Each participant stepped forward, one by one, potion in hand. The room filled with quiet footsteps and the gentle sounds of breathing creatures, tense anticipation hanging in the air like mist.
Lira held her vial tightly as she approached the healer assigned to her. On the small cushion before them lay a curled-up creature—no larger than a cat, entirely wrapped in a cloud of snowy fur. Its round shape barely moved, except for the occasional twitch of its side where a faint smear of red stained the edge of the cushion.
The healer sat beside it, hand hovering gently over the creature's back, brushing it in slow, rhythmic motions.
Lira hesitated, then offered the glowing green potion.
The healer accepted it with a nod, whispering softly to the creature. "Come now, little one… It's safe."
But the creature remained tucked in, trembling slightly, unwilling to uncurl.
Lira crouched beside them, her voice quiet. "May I try?"
The healer turned, his eyes studying her closely—searching for something. Recognition flickered across his face. After a moment, he nodded once.
Lira slowly extended her hand and touched the fur. It was soft—unreal, like silk spun from moonlight—and radiated a surprising warmth. Her fingers lingered, then instinctively she closed her eyes and let herself remember: the fox in the woods, the way she had poured her essence into the earth to save it.
Drawing on that memory, she gathered her elemental energy, subtle and grounded, and let it flow into her hand. Her touch deepened, and a quiet hum stirred the air around her.
The fur beneath her hand shifted.
The creature stirred, uncoiling slightly. Then, a face emerged—round and utterly disarming. Two enormous blue eyes blinked up at her, filled with gentle curiosity. A small pink nose twitched, and for a heartbeat, Lira forgot everything else.
It was the most endearing thing she had ever seen.
The healer, seizing the moment, carefully brought the potion to the creature's lips. It sniffed, hesitated, then lapped at the shimmering green liquid.
Almost instantly, the red along its side began to fade. The rawness smoothed over into healthy fur. A vibrant scent of fresh pine bloomed into the air—so strong and pure that heads turned across the chamber. Even from a distance, other competitors paused to look.
The creature blinked once more and then, without warning, stood and nestled against Lira's leg, nuzzling close with soft purring chirps.
The healer was speechless. He looked from the creature to Lira, then down at the empty vial.
"…I've never seen a response like that," he finally whispered. "Your energy… it welcomed the healing."
Lira blinked, her hand still resting gently on the creature's back. She smiled softly.
"Maybe it just needed a little trust first."
Behind Lira, a voice echoed through the quieting room.
"This," one of the judges said, stepping forward with a firm but pleased tone, "is the best quality potion of this round."
Murmurs stirred among those nearby.
"I suspected as much when we tested it earlier," he continued, nodding to the healer still beside Lira. "Good work, young lady. You shall advance to tomorrow's round, where you will compete among the higher-ranked potion makers."
Lira blinked, momentarily stunned, then bowed her head politely. "Thank you."
As the judges moved on to inspect the rest of the competitors' work, the room grew heavier with disappointment. Several potions were deemed too weak or improperly balanced, and many contestants were quietly dismissed from the competition.
Lira watched them go, sympathy in her chest. The small white creature was still pressed against her leg, rubbing gently as though it belonged there.
Eventually, the room began to empty. Whispers died down, footsteps faded, and the warm smell of herbs slowly gave way to the crisp air near the exit.
Lira turned to leave as well—but nearly tripped.
She looked down to see the creature faithfully following her, its soft paws padding close behind.
At the doorway, she stopped and knelt, meeting its gaze.
"You can't come with me," she said gently. "I came to help you heal… that's all."
The creature looked up at her with round, glistening blue eyes, its ears slightly lowered. The sadness in its expression was unmistakable—like it understood every word.
The healer from before approached slowly, his arms crossed and a knowing smile on his lips. "It seems this one has chosen you," he said quietly. "Rare. Very rare."
Lira looked from the creature to him.
"We found it injured on the streets. Sent word out to nearby villages and homes—no one claimed it. It avoided everyone, too scared to approach. Until now."
She blinked, unsure how to feel. "It really wants to come with me?"
The healer nodded. "Yes. And if you wish, you may take it. Sanctum allows creature companions for those who gain permission. You'll just need to speak with the grandmaster about the rules. But… you'd be its first real person."
Lira hesitated. Then looked down at the small, warm bundle again.
"…What do I need to do? I don't know anything about caring for creatures."
The healer chuckled. "That's not a problem. This little one is easy. Eats both plants and meat. Won't grow too big. And with some time, it can even learn to protect you—with claws or a sonic cry."
Lira raised her eyebrows. "A sonic cry?"
"Pierces through magic barriers. Handy in tight spots," he said with a wink.
He turned toward a small table in the corner where stacks of books rested. After a moment of flipping through a few, he returned with a slim, leather-bound manual.
"Here. Beginner's guide to care and bonding. Should help."
Lira accepted the book, then remembered with a pinch of dread, "Wait… I don't have any coins to pay for the creature."
The healer simply waved his hand. "No payment needed. We've been waiting for someone it would choose. That someone seems to be you. Take care of it, and that's enough."
He gave her a kind smile, then turned and walked away, leaving her with the book in one hand and the creature pressed gently against her boot.
Lira stood there a moment, heart warm and full. Today… had been a good day.
She knelt again and stroked the fur. "What should I call you, hmm? Fluffy Snow?"
The creature wiggled its tiny ears and let out a happy trill, then promptly curled up in her lap, eyes half-lidded with comfort.
Lira smiled.
"Alright, Fluffy Snow it is."
She stood, and Fluffy trotted beside her, tail swishing like a silken ribbon. As they stepped out into the sunlight, her potion master was waiting under the arched gate, arms crossed and expression unreadable—but the faintest trace of pride flickered in his eyes.
With Fluffy at her side and the warmth of success in her chest, Lira stepped towards potion master.
Potion Master Therin smiled as Lira approached, Fluffy prancing beside her.
"I heard from the judge," he said, eyes twinkling, "that you passed all of today's tests. Brilliant."
Lira beamed, still a little overwhelmed. "Thank you, Master Therin."
He tilted his head slightly, gaze drifting down. "Now… tell me about this creature that is following you."
Lira glanced at Fluffy, who blinked up at Therin with wide blue eyes and gave a happy chirp. She explained everything—the healer, the unexpected bond, the offer to take the creature home.
Therin listened patiently, nodding along. "Yes," he said once she finished, "sometimes this happens. A creature recognizes its new owner through instinct or energy. It's rare, but not unheard of."
He lifted his hand, and from his sleeve fluttered a small, elegant bird—his familiar, pale as parchment and glowing faintly with runes on its feathers.
"I'll send word to Grandmaster Elion with my familiar, just so he's informed. There will be no problem with you keeping this one. Many disciples of Sanctum form bonds with creatures. You'll be given the rules and care guidelines soon, but it's not difficult."
He looked down at Fluffy again, a knowing smile on his lips. "You've named it already, haven't you?"
Lira nodded. "Fluffy Snow."
Therin chuckled. "A fitting name for such a soft one."
Then he grew a little more serious. "Once named, the bond solidifies. It will follow you until its last breath—through joy, fear, danger, even war. Some say the naming is what seals the creature's spirit to yours."
Lira's eyes widened. "So… now it's bound to me?"
Therin met her gaze calmly. "Yes. Not like a contract, not forced. But in loyalty. In choice. And that," he said gently, "is a powerful kind of magic."
Fluffy gave a soft hum and nuzzled against Lira's boot.
Lira looked down, both awed and humbled. "I didn't expect this today."
"Many important things come when we don't expect them," Therin replied. "But you accepted it with grace. That says much about you."
Therin rested a hand lightly on her shoulder, then gestured for her to walk with him.
"Come," he said. "Now that your trial is over, we'll head into the lower quarter of Arvellien. The open market should be in full swing by now."
Lira fell into step beside him, Fluffy trotting happily at her heels.
"I need a few rare herbs for the next series of lessons," Therin continued, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "And if we're lucky, some vendors may be selling pre-distilled essence or stabilized potions. It's always worth a look."
Lira glanced up at him. "Is it legal to sell potions like that here?"
He nodded. "Yes, completely. The market is licensed. Each stall is registered with the Apothecaries' Guild. In Arvellien, open trading of magical goods is not only allowed—it's encouraged. As long as they meet purity standards, of course."
Fluffy let out a soft trill at the word market, as if eager for an adventure.
Therin chuckled. "Seems your companion is curious too."
They turned down a sun-dappled path lined with flowering vines and lanterns. In the distance, the buzz of voices and the faint scent of dried herbs and brewed tinctures drifted through the air.
"Keep your eyes open," Therin added, "and if anything catches your attention—let me know. It's time you began recognizing quality work beyond your own hands."
Lira nodded, heart light and curious as they stepped into the winding, colorful paths of Arvellien's magical market.
What could she find in the market in this amazing city, she though to herself.