The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the academy's lecture hall as Lira sat among her classmates, the scent of parchment and ink filling the air. The classical herbology lesson was well-taught, but Lira's mind kept drifting toward the greenhouse, toward Thara and the mysteries waiting among the plants.
As the bell rang, signaling the end of class, Lira rose quickly, her heart pounding with anticipation. She barely waited for the crowd to clear before slipping through the corridors, her steps light and eager.
The greenhouse doors creaked softly as she pushed them open. Warmth and the rich scent of earth greeted her, and Thara looked up from a cluster of blooming herbs.
"Right on time," Thara smiled. "Ready for today's lesson?"
Together, they moved deeper into the verdant maze. Thara guided Lira's hands to delicate blossoms she had never seen before—flowers that shimmered faintly in the morning light, their petals unfolding like secrets.
"These," Thara explained, "are Dawnfire blooms. They only open with the first light and hold energy that awakens the senses."
Lira listened intently, inhaling the gentle aroma as Thara showed her how to carefully harvest a few without damaging the plant.
They collected samples of several rare herbs and flowers, each with its own story and purpose. Thara taught Lira subtle brewing techniques—how timing, touch, and intention could change a simple tea into something extraordinary.
With the basket full, Lira wrapped the delicate plants carefully and set off toward the grandmaster's office. The halls of the academy were quieter now, but the polished floors reflected the soft light like a pool of stars.
Reaching the grand chamber, Lira's breath caught at the grandeur of the carved pillars and the tapestry-lined walls. She stepped inside, where Grandmaster Elion awaited, his eyes keen and kind.
"Lira," he greeted, gesturing to the assortment of plants she carried. "Thara speaks highly of your progress. Let us see what wonders you have brought."
Lira carefully presented the flowers and brewed a small cup of her enchanted tea. Elion sipped slowly, his expression thoughtful.
"You have a rare gift, young one," he said finally. "Your connection to nature is deep—and your ability to weave magic through care is unusual indeed."
He leaned forward, voice steady. "Your training will be demanding, but rewarding. I expect great things."
Lira nodded, feeling a mixture of pride and resolve.
"You have a rare gift, young one," he said finally. "Your connection to nature is deep—and your ability to weave magic through care is unusual indeed."
She hesitated a moment, then found the courage to speak quietly. "Grandmaster… when you found me near the forest border — the vines that grew over everything, protecting me from those in the village… What was that? Why did it happen?"
Elion's eyes softened as he regarded her. "That was your elemental power reacting instinctively. A sudden burst to shield you from harm. It is a rare gift, and one that requires time and patience to understand."
He leaned forward, voice steady but gentle. "You will learn to control and shape your power as you train your element. But it is important — do not rush. Pushing too hard too soon can break even the strongest spirit."
"You are safe now, Lira," he continued. "Here, you will learn and grow at your own pace. Your path will unfold in time."
Relief and hope blossomed in Lira's chest. She nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words settle warmly inside her.
As she was leaving the grand chamber, the shadows no longer felt threatening. Each step echoed a promise — that she would nurture her power with care, and that she was finally where she belonged.
Lira stepped out of the grandmaster's office, her heart light and buzzing with new hope. The weight of uncertainty had lifted, replaced by a warm glow of recognition and guidance.
As she made her way down the polished hallway, a familiar figure came rushing toward her — Maelin, cheeks flushed with excitement, eyes sparkling.
"Lira!" Maelin called, almost breathless from running. "I heard! The Grandmaster wants to see your tea brewing! That's amazing!"
Lira smiled widely. "It feels real now… like I'm actually on the right path. Thara invited me for extra lessons after class. We'll explore more brewing magic together."
Maelin nodded eagerly. "That's wonderful! I started my own journey too — I joined the Furnace Room today. I'm learning to work with fire. It's intense, but it feels like it's part of me already."
They walked side by side, their voices low but full of energy.
"Fire, huh?" Lira said thoughtfully. "That's so different from my element, but I bet it's powerful."
"It is," Maelin agreed. "I had to focus really hard to keep the flames steady. But the teacher says it's about balance — fire can warm or burn, depending on how you guide it."
Lira glanced at her friend, feeling a surge of pride. "We're both learning to control something inside us. It's scary, but… exciting."
Maelin grinned. "Exactly. And having you here makes it easier."
They reached the dormitory entrance together, their footsteps echoing softly.
"Tomorrow, after classes, let's meet in the greenhouse again," Lira suggested. "I want to show you what I've learned."
Maelin nodded. "It's a date."
Lira and Maelin were still talking and laughing quietly when a shadow fell over them. Dominica strode up with a confident, almost mocking smile, her eyes sharp and calculating.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" she said, voice dripping with superiority. "Lira, I heard you're playing tea fairy now. Brewing magical drinks? Is that supposed to impress anyone?"
Lira's smile faltered, and she instinctively took a small step back.
Dominica continued, "Honestly, anyone can throw some leaves in hot water. Let's see if your 'magic' can stand up to real power. I've heard the Grandmaster barely blinked at you. Don't get your hopes too high."
Maelin's eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, she squared her shoulders and faced Dominica.
"Leave her alone, Dominica," Maelin said firmly. "Lira's skills aren't just about fancy words or empty boasts. She's working hard and learning something real — something you wouldn't understand."
Dominica scoffed. "And who made you her protector? Last I checked, you're still new here, just like her."
Maelin's voice grew stronger. "Maybe. But I believe in her. And if you have a problem with that, you can say it to me."
The hallway grew quiet for a moment as Dominica studied Maelin's determined expression.
Finally, she sneered but backed off a step. "We'll see how long your little magic lasts, Lira. Don't get comfortable."
With that, Dominica turned sharply and walked away, leaving Lira and Maelin standing together — a little shaken but stronger than before.
Lira exhaled softly and smiled at Maelin. "Thank you. I didn't know what to say."
Maelin shrugged, still protective. "You don't have to face her alone. Not ever."
Still buzzing from the encounter — both the sting of Dominica's words and the warmth of their friendship — Maelin grabbed Lira's hand.
"Come on! Let's go before she comes back with more nonsense."
Lira giggled and nodded, and together they ran through the stone hallways, feet light, laughter echoing between the walls. When they reached Lira's room, breathless and smiling, Lira immediately went to her desk and pulled out the green book with a reverent touch.
"I want to check something," she said, flipping through the pages until she found the flower Thara had given her — the soft-petaled, golden-veined blossom that warmed her lips when she drank the tea.
The book shimmered faintly, and new lines began to write themselves in curling script beneath the flower's drawing:
Dawnfire Bloom. Enhances elemental warmth. Especially effective for fire-aligned energies. Best brewed during sunlight hours for full effect.
Lira's eyes widened. "I knew it! I felt something when I tasted it."
Without hesitation, she set out the small kettle again, placing the flowers carefully into the steeping bowl, her fingers working with newfound confidence. The soft scent of the bloom began to rise again, bright and comforting.
Maelin watched curiously. "You really love this, don't you?"
Lira nodded, smiling softly. "It feels… right. Like it's part of who I am."
Soon, the tea was ready. The two girls sat cross-legged on the floor, their hands cupped around the warm ceramic. They sipped in silence, letting the taste and the magic settle.
Maelin blinked in surprise and looked at her cup. "Lira… I think it's recharging me. I was a little drained after the furnace class — it takes so much energy — but now I feel… warm again. Like my fire's been stoked."
Lira looked at her, surprised and delighted. "Really? I didn't feel anything myself… but that's important." She reached for her book and scribbled down the new observation.
"Maybe if you're tired again," she said, thinking aloud, "I can make this for you. It might help you recover faster."
Maelin grinned. "I'd love that. Your tea might become famous, you know."
Lira blushed but smiled. She liked the thought — not of fame, but of helping. Of creating warmth in a world that had been so cold for so long.