#shifterwitch

[medievalcorefantasy]

The witch-in-the-mountain, they of many faces, the one who became a dragon.

They used to have a name, but that was burned out of them long ago.

An aesthetic moodboard for one of my OCs, the witch-in-the-mountain. It you’d like to read their stories they can be found here, here, and here. Or just click of the “shifterwitch” tag on this post.

[medievalcorefantasy]

“There is a cost, you see,” the witch-in-the-mountain said. They were tall and long haired today, but previous customers spoke about how that changed, constantly. “Or perhaps you will see it as a benefit?”

The knight was not afraid. He was ready. He was excited. “I’d do it no matter the cost” His armor clinked as he adjusted his posture. He was tired of the way he was treated amongst the other knights, tired of how his body was developing as he aged, just tired. If this witch-of-many-faces could change their gender constantly, he knew they could change his the one time over.

He grabbed the hilt of his sword for comfort as he braced himself for the cost. Was it Money? Memories? Would it be something he couldn’t live without? To give up his knighthood would be hard, but anything was worth it. This was the most important change. He could live with anything else.

“I know, dearie, I was the same way.” They smiled. “I can make others finally see you as a man. I can also alter your body if you wish it so. However I cannot sever your tie to the moon. Do you know what a lycanthrope is?”

“You mean i get to be a werewolf too??”

[medievalcorefantasy]

“At will?”

“Yes I’d like to be able to change my body and form at will, to fit my changing moods”

“To truly alter it, not just illusion?”

“Yes ma’am”

“This is big magic,” she said, not unkindly, “I’m afraid it’s not as simple as giving you a potion or teaching you to read a scroll.”

“I understand. I’m willing to pay whatever you need. I just...” they trailed off, shaking through a deep inhale, and upon a smoother exhale said “cant live like this anymore. I feel stuck.”

“Payment is not the issue, my dearie. I know you will repay me when the time is right.”

“So you’ll help me?”

“Of course! Now. Pick up that book. I can’t give you a spell, but I can teach you how to cast them yourself.”

And teach she did, her little knobbled hands pointing to symbols and formulas, pulling jars of herbs and elvish dictionaries off the shelves. As the months lagged on, they moved from elemental basics to biology to transmutation itself, teaching by following her student’s natural curiosity. Months turned to years and eventually they knew all she had to offer on the subject. On every subject. The witch’s protégée had learned every spell and potion she knew, and mastered them with grace. They engaged in magical theory in a way that made the witch herself question and learn. The decade had been kind to the student. Their features maturing and mind broadening.

“I cannot thank you enough for all you have taught me. You have given me a wonderful existence.”

“I have given you everything I have to offer.” She leaned forward and with a glint in her eye asked “may I ask for your payment now?”

“Of course! Now get ready to hop on,” they said with a toothy grin. Teeth that became longer and sharper, as their whole body shifted and crackled with orange sparks. Their skin shifted to scales and feathers and reflected metallic in the light. Two huge wings unfurled from their back. As they elongated and grew to a monstrous size, they curled their great neck around the old woman leaning on her cane. With a swift movement she was straddling their immense head, clutching to their horns.

“Let’s fly, my dearie”