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Saure stepped from behind the podium, and studied first the array of seeds for no more than a minute.
"Gemsoil, amachraphy bloom, masterwort, aum, Elveshome oak, berrypine, and snaring nightshade. Gemsoil is best used for mineral divining. Amachraphy bloom is commonly used as a remedy for atrophy, lethargy and narcolepsy… but is often misused, for the potency varies. It can cause heart attacks if the infuser is not careful. Masterwort is, quite literally, the master of worts so to speak… it is good for strength and courage draughts, often incorporated in health potions, and is rumored to reverse the effects of cancer. Aum is a peaceful herb. Its leaves are most commonly used for treating open wounds, and are added to bandages. Some make bandages from the fiber of dried aum stems, but it is not proven that this is very effective. Elveshome oak is named for its most famous use. Trees can grow hundreds of man's heights tall, and are sturdiest while alive. The bark is rumored to increase brain capacity if chewed or infused; tea made from its leaves is rumored to enhance memory. Neither has been widely proven. Berrypine grows commonly in the Southern Noranlands, and throughout the great forests to the west. Its berries are rich with nourishment, and are said to best help victims of starvation in lieu of meats, grains and dairy. Old housewives often claim 'A pineberry a day and you'll be right as rain.' Snaring nightshade is not a true nightshade. It is mainly used as a sort of anti-burglar device, but to my knowledge is illegal without a permit in these lands. It is an aggressive plant that snares anything passing within reach that has a heartbeat. Strains of this plant have been bred to actually devour its victims… I believe that's a cross-pollination with daemonpod… Shall I germinate one of each seed for you?"

Those on the parapet were stricken dumb by this recital of facts. One, at least, had learned something they hadn't known previously. The Parapheum to the head's right nudged him sharply, and he cleared his throat to speak.
"Yes, please, if you will."
She muttered her water spell, and a spinning globe of water- about two tablespoons of it- manifested above her cupped hands. She concentrated on the aqueous orb, reaching to

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the first pile of seeds and plucking one from it without looking away from her spell. She inserted the seed into the orb and closed both hands around it. Soon a sprout pushed up from between her clasped hands. After it had grown a hand's length, she opened her hands to reveal a tight net of clean, white roots forming a perfect sphere at the plant's base. She laid the plant before the first pile of seeds and took a step to the right. Then she repeated the process. Saure was careful to monitor the amount of air within the orb of water depending on the needs of each plant.

The judges were completely speechless throughout her demonstration. They had all removed their spectacles, and probably couldn't help leaning forward in their plush seats. I'm sure none of them had ever seen a fireblood summon water, let alone grow a seed without soil from their very hands.

When she came to the snaring nightshade, she hesitated. "You're sure you want me to grow this one as well?"
The Parapheum on the leftmost end smirked and sat back. The head Parapheum pursed his old lips. "Yes. Go ahead. You should be able to control it."

Saure swallowed, and then summoned the water again. The air around her was feeling quite dry by now, and she was feeling somewhat parched. She plucked one of the spiny seeds gingerly, and inserted it into the small watery sphere. This time, she did not close her hands around it, but passed a hand over the dome quite slowly. She watched as the tiny black roots emerged from the evil-looking seed, and soon the first blue-black sprout burst forth. The prickly roots soon filled up the orbital space, and several inky tendrils seeped upward and outward. She willed it to behave.
And for a wonder it did. She was unfamiliar with this particular plant physically, but she had read enough about it to get an idea of its "personality." She understood it for the rebellious child it was, and through her empathy for its natural angst, she was able to tame it. She willed it to weave its vines into a simple three-leaf clover shape, and this is the state in which it remained when she set it upon the tray.