Lira and Maelin stepped out the grand doors and descended the spiraling steps. Maelin began chattering right away, pointing out paintings that moved, doorways that shimmered, and windows that reflected more than just light. Her voice danced through the air, full of excitement—but Lira mostly remained quiet, her wide eyes drinking in the world around her.
The halls were alive. Beyond each open doorway, lessons had begun. The once-bustling corridors had calmed, and a quiet hum of voices and magic filled the space. Lira glimpsed students practicing spells, floating objects, and even speaking to glowing orbs or creatures she couldn't name. It was more than she had imagined possible—so different from the rough, simple life she had known.
As they walked, they passed classrooms where focus had settled. Inside, students of many ages sat at polished desks, eyes fixed on their teachers. Some took notes, others whispered to familiars perched nearby. Every room seemed filled with wonder and discipline alike.
Eventually, they reached a simpler space. The room before them was more modest, its wooden door marked only by a small carved symbol—four overlapping circles.
"This is it," Maelin said, stopping with a satisfied nod. "Where we begin. We'll study here until we've earned enough points to move to the upper classes. Don't worry—it's not hard if you're curious and willing to learn."
Lira nodded, still quiet, but a small smile formed on her lips. Something about the room felt familiar and grounding.
"Come on," Maelin added, tugging her sleeve gently. "Let's go in."
They entered just as the lesson began. The teacher, tall and elegant, gave them a brief glance and a soft nod, signaling them to sit. She wore a deep blue gown with long, flowing sleeves that moved like water as she turned. In one hand, she held a carved wooden staff, which she tapped against the floor to draw attention.
With calm precision, she began to speak.
"Welcome. I am Teacher Gabriela. Today we begin with the foundations—the classical elements and the natural cycle that connects them all…"
As she spoke, the wall behind her shimmered, revealing glowing symbols of Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. The images shifted slowly, connecting in flowing patterns as she traced them with her staff.
Lira sat still, mesmerized. The way the teacher spoke, the grace of her movements, the clarity of the lesson—it felt like the beginning of something new. Something important.
She glanced at Maelin, who was already scribbling notes with focused energy. The tiny rainbow bird on Lira's shoulder tilted its head and gave a soft chirp, as if encouraging her to pay attention.
And so she did.
---
She listened closely now, her eyes fixed on the tall teacher as her hand moved across the page, scribbling in her own way in one of the books she had been given.
The teacher's voice was calm, yet carried strength:
"There are five elements — Earth, Fire, Water, Air, and Spirit. Most are common enough. Earth, however, is rare. Those gifted with it can heal, grow plants, craft teas and elixirs. But they are often weaker in constitution. Defenseless in the outside world. For this reason, they are usually protected by others."
Lira paused her writing, frowning slightly.
The teacher continued, now pointing with her stick to glowing symbols on the wall:
"Fire is the element of strength. It burns through nearly anything. Its bearers have warm bodies, resistant to heat and cold alike. Air is the swift traveler — it flows through all things, reaching any height, disappearing at will. It can strike silently through the smallest crack."
She moved to a symbol of swirling blue.
"Water feeds life, growth, and movement. A single drop can heal, but a great wave can crush mountains. Spirit is the rarest of all. It sees what others cannot — ghosts, the future, the mysteries between."
The teacher's eyes scanned the room.
"All elements are connected. Some enhance others. Some cancel or even destroy."
Lira's mind buzzed. She had so many questions. Rare... but defenseless? That didn't sit right with her. Yes, she could feel plants. She had brewed teas that calmed even the worst fevers. But...
What about the building?
Her stomach twisted slightly. That moment — the flash, the collapse — she didn't remember all of it, just shards. Panic. Noise. And silence afterward.
Had she destroyed it? Could Earth do that?
The way the teacher spoke made Earth sound delicate — gentle. But something inside her pulsed differently. Quiet, yes, but deep. Heavy. As if it could crack open the ground if pushed too far.
Lira glanced at her page, then at the glowing orb still faintly humming in her memory.
What exactly am I?
---
As she drifted deeper into thought, the lesson faded into a blur. The teacher's voice became distant, like the rustling of leaves in a forest far away.
The sound of movement pulled her back — the class was ending. Maelin was already beside her, nudging her lightly.
"Let's go," she whispered with a small grin. "I need to show you the greenhouses."
Lira blinked, still half caught in her thoughts, and stood slowly. Before she could find her pace, Maelin took her hand and tugged her along. They weaved through the corridors and out into the open air, where the sky above the courtyard was wide and blue.
Ahead, Lira saw many buildings made almost entirely of glass, catching the sunlight in soft reflections. Each one seemed to hum with quiet life.
Maelin pointed as they walked briskly. "We need to keep growing plants for elixirs, potions, teas... everything, really. We don't have enough Earth element students or staff yet, so even those with other elements help where they can."
She glanced at Lira's dark green dress. "I suppose you really are Earth, then. They gave you the color already. Each element has its own. The shades shift slightly as you grow in skill, but they stay mostly true to the element's core."
Lira looked down at the fabric, touching it absentmindedly.
As they approached one of the greenhouses, a sweet, grassy scent enveloped her — soft, warm, and oddly familiar. It made her pause, eyes half-closed.
"Do you smell that?" she asked, turning toward Maelin. "What is it?"
Maelin stopped and sniffed the air, frowning. "What smell? I don't smell anything."
Lira's brow furrowed. The scent was still there — strong and vibrant, like fresh earth after rain and something... ancient. She hesitated, unsure, then followed Maelin inside.
The greenhouse was humid, filled with rows of vibrant green plants, hanging vines, and soft glowing mosses clinging to wooden supports. But that scent... it only grew stronger.
Something in here was calling to her.