away in rather a fast phase yet with elegance and decorum. 

In his room he took a deep breath, he had not anticipated dinner the first day. What would he wear. He pulled out a bunch of clothes from his bag, having no idea what to wear. Lick what do you think of this Nore said the cat did not respond, your right. Nore waved his hand the fabric on the shirt changed, taking on a new design. A long fitted t-shirt. Not to long somewhere between a dress and a t-shirt in simple black. It need something more. He waved his hand once more and glass beads shaped like crystals placed them self in a nice pattern. Now what about pants. He could use long black socks but that would make the t-shirt look to much of a dress, tight black jeans would make him to much of a glamor goth. He took on the socks then turned his jeans into a pair of long boots made of jeans. He turned once he was dressed seeing the door slightly open. I thought I had closed it Nore thought to himself. Lick did you see anybody, the cat shook his head. Nore just shrugged his shoulders took a look in the mirror and sighed. A dress, almost at least. Well it had to do for it was time for dinner. 

Nore entered the dining room a grand table with what seemed to be the whole family, three young kids. One only about seven months, with a nanny holding it. The other two around  and eight, then you saw two men and one woman besides the queen. Nore knew for certain the oldest of the men, it was the jerk. The queen stood. So nice of you to join us, she said and made a gesture showing him his seat. The chair on the left side right next to her was empty, it had been a good place if not for the fact that it placed him face to face with the jerk. 

They did not speak much during dinner, but as the dessert came it became more of a family style table. Excuse me but are you a witch one of the children said looking at Nore. That's no way to speak to our guest the queen responded. The child looked down to his knees, then slightly up towards Nore. He smiled and winked with one eye. The child smiled back, took his spoon and continued eating. So somebody had opened the door Nore thought, in the same moment Lick jumped up on the table. What in the world is that animal doing, shu shu get off the table the queen said. Nore laughed. Your highness, you can just ask him he probably wants a bit of the cake. Nore stood and cut a tiny piece of the cake, laid it on a plate and placed on the floor. There you go Lick. The cat jumped down and purred against the queens leg then started eating. He likes you Nore said. 

What a well behaved cat, it as if you can understand him she replied. So Mr Silverleaf are you comfortable in your room. Oh yes its a beautiful room. That's good to hear, I do hope all this will be settled now. Not yet your highness, even if this invite was meant as an apology I would still like one from him Nore said looking at the face in front of him. The prince stood up, as if I should apologies after we have invited you here you got some nerve. To be fair it was you mother that invited me probably to apologies for her jerk of a son. The prince was about to speak, but the laughter from the queen and the cries from the baby stopped that. Son he got you there she said taking a sip of her tea.

The prince was about to respond. Excuse me do you need help with the baby Nore asked the nanny, I think she is teething. The nanny looked shocked she never would have guessed that. Nore came over and took the baby in his arms, asked to be shown the kitchen but just as they left he turned looking at the prince and you can get the bag on the bed in my room. 

Nore turned down the boiling water now adding herbs from his bag, stirred it, let it cool and then strained it. All this and still held the baby in his arm. He dampened a cloth in the tea, now letting the baby chew on it. He stopped crying almost instantly. That's amazing the nanny said, really amazing you might as well be a real witch the queen said smiling. The prince sat grumpy at a chair. Not speaking much. 

Night came and as the evening tea was over, the queen wished everybody a good night. Nore went to his bedroom but not before he told the prince, two more day's then your times up. Nore could not sleep and decided to take a walk in the castle, seeing a light on in one of the rooms with the door opened. He took a peak. Oh sorry to bother you your highness. The queen looked up from her desk. That's quite alright Mr Silverleaf, please call me Nore. Then you can call me Elvira. Is something troubling you Nore asked and took a seat close to the desk. The queen sighed and told Nore a little about the economy, it was bad. Not only the royal budget but also the country's. There is the up coming welcome tea and dinner, then there is the winter solstice ball after that the Christmas dinner followed by the Christmas day charity, then the new years eve feast for the whole village. Nore wished her luck and walked back to his bedroom with Lick at his side. Looks like I have a lot to do, wouldn’t you say Lick he said smiling towards his feline companion. 

The two days passed, not a sound from the prince had been said. The queen gave Nore a hug as a goodbye inviting him back for the welcome tea, where all the relatives and other royals were invited. He accepted. Well jerk that gives you some extra time to apologies to me. Like I would ever do that he replied and walked away. 

Nore came home in the early morning and decided to open the shop. It became a busy day for him, as evening came he was about to fall on the sofa upstairs as the door rang. He went back down opened and saw him standing there. The prince with two bags. What are you doing here? Thanks to you my mother have cut me off and just for that I'm moving in here he replied. Now take my bags. If you think I' your servant your wrong get your own bags. Nore walked back upstairs, waiting for the prince that took his time taking the bags with him. He was so spoiled. He dropped them down seeing a hand grabbing his. Nore shook it I'm Nore and you are. Your majesty will do, oh no here your not a prince, whats your name. The prince raised his voice how dare you treat royal blood with such a manner. The queen has cut you of so as far as I'm concerned, your not much of a prince. Now what is your name. You could see he was about to get angry but he controlled himself. Henry my name is Henry. 

Nice to meet you Henry, there is a spare room there Nore pointed. When you live here you also help out, no more service I'm afraid. He bite  his tongue taking his bags into the room and slammed the door. Nore laughed. Now suck with a jerk still no apology, well time for bed. 

Early morning came and Nore was standing in the kitchen making new products for the shop. New creams for acne, for acing hands and joints. Massage oils, shampoos, tea bags, tea blends, tinctures and more. The clock went from one hour to the next then again. Out from his room Henry came walking slowly only in his boxers out into the kitchen seeing the table full of products. What time is it He asked. Quarter to ten Nore replied. The prince seemed to burst as his eye's almost flew out. Why on earth did you not wake me. That's not my job, you should have set an alarm. You could see the anger in Henry, almost feel it in the atmosphere. I have made you a few pancakes. Thanks but I think I will take a shower first. Fine but take a fast one for after breakfast I need to open the shop, at that time you can help me down with all this stuff. He grunted and left. 

Nore did not know why he had blushed, seeing Henry in only his boxers. Henry was tall, masculine, slim but muscular. Brown hair, flowing yet stylish which made his deep green eye's look alluring. Lick purred against Nore's legs, as if Lick, I don't think he is attractive Nore knew he lied. He did find Henry attractive. 

He opened the shop a little after ten, costumers already entering. Henry did what Nore had asked, walking down with boxes of the products. The people in the store stood still looking at him. This is Henry he is working for me this week Nore said. We can see it is the prince Nore Mrs Maple replied. She walked to him, good day your highness. Just as he was about to answer he saw a angry gaze staring at him. You can call me Henry, you all can call me Henry. Mrs Maple smiled leaned towards him, Nore is just like his grandmother so don't treat him badly she said and blinked. A stiff smile was given back, before he continued his work. The day passed fast, as it was now time for lock up. 

Thank god that's over Henry said. Come along we need to run a few errands in town Nore replied throwing him a jacket. Henry sighed and you could tell he pressed his teeth as if he held back a scream of anger. They went to the post office, to the grocery store, then time for the weekly hall meeting. They discussed the Christmas dinner at the orphanage still no budget for the meals nor presents for all the kids, not even decorations. Nore listened and as it was over walked home in silence. Nore waited until Henry had fallen asleep, then went out in the darkness. Not noticing that Henry woke up hearing the door close. He got up and went to the window only seeing that black coat sweeping the snow as Nore walked. Henry decided to follow. 

Nore stood inside the orphanage the only thing that was a symbol of this season was a bare Christmas tree not an ornament in sight, He smiled and waved his hand. Like sparks of glitter had been thrown the room was filled with the winter spirit, the tree got decorated, the windows covered with paper snowflakes and garlands around the stairs. Strings of rowan along the walls and evergreen over the fireplace. 

Henry went inside shaking his head, did he just see evergreen magically appear on top the fire place. He must have been seeing things. There Nore stood with a box that he opened. How is this possible Henry said and walked towards him, just fast I guess Nore answered smiling as he placed gifts under the tree. Henry did not reply, something was up, he had not seen Nore walking away with a big box. Maybe he was a witch as all seemed to call him, Henry shook his head again. This is just to much for me to process right now. Nore walked passed him, Time to head home. 

Next day was a bit slower then the one before, Henry did not need to bring down boxes yet he did not get to sit around and be lacy. He had to clean the entire top floor. Nore came up and went into his room, Henry still sweeping with the broom. He leaned it against the wall just for a second to get a rag. To then not finding the broom. He looked around, he scratched his head once he found it in the corner of the kitchen. How did it get there. Nore came out wrapped in a towel around his waist. Henry could not help but look as he walked passed him and into the bathroom. Henry smiled thinking. He is rather cute, a little chubby but cute. Slim arms, gorgeous shoulder long dark blond hair and deep blue eye's full lips a round face yet strong cheekbones almost outer worldly. What the hell I'm I thinking about his looks for. 

That night became a hard one. Next day came and Henry went to the kitchen seeing Nore there making breakfast, having trouble looking at him. Good morning Henry, breakfast is ready in a minute. Great he replied. Short and fast. I cant believe that I had just woken up from a sex dream a steamy dream about Nore. This wont do. Henry took a deep breath and got ready for the rest of the day. Not that it became an easy day, as one looked at the other the other looked away. A whole day passed with glances and thoughts that neither one of them thought possible. The week came to an end. 

It was Friday, Henry had packed his bags and waited outside for the car to come get him. Nore stood there with him. Just have to say thanks Henry said as the car pulled up. For what Nore asked. You thought me a lot and for that I'm grateful. The man opened the car door took Henry's bags, with that ready to go. Henry grabbed Nore and gave him a kiss on the cheek jumping in to the car, as it drove away he rolled down the window. If you want that apology come to the castle tomorrow and stay until the welcome tea and dinner is over then I might just give it to you. Nore did not answer but was left with a angry gaze as the prince drove of. Lick came up against his legs and purred. Yes I know Lick I have to go. 

End of part 1