The wind whipped against my feathers as I soared through the sky, the heat of the sun being washed away as I looked down at the city below before pressing my wings to my side, diving straight down towards civilization.

Crystal clear blue skies with naught a cloud in sight bathed everything in that perfect serenity that we had all come to expect of the Capital; with the twin suns blazing overhead - one a pearly white and the other a brilliant orange - everything about today was picturesque, and I already knew it was going to be quite the day...

Not even just because the Coven had convened and summoned all Witches back to the Capital, but just because I could feel it in the air as I dove down towards the city, that suspense and power that lingered over everything making it as clear as the sky itself that something was going to happen today.

Something important, something special... I could feel that, which made me just a little bit excited as I wondered just what was going to happen today, though as I was about to crash into the cobblestone streets of the Capital I reverted back to my human form, the sudden burst of mana surprising a few of the Witches nearby as I appeared before them.

My expression remained as hard as usual as I looked around the assembled Witches, spotting the dwindling elders and the arrogant, untested youths instantly before making my way past them, not wanting to bother with the imbeciles who demanded respect despite not doing something or the hopeful pleading of those wanting a powerful backer.

All sorts of people could become a Witch, from the shy librarians to the boisterous brawlers who were keen to start a fight; the only thing that you needed to become a Witch was to have magic, and if you had enough of it you were eligible to become an apprentice to someone for a few years before you put together a case to join the Coven properly.

Otherwise you could become someone's servant or worker of some kind and enjoy the benefits of being nearby someone powerful; either way, Witches were the backbone of this Queendom, and we worked together to maintain our peace separate from the government.

Ignoring my peers was what had landed me the moniker 'Stone Witch' since I preferred being on my lonesome instead of dealing with their petty squabbles and unnecessary arguments over nothing, though I liked to believe it was because I was a powerful and leading pioneer in the application of all kinds of magic related to the earth itself, particularly anything that was beneath the ground.

Brushing past them, I made my way towards the Witches that mattered, knowing that no matter what I thought of them I had to go greet the heads of the Coven, so I walked through the colorful collection of Witches and took in the glorious Capital that I had grew up in.

Brick housing with colorful tile roofing lined the four sides of this square, and all around me my peers gathered around waiting for the announcement from the Witches in the middle, who were seated on their podium looking as regal and arrogant as ever.

Citizens watched from the side roads and windows as this annual gathering began to settle into full swing, and many were watching with wide eyes and star struck expressions as their many 'heroes' gathered right in front of them.

While I wasn't one for attention, knowing that I was helping these people with my discoveries and that I had had a hand in improving the quality of their lives was quite enough for me, something that I hoped all of my peers shared even though I knew they didn't.

The chattering of everyone paired with the occasional shout and booming laugh as everyone socialized after however long of being alone was also something that I missed a little, but as I approached the podium I wanted nothing more than to be alone yet again.

"Ah... Corvina. How lucky are we to have you gracing our presence once again?"

There were five Witches who could claim to be leaders of the Coven, and right now the oldest of them was looking down at me with disdain, something she had had for me for decades upon decades.

Her long gray hair was far less smooth and healthy compared to my own, while her cheeks were laden with wrinkles from all the frowning she did; even still she was quite the beauty, though I wouldn't touch her with a twenty foot pole even if you paid me.

Despite that, her power was very real, and the ability she had to control blood inside of all living things guaranteed she was situated at the head of the table; to most others she was a relatively kind old lady, but we just had issues with one another that would never be solved.

"Not lucky considering this is mandated, Morrigan. It would seem this is a more important gathering than normal though?"

Beside the old crone a short, pink haired brat snickered at that and nodded, not looking away from her mirror as she said "Indeed it is~! Everyone came together and agreed that we needed to change a few things; you just ignored it, like always~!"

"It is becoming rather... annoying, Corvina. When we send a message regarding something of such importance we do expect a reply..."

Compared to Morrigan and Drucilla, the next one who spoke was a hulking brute of a woman, her bulging muscles and scaled forearms giving her the appearance of a warrior and not a Witch, but anyone who assumed she wasn't learned that with a severe burn.

"Unlike the rest of you, I spend a majority of my time doing research and helping people, so sorry if a piece of mail gets lost amongst my job."

The remaining two Witches were twins - one with iridescent white hair and the other with pitch black hair - who were usually quiet, but now they spoke in unison as they glared at me, their irritation made apparent.

""We do our own research as well, Corvina, however we also manage and look after everyone else too. As a senior Witch we expect you to lead by example and not do as you please.""

Clasping my hands behind my back, I exhaled softly before bowing my head a little as I said "Very well, my apologies. What exactly was it that I missed in this oh so important message, leaders of the Coven?"

Morrigan grinned at me as she leaned forwards, the old crone enjoying whatever it was that she was about to say while the others all watched from the side with varying degrees of smugness.

"We decided that all senior Witches need to take an apprentice this year, no matter their objections. We have a surplus of talent, you see, and as a storied Witch we expect you to lead by example, Corvina..."