Love Poison No Cure Needed

Testing Out 2.8

Chemistry and mythological history were simple written tests. While there were a lot of pages they all revolved around content from the regular texts and between Nonna Yew and Grandpa Oak Sorrel could practically write the books backwards. On other topics it was fine just those two that it was rinse repeat every day. After Sorrel finished the last paper he was led out of the room and met the botany and potions teachers.

Dr Andrew Johnson, Doctor of Botanical Research was a leprechaun and the botany teacher. He was average height with red hair and a cheerful demeanour. While Dr Phillip Williams, Doctor of Chemistry and Potions, was a goblin and the chemistry, and potions making teacher. With somewhat greasy looking black hair he had a sullen air about him even when he attempted to smile. The two also shared work as the teachers for the schools scent fabrication class that made perfume, soap and other scented goods. They gestured for Sorrel to follow them as they led the way to the other side of the turtle pond and peppercorn woods to a large dome shaped building.

“This is the school's botanical garden, the plants studied for the botany class as well for the ingredients in both scent fabrication and potions are grown here. Thus the joint test for botany and potions is to go through the rooms and identify and explain some of the plants.” Dr Johnson explained as they approached the door.

“The test is simple. This tablet is used to access a pre-set multiple choice quiz. Scanning the QR code in the room will bring up the room’s quiz. The first part has a list of plants. Half of which are in the room. Identify the plants in the room. The next section identifies the properties and growing conditions of the selected plants. Identify as many as you can in each of the rooms.” Dr Williams clipped out. His voice was abrupt as he held the tablet out.

“Okay.” Sorrel nodded as he took the table and then went into the first room. As the door closed behind him Sorrel saw the annoyed look on Dr Williams’ face as well as the encouraging one on Dr Johnson’s.

The first room was a tropical-like environment, the warmth and humidity hitting Sorrel like a hammer as he stepped in. Ugh, he was really not sued to this environment he didn’t know how his kin here handled it. After going through the list Sorrel quickly flicked out the ones in the room. He didn’t bother opening his senses to talk to them and just relied on sight and scent; it was an instinctive recognition as to who was who. Bird of paradise, tropical hibiscus and palm tree are quickly marked off followed by the rest of the plants. Growing environment was a little harder since Sorrel had not been to different areas but he could describe the current environment including the composition of the soil after checking it with a touch.

When it came to properties he was more confident. Sorrel had a knack for plant properties; it was as easy as breathing for him. He quickly flicked through the options selecting those that applied when he made potions with each type of plant. A few minutes later he moved on to the next room. From the tropics, to the desert, to the beach and then to a bushland Sorrel went through most plant environments he could think of before coming out of the tundra room shivering with the test completed.

Once he exited the room he was immediately led into the lab next door and told to make a scented product. Sorrel paused and frowned at the teachers. “I haven’t applied for the scent fabrication class,” he said.

“It is a matter of course that if you do the other two competencies you should do this one.” Dr Johnson said as he gestured to the prepared products. A bunch of flowers and bases for scented products were spread out on the bench near an extraction apparatus.

Sorrel shrugged and put in two Japanese honeysuckle flowers and then added three cherry flowers before letting it work. At the same time he mixed up a soap base. When the extraction was finished he added it to the base and whisked the contents until they became thick.

“The process was unrefined and the product average. Though the scent is very nice. It is interesting that it vaguely smells like strawberry.” Dr Williams said after looking over the finished soap.

“I had heard that it was possible for the honeysuckle to scent like strawberry but never experienced it.” Dr Johnson commented as he sniffed the product. Sorrel shrugged when they looked at him. He didn’t know why they scented strawberries to him. It still smelt like honeysuckle and cherry but that was his normal issue with scented products. He couldn't appreciate the blended smells as all the individual elements from his kin were clear to him.

“Well you have finished early, go out and wait for the lunch bell.” Dr Williams said as he turned away.

“If you go through the Serenity Garden you can pass around the other side of the school to the canteen.” Dr Johnson said. Sorrel smiled and nodded as he exited the lab. He glanced behind him at the Turtle pond and then followed the teachers suggestion and went around the botanical dome and into the serenity garden.