[2020] Natural Magic

haelina · 2020-08-02 17:14:33

Bonus Answers:
1. 15th Century
2. Vervain
3. It is the 3rd eye which is located on the forehead and its associated color is indigo blue

Total cost: 255 $$$ + 150 Fee'z

Cost of 4A ending: 195 $$$
Cost of 4B ending: 195 $$$

1. 5 + 13 + 10 + 7 = 35
2. 14 + 15 + 12 + 4 = 45
3. 13 + 15 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 55
4A. 6 + 7 + 8 + 15 + 24 = 60
4B. 14 + 15 + 14 + 17 = 60

FULL GUIDE

Quest Name: Natural Magic
Store Used: Tales
Two Endings: Yes
Job: No
Room: No
Talent: No

Step One: The bedroom

Tonight, it's a slumber party with my friends! It has been a while, we wanted to meet so badly. We are chilling, seated on my bed after a few hours of crazy pillow fight and gossips of all kinds. I was going to suggest a movie when Sabrina points her finger at my tarot cards on the bedside table.
"Oh! I've always wanted to try this! Can we? Of course, go on!"
I was always been interested in fortune-telling. I have read a whole bunch of books about cards. Meaning, how to read, and draw them. I also have spent entire hours training and I was usually rather right. But with this card set, it would be the very first time. Without knowing why, it was infusing me a strange feeling: a mix of bad and attractive at the same time. This was a bit scary but how could I refuse at the sight of Sabrina's puppy eyes? Besides, I was safe here with my friends, nothing wrong could happen, right? I let a long sigh out of my lips and the room fell into the silent, I could feel all eyes on me.
I took the cards, shuffle them actively, and put them in circle between my friend and me. From then, I have a startling feeling, as if cards were reacting to my touch, as if they were alive. I get this idea out of my head and focus on the cards glowing with energy. I draw the cards and turn them over one by one, wincing more and more. The session is only beginning, and I already know it tells bad luck in love for my friend. Poor Sabrina, she already suffered enough. Finally, there is a little touch of positivity at the end of the session predicting her she will find great love as long as she doesn't trust anyone. In the end, I see her quite shocked look, jaw hanging. As to Kara, a close friend of mine from high school, she was very silent throughout the whole session, staring at me with what I think is interest.
"What's wrong?" I asked. "I'm all wrong is that it? I knew it was a bad idea, this card set is weird."
"No" answered Sabrina "It's the very opposite. I rarely talk about it but you saw it right. There's this boy I like? OK, I VERY like him, even if I met him a few weeks ago. I tried to tell him subtly last Saturday while we were drinking at a café, but he never called me back since. Do you think he's one of the 'anyone' you were warning me against?"
"I don't know, but don't waste your time, you'd meet someone eventually. Take your time, don't rush with stories bound to break. It'll come naturally."
Sabrina grins at me, appeased and happy. As for myself, I rather preferred to not say anything. What if her great love doesn't show? I'll never forgive myself to get her hopes up only to be broken later. Why cannot I just keep my mouth shut up sometimes?
The next day, my friends go back home thanking me for the great night we have spent together. Kara stood still at the door frame. Then she took my arm looking at me with another of her weird looks as if judging me and deciding if she could trust me or not. I'm almost expecting her to throw one of those dramatic movies speeches. "I wanted to tell you?"
"Yes?"
"You have a gift." she said eventually.
I burst out laughing.
"A-a gift? Are you talking about yesterday's tarot session? I'm just only well informed."
"I'm not kidding. You are a witch. I am sure about this."
"Ok Hagrid, you are mistaking me for Harry Potter."
"Hagrid? Harry Potter? What are you saying? I'm serious I have sensed the way cards were interacting with you."
She took a breath and continued.
"I am a witch too. I don't want to be cocky, but I am skilled enough. Come to my home tomorrow after school, I'll show you. I can help you."

You need:
- one of the following for 5 $$$

- one of the following for 13 $$$

- one of the following for 10 $$$

- one of the following for 7 $$$

Gifts:

Cost of this step: 35 $$$
Cost so far: 35 $$$

Bonus 1:
Q: In which century did the tarot decks appear for the first time?
A: 15th Century
G:

Step Two: The greenhouse

This conversation was stuck in my head all day. Me, a witch? I knew that I had some affinities with gardening and that I was passionate about tarot, but that didn't make me a witch. Never has a day of class seemed so long! I counted the seconds impatiently until, finally, the bell announcing the end of the day rang. I grabbed my all things with impatience, stuffed them in my bag and went to Kara's without even saying goodbye to my friends. Kara's class hadn't taken place this afternoon, so she was already waiting for me at home. I rang the doorbell, she opened it, dressed in a long black cardigan in large mesh and a dungaree dress in tartan. We kissed each other and she took me to her parents greenhouse. I had never set foot there before. We walked through the glass door and a wonderful sweet smell of jasmine, iris and rose enveloped us almost instantly.
« These are my mother's favorite flowers, » said Kara, walking past me. « My father takes care of it like the apple of his eye. Don't touch anything, please. »
I quickly put back in my pocket the finger which was about to caress a rose petal and lowered my head, the cheeks red.
« Look, » she continues. « What do you say? »
The room was circular, entirely made of glass, and dozens of plants whose names I didn't even know were placed here and there. Some, suspended, gave the room a magical atmosphere. In the center, a table on which were placed other flowerpots, and still others were on wooden shelves that smelled particularly good. On two shelves, dozens of vials of all shapes were arranged by color of their container, sometimes liquid, sometimes solid. In the center of the room, a superb round table in solid wood which seemed to date from the Renaissance. A half-opened chest in a corner of the greenhouse revealed precious stones and other crystals. I was speechless in front of such a spectacle.
« It's beautiful, » I whispered.
Kara took a pendulum out of her satchel, which she placed on the table. She began to dig in the greenhouse before coming back to me with a green bottle, a carmine red gem and sage. I recognized the plant thanks to its appearance and its particular smell, on the other hand, I have more trouble with the stone. It could be a pearl, a ruby or a garnet, I did not have enough experience to know it for sure.
« There are several forms of magic », started Kara by burning the sage, spreading the whitish smoke all around us. « My Coven practices White Magic, restorative magic, of benefits and healing. The tarot and the pendulums are used for soothsaying in divination that is another branch of magic. »
« So, when I used the cards ... »
« Only the future will tell us whether or not Sabrina finds great love, the magic is not foolproof, especially for a beginner. But you know how to shoot them. And I felt, in your way of doing things, that you have the Gift. »
I listened to her and look at her, both puzzled and passionate. If what Kara said was true, then that explained a lot of strange events that happened to me in my childhood. And the presence of all these trinkets in the greenhouse! Perhaps his parents were also magicians?
« Potions are used to heal the body and mind. Are you feeling tired right now? Stressed at the approach of exams? »
I laugh nervously.
« Yes », I answered. « Like everyone in high school. »
« So, I let you take what would allow you to get better. »
She signaled me to choose a plant. But how? Or what? Should I have to guess the main ingredient in a potion that would make me feel better? A simple nap would do, wouldn't it?
« I thought I shouldn't touch anything. »
Kara laughed.
« I'm sure you won't break anything. If you find the right plant the first time, it's because I was right about you and that you are a very interesting case. Just try to relax and feel what you're looking for. Close your eyes to focus. »
I did it right away and tried to clear my head. Suddenly, I felt oppressed by giant strings composed of copies and notes, I saw 0% grade in subjects I thought I would succeed, I saw my life becoming a walking failure and I sank into an ocean of emptiness and despair. I suffocated, I suffocated, and while I was searching in vain for a breath of life, a clear image appeared in my mind: small purple flowers.
I opened my eyes violently and took a deep breath. Then, I realized I did have trouble breathing, it was only an illusion. I looked around, looking for little purple flowers. I did not see them.
Then, suddenly, it was if I got called by a plant hanging over my head as if it was calling my name. I rose my arms and gently unhooked the pot from its hook. Small purple flowers. Pretty proud of me, I showed them to Kara who nodded.
« Verbena Officinalis, the Vein of Venus or more commonly called: vervain. In herbal tea, it helps to sleep and relieve stress and anxiety. The Romans also granted it the power to attract love. You have passed the first part of the test, well done. »
With a smirk upon her face, she took the gem and slipped it into my left hand.
« Close your fist », she ordered. « Not too hard. »
I obeyed and watched her, silently asking what was going to happen. She ignored me. The stone started to heat in my hand. Soft, enveloping warmth. It was pleasant. I couldn't help but smile.
« I think it works », I whispered. « I don't know what is supposed to happen, but it works. »
Kara nodded. « Lay the stone. You passed the second test. I have the honor to announce you are an Eclectic, a witch who can all forms of magic at the same time. It seems you have an affinity with all the forms of magic we practice. I would like to introduce you to my Coven. »

You need:
- one of the following for 14 $$$

- one of the following for 15 $$$

- one of the following for 12 $$$

- one of the following for 4 $$$

Gifts:

Cost of this step: 45 $$$
Cost so far: 80 $$$

Bonus 2:
Q: In the French republican calendar, the 27th day of the month of Prairial is officially called the day of ...
A: Vervain
G:

Step Three: The Glade

A few days passed since the tests at Kara, and today will be decisive! I had an appointment this evening in the forest to meet the rest of his Coven. Yes, yes, in the forest. It sounded crazy, but I was excited as intrigued!
Before leaving her house, Kara entrusted me with verbena leaves on which she had drawn a compass using her finger. It was fantastic, I had never seen anything like that. Then, she whispered to me that at midnight sharp, the red arrow would start to move, showing me the way.
"I'm not doing this to freak you out," she told me, laughing. "It's just to prevent malicious people from falling on our secret benchmark. At least, thanks to magic, I can take you wherever I want! ... So, be careful, " she added with a mischievous smile.

So here I was in the direction of the forest bordering the city. I left early, before nightfall to be sure not to miss the boat. Three and a half hours before midnight ... It should do it. I crossed the city in no time, just forty-five minutes, where I normally needed a good hour and a half. I stopped at the edge of the forest, not daring to enter it in advance. I then decided to sit comfortably on a large stone which lied there and to admire the concert of pink ochres and reddish or golden streaks which sublimated the sky, spreading its soft orange light in adorable little touches on the strands of grass. I could see budding flowers, the moss lining the trunks of the trees and their leaves which jiggled joyfully at the gentle rhythm of the twilight breeze. I took a deep breath, I felt so good.
Suddenly, I felt it again. This whirlwind which was agitating in me took my breath away. I felt it bubbling inside of me until I burnt my fingertips. I tried to calm down, I breathed in, I breathed out long and slowly. The whirlwind subsided and I understood that it was my power, this Gift that Kara told me. I closed my eyes and focused on what I was feeling deep inside. I felt... a heat, comforting and invigorating. The smell of burnt logs cut grass. I redirected all my energy around me and fixed a twig escaped from a tree branch. I stared at her, I stared at her and, suddenly ... She ignited. Surprised, I had a backward movement. I couldn't believe my eyes, I just created fire!
Eager to discover what else I could do, I picked up wildflowers that I had in front of me, rose my hands above them, and closed my eyes to focus. I once again felt the power carry me away, scents enveloped me, and I visualized a wreath of flowers. I redirected my energy again to my guinea pigs and, before my amazed eyes, the flowers started to twirl in the air and to assemble, held by a magic golden thread. Overjoyed, I put the crown on my head and focused again to transform my poor simple white shirt into a long elegant ceremony dress that reflected all the colors of the sunset, tinged with a superb purple. I couldn't believe it, the result was breathtaking. I was a real witch.
These magic tricks took me longer than I noticed, it was dark now. I checked the time on my laptop: 11.58 p.m. It was time to go. I got rid of my denim shorts which I no longer needed now and got ready to pick up my bag when, beyond the tall grass, I saw a rabbit. A big rabbit, very big even. I don't think I had seen one of this size in my whole life. He was staring at me, looking intrigued with his almond silver eyes.
Suddenly I freaked out, worried that he caught me doing magic. I immediately banished this idea from my mind, it was just a rabbit. In my hand, the magic arrow on the verbena leaf was already starting to waver, indicating due west. It was really time to go.
Before entering the forest, I took a look back. What if, from now on, my life took a turn? Was I really ready to radically change it?

You need:
- one of the following for 13 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 15 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 5 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 5 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 4 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 4 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 3 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 3 $$$

You need:
- one of the following for 3$$$

Gifts:

Cost of this step: 55 $$$
Cost so far: 135 $$$

Bonus 3:
Q: What is the Intuition Chakra?
A: It is the 3rd eye which is located on the forehead and its associated color is indigo blue
G:

Step Four A: The Forest

Curiosity taking precedence over my introspection, I shook my head and ran through the trees, followed by the look of the big rabbit. Fortunately, in this beautiful summer night, the full moon lighted my way, preventing me from tripping and bumping into all kinds of brambles or rocks. I nervously checked the needle, making sure I was always going in the right direction. I started to get impatient when, after long minutes of walking, I heard songs in a distance that I did not know I accelerated the pace and almost started to run, ignoring my dress hanging all the plants of the forest. I slalomed between the trees and as I was approaching, the song was getting louder. I also believed to recognize Latin, but I wasn't sure at all. Then, suddenly, nothing. Astonished and almost breathless, I stopped staggering. I looked around, there was nothing. On my verbena leaf, the arrow disappeared, as if it never existed. I strained my ear but perceived nothing and, above me, heavy clouds of rain came to cover the Moon, plunging me into the dark. To top it all off, a disturbing beep announced that my laptop has run out of battery. Awesome. I was totally lost.
A rustle in the thickets behind me broke the silence. I turned abruptly, uttering a little shrieking cry. Footsteps ran towards me, approaching dangerously but I saw nothing.
« Who's there? » I shouted.
The thrill continued until something hit my legs. Panicking, I yelled and kicked in, sending it to waltz two meters away. Then, the lunar light returned, and I realized that I had shot... In the big rabbit with doe eyes! He followed me! The poor...
« Oh no, sorry little idiot, I hope I did not hurt y.... »
« ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND ?! »
I had a hiccup of surprise. It was the rabbit who had spoken, and with a high-pitched female voice.
« Uh, sorry, uh, ma'am. »
« My name is Meghane, I am your magic pet. But if you don't like rabbits, I can also take my normal shape! »
The big rabbit turned into a pretty little fairy with the air of a dragonfly. It was so small and delicate that it fit in my hand. She whistled with two fingers and, in response to her call, hundreds of little fairies started to light up the forest too. »
Suddenly the song resumed and around me were four women dressed in long purple dresses, as if they had always been there. Among them was Kara, who also sang, in chorus with her friends, and their arms were pointing towards me. I noticed a circular arch decorated with flowers and candles. I began to levitate, completely beyond my control. Kara walked towards my face and poured a jug of water over my head.
« My sister, this is my Coven. There is Isobel on your right, Solène on your left and Fiona behind you. We give you our knowledge, do you accept to put your power at the service of Mother Nature and to spread the Good around you? »
« I accept! »
I did not really take the time to think, everything happens so quickly ...
« Do you accept, as an Eclectic, to learn the different forms of magic with humility and honor? »
« I accept! »
« So, my sister, welcome to the Coven! »
It was not an encounter, it was an initiation! Kara moved away from me again and resumed singing with the others while I still levitate. Then the timbre of their voices decreased more and more until they became nothing more than a whisper. And, when the song stopped, I came down slowly and spread out gently on the ground, like a rose petal floating in the wind. I got up as a new woman. I woke up like a witch, and I had never been happier in my life.

You need:
- one of the following for 6 $$$

- one of the following for 7 $$$

- one of the following for 8 $$$

- one of the following for 15 $$$

- one of the following for 24 $$$

Gifts:

Cost of this step: 60 $$$
Cost so far: 195 $$$

Step Four B: The Prom

Of course, I was not ready! What went through my mind to leave everything for sorcery? I had to go back. I was turning around when I saw Kara. She seemed disappointed.
"So, you don't come?" she asked with a touch of sadness in her voice.
"I'm sorry Kara, but It's not me. I'm not a witch, I don't want any of this, the only thing I want is a normal life."
"Ok, but you have to know you'll not be able to keep any of your memories about this journey or even me. Everything will be removed from your mind. You'll remember nothing from what we've been through these last days, you must only remember what you already knew of me before I tell you about witches. I am just an ordinary friend you know from school."
"Deal. I accept the sacrifice. Give me back my ordinary life, please."
"As you wish. I'll have to take us back to the day after the slumber party, then."

The next day, my friends went back home thanking me for the great night we have spent together. Kara stood still at the door frame. Then she took my arm looking at me with another of her weird looks as if judging me and deciding if she could trust me or not. I'm almost expecting her to throw one of those dramatic movie speeches.
"I wanted to tell you..."
"Yes?"
"No, nothing" she said eventually, "Thanks for inviting me, it was great."
She went through the door and out. I didn't know why, but it gave me shivers everywhere and I was suddenly very sad she was leaving. I shook my head to recover my wits. I'll see her at school anyway.
Monday night, I was ready for the end of year ball, which was taking place at the gymnasium. I was picking Sabrina up and she spent the whole ride speaking about yesterday's tarot session I made for her. What a mistake! If only I knew that would make her so talkative? Arrived in front of the gymnasium, after a few words we parted ways, she had to go to her locker to take her shoes. Just before I entered the gymnasium, I saw a big rabbit in the grass seeming like he looked at me. I smiled at him and got into the room.
This year, the theme was the magic, and the gymnasium sure was magically decorated. Silver garlands were falling from the ceiling with white lights from everywhere, there were even make-up stands. I felt so at ease in these vibes. A rock band had already taken the stage. The singer was beautiful, her pale skin was sublimed by her dark clothes, perfectly in harmony with the general splendor of the place. She was in front of the stage, her silhouette was enhanced by an opalescent and levitating moon. A bit of mist was spreading at her feet blending the limit between the stage and the dance floor. I was heading to dance as I saw Kara in a beautiful purple dress. Strange, it felt like it wasn't the first time I'd seen her dressed in that way. Although, it was my first ball with her! This impression of déjà-vu should be a dream, a sweet and amazing dream. I shook my head and went back to the present. Tonight, girls were all gathered together on the dance floor smiling at me. There was nothing to care about. We'll just have fun!

You need:
- one of the following for 14 $$$

- one of the following for 15 $$$

- one of the following for 14 $$$

- one of the following for 17 $$$

Gifts:

Cost of this step: 60 $$$
Cost so far: 255 $$$ + 150 Fee'z