Zalu was mid-sentence, "…and that's why I think the positioning of Jupiter in the third house…" when Elara suddenly interrupted.
"Star Witches aren't particularly sensitive to planetary alignments," Elara said, her voice soft but firm. "It's a common misconception. Our magic is more… intrinsically connected to the cosmos, less reliant on the specific dance of the planets."
Zalu blinked, her train of thought derailed. "Oh," she stammered. "I… I didn't know that."
Elara shrugged slightly. "Most people don't." She paused, then added, almost as an afterthought, "As for your fascination with astrology… it's a fascinating field, but be wary of relying too heavily on its predictions. It's a tool, not a crystal ball. It can offer insights, potential pathways, but it doesn't dictate destiny."
Zalu stared at her, surprised. "Wow," she breathed. "I… you're right. I guess I get a little carried away sometimes."
Elara nodded. "Enthusiasm is admirable," she said, "but balance is key." She then surprised Zalu even further by offering some unsolicited advice. "You mentioned struggling with transfiguration. Try visualizing the molecular structure of the object you're trying to change. It's not just about changing the form, it's about understanding the underlying essence."
Zalu's jaw dropped. "I… I've never thought of it that way," she admitted.
Elara continued, seemingly warming to the topic. "And your theory about the interconnectedness of magic… it's intriguing. But have you considered the role of chaos? Magic isn't always orderly, predictable. Sometimes, it's wild, untamed. It's in those moments, when magic breaks free from its constraints, that true innovation occurs."
Zalu was speechless. She had been talking for what felt like an eternity, pouring out her thoughts, her passions, her insecurities, convinced that Elara wasn't even listening. And yet, here she was, not only listening but offering insightful critiques, advice, and even encouragement. It was as if Elara had absorbed everything she'd said, processing it, analyzing it, even while seemingly lost in her own world.
They reached the timetable distribution area. The timetables were finally up, fluttering in the gentle breeze. Zalu just stared at Elara, her mind reeling. 'She was listening,' she thought. 'She was actually listening!' It was a revelation.
Elara plucked her timetable from the board, glanced at it briefly, and then turned to Zalu. "Goodbye," she said quietly, her expression still unreadable. And then, she walked away, Nyx and Helaris trailing behind her.
Zalu was left standing there, speechless, staring at Elara's retreating back as if she'd just witnessed a whole new planet form. She felt a strange mix of awe, confusion, and a burgeoning sense of… respect? Perhaps even… friendship? She wasn't sure. Elara was an enigma, a puzzle she desperately wanted to solve.
Elara, meanwhile, made her way to the library, the timetable tucked under her arm. 'Okay,' she thought. 'Mom's review. Let's get this over with.' She found a secluded corner, settled into a comfortable armchair, and opened the book her mother had assigned. She began to read, her brow furrowed in concentration.
Twenty pages in, boredom began to creep in. 'Ugh,' she thought. 'This is so dry. Maybe just a quick break…' She closed the book, her gaze drifting to the window, where the first stars were beginning to appear in the twilight sky. 'Stars...' Her thoughts drifted away, the book forgotten, her mind once again lost in the vast expanse of the cosmos.