The Friendly Witch

    By Thiago

    The Friendly Witch cover image

    17 Mar, 2024

    a woman in a kitchen with a candle in her hand and a pot on the stove behind her, and a window with a lit candle in the background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Evaline Ness, fantasy illustration

    In a little house at the edge of the forest lived a kind-hearted witch named Elara. She had a magical aura that caused things around her to sparkle, but this frightened the villagers.

    a woman with long black hair and a red cape in a forest with trees and leaves on the background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Charlie Bowater, epic fantasy character art

    Elara was saddened by the fear she saw in their eyes. She longed to make friends, to be accepted, but her magical powers always stood in the way.

    a woman in a blue and red dress standing in front of a crowd of people in a town at night, fantasy art, a character portrait, Donato Giancola, magic the gathering artwork

    One day, she decided to prove that she was not as scary as they thought. She made a plan to use her magic in ways that would help the villagers.

    a woman in a blue dress standing in front of a building with bubbles floating in the air and a sky background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Chris Rallis, magic the gathering artwork

    Her first act of goodwill was to use her magic to heal the old town well. The villagers watched in awe as clear, fresh water bubbled up from the previously dry well.

    a woman holding a sparkler in her hand and a barn in the background with fireworks in the air, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Dan Mumford, official art

    Next, she used her magic to mend the broken fences and fill the empty barns with hay. She worked tirelessly, her magic creating a spectacle of sparks and shimmering lights.

    a young girl standing in front of a group of people in a village with a woman in a dress, fantasy art, a character portrait, Ada Gladys Killins, official art

    Despite her efforts, the villagers were still wary. However, a little girl named Lily was not afraid. She approached Elara with a shy smile.

    a woman and a child standing in a forest with butterflies flying around them and a butterfly - covered sky, cloisonnism, a storybook illustration, Anne Said, official art

    Lily thanked Elara for all her help. The witch was overjoyed. Finally, someone was not afraid of her.

    a girl and a girl are reading a book in a library with a glowing orb in her hand and a candle in her hand, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Diego Gisbert Llorens, rossdraws global illumination

    Lily and Elara became fast friends. They spent countless hours in Elara's house, where the witch taught Lily about the good side of magic.

    a woman in a dress standing in front of a house with flowers in front of her and a castle in the background, fantasy art, a character portrait, Charlie Bowater, kinkade

    Lily's fearlessness started to influence the other villagers. They began to see Elara's magic not as something to be feared, but as something that could be used for good.

    a woman in a red and white robe standing in front of a crowd of people in a city street, context art, a comic book panel, Artgerm, comic cover art

    One by one, they started coming to Elara, asking for her help with their problems. Elara was more than happy to oblige.

    a man and woman standing next to a horse in a field of flowers with a horse behind them and a sky with clouds, american romanticism, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, western comic book art

    Elara helped the farmer's crops to grow, she cured the blacksmith's ailing horse, and even helped a young couple find their lost wedding ring.

    a woman in a white and yellow dress surrounded by people in a village, with a man in the background, context art, a comic book panel, Cassandra Austen, comic cover art

    Word about Elara's good deeds spread across the village. The fear that once clouded their judgment was replaced by gratitude and newfound respect.

    a woman in a witch costume standing in front of a village with people and a pumpkin on the ground, fantasy art, a character portrait, Art of Brom, official art

    The villagers started to visit Elara, not just for her magic but also for her company. She was no longer the lonely witch at the edge of the forest.

    a group of women sitting around a table with a candle in front of them and books on the shelves, fantasy art, a storybook illustration, Brothers Hildebrandt, official art

    Elara's house was filled with laughter and warmth. Children would gather around her to hear stories about magic and faraway lands.

    a woman in a blue dress standing in front of a crowd of people in a village with a clock tower, fantasy art, a character portrait, Charlie Bowater, epic fantasy character art

    As time went by, Elara became an integral part of the village. Her once feared magic now held the village together.

    a painting of a woman in a crowd of people in front of a building with a cross on it, fantasy art, a character portrait, Donato Giancola, official art

    Even the adults, once skeptical and fearful, now sought her wisdom and guidance. Elara was touched by their acceptance and trust.

    a woman in a white and gold dress standing in a crowd of people in a city street with a red ribbon around her neck, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Charlie Bowater, graphic novel

    There were still some who harbored fear, but Elara didn't let that dishearten her. She knew it would take time for everyone to truly accept her.

    a woman in a blue dress standing in front of a crowd of people with a gold ring on her right hand, sots art, a character portrait, Constance Gordon-Cumming, high detail illustration

    Elara continued to help the villagers with her magic, always with a gentle smile on her face. Her kindness and selflessness were a beacon of hope in the village.

    a painting of a woman serving food to a group of people at a table with balloons in the background, lyco art, a storybook illustration, Asaf Hanuka, promotional image

    One day, the villagers threw a feast in Elara's honor. They thanked her for her help and welcomed her as a true friend and member of their community.

    a woman in a red dress surrounded by other people in a church with a halo above her head and a cross on her chest, renaissance, a comic book panel, Araceli Gilbert, comic cover art

    Elara felt her heart swell with happiness. She was finally accepted and loved. Her journey to make friends had been successful.

    a woman with long hair standing in front of a crowd of people with a halo above her head and a star above her head, pre-raphaelitism, a comic book panel, Donato Giancola, comic cover art

    Elara realized that her magic, once a barrier, had become her bridge to acceptance. It had brought her closer to the people she wanted to befriend.

    a woman in a red robe standing in front of a crowd of people in a village with a clock tower, fantasy art, a comic book panel, Brothers Hildebrandt, comic cover art

    And so, Elara, the kind-hearted witch, found her place among the villagers. Her story served as a reminder that fear is often born of misunderstanding, and with patience and kindness, even the most feared can find acceptance.