Sage.

"Gahh-owww!!" My knees trembled before giving out.

'Shit.'

I knew what was coming. But I was too tired to care.

Too tired to stop myself as I watched the world meld slowly before my head connected with the grass. Thankfully, the forage was soft due to my sweat and blood. Months of consistency, and it seemed to finally pay off.

'Sigh…'

'Just blind me. I dare you.'

Being as fickle as I was at the moment, I engaged the sun in another useless battle, unwilling to lose as I had many times before. Not just against it, either, but many things. I squinted hard at the ball of heat.

"Damnit."

Instinctively, I shut my eyes, cutting off the blinding light. Although I was determined not to lose, I was also aware of the potential blindness I risked. And I had more than enough on my plate called life already. Blindness was unwelcome.

'Sorry love. Maybe in another lifetime.'

I chuckled as I endured the discomfort crawling up my skin from exposure to the heat. Why was I laughing when it felt like billions of ants crawled underneath? I had no idea. It was probably one of the signs of impending madness I'd been noticing.

It was a long time coming anyway.

I let myself freely squirm in the grass and dirt for a second longer before the fun no longer seemed so fun.

"Damn it all to the nine hells!"

I just could not understand why the weather was always like this. I mean, plants needed sunlight, I understood. But I did not! Why couldn't it be more selective or logical?! No! It had to be as erratic as a newborn!

At night, frost would accumulate everywhere possible. Even hidden spaces were not spared. And by day, it would melt away like it hadn't nearly sent me over a cliff, only to madden me even more with at noon.

And finally, combined with the lingering soreness I had to deal with, I was sick of it! I felt the very coercive urge to blot out the sky.

'But…'

As I raised my hands to do something-anything, I paused, realizing something crucial. I was powerless. And I was getting ahead of myself.

'Ah drat.'

Quickly, I gave up on the idea and resorted to facing my racing heart. Since I couldn't fight on the away front, I might as well face the home front, right?

'Deep breaths.'

I laid still, taking in the clear air- possibly the only good thing about the weather. All I had been able to do for years now- was spiral, but it never did anyone good. I only ended up harmed in the process, so I took these exercises seriously.

Years of practice taught me the technique.

'In…'

'Out…'

By concentrating and following the right rhythm, my nerves loosened. It was a miraculous feeling I could never get used to. I grew comfortable after a few minutes. Soon, I built back the last bits of strength I expended during a little altercation… with the water.

…

Maybe in another world, I could be considered the cause of all my problems, but I was beyond vexed at the time. It seemed like a reasonable way to vent. And who was I against human reasoning?

I struggled to avoid looking back and realizing the foolishness of my actions-

'Drat!'

I did it without knowing.

"No…" I shook my head lazily. I didn't have the strength to think of the work ahead, nor did I have the care to. All I wanted was for the grass to keep caressing my sore back. Alone with my thoughts, yesterday's event replayed in my head, more specifically, the later part.

Its bizarreness was not lost on me, leaving me speechless and confused. Reflecting, as I always did on even the tiniest of issues, I was split in two. I tried to avoid thinking, but suffering from something I liked to call near insanity, I could never leave anything be… in my head, that was.

One part retaining some awareness, although heavily suppressed, wanted to just forget shit and move on. The smart Daphne.

The safe Daphne.

However, loopy-Daphne- a pain in the arse and the opposite of all things logical and sensible- remained adamant about making sense of the senseless. And she refused to settle with the conclusion that it could be the usual terrors.

Sadly, she had the better of me as I could see sense in her points, regardless of whether I wanted to disagree. For one, I felt the difference between what happened last night and my night terrors deep down in my subconscious. But I held the skepticism that loopy-Daphne was toying with me.

I could never be sure when I worked with the unstable landscape that was my mind.

Moreso, from previous experience, the terrors were usually only replays of past events. Albeit delivered in a negatively exaggerated form, I always recalled a basis from some part of my memory.

'But…'

It begged the question; who or what was Anta?

I had zero recollection of an individual, or thing possibly, that went by such a name. Even worse, I didn't remember us discussing who; or whatever that was.

If I did, I would remember it. Vividly.

I always had a reliable memory. In fact, I could still remember some events from when I was two years old as though they occurred yesterday. And obviously, it didn't help with the terrors.

So the quality had its ups and downs. I excelled in everything theoretic, but on the other hand, I had to live with the realism of unpleasant memories that I'd preferably not remember turned into explicitly graphic dreams. I was simply unable to forget.

It remained clandestine, why I couldn't.

But then again, I didn't want to forget him. It was the price I had to pay.

I licked my lips bitterly. Sense was increasingly becoming overrated.

…

Then another moment passed.

It was irresistible as I fell into another battle within myself. The urge to pull my hair out took over as I glossed over random happenings.

I had all these thoughts swirling in my head and the demanding task on the side that-despite how much I wanted to evade, I had to see to. It wasn't up for debate with mom whether or not.

She made it painstakingly clear earlier this morning.

****

I wanted to start the day with a smile… that was the plan, at least. Although there was a conflict of interest, I tried stowing it to the back of my mind for the day.

The smile was to show that I was happy for the new prospects I could vaguely envision. Some form of personal freedom, maybe. I wanted to make happy memories today. Shamelessly to substitute the not-so-happy ones I had.

But hardly do things roll out the way we plan them to.

And crying after a random trigger was not in any of my plans, not even the backup ones-which I had quite a number of.

Rousing from my dizzy state, the first thing that caught my eyes was the sun's rays-literally. Most likely from muscle memory, I squirmed, then propped myself up gently with my elbow. I shuffled to pull up the blankets I'd tossed aside -possibly- sometime during my sleep. I wanted to block out the light and heavy cold to catch some more shut-eye.

In that instant, my mind became alert, and I paused, the blanket held right above me. Involuntarily, the cogs in my head started spinning as I awakened. Then, I realized that it was morning, my birthday.

I cried myself to sleep.

Dried tears held my skin, giving me a weird but familiar sensation that screamed, 'you cried yourself to sleep'. I remembered the feeling of waking up with this signature look- as Dad termed it- with a bitter after-taste.

I could already feel the scowl and eyebags.

Great.

[Wake up with a smile] – Ruined.

Out of habit, I gazed at the window to ascertain the time. The sun was just appearing over the horizon as I concluded: Eight-ish.

I shook, realizing that today was starting out shitty so quickly. I had overslept.

If I wasn't up and out in a little less than half an hour, be it from my drawer or through my window, hell-in the form of my dearest mother-would break loose. Now I had even more hell to face with the time I had to straighten myself.

I let out a quiet exhale before plopping back on the pillows… an action that proved to be a terrible idea in the following instant.

"Y-yowww!"

I couldn't hold back.

Breathing heavily, I was quick to lament why I loved making myself miserable. Of all the things that could've temporarily escaped me, it had to be the mind-shattering accident I'd had last night.

"Gods-dammit!"

Instinctively I moved to find a more relieving position but realized I couldn't do jackshit without leading myself through suffering. So I stayed in place and tried my best not to move an inch.

Laying for ten minutes- I had nothing better to do but count- I let the pain subside before gently placing my legs on the polished wooden floor, toes first. I stayed at the edge of the bed, my feet familiarizing themselves with the cold floor, before letting out a breath of reluctance.

Then I crossed the room to the mirror, and there it was.

In all its displeased glory, my signature scowl.

I hated it and didn't intend to stare a second longer. Shaking my head slightly as if to reset the positioning of my facial muscles, I stared at the mirror with a straight face ready to be sculpted to my desires.

Then for another few minutes, I experimented.

I pulled, pushed, stretched, tugged, forced, and all but performed surgical procedures on my face.

Until I landed on the perfect expression, give or take.

My goal was to express that I totally didn't cry myself to sleep and would have a great day.

Next was a blur of the bathroom and getting dressed. I kept my door locked since I didn't have time to sort through the shit storm that was my bedroom.

Last night was a tough night… Don't ask.

Soon, I was springing down the stairs, looking different from how I woke up. Scowl gone, eyebags attended to with some cosmetics; I was safe.

"You look like you had a rough night." He stood at the arched entryway into the living room, holding a teacup.

I paused in my tracks, specifically at the base of the stairs.

"Good morning to you too, Dad." I made sure to amplify the smile on my face.

"You look like shit, Amare."

While panicking internally, I waited to hear a corresponding retort, which came not long after.

"One more word of that nature out of you, and you'll be pulling grass. Do you understand?" – Mom.

She walked out of the kitchen carrying plates and whatnots.

"I've never pulled grass, though." He whispered just loud enough for us to hear, as always.

"What did you say?"

And they started bickering.

"I said, yes, ma'am."

Just a bit more-

"Well, it didn't sound like it."

"How's that my fault?"

Ready..

"The sound came from you!"

"That doesn-"

Now.

"Okay, enough!" I intervened.

And as usual, I walked away from the room and into the kitchen to do my bit without bothering with them any longer. Soon after, I could hear crashing sounds.

I rolled my eyes at the pair of them.

But inside, I was relieved I managed to escape from the earlier calling out from Dad. I preferred not to talk about these things when I didn't want to, and today was one of those days.

Anyway, breakfast wasn't out of the ordinary.

Tea first, then an Ardorian family usual; bread with honey-splotch spread and some fruit.

Of course, they didn't miss the chance to pour out the 'Happy Birthday.' And for that short moment, I was happy.

Until the talking started…

"Did you have fun last night?"

I froze, unsure of whether it was visible or not.

The happiness snapped and receded like a burst balloon or rubber band stretched beyond its tolerance as yesterday's events replayed fast.

Fast enough that I replied without looking suspicious, "Actually, yes. It was beautiful, the traditions. Oh, Goodfellow baker said to tell you that he's ready for the next batch of spices." I responded, recalling all of the parts but giving a selective retelling.

"That's good. I am almost done anyway. I will personally make the delivery a few days from now."

I nodded in response. Then the silence settled in. I was happy to let it, anyway.

"So what else happened?"

I groaned as he continued to pry. The man had almost zero sensitive bone in his body. Couldn't he see that I wanted quiet?!

"We, Mira and Kira included, went around the village doing what everyone else was doing." I shrugged, stamping the urge to shove my knife in his face.

"Anything else interesting?"

It came as a shiver first, and I was about to give him a look. I felt like he was pointing at something, and my mind went into overdrive, 'Did he know something? Did he follow me?'

There were multiple precedents. He had shadowed me into the village many times before. It was supposed to be a secret, but with his loose mouth, I found out anyway.

I wracked my brain, finding ways to steer the conversation. "Ah yes. I climbed a tree and fell. It was really tall, and now my back hurts like he-" I caught myself before I could finish the sentence, "like soo much…" then ended it with a wry laugh and a nervous rub at the bruised area.

I didn't have to look up from my plate to see the glare directed at Dad; I could feel it. It was palpable.

I could likewise imagine his 'what did I do?" face.

Sitting between them, Mom stretched her hand and patted the sore area, which elicited a sharp breath from me. "Sorry. Let's get that checked after breakfast. Afterward, you can go to the farm and finish up a part of Fletcher's spices."

"Yes, oka-" another pause, "Wait, what?!" "With a bruised back?" I asked, unable to believe it.

"You are now an adult, and adults work unless their lives are in danger. So no arguments, I'm not budging on this." She finished with a chomp of her bread, signaling the end of the conversation. I turned to look at Dad, checking to see if he could intervene, but as typical, he gave a helpless look.

I could only sigh and resume eating in uncomfortable silence. It would have been ill-mannered if I stood and left in the middle of breakfast. Knowing Mom would not let me off kept me rooted to my seat.

Eventually, Dad spoke up after a few minutes.

"So…" His intent to break the ice was clear, and I was about to welcome it either way until I heard what he intended to use to break said ice.

"What's up with you and Oliver? I hear he's been after you."

It didn't help that I was sipping my tea at that moment. And just like that, I choked and came close to death twice in one day.

****

There you have it.

Clearly, today refused to go how I had envisioned for the past month. And if I hadn't mentioned earlier, the blazing sun was definitely not helping either.

'You did.'

Damn**

Although the possibility was low, I couldn't disregard the fact that I might've offended some heavenly being, such action now resulting in my current suffering.

I meant, look at me.

'Please..'

Silently, I prayed for forgiveness and relief, hoping someone or something would hear my plea. Either way, the fact that I had a sore back from last night's adventure, as I decided to call it, made today's work unwelcome. Regardless of how mom's intervention helped, I still wanted to run away into the night, preferably never to be seen again. But I held some control over my insanity and could recognize a crazy idea from others.

Although I complained of the sweltering heat, it was somewhat expected given the time was just a bit after midday. But I could have sworn it was still determined to roast me.

Certainly, cloudy and humid weather, so I could read in a dark corner of my bedroom with a candle illuminating the space, was not too much to ask for!

'That would've been the life!'

Sweat originally drenched my face until I washed it off by the stream, but it had already soaked the neckline of my dress by then. I could even feel my arm gliding on the moisture from my pits. I squirmed reflexively.

'Yuck!'

I was disgustingly wet.

Dragging a hand cloth out of my pocket and across my face to wipe the sweat, I noticed that it, too, was drenched.

'Double yuck!'

I raised a brow, recalling how it ended up in such a state. It was when I stepped into the stream earlier…

'Daphne, I hate you.'

I was reluctant to leave where I laid, so I tried using the damp cloth as it was. Needless to say, the attempt was ineffective. All it did was provide a very short comforting cold before I felt the heavy moisture on my face again.

"Ew ew ew ew…" I whispered irritatingly under my breath as I realized what laziness made me do.

Peeling myself from the ground, I stomped off to the stream of water and stripped directly.

I had decided.

I was going to swim, and I didn't care for the beady gazes of the animals on the farm. Whatever they saw, they couldn't communicate. They would take my naked secrets to their grave. I was safe.

The geese and ducks honked and screeched at me – I was going to assume in harassment – from their abode in the pond a few paces up north of the stream.

I watched, feeling bitterness and regret as I recalled how I'd dug their ponds without rest. One would've thought they would be grateful they had a reprieve from the sun's heat. Instead, they decided to become judgy when I wanted to have the same.

"We're all living creatures, so shut your crap." I screamed at the bastards.

'Just you wait!'

I cackled as I entertained the thought of starving them.

Their neighbors, the frogs, on the other hand, were quiet. I always liked them more since they preferred minding their business. They kept to themselves but were always responsive whenever I reached out.

Since they were reasonably amicable, we were all on cordial terms. Our relationship was thoroughly defined by the saying: to scratch each other's backs.

The ducks never got along with them, though, and after a frog limb surfaced, we had to partition their territory.

I always felt those water birds never liked the size of their space. They were invaders at heart, and I always made sure to savor the death of their comrades every other week. That and they made superb soup.

The geese were the real menace, though. They had a silent danger kind of aura about them. The ducks were akin to their henchmen, who got their hands dirty while their masters watched. There was a clear divide in their status as the geese occupied one-half of the area where the water came from, upstream, leaving relatively unclean water for their servants.

Thankfully, the frogs had access to clean water too. I could care less about the ducks.

I made sure to stick out my tongue and made my best mocking expression before chucking a stone at one brown-eyed bastard among them.

Reaching the bank, I let down my hair from its binding and tossed it to the side. I wadded slowly into the water, stopping where it reached my knee. The lukewarm temperature instantly took away all apprehension from my body.

I didn't think twice before lowering myself and resting on the slightly polished rocks that made up the bed. I allowed myself a small breath of fresh air as the sun's heat seemed to dial down.

"Very much needed," I murmured in bliss.

My body could feel the water flowing, and it was all I could do not to get carried away by the relief. I found grip on some of the slightly rougher stones, smooth enough to prevent a cut, at least.

The water flowed ceaselessly, allowing me to wash without worry that it would remain stagnant and unclean. It carried every ache, discomfort, and exhaustion I felt as it flowed continuously without stopping.

I lowered my head unconsciously, the water stopping just beneath my face, and shivered pleasantly as my scalp got soaked.

"I could do this all day." I drawled with my eyes closed.

For a moment, I sank into the feeling until..

*Whoosh.*

A cold breeze suddenly brushed past my nose, eliciting a yelp from me. Hastily, I sat straight and tried adjusting when I felt my grip slip a bit. Shivers ran through me as the wind blew my resurfaced neck. Soon, I got accustomed to it when the sun's heat intervened and was just about to regain my earlier bliss.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, a soft green light flickered. I opened them to check, but it disappeared as fast as it came.

'What was that?''

Cocking my head to the side, I wondered. For surety's sake, I waited a while, observing where the light had come. There were trees in the area. They all varied in size and seemed inconspicuous.

But there was one among them. It had an otherwise typical height, but something seemed off about it. Its shade and the direction it leaned in were weird compared to its counterparts. I analyzed the differences and tried to make sense of it. But I couldn't. There was simply nothing sensible about it. But that was when a thought popped out.

'Wait… is that?'

There was one thing that thoroughly didn't follow logic; magic.

A small smile broke out as I realized who it was.

"You can come out now."

I turned away, closed my eyes, and resumed savoring the water, knowing what was a few meters away from me, or rather… who.

"Hihi."

I received a giggle that seemed to bounce off every surface in the vicinity, encapsulating me in an alluring sphere.

"Gods, your voice is magical." I admitted with familiarity.

Everything about her was strange and yet familiar. I could be free with this person, no matter where, when, or how I was, undressed and soaking in a river or not.

It didn't matter.

*Vmmmm.*

Green light flared on the side softly, accompanied by a soft hum, and I could see it from beneath my covered eyes, a testament to how bright and eye-catching it was.

With it came an aura of life, renewal, and peace: a familiar ambiance. I opened my eye just a crack and watched.

After the light dimmed, I heard footsteps grow louder and closer. I noticed smooth legs as my eye adjusted. The unspeakable presence gave herself away when she stepped just above the water surface. Her movements seemed so natural and weightless, as not a single ripple spread out where she stepped: It was a miracle personified.

With a few steps, she stood before me with a kind smile. Slowly, she crouched, her hand descending on my head for a pat.

She spoke, "Happy Birthday, Germana."

I was almost swept away by the spring breeze that was her voice, but I managed to muster an answer.

"Thank you, whatever that word you just said meant." I flashed her a genuinely appreciative smile. It took the least effort as it sprang out of me willingly.

She retracted her hands, "Germana is the language of primus. It is effectively translated to sister as mortals call it." My nose scrunched up in mock hurt.

"Somehow, I find the term 'mortal' condescending." I jokingly formed a displeased expression.

Tilting to the side, she retorted, "Just as I get offended when you call me a fairy, the difference is that I am right, and you are wrong." Her soft tone nearly distracted me.

Pleasant memories came flooding back, filling me with nostalgia.

"You look like a fairy, though. Fairies are beautiful and otherworldly, just like you." I retorted lazily, masking my compliment from my arguing stance.

"I am certainly not a fairy. I take pride in my kind." She harrumphed lightly.

"I hear you, ma'am!" I surrendered to her. I could never win a verbal argument with her. I had no desire to. There was no point.

"Although I am breathtaking, aren't I?"

"For someone so old and wise, even you can't overcome mortal vanity." I gave a dramatic gasp before laughing harder as she gasped even more so.

"Me? Why I have no idea of what you're going on about." I laughed, letting out a very lightheaded 'sure' as she blinked innocently.

A short peaceful silence then reigned over our surroundings.

"Today makes it exactly four years since you tore your heart out to a stranger who could've been after something unpleasant or otherwise."

Somehow, the water went warm, and my eyes fluttered open.

"I guess so," I whispered after a while.

Remembering the incident, I brought my hands together, fidgeting to calm myself. "But I made the right gamble didn't I?" I chuckled awkwardly. If I had to make a choice, I would gladly choose the same over again.

Slender, pale green arms reached slowly into the water and took my left hand. They pulled so gently, their touch heavenly without crookedness. I only knew after the action that she brought it to her lips and gave it a light kiss.

Her words penetrated my heart like a softly struck cord;

"You did well this past year. I am proud of you."

The look of admiration she sported brought a familiar burn to my eyes, and for the first time since she arrived, I really took in her presence. Visually she was stunning, but seeing and sensing her altogether, was divine.

I didn't think I realized how much her approval and acknowledgment meant to me.

We met when I was thirteen, fresh in pain and every negative emotion one could imagine. She was serenity, and I broke down in seconds, back then and just like right now.

"Let it out. You have every right to feel."

And I did. I poured out every regret I'd carried since I last 'let it out' a year ago. I spoke of what happened earlier in the day, and her expression didn't change.

She didn't judge; she accepted. She loved.

She listened.

*****

Time passed as we conversed, and some time along the way, we left the stream and sat beneath the Lemmon tree for shade.

I sat beside her, wrapped in towels from the barn and the sun's warmth. By now, though, it had subsided, and I was left feeling infinitely better. I also had Sage to thank since I managed to let out my vexations without pressure.

I went quiet as she tattled on about some alchemical formula she'd stumbled across during her experiments. I didn't understand a single word of what she said, but I nodded absentmindedly.

I was lost, marveling at her beauty.

I'd finally taken note of how she looked this time. Her beauty never fell short regardless of the time of day.

Unimaginably bright blue eyes rimmed with otherworldly gold that seemed to shimmer, a short, pointed nose with thin pale-pink lips were her features. The first time I caressed her lashes, they felt like the softest things ever, and she had these perfectly fitting brows. The Gods spent a healthy amount of time on her.

And her complexion was currently a very light shade of green. Strangely, she could change complexions. Roses covered her arms and legs, their thorns absent.

Her hair was this unquestionable blend between vines and normal human hair. Like I said, unquestionable; They changed colors instinctively. Presently, it was a healthy brown that fell past her waist, although I'd seen them diverge during the course of our conversation.

Her clothing was quite simple and bare, yet irrefutably beautiful.

"What would I do without you?" I mused as I laid my head on her thigh.

"You give me more credit than I deserve." She confessed as her fingers ran through my hair.

Surprised, I gave her a mortified look and dropped a stray leaf.

"Never say that. You are incredible." I reassured her.

"Am I?" She asked with a brow raised, and a small but charming smile danced around her lips.

I didn't even think twice before sitting up to answer.

"You are the nicest person I have ever met. And you always know the right things to say and do. I think you'd be the closest thing to perfect, at least. And don't even get me started on how pleasant your presence is."

"I mean-"

I was about to continue pumping out my passages on why I thought she was perfect when I noticed she had turned to the side, her shoulders trembling.

Afterward, I heard the giggles.

"You!!" I was speechless as I realized she had baited me into flattering her.

"You went on and on. I could not possibly stop you at that point, hehe!" She didn't stop laughing.

A bundle of emotions suddenly went through me: embarrassment, mortification, anger, exasperation, helplessness.

"You vain fairy!" My fisted hand was already on the move to give her a hard knock on her head before I realized and could restrain myself.

"Owww!"

Subtle horror painted my features as I realized what I had done. Soon, I was all over her, apologizing for my impulsive and reckless reaction.

"I'm sorry. I was just flustered…" My face felt hot; from embarrassment, maybe?

"It's okay. And I am a dryad, dryyy-yyyadd. Say it with me."

"S-still…" I blinked with scorn as she tried getting me to repeat after her.

"Sage, don't do that again." I huffed with my arms crossed by the time she stopped.

"Yes, yes." Playful joy filled my heart as she played along and pinched my cheeks.

She gestured for me to lay back down on her thighs and continued to run her hands through my hair in this gentle way that almost made me sleep.

Sage; a beautiful yet profound name. I loved it.

Dryads were considered spirits of the forests. Essentially, they were embodiments of the forest's consciousness.

"We're going to see everyone later today, right?" I asked when the thought occurred to me.

"Yes, we will. Last I heard, they're quite excited for the celebration."

Yes, Sage and the others agreed to throw a party to celebrate my 'coming of age', as they put it. But that was as far as I was allowed to know since it was a surprise.

Initially, I planned to take my time getting ready for the evening. But many things happened, and although I couldn't go according to schedule, it was a relief to see that the ending, which I looked forward to most, hadn't changed.

"I have something for you." She brought up suddenly.

'Yay!'

I sat up hurriedly; Her gifts were always the best.

"What is it?"

"You'll see." She whispered suspensively.

Her eyes suddenly twinkled as green waves of light, materializing as tiny particles surrounded us, revolving around us. Then she raised her right palm towards me.

"Ostendere!"

The lights unexpectedly rushed and swirled into it, coating it like a cocoon. Eventually, they let up and started condensing into a form. Slowly, they took the form of a transparent bracelet.

"Magic?!"

Disbelief, surprise, and excitement laced my voice, and I couldn't help the giddy feeling that bubbled within me.

"Yes. I made it with very precious materials and powerful spells. I had originally planned to gift you the prototype as it harnessed more power, but I decided to prioritize your safety instead." I nodded, eyes wide as if I was five and Mom was about to give me chocolate.

"I won't bore you with details. Just know that it is safe and will not be blowing up like the rest of my contraptions."

"Okay, okay!" I responded fervently, partially because I was excited to wear it. Also, because I knew her as well as I did, I had an inkling of what was coming next.

"It has three main enchantments locked into it."

Just as I'd thought..

Although she said she wouldn't bore me with the details, I knew it was nigh-impossible.

And so I watched as she delved into her bookish nature, "Since you can't use magic to sustain it, I decided to lock them in. As long as it stays locked, it'll take a constant stream of energy from me to keep it activated automatically. The drawback is that no one else except me can operate it, and no one else except you can use it."

I nodded, even though I didn't understand a word she said. Her expression, when she paused, communicated that she probably figured that out as well. But she didn't stop.

"The enchantments are set to protect, strengthen and heal you only when you need it most. For example, the protection will only activate when your life is in danger and not otherwise. You might need the strengthening due to how much you work, but.."

She suddenly gave me a dry look, "Please do not overdo it."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I eyed her warily, knowing what she meant.

"And given your clumsy nature, I suspect you would be drawing healing-"

"Hey!" I rebuked. Although she told the truth, I wasn't going to approve slander.

"What? It's the truth. So please be mindful. I am by no means an unlimited power bank." She huffed before stashing the bracelet in my hands.

"Sheesh, fine!" I nodded, muttering as I inspected the object.

"I am not done. Be patient."

I sent her a dirty look.

"Tsk." She rolled her eyes before continuing, "There are also tracking and detection spells I placed just in case. Both are dormant and will remain so unless activated by a few conditions. Hope that you are not so unfortunate as to find out in the future." She said in one breath.

I caught most of it; not like I could forget if I wanted to anyway.

"Are you done?" I said after allowing brief silence.

"Yes, I am."

Then she helped clasp the bracelet around my wrist.

Honestly, it was beautiful. The adornments looked like high-quality, expensive, white pearls. Heck, it felt like I held a large amount of gold. I didn't even know whether to laugh or cry when it made contact with my skin.

"Thank you," was all I could say.

And I meant it.

"You are very welcome." She nodded with a beaming smile.

Seconds passed, and I spent it calculating the possible worth of the item. I didn't plan to sell it, though. I just wanted to know.

"On second thought, I think I should cast a binding spell." She broke the silence with her thought.

"What's that?"

"You can think of it as a preventative measure for misplacement."

"Oh, okay. That would be handy."

"Give me your wrist."

I did as she directed and placed my wrist forward. She raised her palms directly over them, green lights slowly materializing once again. Then she breathed some words under her breath, and the lights scrambled to form two symbols before engraving themselves onto the bracelet; simultaneously.

Then, they dispersed as though they were never there.

*Vmmmmmm!*

Abruptly, a weird sensation grew within, followed by a thrum I perceived in the air. Curiously, I tilted my head slightly to its origin. Then, without notice, I felt a shift around me, and before I knew it, my vision had started distorting.

"W-w-what is-" I tried to speak, but it ended in breathlessness.

Boom!

Suddenly, my vision went out of focus, and heat seemed to blaze into existence in my chest. My hands shot up, gripping my clothing.

'What the-'

"I-"

Wheezing while trying to form a sentence, I fell backward onto the soil, gripping my chest.

"H-hel-" I struggled to speak.

I laid there silently until, eventually, the burning receded, replaced by something calmer. I couldn't feel anything now except a low thrum underneath my skin and a thrill in the air that seemed to activate me beyond my five senses.

'Shit.'

'Shit.'

'Shit.'

My mind was fully awake, and I could perceive things. But I could neither speak nor see. From beyond the haze, I felt Sage's familiar aura rattle above me. I wanted to scream that I was okay, but I couldn't.

'Was I even okay?'

Through the quiet vibrations: I saw lights shimmering in and out of existence, but I couldn't pin their hue. I only had a feeling. They felt concrete; I could feel something beyond that was… exciting?

I hadn't realized that I had stopped breathing for a while. I was in a still state. It resembled my nightmares, but it lacked the impending sense of doom. I felt besieged by the thrums of excitement from the lights.

I just knew the hums were coming from them. Then the vibrations suddenly became sounds I couldn't make sense of just by listening: Like multiple whistles, octaves.

It felt enriching and fortifying.

*Fwoosh!*

Suddenly, I heard a breeze as I returned. My senses were within my control, and I could no longer see or feel the lights; my vision was clear again.

I blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the sudden influx of sunlight as I lay staring forward. I sat against the Lemmon tree, and Sage, her eyes filled with concern, crouched facing me.

"W-what happened?" My voice came out foggy but straightened out by the end.

"Your consciousness got entangled in the Chaos after you came in contact with my Primus."

I blinked a few times as she spoke with; what looked like a straight but worried face.

'Uh?'

"Speak mortal language, please?" I let out an awkward, breathless laugh. I was starting to feel like I didn't know something I should.

She shifted, "I apologize. In simpler terms, let us say there was a mistake in the process. But it is all sorted now."

"Oh, okay." I nodded.

"But even then, I had not considered you could have been so affected. I didn't even know you had such delicate sensitivity to the primus." She sighed before reluctantly continuing, "And, so, I overlooked such a side effect."

Her expression became downcast, and I felt a pang in my chest.

"Don't worry about it. I am fine now." I wriggled my body as best as I could to reassure her.

"That is good. But if you feel different in any way from now onward, do not hesitate to inform me."

The concern in her voice was evident, and so I replied with a reassuring, "I will."

Her mood calmed down, so I continued, "Once again, thanks for the gift." I said softly.

"Of course." She smiled gently.

After a few seconds, my gaze drifted towards the farm behind her, and I sighed helplessly.

'Let's get to work.'

Making up my mind, I moved to stand.

She shifted back, giving me space to hold onto the tree and pull myself up.

As she stood, I started to stretch, "In any case, the sooner I am done here, the earlier I can get home to prepare."

"Although your back is better now, you should take it easy."

"Wait, what-"

Immediately, it clicked.

I went back to stretching, and there was…

Nothing. The soreness was gone. Like it was never there!

"Whoa!" I exhaled excitedly.

"Yes." She sent a smug smile.

"This is magnificent!" I even went ahead and did some more extreme stretches, and nothing! I healed.

After throwing a round of thanks, I joked, "Now I feel like I can do this without dying, at least."

"I'll be taking my leave now, Germana." She laughed before stepping back.

She waved, and I waved back. The familiar green lights surrounded her, blocking her from view. In the blink of an eye, the lights burst and zapped out of existence; she disappeared.

With a sigh, I looked at the sun before grudgingly walking toward where I had paused. Picking the important ones, I sighed.

Laziness or whatever, I didn't want to be doing any of this.

Dramatically, I kept sighing every other second, hoping someone would steal me away from the peaceful silence blanketing the farm.

'Peaceful huh?'

Then it clicked.

Something was off.

I turned to survey the entire farm, my face widening in disbelief as I noticed that everything I was supposed to do, had already been done.

The animals were eating; the soil and various plants were damp. Ridges straightened out and arranged.

It was all done.

And there was only one person who could have done them.

The prospect of being able to pack my bags and call it a day started lightening up my heart.

Joy started bursting through the seams of my very being.

"Thank you!!!" I screamed in pure joy.

I could have almost cried.

*****

I readied Willow, my horse, with baskets of fresh vegetables and herbs I harvested earlier.

She neighed gently; as I ran my fingers through her growing white mane.

She stood at two meters tall with her head held up. I had just gotten halfway up her neck.

I assisted my parents during her delivery when I was ten, and we have been as thick as thieves since then.

I watched her develop from a dependent filly foal to a headstrong Mare, although the growth speed was a little too fast, in my opinion.

When she was all good, I made one last round on the farm grounds, ensuring the animals had all they would need for the rest of the day.

I checked for any weakness in the system that could cause pest invasions and ensured the traps were still in working order.

"Okay, Willow. Let's be on our way now." I patted her neck and marched forward to get her excited to move.

It was necessary owing to the stubborn personality she had, and I didn't want to spend another minute in this place.

Unfortunately, as I predicted, she stomped her legs and grunted.

"Ugh!" I groaned softly and turned just in time to see her tap her belly with her tail; repeatedly.

I knew, instantly, what she wanted.

"Again? I fed you not long ago, and that meal was generous." I crossed my arms and stared her down.

She was hungry, which was weird because she'd already eaten. The tapping gesture was how we trained them to indicate hunger.

When working with animals, giving in all the time was like telling them it was okay to repeat their behavior.

I was ready to put my feet down and refuse her firmly.

Well: until she shoved me forward and gave me those cute, big eyes.

Ashamedly, I melted and sighed, then murmured for her to stay put.

I knew I wasn't supposed to give in, but it was going to be just this one time. I promised myself I would never let it happen again, and I was intent on keeping that promise.

'Exactly how you promised the last thirty-six times, but…'

'Shut it!'

That was not the point.

I paced my way to the tree and plucked a bunch of Lemmon's; fist-sized, round-ish yellow fruits.

Pulling open the latch of my bag, I stuffed about ten of them inside.

Sending out a whistle, she turned to face me. I gestured for her to come over, and she galloped excitedly.

I motioned for her to bring her head down by the ear, and, when she did, I whispered into them.

"I am not supposed to give you these. But if I do, you have to behave for two weeks at least, got it?"

I figured being stern would help balance the fact that I was doing something potentially detrimental.

But maybe I was overthinking it; a little leniency never hurt anybody. Besides, I trusted Willow to be sensible.

She let out multiple grunts, and I took them as her form of agreement.

The fruit, in particular, wasn't the best fruit I'd ever tasted. But it seemed to drive the horses crazy, especially the younger ones.

I dipped my hand into the bag on my shoulder, feeling it up and trying to create suspense.

I felt it was working when she started panting unnaturally.

Without taking my eyes off her, I pulled the fruit out and waved it slowly in her face. Her eyes followed it cutely, and I couldn't resist pressing it into her face.

She bit gently on the fruit and chewed.

With a pat on her raven black neck, I pulled her by the reins and directed her forward.

This time, she didn't leave a word of protest.