Rue turned to Avery. “I would be honored to help you train. When should we begin?”
“As soon as possible! I’m working on my magic with Susan, the daughter of Riggins and Po. But maybe after that? How about before supper?”
“Just concentrate on your power and tell it what to do,” Susan said as she and Avery stood in a field of calendula, poppies, and aster.
Avery felt frustration bubble forth as she attempted yet again to control her magic tangibly. It seemed she could only manifest her powers in stressful situations. “That’s easier said than done.”
That magical pull that Avery felt when she was with Hyacinth was so much more challenging to bring to the surface now. Maybe she needed some sort of life or death situation to push the magic forward. She didn’t understand how Susan, another witch, could make calling out her own magic look so simple.
“Avery. Focus. Concentrate. Feel the power deep in your belly and let it radiate out of you. Let it listen to your command,” Susan said as she placed a hand over a calendula plant. Orange blossoms grew and stretched from the plant, blooming into large, happy orange blooms.
“I don’t see how growing a plant is going to protect me from those hunting me,” Avery quipped. She was being snappy, she knew it too. But she was exhausted. And yes, distracted. Try as she might, her mind kept drifting to Savine’s hands caressing her. Her skin prickled at the thought and a moment later she felt power rise before bursting a poppy flower into flames.
“Oh, damn!” she shouted as she stomped on the flames, crushing the plant into a sooty pile.
Susan grinned. She laughed as Avery stomped, blonde hair flying wildly around as she crushed the flames. “It’s all about control. Try using your voice to say what you want your power to do. I’ve read that we witches can dictate what we want to see happen through words.”
Avery took a deep breath. She closed her eyes as she let her other senses awaken. The breeze was soft and warm, a late summer blessing. Sunlight filtered across her face. Sweet scents of flowers in bloom were everywhere around her. She continued to concentrate on that scent as she drew herself inward. Feeling that power deep in her bones. She pulled it forward, feeling the warmth of her magic radiate to her fingertips. “Grow,” she commanded as she gently stroked the plant near her feet. Tendrils and shoots brushed against Avery, but she kept her eyes closed tight.
“Open your eyes,” Susan said in a quiet, reverent voice that was so different from her jolly laughter.
As Avery opened her eyes, she saw the poppy near the pile of ash had erupted in a medley of bright red blooms. Each one gave a cheerful nod as the breeze slipped through the flowers. “I did it!” Avery shouted with a laugh. Without thinking, she reached over and hugged Susan close to her. “I didn’t think I could make that happen, but here it is!”
“You did wonderfully, Avery. You have a lot of power in you, and you’ll learn to control it and grow it,” Susan said into Avery’s ear as they embraced. She pulled back and gave Avery a cheerful smile.
Susan spoke again before Avery could say another word. “Unlike the fae, we’re not born with a finite amount of power, what they call the essence. Rather, we humans either have the seed of magic or don’t. Then it’s up to us to grow and nurture that seed into something bigger. That is why witches can grow their magic to be substantially more powerful than fae. I believe that’s why the fae saw our ancestors as a threat.”
“How did you learn about our power? How do you even know this history?” Avery asked.
Susan shrugged and said casually, “Thanks to my father. He quietly collected and borrowed ancient texts on witch magic, claiming it was for historical research into the Bayberry origins. The Bayberries, traditionally being a bit of both, are born with a well of the essence, but also can grow it and morph their magic into something else. How other fae allow this, I don’t know. Perhaps they don’t understand the power that is in these small, simple folk.”
“If others knew, would this place be in danger?” Avery wondered. She could not imagine this pristine and peaceful community being in any sort of danger.
“Oh, certainly. There are many who would perceive us as a threat. Jasper would strike first. He is quick to jealousy and does not accept a risk to his power in Latiah. Since we are technically in Latian territory, I believe he would treat us similarly to the wolven and other outcast groups.”
“But that is awful! All the folk should have a right to live peacefully and without fear.” Avery furrowed her brows and raised her arms. She did not understand how a society could be so ruthless toward each other.
Susan shrugged her shoulders, seemingly willing to accept Aeritis for what it was. “It’s the way of things here. Beauty with a bite. Now, back to our practice. I want you to grow one more plant.”
Avery nodded and concentrated again on the world around her. She smelled the sweet, tangy scent of calendula and focused on the smell. Calling her magic was easier this time. She felt it course toward her fingertips. “Grow,” she said as she cast her magic into the land. The ground tremored, but she continued to cast her magictoward growing the plants. She felt leaves softly brush her thighs and waist, but still she concentrated on pushing her power out.
Susan gasped with surprise, and Avery opened her eyes. What was once short, ankle-high plants were now reaching nearly to Susan and Avery’s waist. Everywhere, red, orange, and purple blooms covered the field. There were so many flowers it was hard to see the plant’s leaves. The aroma of the blooms was overwhelming, and Avery felt intoxicated by the scent.
“That is amazing. Who knew I could do that?” She felt proud. She felt like she achieved this gorgeous garden field without draining herself and without feeling frustrated.
“You seem to have a natural knack for growing and healing. I read once that witches would most likely be inclined toward something. I’ve always had great strength in calling forth water. Maybe you’re more drawn toward the healing arts,” Susan said with her cheerful smile. She reached over and picked a clump of asters, tucking them behind her glamoured ear. The purple-blue of the petals popped against Susan’s wild red hair. “We might as well decorate our hair in the Bayberry style with all your blooms.”
Avery began picking flowers and weaving them into a flower crown. She wouldn’t go to Hyacinth’s level of hair decorations, but she could at least wear flowers in her hair. Until combat practice, of course.
Rue met Avery in the meadow. The look of curiosity danced on her face as she admired Avery’s handiwork.
“Where did all these flowers come from? Once we finish training, let’s make a crown for me too,” Rue said as she gave Avery a friendly pat on the back.
“You know exactly where these flowers came from. She’s all yours. Go easy on her, Avery!” Susan said as she began trekking through the thick blooms.
Rue cast impressive glances toward Avery. A big smile grew across her face. “Who would have thought that a trail builder would have such a talent for growing flowers with magic?” Avery said.
“This gift comes to you naturally, Avery. Just like your ability to heal,” Rue replied.
