Newlyn, the Spring witch seasonal witches p2

Newlyn sat in a glade within her homely domain of eternal spring. Greenery of all sorts surrounded the maternal witch. She wore a crown of flowers over her blonde hair and a thin green dress. She left her feet bare. Her faithful familiar sat beside her, a mighty griffin named Sarah. Newlyn pet her neck and tossed her a fish that the griffin happily caught.  She was happy that the advent of spring, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, was nigh. It was her duty to see to the spread of spring throughout the world.

Nymph were all over the domain. Some played music from hand carved instruments, others danced to the music. Some respectfully picked flowers to braid into each other’s hair. Green skin and a vibrant variety of hair either reflective of their former selves before they were awakened as nymphs or altered by their own magical power as they saw fit. They wore leafy clothes decorated by flowers or preferred plants. Some had palm decorations, others vines which they shared the fruit. Grapes were common on nymph vines. Some of the nymphs had apples growing from their vines, and others had oranges. That was hardly the limit though. One even had a pineapple! Another nymph who laid down relaxing in the sun covered in vines had a few watermelons growing on her blanket of vines. Many others had flower arrangements with a good number based on national symbols: shamrocks edelweiss, carnation, gardenia, magnolia, hibiscus, dove orchid, lilies, tulips, and so many others.

Not too far from Newlyn and Sarah, a dimensional rift opened. Harmony arrived riding a mighty Clydesdale Rick. She did not need to wear something to keep warm, so she embellished the chance to wear a nice candy cane themed blouse and jean shorts she keeps for this occasion. Her cowgirl boots were also winter themed. Her familiar Winter strolled behind her appearing a bit different from the last time Newlyn saw her. She now stood upright in a human form and the spring witch never in her wildest dreams expected to see the reindeer familiar in two-piece swimsuit. She still had her lovely antlers though. Winter was hand in hand with a strange man who also had a fine pair of antlers, though slightly smaller than Winter’s, and he too was dressed lightly wearing a t-shirt, swim trunks, and sandals. Newlyn at first wondered how they could fit clothes over their antlers, but then reminded herself it was not outside of the realm of possibility for either Harmony or Winter. The stranger marveled at the glade frozen in time he now stood in. Newlyn was sure he was definitely new to her realm but she did enjoy the familiarity in his eyes. He has not seen such greenery in some time.

The spring witch extended her arms in welcome and Sarah got up bowing to the new arrivals, “Welcome to the realm of spring.”

Harmony dismounted from her horse and held out her arms wide. The winter witch was still a head shorter than the spring witch and still preferred a slightly more youthful appearance to Newlyn who in comparison took on the appearance of a young woman who one might see lead a kindergarten class. The two witches hugged each other forming a corona of radiant energy around them. Rick and Sarah looked to each other and got acquainted as well slowly in the way animals do before nuzzling each other in a manner of a hug. Newlyn looked up to Harmony and smiled, “It has been a whole year since I have seen you sis, you okay?”

Harmony nodded looking into her sister’s eyes with the compassion of one who was reunited with relatives they do not see much, “I made many trips to the other world to spread my season’s joy. I found many who needed help and aided them how I could. I gave them a fire if they needed one, companionship if they lacked it, and a present to those who needed it most. I only wish I could do more.”

Newlyn nodded as she backed out of the hug, “Yes, such is our trial. In either case, you and yours are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

Harmony smiled then got excited, “Oh that reminds me. You should meet the latest member of my little snowglobe, Ethan.”

The antlered pair were sticking their feet in the crystal clear river when the guy heard his name. Ethan got up and while Winter tugged on his arm his reassuring smile kept her rooted. He then came over to the witches on his own. Harmony wrapped an arm around his shoulders, “This is Ethan. On my first trip to the other world Winter took me near him and they grew close nearly instantly. I turn my back for few minutes and next thing I know they have already shared magical essences.”

Ethan rubbed the back of his neck shyly, “Well… it wasn’t so fast. And… she changed into her current form really fast and before I knew it and…”

Newlyn fawned over the young man, “Oh don’t act like it was something bad, it’s romantic that a familiar chose you to be with. Understand that it is a special honor reserved for few.”

Ethan nodded in acknowledgement, “Asides from all the magic, I love Winter. We have talked for a good while and I think we might have something going.”

Newlyn winked much to Ethan’s chagrin, “Oh, I hope you do! I can sense your relationship blossom like a budding flower.”

Ethan blushed, “Thanks for letting us come here. Harmony’s realm is postcard perfect winter like one sees in dreams or movies, but I will say I missed the green of spring.”

Newlyn beamed and hugged him, “Glad to hear it! Now I won’t keep you from your beloved any longer.”

Ethan hugged her back and rushed back over to Winter’s side nearly like a yearling wanting its mother’s side. In such a whirlwind of magic and strangeness for the former human with vivid memories of the life he left behind to be with the woman who loved him, he did find great comfort in Winter’s embrace when he returned to her side.

The nymphs came to play with the timid Ethan plashing in the water. Winter giggled pushing Ethan into the river. The nymphs also smothered Rick with affection. The mighty horse was happy to oblige the attention and the carrots. Sarah came over to her fellow familiar Winter nuzzling her hand. Winter was happy to oblige the griffin and petted her.

Meanwhile, the two witches went the nearby clearing where Newlyn set up a picnic for them. There were arranged vegetables and salad dressings for dipping. There was a small plate, with a snowflake design, covered in sweets all especially for Harmony. Newlyn picked up a porcelain teakettle then poured some for Harmony into a matching teacup. Harmony watched the tea cascade into a cup without a spill, “Herbal experiment again?”

Newlyn giggled, “This one seems to work out. The nymphs that tried it didn’t get sick.”

Harmony took an experimental sip; then breathed deeply, “Very good this time.”

“You see Frozen sis?” Newlyn asked as she poured herself some tea.

Harmony grinned taking a celery stick holding it like a microphone, “Let it go, let it go!”

The spring witch giggled. She tossed some cherry tomatoes in her mouth, “It’s nice to have a song like that for you.”

The winter witch rolled her eyes crunching on the celery, “You aren’t tired of Rite of Spring yet?”

Newlyn shook her head giggling, “Does timeless mean anything to you?”

Harmony stuck out her tongue, “Still got Jingle Bells.”

“And people get tired of it the day after Thanksgiving.” Newlyn shot back playfully.

Harmony formed a snowball in her hands and threw it at Newlyn. It hit the spring witch perfectly in the face splattering water all over. The spring witch sighed like a teacher impatient with a rowdy student. She took out a handkerchief and wiped the cold water off her face, “Harmony, now hardly seems like the time for such. I thought we were enjoying a lovely day before I need to go and spread spring spirit where it is needed.”

Harmony recomposed herself and sipped more tea innocently, “It could use a little lemon.”

Newlyn whistled, “Maria!”

One of the nymphs who had lemons growing off of her turned her head. She smiled and picked off a more mature lemon and threw it to the witch like a ball. Newlyn tossed the lemon to Harmony, “Harmony, my dear sister, I have a feeling that this will be a fun spring forward this year.”

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Cliff walked through his college campus trying to get back to his dorm. He took it slow though drained from classes and his jogs around the school. Besides, one of the things he loved about his school was when his green eyes scanned the emerging greenery around him. There was still some frost and snow still lingered on the ground. It calmed him as well as shaded him from the sun that warmed up the nippy, early spring air. They were on the cusp of spring. Soon, Cliff could say goodbye to the cold and hello to the new blossoms that lie in wait around him for the proper time to shine.

He readjusted his book bag and picked up the pace knowing that his Judo lessons were not going to reschedule themselves for his convenience. He would have to take a shower later when his brown hair was covered in more sweat than it was now.

Cliff heard music not too far off. It was the strumming of a guitar and what sounded like someone playing… an ocarina? It was definitely some sort of wind instrument. He rounded a bend to see off the paved path down to a few benches in a grove was a guitar player picking a cheery tune. Some girls danced around him while one girl of the bunch played an ocarina. The girls, who had a variety of skin tones and appearances, looked like they snuck out of renaissance fair with their outfits that looked like they were sewn from leaves and their bare feet. It was not uncommon to see some athletes and health nuts not wear shoes so that was not unusual.

No, what was unusual was when he got closer he noticed the outfits were not just fabric arranged to look like leaves nor the fruits or flowers on them plastic. It was all real. The dancers went over to him smiling drawing him into their dancing circle. Cliff bashfully obliged. They danced around him carefree at who noticed. The newcomer to the scene dropped his bookbag as it felt like such a burden; then, Cliff underwent a renewal of spirit.

It took a moment, but Cliff joined the circle of dancers. His worries soared away as he enjoyed the bliss of the moment with this troupe of girls and the guitar playing college student. Cliff became so lost in this newfound bliss that he did not notice how he appeared less and less out of place with these girls. His clothes became greener and merged taking on the shape and texture of leaves. He danced out of his shoes since he preferred the feel of the earth beneath his feet. The outfit was less constraining so he felt a soft breath cool him down so he could dance more without slowing. His large, muscular body slimmed to a smaller frame that permitted smoother movement. Curves sculpted him into a more feminine form to match his changes.

The college boy all the while remained ignorant of the fact that his skin took on a greenish tint as it was touched by chlorophyll. Each ray of sunlight kissed him like an affectionate lover. Roses grew out of his leafy clothing, and his hair changed from its natural brown to a lavish crimson red.  He also did not see as he twirled in the dance with the girls that their skin and hair changed to different colors like his own. The guitar guy was also experiencing changes of his own as he became a bit more nymphy, in his case he had tiger lily buds and orange hair. He, just like Cliff, did not notice because his eyes were closed as he jammed out. Finally, Cliff noticed that the nymphs stopped dancing. They giggled as they hugged their new sisters affectionately and fed them fruit if it was growing form them. The new nymphs were a bit overwhelmed but in their ecstasy they accepted the hugs and gifts without question.

Cliff then heard a newcomer arrive in the grove. He turned to see her and it was a woman who did not appear like a nymph but she radiated an aura like one. She smiled like a mother who was watching her kids play. What really caught both new nymph’s attention was the rather mythical griffin who stood at the woman’s side like a loyal pet, “Girls, now I turn my back for a moment and you go and find new sisters. What did I tell you about doing that?”

The nymphs frowned like a child with their hands in the cookie jar. They pouted out many different excuses, but the woman just held up her hand, “It is alright girls. Let’s see how the new ones are doing shall we?”

Cliff was confused by this statement, and then rubbed his hed because he was woozy. He noticed a flash of green when he held his hand up. He then looked to it and squealed like a girl!

“Aah! Wha? What d-did you do to me?! I'm all green and... are those boobs?! What am I?!” Cliff screamed her voice going up several pitches. She covered her mouth in shock. The guitar player also noticed her own makeover and she fainted.

The woman came up to Cliff hugging her as though she was her child, “You are a nymph now sweetie. You and your other new sister over there with her guitar can help me, Newlyn the Spring Witch, and your fellow nymphs bring back spring, wrap up winter so to speak.”

Cliff broke free from the hug and tried to cover her new form, but she was rather unsuccessful in the efforts to cover up every inch of her statuesque new form, “B-but why me?! I'm just a normal guy!”

Newlyn giggled smiling kindly, “Because nymphs just want to have fun! And you have the aura of a fun nypmh! I can tell, Rose.”

The other nymphs who triggered Cliff’s change giggled in agreement. Cliff herself cringed at the name Newlyn called her blushing nearly as red as her new hair. The blush really stood out on her green skin, “I still don't...understand. What happens to me now?”

Newlyn pet Sarah who cooed and nuzzled her mistress, “Me, Sarah here, and my nymphs now including you share the burden in ensuring the spread of spring. Flowers bloom, love blossoms, and those seeking a new start receive them. You are one of many nymphs, and you can help in this task if you choose to do so. However, should you choose not to I will simply revert you back to normal and you will forget this ever happened.”

Cliff nodded timidly still feeling frail in her new form. The other nymphs gathered around her comfortingly and Newlyn glanced to the new nymph with compassion, “What do you choose?”

Cliff hesitated for a moment before finally saying, “I accept. I will help you.”

The other nymphs brightened and used Cliff as a cornerstone for a crushing group hug. Newlyn rubbed Cliff’s cheek, “I am happy to hear that. Girls, would you mind taking Chrysanthemum aside and taking care of her while I teach Rose here how she can help. ”

Cliff watched the other nymphs work together to pick up Chrysanthemum and put her on Sarah. The nymphs then levitated off of the ground. When Sarah opened a portal in the sky and shot up to soar into it, the nymphs rose up as well. They transcended from a corporal form into something else, becoming nearly transparent green waves of wind. However, you could still make out their smiling faces as they waved goodbye before following Sarah.

Cliff’s jaw dropped, “H-how did they do that?!”

Newlyn patted her new nymph’s head and handed her a bar of chocolate. Cliff took it from her with a bit of trepidation but she nibbled on the bar. The chocolate tasted good! It was mundane chocolate, but with all that she had been through the past few minutes, she needed a familiar taste that made her smile.

The witch noticed, “Feel that warmth within you? You want to spread it. Like a smile! It is pure joy. Spread it with the world.”

Cliff nodded as she bit off large chunks, “I...I feel something!”

Newlyn grinned like she was watching a child walk for the first time, “Yes?”

Cliff started to float in the air as the snow melts away underneath her. Green grass sprouted and flowers started to perk up. Her form became ethereal like the other nymphs as she begin to fly around as light warms the earth and the plants blossom. Animals run out to meet her and she beamed as the world become brighter. She rose a bit higher and higher.

Newlyn smiled as she watched, “Yes, you are doing it!”

Cliff was stunned. The woods around her looked fresh and new, “I...I've never felt anything like this...but...but it'still strange to me. I feel like…”

Cliff started to lose her spiritual aura and sink lower. If she lost it completely, it would be a hard fall.

Newlyn saw this, “Don't lose that feeling, that wonderful feeling of freedom. Of the love of life. A part of life is loss and pain. However, we need a time to refresh ourselves and focus not on what is gone but what we have now. Even the tiniest of acorns can grow into a mighty oak if provided care. Feel the power within you, the radiance of life within you.”

Cliff listened rising with each word she gained strength, “I...I do love life, I want to help the acorn!”

Cliff then became fully transcended into spirit form. She flew around like a dove spreading spring in her wake.

Sarah returned to Newlyn’s side and the witch mounted the griffin bareback. Sarah got a running start then took off trailing Cliff holding back though to not overtake her. Sarah smiled in her own way, knowing what the new nymph was going through.

However, what comes up must come down and finally Cliff felt exhaustion catch up to her. She was about to free fall down but Sarah came to the rescue swooping under the falling girl. Newlyn caught her and held her while Sarah landed. Newlyn helped Cliff off of Sarah, I think that’s enough for one day. You did so much and expended too much energy at once.”

Cliff stretched weakly, “No kidding. Well… I guess I’m done with my job then… mind changing me back?”

Newlyn kissed Cliff on the forehead and she changed back into a human boy, Newlyn then pulled back holding out a bracelet with a rose engraving, “This is for you. Put it on, and you’ll become a nymph again anytime you want. You can also call to me anytime. Just say Newlyn, and I will come to you.”

Cliff yawned as his exhaustion closed in on him. He stumbled a little trying to fight sleep and Sarah came to the rescue again letting him rest against her. Cliff tried to reply, but he could not manage even that. He fell asleep against Sarah’s soft feathers.

Next thing Cliff knew, he awoke with a start. His muscles ached as if he just got back from judo. Did he get thrown around so much he hallucinated he was a girl? However, he looked over to his nightstand and his face got white when he saw the rose engraved bracelet.