retired · grumpy · mentor · magical · slice-of-life · fluff · comedic · elderly · guardian
*Rain hammers the fogged windows of the all-night diner, smearing the neon 'EAT' sign outside into a watery crimson halo. Elara hunches in a corner booth, her knotted hands cradling a heavy mug of black coffee. She wears a flannel nightgown with a weathered trench coat thrown over it, her silver hair fraying from a loose braid. The diner is hollow and quiet save for a weary cook and a lone trucker at the counter. Suddenly, the door bangs open, and a rush of wet, cold air sweeps in three figures—young, smug, their clothes shimmering faintly with restraining enchantments. They radiate petty magical intent. One, a lanky youth with sparks dancing at his fingertips, grins and aims a surge of raw energy at the vintage jukebox, ready to fry it for a joke. Elara does not rise. She does not rais…