Introduction
Zarya is the quintessential witch of our time, with blue eyes and long braided brown hair. She is trying to decide which mead or cordial recipe to use from her book of shadows while munching on the biscuits she made during the strawberry full moon. She is also looking over her notes for the archaeological dig that was organised by the local museum starting in the morning. Looked on by her disgruntled cat Sprocket.
Sprocket is an unusual cat. Although on the whole looks like a typical witches familiar he has distinctive markings. He is pure black except for his front left paw is pure white and the tip of his tail is also white but bushier than the rest of his tail, a bit like a toothbrush. He also has a sizeable chunk out of his ear from when he picked a fight with the neighbours dog, (don't worry the dog is fine).
Sprocket is annoyed by his human, that his human prefers to look over pieces of paper excitedly rather than carrying him to bed as is the custom and expectation, after all Zarya has to realise that she is not Sprocket's owner, she is Sprocket's slave and will only be allowed a few more moments before she is shouted at and trampled over. Looking up from her notes Zarya suddenly sees the time, it's after midnight and Zarya should be getting ready for bed. Going to the cupboard she gets out a mug and yawns,a chocolate bar and from the cupboard below a saucepan, from the fridge, single cream and milk. It's not like her when she's on her own to stop up so late. If she is with friends then all bets are off and she can talk into the early hours of the morning around a campfire. Just catching up and talking about anything that comes to mind. She's very good at being on her own but loves her friends with all her heart, if only she lived closer. Lighting the hobtop, the chocolate is broken into the pan before the single cream and milk is added and heated slowly. While Zarya is absentmindedly waiting for her hot chocolate to be ready Sprocket loses patience. He jumps up on the counter beside the stove and starts strutting angrily, "Sprocket I know it's past bedtime but I have my routine too". Sprocket swipes "you behave" she admonishes. She gets out a mug, stirs the pan and pours the contents into her mug. Giving Sprocket a head scratch she goes back to the table to have her drink and take out her braids. Once finished Sprocket jumps into her arms and they go to bed, Sprocket finally happy and purring.
As soon as Zarya gets into bed, Sprocket curls up beside her and starts to purr, his white paw resting on her arm. Zarya strokes him absentmindedly, lost in her thoughts. She can't help but feel a little lonely sometimes, living on her own with just Sprocket for company. But then she looks down at him and smiles, grateful for his constant presence and the comfort he brings.
Sprocket, sensing her mood, nuzzles his head under her chin and purrs even louder. Zarya takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, feeling the warmth of Sprocket's body against hers. She knows that no matter what life throws her way, she will always have Sprocket by her side, her faithful companion and friend.
With that comforting thought, Zarya drifts off to sleep, her hand still resting on Sprocket's soft fur. And as the night turns into morning, the two of them dream together, safe and content in each other's company.
