I remember when my memories began to come back to me during my early childhood and I realised that I had been reincarnated into a fantasy world, one of my first decisions was to follow in the footsteps of so many others before me and search for any kind of inner power to develop in my young age and become an overpowered character.

To do this there was nothing better than to follow the staple move in the reincarnation guide.

Meditation.

To be honest, at that time I was still affected by the fact that I had lost my past life and my mind latched on to whatever it could to distract itself.

If I could get something out of it, all the better.

Luckily, at that time the memories of my past life were fresh, and with them the knowledge of some meditation methods that I had sought during my life to deal with anxiety problems, among other things.

So, it was that for a long time I put into practice all the different ideas I had to enter a state of peace, relaxation and self-awareness in search of something within myself that felt remotely like the kind of power described in the novels.

Great was my disappointment when, after months of constant trying, I had not achieved the results I wanted.

Although, the help it provided me in making peace with my situation was totally worth it.

However, I had decided to put aside the effort I was putting into it and live my new life more.

Maybe it wasn't as 'fantasy' a world as I thought?

I had to revisit the idea some time later when my parents started telling me and my siblings’ stories of our people accompanied by tales from the outside that corroborated that there was indeed magic in this world.

For the second time, I put a lot of effort into meditation. This time with a manic energy behind it in search of the power that evaded me.

And for the second time, my efforts were fruitless.

I must admit I had not taken my continued failure very well and went into a bit of a depression for a while. Another reason why I love my family.

If it hadn't been for them, I might have been in that state for longer.

At that point, I had decided to make a mental note to put the magic stuff on the back burner until I was at the surface and concentrate on other matters.

Where I was going with all this is that I was no stranger to meditation; and while I didn't consider myself anywhere near as skilled at it as if I were a monk, I'd like to believe that I wasn't a novice either.

Why, then, am I having such a hard time? I thought with a grumble.

One would think that, after so many attempts and practice, I would only need a little bit of guidance to get proper results; however, for some reason I was failing to feel the magic that Reinhilde was releasing.

It was frustrating.

"I can see your frown." Reinhilde's voice called out, which made me let out a sigh.

Opening my eyes, I sent her an apologetic look. "Sorry. It's just that it's a bit frustrating to still not be able to feel anything after all this time." I said with my ears a bit droopy.

It had been a few hours since we had started— the sun had finished setting quite a while ago and the only illumination we had were the stars in the sky and the torches around us —and it bothered me not to see any progress!

And I could tell it was getting to me.

Reinhilde had several times stopped my meditation when she noticed my frustration getting to the point where it was visible, explaining that it was going to be much more difficult for me to feel anything in that state.

She pursed her lips into a line as the glow around her faded— And boy, wasn't it great! I wonder if it has a special function. Maybe it's like a protective aura or - No! Focus!

"You're expecting too much of yourself." She said seriously. "Feeling the magic is not something that happens in just one day. It takes time for the body to recognize what it's feeling."

I nodded. It was something she'd mentioned once before.

"What about you? Did it take you long?" I asked curiously.

"Some." She said simply.

"May I ask how long?" I asked, to which she shook her head.

"No. Knowing is only going to create a false expectation. Everyone learns at the right moment they should learn." She replied in a certain tone of voice that made me think she was quoting someone.

"Okay, all right." I conceded and took a breath. "One more try?"

"I think it's best to leave it here." She said resolutely as she stood up. "That's enough work for the first day and it's getting late."

I grumbled under my breath, but followed her lead and picked up the bag I'd put to one side to fit over my shoulder.

Now that she mentioned it and with my mind no longer in 'tunnel vision' mode, I could feel the accumulated tiredness of the day slowly creeping up.

"So, same time tomorrow?" I asked, and had to cover my mouth as I finished to stifle a yawn. "Ah, gosh. Sorry. Looks like I'm more tired than I thought."

"Don't—" Now she was the one who had to cover her yawn "—worry. Um..." I could see her cheeks flush and I let out a chuckle.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who's tired." I commented with a small smile.

"It's your fault for yawning." She grumbled under her breath as she folded her arms. Of course, as sensitive as my ears were, I could hear her perfectly and again a chuckle escaped me.

She gave me a narrow-eyed look that would have been much more intimidating without the blush on her cheeks.

"Okay. Okay. Sorry." I said, holding up my hands in peace even though I was still smiling and decided to change tracks by asking again. "So, tomorrow?"

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Reinhilde huffed, but nodded more calmly. "Yes, at the same time."

"Perfect!" I replied excitedly, bouncing a few times in my spot and looking her in the eye. "Really, I can't express how grateful I am that you are helping me, Reinhilde. I can only say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and if there is anything you need, you only have to ask. If it is in my power, I'll do it." I said as earnestly and sincerely as I could.

She stared at me silently, swaying from hoof to hoof. Her fingers twitched slightly. After a while she looked like she was going to say something before she stopped and shook her head. "I'll keep that in mind..." She finished slowly and I nodded, a little curious as to what she must have been thinking, but not so much as to inquire since we had only just met today.

"Well, I'd better get going. I still have to see where I'm going to stay." I blinked, looked up at the clear night sky and let out an aggravated sigh. "Ah, damn, I forgot to find accommodation!"

"Aren't you staying with the D'nzar?" She asked a little confused, walking towards the exit with unhurried steps with me striding beside her.

"Well yes, but I don't think it was for more than a day! I don't want to abuse their hospitality." I replied worriedly and my ears twitched as I heard giggling at my side. Glancing around, I could see it was coming from Reinhilde, "Uh… Did I say something funny?"

She shook her head. "No, it's just funny to see it from the other side." She said amused.

"Come again?" I asked with a tilting of my head, genuinely confused.

"You'll figure it out." Was her reply as she averted her gaze. By this time, we had reached the entrance— or exit in this case —to the barracks. "Now, you'd better hurry up. You don't want to be late for dinner."

My mind conjured images of flying slippers and a shiver ran down my spine.

"Right, I'd better get going." I said with a hint of dread and gave her a look. "You're not coming?"

"I can't. I still have to finish getting things ready." She said with a wistful tone that I wholly understood. I wouldn't want to miss Ria's meal either if I could.

"A pity." I said, giving her a sympathetic look. "Well, thanks again and see you tomorrow, Reinhilde."

"See you tomorrow, Noah." She said and retreated back inside.

For my part, I turned around to leave, and found the same pair of guards from before averting their gaze to the front.

"See you around, mates. Have a nice day." I said with a smile and a nod which they responded to slowly, their faces giving me a strange look as I retreated.

The walk to the D'nzar home was quite relaxed with the small amount of movement around and I simply used the moment to enjoy the quiet of the surroundings and take in the peaceful sights.

"Excuse me!" I announced as I arrived at the cabin.

"Noah, welcome back! Dinner is about to be ready!" Ria's voice called from the dining room as I closed the door behind me.

"Alright, I'll be right there!" I replied in anticipation and went to clean myself up a bit so at least I wouldn't be so dirty during the meal.

By the time I finished and got to the table, the half-elven couple were already seated and helping themselves to their plates.

"Sit down and help yourself, sweetheart." Ria said while gesturing to one of the seats.

"Thank you. And sorry if I kept you waiting." I said contritely as I took a seat.

"Nonsense! We already knew you were going to be late and we prepared for such." She made a dismissive gesture, "Stuffed potatoes? They don't have any meat in them." And offered me a pot.

My nose was struck by the aroma and I immediately felt my mouth water. "Yes, thank you!" And I helped myself to a couple.

Sinking the cutlery, my ears enjoyed the pleasurable sound of the browned layer of potato mash crunching softly as I cut a piece apart.

From within rose the aromatic vapours of what my eyes could appreciate were chopped portions of sweet pepper, tomato and onion among others, entwined by a layer of melted cheese that only made my appetite grow.

I licked my lips and gave it a couple of soft puffs before taking a bite.

Just as I had anticipated, the taste practically exploded in my mouth.

Like the night before, I closed my eyes and just focused on enjoying. The fact that I could feel my tail wagging from side to side did nothing to detract from my pleasure.

"So, Young Noah, how was your first official day at the Glade?" Amos asked curiously after we had been eating in silence for a while.

I hummed for a moment as I chewed to gather my thoughts before swallowing. "It was good. Chopping wood is strangely physically rewarding, and the people were nice." I replied, thinking about my interaction with Falkin and Bea. “Although, I could do without the loud noises.” I continued and caressed one of my long ears.

Ria gave me a worried look. “Does it hurt your ears?”

“A bit.” I said and she hummed.

“I may have something to help. Perhaps a bit of cotton.” She said thoughtfully and I brightened up.

“If it isn’t too much of a bother…” I began, but she cut me with a smile.

“Not at all.”

“Then, please.” I said gratefully.

Amos had a smile while watching our interaction and then asked. "And how was the training with Little Reinhilde?"

I frowned slightly. It wasn't the first time he'd called her that. "Why do you call her that? She's taller than you. About half a head taller."

Amos snorted. "We've known her since she was a child. She'll always be Little Reinhilde to us." He said amused and looked at me expectantly. "So?"

I sighed, my mood dropping a notch.

"Not as well as I'd hoped. I mean, not that I knew what to expect; but I was sure I was going to make some headway at least." I replied a little dejectedly, taking another bite of my food.

"These things usually take time and you've only just started. Don't get discouraged because you're not seeing results yet." Amos said reassuringly after a few moments of silence.

I nodded, knowing full well that he was right. "I have to be patient. I know." Still, I couldn't help my feelings. "It's just... Ever since I heard magic existed as a kit, I've been trying to find it. There's no one in Underhill who knows how to wield it, so I had no choice but to try on my own, and well..." I shrugged. "I guess I was a little too hopeful for immediate results after all the previous time invested."

They both shot me sympathetic glances and the old man continued. "That's understandable. I think anyone would have felt the same way in your shoes. Just don't let it get to you. Patience and persistence. Those are the keys to success. Follow them and you'll see that soon you'll get what you want." A mischievous grin appeared on his face. "Just ask Ria, all the effort she had to put in to make me fall in love was clearly well worth it."

"Uh-huh. It was quite an effort to keep this dunce from messing up. Or have you already forgotten about when we first met Conrad, Dear?" Ria asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Bah! The man had a stick up his arse and couldn't take a joke!" He declared haughtily.

"You called him footrest and I had to mediate so you didn't end up having to see the healer." She rebutted with a deadpan tone, but I could see a playful glint in her eyes.

"Hey, I could have won!" Amos whined.

"Of course you could have, Dear." She replied, patting him with a condescending tone.

"Ah~! My own wife attacks me. Poor me. What have I done to deserve this?" Amos said with exaggerated grief.

"Do you want the list in chronological or alphabetical order?" Ria asked with a butter won't melt in her mouth expression.

He grumbled under his breath as I let out a snort of amusement with a smile spreading across my lips and in a much better mood.

Ria turned to look at me. "Other than that, how about Reinhilde, any thoughts on her?"

The image of the red-haired half-minotaur appeared at the front of my mind.

"Well, she seems like a nice person." I offered, but I could tell from Ria's expression that she was expecting something more. "I mean, she seems to take things seriously and seems to be a calm person." I said, a bit doubtful at the end; of course, I omitted the fact of how attractive or cute I found her.

That seemed enough to placate her as she nodded with a smile.

Mentioning Reinhilde also made me remember something and I looked at Amos. "Hey, Old man. Can you help me find accommodations tomorrow?"

"And why do you need them?" He asked with a tone of honest confusion.

"Um... Well, to see where I'm going to stay?" I said just as confused.

"Is there something wrong with your room, sweetie?" Ria asked worriedly.

"Uh, no?" I replied and she frowned slightly.

"Are you uncomfortable then? Do you need anything special? If there's something missing, we can get it..." She continued and I shook my head vehemently.

"No, no. It's nothing like that. Everything is fine."

"Then?" She asked and both half-elves looked at me with genuine puzzlement.

"Well... I have to find my own place? I mean, you two have been more than kind to me, but I don't want to abuse your hospitality." I said earnestly.

I could see understanding appear in the pair's gazes and how their postures relaxed with it.

Amos snorted, "Ah, it's just that. For a moment there you had me worried, lad." And he waved a hand in the air. "You needn't rush. You're more than welcome to stay with us for as long as you need." He assured me with a small smile.

"But—" I started, but was interrupted by Ria.

"Besides, you just got a job and rooms at the inn are expensive, if there are any free ones, and renting any from the other residents is going to be difficult since they don't know you." She explained and had to admit that her words made sense.

And although there was the option of getting a plot from the Major, just considering it made me want to grimace as what money I had left wasn't going to be enough.

"Well, if I'm going to stay, then I want to contribute at least something!" I stated firmly, shooting defiant glances at the two of them. There was no way I was going to stay without giving something back. I also had my pride!

Amos hummed, looking me in the eyes silently for a few moments before nodding. "Very well. If that's the way you want it, a quart of copper a day."

I narrowed my eyes. "Four pieces of copper a day. That's what a room cost me in Arbordale."

Amos snorted. "What do you take me for? A thief? This isn’t a city-state, but a settlement. The prices are very different. A third of copper."

"Three pieces! For the extra food!" I said with annoyance.

"Half a piece! And your argument is invalid. Ria always makes enough to feed at least two more." He said, to which she nodded happily.

I grumbled. "Two pieces, then. For... for being able to leave my stuff here." I said in an almost pleading tone, feeling like grasping at straws at this point.

"One piece of copper a day!" Amos declared decisively. "And that's only because I like you."

I let out a long, slow sigh. "Fine..."

He nodded with a satisfied smile. "It's a pleasure doing business with you." His smile turned a bit impish. "Who knows? Maybe I might even give you a discount and we'll round it up to five a week."

I felt my eyebrow twitch. "Please don't." I said wearily.

Off to the side Ria used a hand to cover her giggles.

I snorted and settled back into my seat; though, seeing the couple in front of me with contented expressions and thinking about what had happened, I felt a warm sense of fondness in my chest.

We soon finished dinner and, after helping clear the table despite their insistence that I didn't need to, I went to my room.

By the time I crossed its threshold, the exhaustion of the day had finally finished sapping my energy and, dragging my paws to the edge of the bed, I dropped like a sack of potatoes.

My eyes were already closed and my consciousness had already deserted me to dreamland moments before my face hit the sheets.