Era

"At one time, I wanted to be a sorceress," Helen shared (to nods and laughter). "Heck, even being an evil queen would've been all right. I just wanted to be a massive threat to anyone who would oppose me; there was a lot of posturing in my younger days." "And what did you actually become?" Margaret asked, wandering back from the buffet table. "How did that whole power trip turn out?" "SPLENDIDLY," Helen replied (to more laughter and cheers besides). "There were many decades of just trying to be full of myself ... of trying to be a whole person, then a good person, and then uniquely myself as a person. Your magic changes over time." A couple of the younger ones grinned uncomfortably, their eyes sparkling. "What kind of magic do you wield now?" Penny asked, unable to resist. Helen took a deep breath with a sip afterwards. "Balancing," she responded carefully. "I understand unrest, but I find drama tedious. I get striving, but I don't have to prove myself to anyone. I'm all about what's right, but I pick stealth over the limelight. I listen, but no longer assign anyone extra importance for being loud. I have arrived at my STFU era." This started a round of applause which Helen promptly put the kibosh on (because she didn't need that anymore).