A Little Ambition

How could this have happened?

It had all started when Lily had joined a wiccan group on campus. At first she had thought the group was a recent addition to the slew of societies on offer, but upon admission learned that the 'coven' - as they called themselves - had been operating for nearly fifty years. For weeks the meet ups were all very typical - observing all of the ceremonies and rituals that most groups in the wiccan world did.

However, Lily wanted more.

She knew there the world of magic extended further than the 'themed social club' that this coven was purporting to be. Even at a young age, Lily had dabbled in spells and found some minor success with them, all without the support of a mentor or teacher. These were all very small effects, but they had happened nonetheless - she figured she had a natural aptitude.

When she brought her ambition to learn more to the senior members of the group, they told Lily that she wasn't close to ready, and that she shouldn't try any further magic without the proper instruction - which would come with patience.

Patience? Who had time for that.

Lily knew there were sections of the library that housed the spells that the senior members were keeping from them; she had done a bit of recon work and knew where to go in the library. So it was that one evening she snuck inside and began poring over the contents. She had hit a veritable treasure trove - she couldn't believe how much power these women were secreting for themselves!

One spell caught her eye. It looked like it could be a shortcut to real strength - the magic apparently would endow the caster with an arcane stature befitting their station and ability. Lily knew exactly what that meant - the latent power she had felt within from a young age would be amplified. She knew her true stature in the world of magic was far more than her cohorts would permit her.

The spell itself was surprisingly straightforward, and after it was cast - nothing seemed to happen for a moment. Lily could just hear own her heartbeat amidst the empty library. When suddenly, things began to twist and turn around her. She felt her feet almost kick off the floor, as the lip of the table suddenly rose in front of her, Lily could feel her wooden chair expanding in every direction.

She yelped. She was shrinking!

It was happening rapidly too. By the time she had fully comprehended her situation, she would've been too short to get on rides at a theme park! She stood onto the chair, knowing she had to find a counterspell or reversal but still the world rose around her. She was nearing the size of a doll now; in a panic she pulled herself onto the desk so she didn't end up on the floor! In the chaos, she felt herself stumble and fall hardly onto her rear end.

The would-be witch felt the shrinking stop. Her eyes traced upward, too stunned to pull herself to her feet.

Lily was speechless, taking in her new stature as she understood the price of her ambition...