Liz and her mother arrive from Atlanta at the birthplace of humanity, the Great Rift Valley. In this Valley, Liz's ancestors first learned how to capture wild energies and commune with the spirits. Liz's mom explains to Liz that this is her sorceress trial, that she will have to travel through these lands and figure out which aspects to take with her and which to leave behind. She warns Liz of the dangers of this quest, and then disappears.

Liz walks through the landscape; after awhile she hears a small voice asking her if she's sure she can do this. She turns; it's Doubt, who tells Liz that perhaps she should stop now, go back and study more. Perhaps she's not ready. Liz argues with Doubt and keeps going, eventually setting up camp for the night. Soon two women appear at her campsite, greeting her and introducing themselves as Pain and Panic. Liz is afraid; she knows they are dangerous. They touch her, and she writhes in pain. But she remembers her mother's lesson that sometimes there will be pain, and she calms herself, accepts the pain, and throws the aspects back with a bright pink bubble. She widens her barrier against them until the two women disappear.

In the morning, Doubt is as needle-some as ever. As Liz walks, she comes across a woman lying on the ground, sleeping, and another woman near her who is changing constantly from a young girl to a teenager to an adult to an old woman. Liz realizes who they are — Change and Stagnation. After ridding herself of Stagnation's grip, she befriends Change and the three women — Change, Liz, and Doubt — continue on. After Liz pushes back against Doubt enough times, another woman emerges from within Doubt — Surety. The now four women head forwards and see Wisdom in the distance. But before they can reach her, a future version of Liz blocks their way. She tells Liz not to finish the trial, that she is too good for that. She doesn't need a silly test. Liz realizes that this is Pride, and after a long battle against her, Liz emerges, triumphant. She reaches Wisdom, who asks her a series of questions and then leads her to her mother, who pronounces her a sorceress. As they leave together, Liz turns back to see Pride, who tells her that she will never be rid of her. But Liz turns away and walks onwards with her mother.