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Chapter Text

1477, Stawford

  “Ada?”

  It was a normal day like all others when Ada was doing the laundry. She hummed quietly to herself as she soaked her dirty aprons and dresses in the tub with hot water and soap, when a familiar voice called her and she looked up. She smiled as her bright blue eyes met soft chocolate brown ones. “Hecate,” She said, her voice filled with delight. She couldn’t help but be a little surprised when she felt Hecate’s cherry red lips against her cheek. She quickly looked around to see if anyone may have seen them, but nobody was there.

   Keeping their relationship secret was difficult. Especially since everything in the village was ruled by the Church. To the village Ada and Hecate were both very close befriended widows, but no one knew about what played between them. If anybody found out it could have cost them their head. The only person that knew there was more than just friendship was Agatha. Ada trusted her sister with anything and knew Agatha wouldn’t judge her and thankfully Agatha had been supportive.

  She sighed relieved. "Hecate be careful." She spoke softly and Hecate smiled gently. "I'm sorry, Ada," She looked at her. "Do you have some free time?" She looked at the tub then back at Ada. 

  Ada smiled at her. “I’m nearly finished, dear.” She hung another apron on a long line with clean clothing that was drying in the wind. Hecate watched her as Ada finished off the laundry. 

  Both Ada and Hecate were widows. Hecate had once been married to a brewer and now owned the brewery of her late husband. Ada on the other hand had once been a housewife and would always be one. Hecate was quite good with the craft of brewing. She was known as one of the best brewers in the area and was quite popular in the small village, but everybody knew each other. The village was runned by the church, like every other village. In the centre of the village the church was built and directly next to it lived the priest and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Crimson. When you walked further down the streets you came past the local inn, runned by the family Drill. Opposite of the inn you could find the doctors office. Further you had the administrative office and a blacksmith. The village wasn’t huge, but everybody was happy and they lived a quite peaceful life.

  As Ada hung the last piece of clothing on the line with all the other clothing she dried off her hands and smiled gently at Hecate. Together they walked back inside the small brewery and Hecate sat down. Ada looked at her. “Shall we play chess? It’s been a while?” 

  She smiled gently as she got Hecate’s approval and took out their chessboard. She set the pieces in place and took place opposite of Hecate. She took the black king and the white queen and closed her hand around her, holding her fists out to Hecate. “Which hand?” 

  Hecate thought for a bit, then chose her right hand and Ada smiled gently, revealing the black king. She set the pieces on the board and made her first move, setting her pawn on E5. Then it was Hecate’s turn who set her pawn on E4. Ada thought for a while. It was a very normal way to start a game and she was deciding on her tactic. Eventually she moved her knight to F6. Hecate seemed to use the pyramid tactic, as her next move was to set her next pawn to C3, to which Ada set another one of her pawns to C6. She looked up at Hecate who stared at the board with a deep frown. 

  She loved the way Hecate thought carefully before her moves, looking for any possible pieces to take and any way she could make a move that might just influence the rest of the game. Ada watched her with love. The silence was comfortable. Ada waited patiently and smiled gently at Hecate who was still focussed. Playing chess had become their thing over time. Hecate was very tactful and careful with her moves, Ada did what she felt like doing and both had become pretty good at playing chess. 

  Ada watched Hecate, who eventually set her pawn to D4. Ada took a glance at the board and squinted her eyes a bit, then smiled and moved her pawn to D5. To finish her pyramid, Hecate set another pawn to F3 and it was Ada's turn. The silence was quite comfortable and Ada took her time to think about her next move. She was happy with the formation and was thinking of castling later in the game, but first she moved another one of her pawns to G6. Hecate stared at the board, trying to figure what Ada was doing and got lost in deep thoughts.

  It was quiet for a long while and Ada let Hecate think as she thought of possible moves Hecate could make when suddenly the silence broke by a knock on the door….

Chapter Text

  The knock got Hecate out of her concentration and she groaned slightly. Ada had gotten up and walked towards the door. She opened the door, surprised to be greeted by three men. Two were short knights, equipped with a sword and a Halbert. The other one Ada recognized as Nataniël Nightshade. “Miss Cackle,” The short knight spoke. “I am Sheriff James Hallewell. I am here for Miss Hardbroom.” 

  Ada was quiet and tried to progress what the sheriff just had said. She quietly stepped aside and let the two gentlemen in, closing the door behind them, watching them walk into the small brewery, to where she and Hecate had been playing chess. Hecate looked up from the game and looked at the sheriff and Mister Nightshade. She then glanced at Ada, who looked at her, concerned. “Miss Hardbroom. You are under arrest.”

  Hecate’s eyes grew wide. “Pardon? Excuse me?” She stared at him in disbelief. James didn’t show emotion and looked at her with an expressionless face. “You have been accused as a witch. You have been called upon, by the administrative centre. If you’d like to come with us.” He spoke calmly. 

  Ada and Hecate stared at each other for a long while as Hecate slowly got up. Ada knew Hecate possessed magical abilities, just like she did, but they had never shown it in public, and they were very careful with it, just like their relationship. The only thing Ada could think of that could possibly be the cause of it was that someone must have seen them casting a forgetting spell on someone, because they accidentally were spotted together. But the last time that happened was ages ago. Also Hecate seemed clueless about this accusation. Both knew this could cost Hecate her head. 

  The other knight bound Hecate’s hands together behind her back with a thick rope and James walked out without saying anything. The night poked Hecate slightly in her back with his halbert to indicate she had to follow and so Ada watched Hecate get carried away by the two knights. Nathaniël looked at Ada. His eyes apologised as he walked after the three and Ada was left alone in complete shock.

  She watched after them and soon made her way to the administrative office. As usual when things like this happened, the village had gathered at the administrative office. Ada was greeted by the kind wife of the local medic, Gwen Bat. “Oh Ada, when I saw Hecate I knew it wouldn’t take long before you would be here- what’s going on?” The elderly woman asked curiously. Ada looked at her. “I have no idea Miss Bat, but someone accused Hecate of being a witch.” 

  Miss Bat’s expression changed from curiosity to shock and confusion. “But- Miss Hardbroom? A witch? There is no way-” She stared at Ada who looked at her, but didn’t say a word. 

  Instead she looked around the office. Everybody was there. The Ladies and Lords from around the village were enjoying their feast meal, so that they were distinguished from the rest of society. Ada recognized Lord and Lady Hallow and Lady Pentangle. Surprisingly even the Duke and Duchess were there. The rest of the village stood around the table and watched the podium of the Judge. The Judge, Gordon Spellbody took his place behind the lectern. He looked around and slammed a small hammer. “Order! Please.” He stared around. “Bring in the defendant.” 

  Ada watched as the knights brought in Hecate to the middle of the room, her hands bound on her back and looking very uncomfortable. The knights stood just behind her, their Halberts ready and Gordon began to speak. “Miss Joy Hecate Hardbroom, you have been accused of possessing magical abilities and here by practising witchcraft.” He spoke with a loud voice. “Now we shall decide which quest you will be doing to prove your innocence-” 

  “Oh just get along with it! Burn her! Off With her head!”  Ada’s eyes shot up to the duchess, who impatiently rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. It was clear the woman was getting drunk, but also was very serious about what she said and Ada silently glared as everyone else stared at the Judge to see what he would say to this comment. Gordon looked at the Duchess. “Your Grace, she needs a chance to be proven innocent. We cannot just go against law and rights.” He spoke firmly. The Dutchess scoffed. “Well can’t you see! That woman is obviously an old hag! Just look at her!” 

  Hecate looked like the average woman in the village, her long black hair down and the first two strands clipped together on the back of her head to keep the hair out of her face. Her clothing consisted of a long full covering, old dress. The dark brown fabric was a little dirty because of her work. Around her waist she wore a tight corset band, with a belt holding a small jar with herbs and a dagger. The dress fitted Hecate’s slim body perfectly. The sharp angles of her posture were nicely visible. She looked nothing different than any other normal woman in the crowd of villagers.

  Ada’s anger started to boil. What did the Duchess have against Hecate? The entire room was now whispering and mumbling and rumours went around fast. Soon Gordon took the order again and slammed his hammer. “Order! Order!” He eyed the duchess. “Your Grace, she is an accused, not proven witch. The court of Stawford has decided, you will have to be weighed, Miss Hardbroom. Allow us to bring you to the weight house, where we shall face whether you are a witch or not.” He spoke calmly.

  Relief washed over Ada. Hecate was safe. 

  Hecate’s weight was maybe not the healthiest, but she was certainly not as light as a feather. As many liked to believe, witches would be as light as a feather, otherwise they weren’t able to fly a broom, but thankfully Ada and Hecate knew better than that. Hecate was certainly not light enough to proceed as a witch.

  Also Hecate seemed relieved. They shared a look, before one of the knights poked Hecate’s back with one of the halberts and they made their way to another room where a huge scale hung from the ceiling. Gordon was the first to walk in and took place behind a lectern in the corner of the room. He was followed by the knights who pushed Hecate ford. After the knights walked the clergy and after that the villagers. Ada was the last to follow the crowd into the small weight room, when suddenly a familiar face walked up to her. She couldn’t help but smile. “Agatha,” 

  Agatha looked at her with a serious expression. “What is this all about? Hecate a witch? When did they find out?” Her tone was quiet and she kept glancing around as if she was expecting someone or something to listen to their conversation. Ada’s smile faded. “We don’t know- I don’t know who accused her, but she gets weighed, she’s safe.” She said in the same quiet tone and Agatha nodded. Quietly they mixed themselves with the rest of the crowd of villagers. Gordon slammed his hammer and everything fell quiet. 

  “Miss Hardbroom, take place on the scale.” He commanded. Hecate took a deep breath and stepped onto the scale. She stood still and breathed out. The room was silent as Gordon gave a nod to his wife. Mavis Spellbody was the weigher in town. Slowly she started to place weights on the other wooden plate of the scale. Hecate felt the scale under her slowly lift up a little. Slowly weight by weight was set on the scale, until both sides were on the same height. Mavis looked at the weights. Eventually she looked up at her husband. The silence was really haunting the room. Finally Mavis spoke. “Witch.”

  The entire village seemed to gasp for air, and rumours immediately went through the crowd. The duchess cheered and Ada and Hecate had eye contact, both eyes asking the same question. How was this possible??  

  “Sabotage…” Agatha mumbled as if she knew what both Ada and Hecate were wondering. Ada looked at her sister and back at Hecate as the rumours got louder and louder. Eventually Gordon took the attention again and the room fell quiet. “Well. We all saw proof.” He spoke. “Miss Hardbroom. I sentence you to burn at the stake!”

   To Ada’s horror the crowd around her started cheering along with the Duke and Duchess.  “Off with her head!” The Duchess yelled and the crowd cheered harder. Ada stared at Hecate who got taken away by the knights. Ada felt like she had been stabbed in the back. This wasn’t right.

Hecate was innocent…

Chapter Text

Slowly the courtroom emptied itself. Ada looked paler than a ghost and she didn’t hesitate a moment longer when the guards that had taken Hecate away returned. With a snap of her fingers she transferred to Hecate’s cell. Hecate sat, chained to a wall, but got up as soon as Ada materialised in front of her. She walked closer to her, as close as she could get and took Ada’s hands in hers, smiling softly. “Ada.” 

  Ada looked at her, a pained expression in her ocean blue eyes, sadness filling her face. She tried hard to keep the tears back, as she wished them to flow freely, but not now, she had to be strong. For Hecate. She gripped Hecate’s hands tightly and though neither of them said anything, their silence spoke a thousand words. 

“It’s okay Ada, I’ll be fine…” 
“I just don’t understand why- Why you?”
…
“I don’t want to lose you Hecate…”
“I won’t be far Ada, I will always be around, you will never ever lose me and that my dear, is a promise.”

  Agatha who had transferred after Ada watched them quietly and gave them time, looking around as she leaned against the wall. At the same time she kept guard just in case one of the guards would come. 

  Ada nor Hecate paid attention to her presence and only had eyes for each other. Slowly Hecate pulled Ada closer to her and kissed her. Ada let her, slowly kissing her back and closing her eyes. Hecate closed her eyes as well and soon got lost in the kiss. She held Ada as tight as she could but eventually had to pull away as the chains got too tight. Even though she was about to be burned alive, she still smiled. 

  Then it was Agatha’s turn to say goodbye. Agatha walked over to Hecate and hugged her tightly. Tears were in her eyes but she held them back. Hecate froze for a moment, then hugged her back. She closed her eyes and held Agatha. “Take care of yourself, sister.” She said with a gentle smile. “Or I might just haunt you.” Agatha looked at her and a tear rolled down her cheek, yet she smiled. She gave a small nod. Hecate withdrew gently from the hug and turned to Ada, who looked down. Hecate gently cupped her cheek and tilted her head slowly so Ada was looking up at her in tears. She leaned into the touch and laid her hand on Hecate’s. "I love you, Ada Cackle…" Hecate whispered. "I love you too, Hecate Hardbroom." She whispered back and Hecate pulled her into a kiss. Slowly Ada closed her eyes, yet tears escaped and her hands moved a little to Hecate’s neck. Hecate gently wiped her tears as she closed her eyes as well. She didn’t care anymore about her own tears flowing. She held Ada tightly and close. Both wished this moment would never end. 

  Then footsteps approached them. Hecate quickly withdrew and took a step back, throwing a spell over Ada and Agatha so the guards wouldn’t see them. She noticed Ada’s longing look to die with her in that moment. “ Keep going Ada, do it for me. ” 

  The heavy cell door of stale opened. Two knights walked over to Hecate and bounded her hands together behind her back. Sheriff James watched, a satisfied glint in his eyes. “It’s time… Time to burn.”  

  Feeling Hecate’s magic wash over her one last time, a tear rolled down Ada’s cheek as she watched the knights follow James and take Hecate away. The hatred feelings she had towards the sheriff grew immensely. She clenched her fists and gritted her teeth as tears of anger were in her eyes. Agatha laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. Ada didn’t respond to the touch, but let Agatha transfer them back outside, where she slowly felt Hecate’s magic fade. Gently she felt Agatha guide her through the crowd of angry people that had gathered on the square of Stawford…

  Hecate got bound to a pole in the middle of a pile of wood. The ropes felt awfully tight. She closed her eyes as she heard the crowd scream. The calm feeling she had with Ada had vanished entirely. She tried to keep her breath under control as she felt the heat from underneath her. She scanned the crowd once more. Slowly a sea of flames started coming closer and Hecate stared at them as tears welled up in her eyes. Slowly she felt the heat and flames eating her up. She screamed in pain and tried to magic herself free, but the damage was already done. One last time she made eye contact with the bright blue eyes of her lover, somewhere in the crowd. She cried and screamed in pain. Slowly she felt her body melt. The pain was unbearable. Tears streamed down her cheeks from pain as slowly her screams faded and everything went black…

  Ada watched the flames slowly eat Hecate’s body. The screams in pain and the cries for help. It was torture and Ada had to face it. Her eyes were teary, but she couldn’t show it. Hecate’s screams slowly fell quiet and there was nothing but the burning body of the woman she loved most. Suddenly a deafening silence filled her head. The villagers that yelled suddenly weren’t that loud anymore and every sound seemed to be blocked. Her sight got blurry from tears. Her bottom lip started wobbling. A feeling of emptiness strangled her chest. She felt the weddings ring in her hand and held it to her chest. Her body was heavy, she was shaking. She felt like screaming, but the lump in her throat let no sounds escape. She stood there, frozen, nailed to the floor. Her head was spinning, her heart breaking. 

  She didn’t know for how long she was standing there, when finally someone guided her out of the overwhelming crowd. It seemed like everybody was in the mood for a celebration after the ‘betrayal’ and death of their once friend. Pitchforks were still thrown at the burning pile and the duchess was celebrating the hardest of them all. Grief got replaced with anger. Ada stared at the crowd and a deep hatred feeling filled her chest. Her emptiness got filled up with hate. How could people be so happy after murdering someone innocent.  

  It was after a bit that she snapped out of it when the warm hands that had guided her through the crowd let go of her. She met Agatha’s eyes who looked at her with concerned eyes. Ada swallowed back tears, before muttering softly: “Thank you Agatha.” Her sister gave a small nod back. Ada wanted to say more, but her mouth fell dry and words seemed to vanish. Instead she walked off to her cottage. 

  As soon as she entered the living room, Ada’s knees forsaked it and she let herself fall onto the floor, finally able to let out her tears. The cold stone floor felt comforting to her misery and she cried for a while, letting out all the emotions she had held back. Once more the scenery played in front of her eyes. Hecate’s screams haunted her mind and soon she started to panic. Ada started shaking, Tears fell down her cheeks, and she had started hyperventilating. Slowly the room started spinning and in her mind all she heard was Hecate’s screams, all she saw was Hecate burning. 

  Just before she passed out, Ada managed to get the better of herself. “STOP IT!” She yelled to herself. She still sobbed a bit. Her skin was tangling and itchy from the panic and the hatred feeling of all the people feasting took the better of her. She bawled her fists, digging her nails a bit in her skin and gritted her teeth. Tears dried up in her eyes and grief turned very fast into anger. 

  Getting up after a while, Ada suddenly noticed the unfinished chess game. An evil glint lit up in her eyes, and her lips curled into a slight smirk.  These people were happy they burned a witch? Well then they would feel what it’s like to make one mad…