It was noon and Princess Odai was at the fresh water well with Prudence riding along in one of her dress pockets and the Dragon sitting on the ground, just looking at her.

I think it was this way. Come on, Dragon!

The Princess went deep into the forest, followed by the fearful Dragon.

Soon they were standing outside the house from the Princess’ dream.

It’s exactly how I dreamt it! -- exclaimed the Princess with surprise in her voice.

There was a woman inside; we could see her through the window. She was talking to someone; she suddenly stopped and looked right at us. We all felt a strange chill. The woman got up and walked out of our sight. The door opened and it was her. She was approximately... well, old. She stood in the doorway and stared at the Princess.

You have come looking for me, correct? -- asked the woman with a strange voice. -- I was waiting for you.

I dreamt about you last night, ma’am.

Don’t call me madam -- said the madam, I mean... said the lady, I mean... said the.... ??? -- Call me Zoe -- said Zoe! -- Come inside. -- She invited the Princess in.

She was not an ugly woman, she was also not beautiful, or even pretty. I wouldn’t know how to describe her, she looked like a... Witch? -- asked Zoe.

No, I don’t want to use that word because I don’t think you look like a witch, Zoe, but you have an air about you, like a...

Witch? -- Zoe insisted.

No... I got it! The correct word is: sorceress. Sorceresses are witches. -- Zoe said, smiling.

I don’t know about that, but since this is my story and narrating is the only thing I get to do, I prefer to call you a sorceress rather than a witch... I hope you don’t mind.

Not at all! But, why don’t you just call me Zoe?

Okay. She was not an ugly woman, she was also not beautiful, or even pretty, she was just... Zoe.

See how easy that was? Sometimes it’s better to call things by their name -- said Zoe. -- Come in, you are all welcome.

Aren’t you busy?

No -- said Zoe lightly.

Don’t you have visitors?

No, I’m alone -- said Zoe.

But we saw you talking to someone just a moment ago.

I was talking to myself -- said Zoe as she walked into the house. -- Come in.

The Princess walked a few steps.

The Dragon whispered to the Princess so that Zoe wouldn’t hear them -- Can I stay outside? I think that would be convenient.

You want to stay outside... alone... in the middle of the forest, Dragon? -- asked Zoe from inside her house.

The Dragon whispered even softer -- Do you think she heard me or is she just playing around?