The Bubble.

It wasn’t really a bubble. It was a space Shilo and her family used to practice spells or more reactive potions without the risk of hurting the world outside.  The Bubble was completely crafted with sheets of glass formed into a round enclosure. Sound proof, shatter proof, and magic proof, the playing ground was completely safe for even the most dangerous and blinding of spells. It might have seemed a bit unnecessary to have a place to practice spells they would most likely never use, but Shilo's parents believed in learning no matter what. If she learned how dangerous a spell was now, then she would never use it again. This was more than just any old sparring ground. This was a necessity.

Shilo’s family placed an enchantment on The Bubble, ensuring that even the most explosive of impacts couldn’t shatter the normally delicate glass. The ground inside The Bubble was flat and covered with short, neat grass, surrounded by the various plants and herbs used in their potion mixing. True, normal plants would die from all the action The Bubble received, but the family took that into consideration. Most of the plants in The Bubble were strong enough to withstand the scuffle that usually took place, and large enough to disrupt any wandering eyes trying to peer through the glass. Huge branches and vines covered the glass, ensuring that they had their privacy. This is where Shilo’s lesson was taking place.

She just wished it was called something cooler than The Bubble.

Removing her jacket and setting it aside, Shilo prepared herself for what was to come. She tugged at her gloves, making sure they were on nice and tight. Then she began to move her hair from her face, tentatively gathering it up into a bun, but then letting her purple and black hair cascade down her back. She checked her boots, pulling the zippers up slowly, one at a time.

Caleb also prepared himself, removing his own coat and setting it by Shilo’s and taking position in front of her a few feet away. It was then that he noticed all of her small finicky movements. The way she fiddled with her zipper and played with her hair... And it made him laugh. 

"Stop that," she said, unimpressed. "I'm just getting ready." She stood up straight, crossing her arms in defiance. Or nervousness. Caleb only laughed again, but he tried to stifle it behind his hand. Laughing at her wasn't nice and he knew that, especially when they were about to do something she really hated doing. 

"Sure you are." Caleb shook his head slowly, trying to make the smile on his face fade into a more serious expression. This was no time for giggling, and there was no need for him to point out the obvious. For now he would spare her. For now.

“So, are you ready to begin?”

“Yeah,” she said lightly, the confidence which normally filled her voice disappearing immediately. “I’m ready.”

“Then pick up the broom and mount it. We’ll begin once you’re ready.”