Radiance - The Alight Archives Book #1

14. Knack for Potions

Professor Lurgs raised the gramroot along with a delicate cluster of ovelpetals, their colors shifting from deep violet to soft lavender. She lifted them high above her head, ensuring the entire class had a clear view of the remarkable ingredients. 

Without warning, the woman plunged them into the bubbling cauldron sitting before her. The moment they hit the surface, a violent hiss erupted, sending steamy water splattering over the cauldron's lip, and it filled the air with an earthy, aromatic fragrance that tickled the nose.

The mixture inside the enormous bowl simmered with vigor, the vibrant hues swirling together like a tempest trapped in glass. The heat radiating from the pot enveloped the classroom, draping it in a foggy veil that blurred the edges of desks. 

Elaine, as well as the rest of her classmates, leaned in closer, eyes wide with anticipation. Yet, Professor Lurgs remained unfazed, her expression as calm and focused as ever, even as the hot liquid splashed upward, trickling down to her shoulders and sprinkling onto her bare skin.

"Potion-making, my dears," the professor said, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, "is a fine art that requires both skill and intuition. It all began in the Early Centuries when humanity was first struck with the revelation of how to brew elixirs using the exquisite assets that Aeris has provided. This monumental discovery kickstarted a new age for mankind, one where the boundaries of healing and transformation were expanded beyond imagination. Each potion and elixir possesses unique properties, capable of healing wounds, purifying tainted waters, or even bestowing enhanced abilities upon the drinker. However, as with magic, there exists a darker and more sinister side to the art of potion-making. In the shadowy corners of society, rogue sorcerers and unscrupulous vendors in the Black Market concoct potions with malicious intent—drugs designed to harm, to corrupt, and even to take life. 

"Yet, despite these perversions, it is crucial to remember that true potion-making is a sacred craft that should never be used for malevolent purposes. Potions are gifts, woven from the very essence of nature itself, unique in their ability to bridge the gap between the mundane and the magical. They are meant to elevate the human experience, regardless of whether one is a skilled sorcerer wielding immense power or a humble dullard seeking simple remedies. In essence, potion-making is an art form that invites anyone—man or beast, wise or simple—to explore and celebrate the marvelous possibilities within our world's seemingly ordinary elements."

Elaine smiled quietly to herself. There was something endearing about the way she often adjusted her round spectacles, as if each time she did so, she was seeing the world with fresh curiosity. Elaine imagined that her mother and the professor would form a delightful bond, effortlessly engaging in spirited conversations that could stretch for hours about the marvelous intricacies and secret techniques of potion-making.

From the moment Elaine was old enough to grasp a spoon, her education in the world of potions had begun in earnest within the cozy confines of her family's shop. The blend of herbs and spices, combined with the comforting clatter of glass vials and cauldrons, created an atmosphere that felt like home to her. Her parents had nurtured her passion for potion-making, hoping that one day she would embrace their family legacy and take over the business that had been passed down through generations.

However, despite her deep-rooted connection to the art of potion-making, Elaine found herself less than thrilled about attending this particular class. Perhaps it was the strong resemblance to her family's shop that made her feel as though she had already absorbed all the knowledge there was to gain. The thought lingered in her mind: what new revelations could a classroom possibly offer that she hadn't already learned while carefully assisting her parents behind the counter, mixing ingredients, and perfecting recipes?