Chapter 18

Despite my hardships and lack of talent for it, I’ve always been interested in potion making. My skills are far from perfect, but I am hoping one day I will be as skilled as my superiors. It's slowly coming to fruition with every task that was given to me.

My growth is small compared to others. As in, those who can glance at a random high-class potion and easily discern what its purpose is.   

All potions have its own distinctive tell.

The color shows how potent it is. Lighter hues always indicate that the potion is used for trivial problems; such as a common cold, headaches, or a small bout of bad luck. If the color is more intense, those vials are often used for more serious concerns; such as plagues, restoring limbs, or removing curses. 

To the untrained eye, the color was nothing more than a decorative detail. Another way to appeal to non-magic users to sell and make money.  

It took a lot longer than I would like to admit, but I can now proudly say that I can tell the difference between most common potions. Knowing that it is a skill that witches need to have in order to progress in their learning, I made sure to take whatever notes I could on each potion I made.

A grueling process that has helped me better in another important skill.

I’m also able to create the most common potions. 

Some still take a few attempts before I can perfectly replicate it. The most recent one I was assigned, a concealment potion, has been a perfect example of it. It took a lot longer than I would like to admit, another thing I’m sure my teacher will tease me about until I graduate.   

I long overcame my insecurities when it comes to my slow uptake. Years of having Sungul mock me about it has done wonders for my ego and pride.

Like now. 

I proudly presented my new potion to my teacher.    

“It looks better than the last one.”

Coming from Sungul, I knew that was as good as a compliment I was going to get. And despite that, it was one I was happy to receive. I’ve spent days trying to craft a potion that could meet her expectations. Seemingly impossible as the days continued to slowly trickle by, my clothes stinking from the charbs hearts and fingers stained from the blood. 

It seemed my stubbornness finally paid off.

Sungul continued, “You're progressing way faster than I thought you would.”

“Well-” I began, smug at the praise I was receiving. “It was hard, but I think I’m getting a handle on things. I think I’m ready for something more-” 

“I’m honestly surprised.” Sungul carried on, ignorant to my swelling pride. “I thought you would be stuck on this for another few months, at least.”

I could feel my smile dimming to an embarrassed grimace. 

I was foolish to think she was going to let me thrive in the compliment. 

“I think a few months is a little excessive.” I huffed.

“I don’t.” She continued,  “I have to admit that you’ve come a long way. I never thought there would be a day that I would admit that.”

“Thanks?”

“You're welcome.” She sets my potion down, regarding me with a curious stare. A few seconds passed before she was satisfied. Sungul smiled mischievously, “I think it's time for you to move onto the next assignment.”

“Another potion?” I ask.

“Nope.” Sungul shook her head, “Are you aware what a familiar is?”

“Vaguely.” I admitted. It's been mentioned around me before. I wasn’t really listening since the conversation didn’t pertain to me.

I tend to do that a lot.

“How surprising.” Sungul drawled out sarcastically. She motioned for me to sit down, her wand appearing swiftly with the snap of her fingers. As my teacher impatiently waited for me to take a seat on my stool, her wand began to ooze a lavender mist. “A familiar is a bond.” Sungul began, “A link that transcends boundaries of the physical realm and the spiritual. You are your familiar and your familiar is you, inextricably bound. Some, as you may have already seen, take the form of animals,” A flurry of different animals appeared before me. From a slew of fluffy mammals to a heap of reptiles. A flock of birds flapping their wings and a lot of aquatic animals swimming about in the light shaded mist. “-ones best suited to their summoner’s tastes or preferences, usually complimenting their personalities; however, a familiar is not bound solely to an animal. They may take the form of elements, thoughts, perhaps even inanimate objects.” Her magic was swift and precise. With every word she uttered, an example appeared before me in a dazzle of lavender. “They may take a form not common in this world, an object or entity that takes a unique style. Regardless of how they may appear, each familiar has its own personality, beliefs, morals, dreams and fears.” The mist slowly started to dwindle from her wand. “It should be noted, and this is imperative for you to understand… a familiar, is binding. A contract. A sworn oath of fealty, protection, and service. You must always remember this, a witch and familiar are strong apart, but they are stronger together. Should you earn one’s loyalty and trust, you shall be truly blessed.”