Lira left the quiet of the grove behind, Fluffy silently at her heels as she walked through the misty forest. The trees thinned as she approached the academy again, and her heart beat faster with anticipation. Today, she would speak to Grandmaster Elion about the air element, about her progress, her fears, and her desire to learn more.
She reached the grand wooden door of his office, paused for a moment to steady herself, and then knocked softly.
"Come in," a familiar, calm voice called from within.
She opened the door and stepped into the warm, book-lined room. The familiar scent of parchment and herbs greeted her, grounding her nerves. Grandmaster Elion looked up from his desk, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Lira," he said kindly, gesturing toward a chair. "What brings you here today?"
