The witch, a diminutive figure compared to Caitrin, stood before them, her attire a stark contrast to the traditional garb of her kind. A black coat, adorned with intricate silver embroidery, draped over her slender frame. Beneath, a purple skirt and a ruffled blouse completed her ensemble. Her long, white hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her striking purple eyes. A mischievous grin, a permanent fixture on her face, added to her enigmatic aura.

As she tucked the bottle into her pocket, she turned to Orano and Caitrin, her voice laced with curiosity. "Who are you two?"

Caitrin, her sarcasm evident, couldn't help but retort. "How could you not recognize us?"

Orano, his tone serious, introduced himself. "I am Orano Tatsumi. We have come to speak with you about an important matter."

The witch, her expression unreadable, replied, "I may be known for my eccentric behavior, but I do not entertain strangers without a compelling reason."

Orano, undeterred, held up the necklace he had acquired. "Is this enough?"

The witch's eyes widened in surprise. "You obtained the crystal from 'that person'? That's quite a feat."

Her curiosity piqued, she invited them to follow her. "We can't talk here. Let's discuss this elsewhere."

Despite their reservations, Orano and Caitrin followed the witch, her enigmatic demeanor adding to the air of mystery that surrounded her. But for the moment, they seemed to have no choice.

---------------------------

The interior of the witch's castle, despite its age, exuded an air of elegance. The walls, adorned with intricate tapestries, shimmered in the soft light, while the floors, polished to a mirror finish, reflected the surrounding splendor. As they navigated the castle's labyrinthine corridors, the witch effortlessly opened doors with a wave of her hand, her magic casting a spell of enchantment over the surroundings.

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Caitrin, her eyes wide with wonder, couldn't help but marvel at the castle's hidden marvels. She even witnessed a broom, seemingly imbued with life, sweeping the floor, its movements precise and methodical.

The witch led them to her study, a room filled with an eclectic mix of books, potions, and arcane artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and spices, creating a heady atmosphere.

"This is my humble abode," the witch said, gesturing towards the cluttered space. "It may not be spacious, but it's functional."

Orano and Caitrin exchanged glances, their curiosity piqued by the witch's eccentric personality.

"Now that we've found a suitable place to talk," the witch began, her voice laced with a hint of amusement, "tell me why you're here."

Orano, his voice firm, introduced himself and Caitrin. "We came here because the Guardian of the Black Forest gave us a necklace and said you were his friend."

The witch's eyes narrowed. "So Ken sent you here, huh? You're more perceptive than I thought."

Caitrin, her curiosity piqued, pressed the question further. "You knew Ken? What was he like?"

The witch, a wistful smile playing on her lips, reminisced about the past. "Ken was a solitary figure, always focused on his duties. He was a loyal friend, but his grief over Sigfried's death had consumed him."

Caitrin, her heart aching for the lost friend, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Ken. "I didn't know he was the Black Swordsman."

The witch nodded. "He was a man of many secrets."

Returning to the present, the witch turned to Orano and Caitrin. "Now, let's discuss your reasons for coming here."

Orano, his voice filled with determination, explained their mission. "We're seeking a spell called 'The Rift.' It's a powerful spell that can transport people to different locations."

The witch's eyes widened in surprise. "So that's why you're here. I know about that spell. In fact, I created it."

Orano and Caitrin were stunned by the revelation. "You created 'The Rift'?" Orano exclaimed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," the witch confirmed, her tone matter-of-fact. "It was an experiment, a test of my abilities. I didn't think it would actually work."

The witch reached for a dusty, leather-bound spellbook, its pages adorned with intricate silver embroidery. As she opened the book, a wave of ancient energy seemed to emanate from its pages.

"Everything changed after we defeated Luroun," the witch began, her voice filled with a sense of history.