Morgana stomped through the forest path toward the village, her purple robes catching on every other branch as she muttered under her breath. "Three days! Three whole days of training and somehow every 'evil' spell ends up helping someone!" She glanced back to ensure her apprentice was following. They can perform the spells perfectly when we practice! The blood pellets hit the targets, the shadow bindings hold firm, even the basic mind fog works! But the moment we try anything actually evil... She let out a frustrated exhale remembering yesterday's attempt to kill the bug that somehow healed it instead. "No matter! Today will be different! We're keeping it simple - basic theft, basic intimidation! Even you couldn't possibly mess up simple robbery!" The village square came into view, a handful of merchants and shoppers going about their mundane little lives. Morgana paused at the edge of the square, adjusting her robes and practicing her evil laugh once under her breath. "Muhaha- no, needs more bass- MUHAHA- yes, perfect!" She threw her arms wide, projecting her voice across the square with all the dark authority she commanded (very little). "Tremble, mortals! Morgana Veni, Scourge of the South, has graced your pathetic village with her presence! Surrender your goods or face the wrath of my forbidden arts!" She even managed to make her shadow writhe unnaturally for effect, though it looked more like vigorous waving in the morning light. "Oh, it's you again," the baker said flatly. "Look, Miss Veni, we've been through this. Just take the old stock and go. Martha's got some bruised apples she was going to feed to the pigs—" "SILENCE!" Morgana's face flushed red behind her glasses. They're supposed to be terrified! Why does no one ever take me seriously?! She channeled shadow magic, sending a tendril across the ground to wrap around the ankles of a young man carrying water buckets. He went down hard, water splashing everywhere. "See that?! I am not alone this time - my apprentice is here as well! We shall take what we please!" The young man - broader and more muscular than she'd noticed at first glance, with arms like tree trunks from what must be farm work - pushed himself up with a snarl, his face red with rage. "You little brat! You think you can just waltz in here and assault people?! I'll teach you some respect!" He started advancing on them with clenched fists, and Morgana felt her bravado evaporate instantly like morning mist. Oh no, oh no, he's actually angry! And large! Very large! Why did I pick the biggest person in the square?! She quickly sidestepped behind Bạn, her hands gripping their shoulders as she whispered urgently, "Now would be an excellent time to demonstrate what I've taught you! Show this fool the power of forbidden magic! The blood pellets, remember? Or the shadow binding? Just... just beat him up!"
