He was scared, he wasn't sure about the decisions he's made, but he kept running. The forest was dense and with each step the way back was becoming foggier.  Athan had no other option left.  He couldn’t take it anymore, if he had been alone he would’ve just collapsed on the soft foliage beneath his feet but he had to take care of his little brother. The scenery in front of him was slowly blending into a mess of warm oranges and yellows, Athan was pretty sure he was running in circles but he felt in his gut that he was doing the right thing. The only thing that surprised him was that he had this much energy despite not eating for a couple of days. He kept on going, his brother in his hands.

Athan’s feet finally gave in, he fell on the soft wet leaves and started crying. He heard from the villagers about a cruel witch living in the forest. Since they were homeless orphans, they didn’t have anything to give the witch, but the older brother knew that if they kept on living as they did, death would claim them anyway. Maybe at least he could sacrifice himself to give his brother a chance at life, he thought before he passed out. 

Athan opened his eyes. he felt an unnatural sensation, it was warm and comfortable. He looked around and noticed a short, gray, shadowy shape warming itself in front of a fire. He wanted to pretend to sleep, and enjoy a nice bed, but when he turned his head he saw his brother sleeping in a bed nearby and couldn't relax. 

“Are- you the witch?” He asked the unnatural creature standing not too far away, to which the figure turned around. 

In reality, a young boy was standing in front of him, most of his body obscured by a large cloak. A shadow was cast on his face from his hat, that was far too large for his head. The witch lifted his face and looked up, His skin was pale and almost lifeless. The eyes looked similar to smoke in color and almost blended in with the sclera. Soft hair reaching his chin flowed from beneath the hat, the color matched his eyes. Athan was in bed, collapsed from exhaustion and yet he felt like his savior looked more sickly. 

“And, what if I am?” Athan heard, the voice was gentle and quiet. He thought maybe the boy was the witch’s helper or an apprentice. But the rumors only mentioned a single person living in the forest, and the boy in front of him talked as if he hasn't spoken to another person in a while.

“I need help, me and my brother are being chased out of the village. We don't have much to offer you though...” He exclaimed hopelessly. Athan’s plan made more sense in his head. In reality, why would a witch even help them, and what kind of magic would help two orphans with nobody to look out for them find a place in this world. His words sounded like a kid hoping for a miracle, probably because that's what they were. 

“And why were you chased out?” The pale boy replied, his facial expression not changing much.

Athan was quiet for a moment, he was a bit embarrassed to admit it.

“The people of the village are scared, they’re scared of magic. More and more people are getting accused of witchcraft every day. Me and my brother- Nobody knows who our parents are and we have bright orange hair, the village chief found that suspicious"

The young witch was not too surprised as he knew how nonsensical humans can act sometimes, but still it bothered him.

“And how would a witch help you. You know I'm not that special, do you want me to attack the village or something?” He looked to the side, a little boy was soundly sleeping in a bed not far away, Athan bit his lip in frustration.  He thought about the answer for a few moments, but he didn’t have an answer.

“I don’t know, I just know that I want my brother to be happy” He looked honestly into the witch’s eyes, who’s frozen face showed a hint of emotion, although Athan couldn’t tell what emotion exactly.

“And what would you give for-“

“Anything.” Athan said before letting the witch finish his sentence. 

“Do you even understand what you’re saying? Life is precious, why would you just throw it away.” He said in a frustrated tone. “Being selfless, no you’re just being irrational. I’ll let you stay for a few days but I don’t think I can help you in any way” The witch said before turning away.

“I’m selfish, you know.” Athan said, tears building up in his eyes “I just want my wishes granted, and I have nothing to give in return. In the end I’m jut doing this to feel happy, and why how would you know how I feel, you're not even a human!” He cried out. 

The witch didn’t know how to react, he couldn’t translate his thoughts properly.

“My names is Ashe” He simply said. “If you’re really willing to give anything, there might be something I can do.”

Athan jumped from his bed, he impulsively hugged Ashe. He thanked Ashe repeatedly, while the young witch just stood there, not reacting much. He didn’t know what to do when someone made sudden physical contact, but Athan’s tears felt warm on his skin, and that made him smile a little.