On the night of the next full moon, the couple made their journey into the West Wood with great determination. They had gathered the needed materials and walked forward hand in hand. And like the raven had said, the trees began to bend and twist, thus revealing a path for them to follow.

Hidden in the deepest part of the woods, there was a small stone cottage. Grey smoke billowed from the chimney while candles stayed lit in the windows.

Both the Baron and his wife slowly made their way up the walkway. The door to the cottage creaked open.

"Come in," the woman whispered.

The couple hesitated.

"That is of course you'd rather take your chances with the wolves," she snickered.

At the sound of the wolves howling behind them, they quickly rushed inside.

The Baroness couldn't keep from staring around the room. Odd trinkets hung from the ceiling. Jars filled with mysterious herbs and creatures lined the shelves. Large dusty books piled high everywhere. Along with the dozens of candles there was a massive fireplace with a thick, black cauldron hanging above it.

The old woman herself- did not appear old at all. In fact she looked younger than the Baroness herself. Her face held no wrinkles and not a strand of hair was white or grey. One would have called her beautiful if it weren't for the dreaded scar that married her face. Rumor had it that she was over two hundred years old but hadn't aged a day.

"Are you Fiona?"

Fiona held up her hands in half bowed. "The one and only."

The Baroness stepped forward.

"I'm-"

"Marianne and Henry Nightingale, yes," the witch stated. "You've come for a child."

The couple shared a bewildered look. Fiona smirked.

"The birds aren't the only things that talk around here."

"Can you help us?" Henry asked impatiently.

"Did you bring what was necessary?"

Marianne handed over the basket that held everything inside. After taking a look through it, the witch lifted her head.

"It appears the raven has forgotten to mention the most important item that I need."

"What is it?"

Fiona glared. "A living creature."

The couple gasped.

"Do you honestly think my magic comes without a price? A life for a life," she explained.

"Any living creature will do?" the Baron asked.

The witch nodded.

"In that case, I will return shortly." Marianne watched her husband leave the cottage and rush back into the woods.

. . .

Once the Baron returned he placed a covered cage upon the witch's table.

"Henry, what did you bring?"

The Baron uncovered the cage, revealing a small light brown colored bird. The witch cackled in amusement.

"You said any living creature would do," he stated.

Fiona smiled. "Indeed, I did. I just find your creature of choice to be rather amusing."

The Baron had brought her a nightingale from the bird sanctuary.

From there the witch began to work her magic. Having spread out all the materials, she took the bird out of the cage and snapped its neck in her hands.

Marianne cringed at the unholy sight. She watched as the witch tossed the dead bird into the cauldron making the bubbling mixture turn red.

"Ahh." she turned towards the couple. "It is to be a girl."

"A baby girl," the Baroness nearly wept in happiness.

"Let us begin." The witch picked up the three gold pentacles and flipped them between her fingers. "What attributes do you wish for your daughter to have?"

"Beauty."

"Intelligence."

She tossed two of the pentacles in the cauldron. "One more."

Suddenly the witch felt a coldness reach up her spine. She clasped the last pentacle in her hand. Before the couple could give their last attribute she stopped them.

"Wait." Fiona placed the coin down and planted her hands on the table.

"What is it?"

"I . . . I have just been informed that this particular child is not destined to live the life you have planned. While she may grow in grace and master numerous skills there is a pending darkness which will encircle her indefinitely."

"What do you mean?"

"The spirits of the night claim this child has one of their own. But there are those- spirits of the light- that will demand custody of her as well. Protect this child and guide her wisely."

The witch held up the final gold pentacle. She shared a look between the husband and wife.

"The song of the nightingale is what I will gift to her." The third coin was dropped into the cauldron.

With the dagger she cut into her hand and poured the blood over the boiling pot.

"I now must ask you to remove your corset and lift up your cloths."

Without question, the Baroness untied her corset and revealed her stomach.

The witch took the deadly nightshade berries and crushed them between her hands. She slowly brushed the dye of the berries down her stomach and began muttering a spell.

When she finished, Fiona poured a bit of the boiling mixture into a cup and handed it over to the Baroness.

"Drink this," she instructed. "By sunrise, you will be with child."

(If you like the story so far please feel free to comment or ask questions!)