Chapter 220 - Choices, Choices

The next morning, the household was up early. The scent of fresh bread and sizzling eggs filled the air as the witches gathered in the modest dining area.

Vell had chosen to cook the traditional way, enjoying the process as much as the meal itself.

Plates clattered, and quiet laughter rippled through the room. Life seemed so easy now, though a sense of anticipation lingered beneath the morning's ease.

Taking his seat at the head of the table, Vell's gaze swept over the girls. Sonder, seated to his right, had naturally assumed the role of lady of the house. 

They ate in relative silence, knowing the day ahead was an important one.

"What's the story between you and Herow?" the green-cloaked witch asked, breaking the quiet. "You have its seal. The headmaster mentioned something about annulled power."

"Oh, that," Vell mused, sipping his tea. "Long ago, before any of you were born, I was a teacher at Herow, and for quite a while, I might add. Jouska, the headmaster, was also a teacher then, though I first knew him as a student. Gnomes live long, but they aren't immortal, so he's been around to see it all. I was granted a special leave of absence for my 'unique' status. When he became headmaster, I assume he had the authority to annul it—and seemingly did—but he must still hold some grudging respect for seniority. And I am, in fact, very old."

The girl mulled it over but said nothing more.

Once the meal was finished, Vell stood and cleared his throat. "Before we begin any lessons or training, I have something important I want to ask you all."

The room quieted as all eyes turned to him.

"What kind of magic do you want to learn?" He spread his hands as he spoke. "Magic is vast, almost infinite. There's the arcane, the natural, and elemental forces. Alchemy and the divine. Enchantments, illusions, and much more."

The witches exchanged glances, some hesitant, others contemplative.

"Does it really matter?" one of the witches finally asked.

"Yes, it does," Vell said, his voice firm. "Knowing where your strengths and interests lie will shape how you prepare for Herow's entrance trials. They don't accept just anyone for any discipline. You must declare a focus. And since you're all still beginners, it's best we figure that out now rather than later."

One of the younger witches perked up. "I think I want to study elemental magic," she said excitedly. "Fire, mostly."

"I don't know if that should worry me," Vell murmured, though there was a glint of amusement in his eye.

Another girl nodded. "Natural magic. I used to work with plants."

"Botany, then," Vell said, making a mental note of her choice.

One by one, the witches voiced their preferences. Each choice offering a slight glimpse into their future.