The wagon creaked along the dusty road as Paola lay back against a pile of blankets, the canopy of the wagon offering some shade from the midday sun. Her cloak, once torn to shreds in the aftermath of the battle, was finally beginning to repair itself, the fabric knitting together with slow but deliberate care. She watched as the threads seemed to weave themselves back into place, a bit of relief mingling with the impatience she felt. The loins she wore underneath were starting to get scratchy, the fabric rubbing against her skin in a way that made her long for the freedom she’d grudgingly come to enjoy.

It was strange, really. She both hated and found amusement in the fact that she had grown so accustomed to being nude. There was something liberating about it, something that had shifted in her ever since the Grove had decided that nudity was an essential part of her existence here. The cloak, when it was intact, provided the coverage she needed while still allowing the freedom she’d come to appreciate. But with it torn, she hadn’t felt comfortable wearing it around Abraham, the quiet boy who had somehow become part of their group.

Abraham had grown quite fond of them all, despite the oddity of their little band. He sat near the front of the wagon, his small frame hunched slightly as he watched the road ahead. The fact that Carter, the animated puppet, had such a distinct personality despite being unable to speak had likely allowed Abraham to slowly open up. He was still a quiet kid, though, carrying the weight of knowing that this journey to meet his aunt—a woman he had never met—was his only option after his grandfather’s death. Traveling with a group of women and a puppet was hardly the norm, but in Udanara, what was?

Paola found herself marveling at how Poca had accepted this mission. The old man had essentially given his grandson to her, entrusting the boy’s future to a group of strangers. It was wild, really. The idea that Poca could have done anything with Abraham, could have left him in Emberfall if she’d wanted to, seemed absurd. But here they were, traveling together as if this was the most natural thing in the world. Udanara was crazy, Paola thought, and the more time she spent here, the more she realized how little she truly understood.

She had worried that things between her, Ayla, and Poca would become awkward after their talk in Emberfall, but the truth was, they hadn’t. The three of them had slowly begun to open up to one another, their relationship evolving naturally as they left the town behind. They’d left Emberfall in haste after the talk, not wanting to linger in a place that held too many memories of the recent battle. Ayla had handed the fallen star she’d received from the mayor over to Cassian, who was returning to Lady Marcelline. It was a decision that surprised Paola—Ayla, ever cautious about Lady Marcelline, had chosen to join Poca and Paola on this journey to Windmere, leaving behind the responsibilities she had once held so tightly.

There was still about a week left on Poca’s oxen and wagon, the journey from Emberfall to Windmere taking roughly a week and a half. It was long enough for Paola to start feeling the monotony of travel, and she found herself frequently asking Ayla about magic, hoping to learn more about the mysterious force that seemed to govern so much of life in Udanara.

Paola was sitting cross-legged in the back of the wagon, her brow furrowed in concentration as she stared at her open palm. Ayla sat across from her, her eyes sharp as she observed Paola’s attempts to conjure a small flame.

“Just focus on the warmth in your palm,” Ayla instructed, her voice calm but firm. “Feel the mana flowing through you, from your core, to your arm, and into your hand.”

Paola nodded, doing her best to follow Ayla’s instructions. She could feel the energy, the mana, moving within her, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get the flame to appear. Her frustration grew with each passing moment, the tension building in her head until it finally erupted in a sharp, throbbing headache. She winced, rubbing her temples as the pain pulsed through her skull.

“I don’t get it,” Paola muttered, more to herself than to Ayla. “I can feel the mana, but nothing’s happening. Why am I getting a headache when I’m not even doing anything?”

Ayla leaned back slightly, studying Paola with a thoughtful expression. “Mana can be tricky. Just because you can feel it doesn’t mean you’re using it correctly. If you’re forcing it, or if your mind isn’t fully aligned with your intent, it can cause a backlash—headaches, exhaustion, or worse.”

Paola groaned, lying back on the blankets and staring up at the wooden beams of the wagon’s canopy. “This is so much harder than I thought it would be. It’s like trying to run with your legs tied together.”

Ayla chuckled softly. “Magic isn’t something you can force. It’s like… it’s like trying to guide a river. You have to let it flow naturally, but also give it direction. If you push too hard, you end up with a flood.”

“Great,” Paola grumbled. “So I’m either going to drown in mana or end up with a headache.”

“It’s not that bad,” Ayla said with a smirk. “You’ll get the hang of it. You just need to be patient.”

Paola sighed, letting her eyes drift shut as she tried to relax. The headache was slowly fading, but the frustration remained. “I guess I just don’t understand how this whole magic thing works. Is it really just about elements? Fire, water, earth, and air?”

“That’s part of it,” Ayla replied. “But it’s more than just the elements. Magic in Udanara is about balance—understanding the forces at play and how they interact with each other. Some people have an affinity for certain elements, but that doesn’t mean they can’t use others. It’s about finding your connection to the world around you.”

Paola frowned, trying to wrap her mind around the concept. “So… it’s not just about having a fire affinity or a water affinity. It’s about understanding how they all work together?”

“Exactly,” Ayla said, her tone approving. “Think of it like this: you might have a natural talent for fire magic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn to use water magic. It just takes more effort, more understanding. The elements aren’t isolated—they’re interconnected. If you can learn to see the bigger picture, you’ll start to understand how to use magic more effectively.”

Paola considered this, her mind still buzzing with questions. “So, what about chaos magic? How does that fit in?”

Ayla’s expression darkened slightly at the mention of chaos magic, but she quickly hid it behind a neutral mask. “Chaos magic is… different. It doesn’t follow the same rules as elemental magic. It’s unpredictable, wild. It can be powerful, but it’s also dangerous. Most people who dabble in chaos magic end up losing control, or worse.”

Paola shivered at the thought. “But I have a connection to it, don’t I? From what happened in the Grove?”

Ayla nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Paola. “Yes, you do. But that doesn’t mean you have to use it. Chaos magic is a part of you now, but it doesn’t have to define you. You can choose how you want to use your abilities.”

Paola sighed, feeling the weight of that choice settle on her shoulders. “It just feels like there’s so much I don’t understand. I don’t even know where to start.” She felt her cat ears droop in defeat.

“Start small,” Ayla advised. “Focus on the basics, on learning how to control your mana and use it effectively. The rest will come with time and practice.”

Paola nodded, though she still felt a bit overwhelmed. “And what about the Grove? How does that fit into all of this?” Seeing if she could make better sense this time, because the last time Ayla had told her, she was still in the process of getting used to everything, including the fact she was in a new world. She still is trying to understand all of it.

Ayla leaned back, her eyes drifting to the horizon as she considered the question. “The Grove of Echoes is… well, it’s hard to explain. It’s a place of reflection, of growth. It shows you what you need to see, what you need to learn. For some people, it’s a place of answers. For others, it’s a place of questions.”

Paola stared at Ayla, a bit surprised by the answer. “That’s not very reassuring.” She felt her ears on her head go slightly flat, which was a weird feeling.

Ayla chuckled, shaking her head. “I know. But the truth is, the Grove is different for everyone. What it shows you, what it teaches you, depends on who you are and what you’re going through. It’s not something you can predict or control. You just have to trust that it’s leading you in the right direction.”

Paola sighed again, the weight of everything pressing down on her. “I guess I’ll just have to take it one step at a time, then.”

“That’s all any of us can do,” Ayla said softly.

Paola closed her eyes, trying to calm the swirling thoughts in her mind. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges she didn’t fully understand. But she knew she couldn’t face it alone. She would need Ayla, Poca, and even Abraham to help her navigate this strange, unpredictable world.

The wagon hit a bump in the road, jolting Paola from her thoughts. She winced as her headache flared up again, but she forced herself to sit up, determined not to let it get the best of her.

Ayla watched her with a concerned expression. “Maybe you should take a break from the magic for now. Rest a bit. You’ve been pushing yourself pretty hard.”

Paola nodded, reluctantly agreeing. “Yeah… I think I will.”

She leaned back against the pile of blankets, closing her eyes and letting the gentle sway of the wagon lull her into a state of rest. The sound of the oxen’s hooves on the dirt road, the creak of the wagon wheels, and the distant murmur of Abraham and Poca’s conversation created a strange sense of comfort.

For now, it was enough to just be here, in this moment, with these people. The questions, the uncertainties, and the challenges would still be there tomorrow, but for now, Paola could let them go, if only for a little while. The hours passed as the wagon rolled along the dusty road, taking her further and further from Emberfall, and deeper into the unknown.

The wagon creaked along the dirt road, the landscape gradually shifting from the arid, sandy hills of Seracian Sands to the greener, more fertile plains of Tarnstead. The air was fresher here, carrying the faint scent of the distant sea, though the coastline was still a good week’s travel away. Paola leaned back against the wooden side of the wagon, watching the scenery pass by with a thoughtful expression.

“So, Ayla,” Paola began, her voice carrying a note of curiosity, “you mentioned something before about magic being restricted… or regulated or something. What’s the deal with that? Should I even be trying to learn magic if there are all these laws?” Paola's tail swished back and forth as her ears tilted down, her nervousness apparent.

Ayla, who was now sitting on a low stool near the front of the wagon, her eyes scanning the horizon, looked back at Paola with a smirk. “You’re only thinking about that now, Paola?”

Paola shrugged, a sheepish grin on her face. “Well, I’ve had a lot on my mind, you know. Turning into a cat person, dealing with that whole mess in Emberfall… It’s been a lot to process.” Her tail swished nervously into view before settling down behind her.

Poca, who was sitting beside Paola, her hands busy braiding a small string of beads, glanced up with interest. “I am curious as well,” she said. “I know zere are laws about magic, but I never paid much attention to zem. I figured as long as I didn’t cause trouble, it wouldn’t matter.”

Ayla sighed, leaning back and stretching her arms. “Well, the laws are there, but they’re not exactly the easiest thing to navigate. The Mage Registration Act is the big one—if you want to use any kind of offensive or potentially harmful magic, you’re supposed to register as a mage. That means getting evaluated, licensed, the whole deal.”

Paola made a face. “That sounds like a lot of bureaucracy. Do they really enforce that?”

Ayla nodded. “They do, especially in the bigger cities. Places like Windmere and Valarian have guards and members of the Shield’s Guild specifically trained to detect unauthorized magic use. If you’re caught using magic without a license, you could face fines, imprisonment, or worse.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Paola blinked, her eyes wide with surprise. “Worse? Like what?” Her tail flicked back and forth, the tip brushing against the wooden planks.

Ayla’s expression grew more serious. “In some cases, they can bind your magic—put restrictions on your ability to use it. It’s not something they do lightly, but if they think you’re a danger to others, they won’t hesitate.”

Poca frowned, her fingers pausing in their work. “But zis sounds like it’s only for offensive magic, yes? What about healing magic, like what I do?”

Ayla shrugged. “Healing magic is generally considered less dangerous, but technically, you’re still supposed to register if you’re using it on a large scale or for payment. But most people don’t bother with that unless they’re setting up a practice in a big city.”

Paola let out a low whistle. “I had no idea it was so complicated. So… should I not be learning this stuff, then? I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Ayla chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Paola, if everyone who wanted to learn magic waited around for permission, there wouldn’t be any mages left. The laws are there to keep things from getting out of hand, but magic is a natural part of the world. It’s not something that should be locked away.”

Poca nodded in agreement, though her expression remained thoughtful. “I agree. Magic is a gift, non? It should be used wisely, but not suppressed.”

Paola tilted her head, considering their words. “So, you guys don’t think the laws are fair?”

Ayla’s smirk returned, a bit sharper this time. “Fair? Maybe in theory, but in practice, they can be pretty oppressive. The Mage’s Council, the body that oversees all these regulations, isn’t exactly known for being flexible. They see magic as something that needs to be controlled, but in doing so, they end up stifling it.”

Poca glanced at Paola, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. “But you ‘ave not registered as a mage, ‘ave you?”

Paola shook her head, a bit of nervous laughter escaping her. “Nope. Didn’t even know that was a thing until today.”

Ayla rolled her eyes, though there was a fondness in her tone. “Look, Paola, it’s not the end of the world. You’re not in any immediate danger of getting hauled off to jail just for trying to learn how to conjure a flame. But you do need to be aware of the rules, at least.”

Paola sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. “So, what do I do? Just keep practicing and hope no one notices?”

Ayla shrugged again. “Pretty much. As long as you’re not blowing up buildings or setting people on fire, you should be fine. And if you do get to the point where you’re using magic more regularly, we can figure out how to handle it then.”

Poca nodded, though she still seemed a bit uneasy. “Zere are always ways to work around the rules, but it is good to be aware of zem. We do not want to draw unnecessary attention.”

Paola groaned, leaning back against the wagon’s side. “This is so complicated. Why does everything in Udanara have to be so complicated?”

Ayla chuckled, her tone lightening. “Welcome to Udanara, where nothing is ever simple. But hey, at least it keeps things interesting.”

Paola shot her a wry look. “Interesting is one word for it. I was hoping for a bit more straightforward magic learning, but I guess that’s too much to ask.”

Poca smiled softly, resuming her braiding. “Zat is just the way of things, I suppose. Magic is powerful, and with power comes responsibility.”

Paola snorted. “Now you sound like a superhero movie.”

Ayla laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Well, you are kind of like a superhero now, Paola. Just, you know, with a lot more red tape.”

Paola rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips. “Great. Just what I always wanted.”

The wagon continued to trundle along the road, the scenery growing greener as they moved further away from Seracian Sands. The air was cooler now, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees that lined the road. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the path ahead.

Paola sighed, feeling a bit more relaxed despite the confusing conversation. “So, if I wanted to learn magic without all the legal stuff, where would I even go?”

Ayla leaned back, considering the question. “There are places, mostly in the more remote areas, where the laws are less strictly enforced. The further you get from the big cities, the more freedom you have to practice magic without getting hassled. But it also means less protection if something goes wrong.”

Poca nodded, her expression serious. “It is a risk, but one zat many mages are willing to take. I 'ear zere are also underground schools, places where magic is taught away from the eyes of ze council.”

Paola raised an eyebrow. “Underground schools? Like, secret magic clubs?”

Ayla grinned. “Something like that. They’re not exactly legal, but they’re not uncommon either. It’s a way for people to learn and practice without dealing with all the red tape.”

Paola’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “That sounds kind of… exciting.”

Poca chuckled softly. “Perhaps. But it is also dangerous. Zere is a reason zese schools are underground—they are not always safe.”

Ayla nodded in agreement. “She’s right. There are risks involved. The council doesn’t take kindly to unlicensed magic schools, and if they find out about one, they’ll shut it down. And the students and teachers don’t usually get off with just a slap on the wrist.”

Paola frowned, the excitement dimming slightly. “So, it’s not as simple as just finding a secret school and learning magic.”

Ayla’s expression softened, her tone turning more serious. “Nothing about magic is simple, Paola. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. You just have to be smart about it.”

Paola nodded slowly, taking in Ayla’s words. “I get it. I’ll be careful.” Her tail flicked back and forth again, revealing her apprehension.

Poca gave her a reassuring smile. “We will all be careful. And we will help each other, oui?”

Paola smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease. “Yeah. We’ll figure it out together.”

The wagon hit a small bump, jolting Paola from her thoughts. She had been mulling over the magic lessons Ayla had been giving her, but there was something else that had been gnawing at her mind ever since her experience in the Grove of Echoes. She hesitated for a moment, then finally voiced her concern.

“Ayla,” Paola began, her voice tinged with uncertainty, “about my magic… You know how I have that Chaos affinity now? Should I be worried about that? I mean, isn’t Chaos magic dangerous? What if they find out? Could I get arrested or something?”

The fear of being magically bound, of having her abilities restricted, rose in her chest like a wave. The thought of losing control over something so integral to her newfound self was terrifying.

Ayla turned to look at her, her expression softening. “Paola, don’t worry. Chaos affinity is so rare that most people wouldn’t even recognize it, let alone know how to deal with it. You’re not going to get arrested for something they don’t understand.”

Paola’s new cat ears twitched at the reassurance, but the worry lingered. “But what if they do recognize it? What if they think I’m some kind of threat?”

Ayla smiled gently and pointed to her own eyes. “Look, Paola. You see my eyes? One red, one blue. They represent my affinities—fire and ice. Clear as day, right?”

Paola nodded, noticing the intense, vivid colors that Ayla’s eyes held.

“Now, look at Poca’s eyes,” Ayla continued. “Green and purple. Her affinities are for puppetry and life magic. Also clear as day.”

Poca, who had been quietly listening, smiled and blinked her mismatched eyes playfully at Paola.

Ayla went on, “Your eyes, though… They’re not so clear. You’ve got those golden flakes now, mixed in with the brown, but it’s subtle. Chaos magic is subtle. It’s not going to scream ‘dangerous mage’ to anyone who looks at you. It’s just a part of who you are now, and as long as you keep control of it, no one’s going to bother you.”

Paola let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. Her tail, which had been swishing nervously behind her, began to slow down. The tension in her chest eased, though the thought of Chaos magic still unsettled her. “I guess I just don’t want to hurt anyone… or get in trouble for something I can’t control.”

Ayla nodded, her voice reassuring. “That’s why you’re learning, Paola. To make sure you’re in control. You’ve already come so far, and you’re stronger than you think.”

Poca, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Paola’s mood and decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Paola,” she began, her tone curious, “I ‘ave been wanting to ask you… Your old world, did it not ‘ave magic?”

The question caught Paola off guard, and she blinked in surprise. She wasn’t sure how to answer at first, her mind racing to find the right words. Ayla, too, seemed taken aback by Poca’s straightforwardness. Though Ayla had tried to get Paola to open up about her past before, Paola had always been hesitant to delve into the details of her life on Earth.

Poca, however, had no such reservations. Her stitched-on smile remained ever so beautifully innocent as she looked at Paola, genuinely curious.

Paola hesitated, her tail flicking slightly in response to her unease. “Well… no, Earth doesn’t have magic. At least, not like it does here. We have science and technology, but nothing like what you have in Udanara.”

Ayla leaned in slightly, her red and blue eyes focused on Paola with a keen interest. She had always been curious about Paola’s world, though she had never pressed too hard. Now, with Poca’s question hanging in the air, Ayla seemed content to listen, hoping to learn more about the place Paola had come from.

Paola took a deep breath, trying to find a way to explain. “Earth is… different. It’s a planet, just like Udanara, but without any of the magic you have here. Instead of magic, we have technology—machines, computers, things that help us do stuff. We’ve built cities, traveled to space, and created ways to communicate instantly with people on the other side of the world.”

Poca’s eyes widened in surprise. “No magic? Zat sounds… difficult. How do people live without it?”

Paola smiled faintly, remembering how mundane those things had seemed to her before. “We just… do. We’ve figured out other ways to make life easier. Like, instead of flying with magic, we have airplanes—big metal machines that fly through the sky and take people wherever they need to go.”

Poca’s curiosity only grew with each word. “Airplanes? Like giant birds? And what about ze space travel you mentioned? How does zat work?”

Paola chuckled softly, her tail flicking lightly behind her. “Yeah, kind of like giant birds, I guess. They’re powered by engines—machines that burn fuel to create thrust, which pushes the plane forward and keeps it in the air. And space travel… well, we have rockets that are powerful enough to break free of Earth’s gravity and travel to other planets, or just orbit around Earth.”

Poca’s mouth hung open slightly as she tried to process this information. “Zat sounds… incredible. And scary. How do people make sure it works?”

Paola shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “Lots of testing, lots of science. We’ve had our fair share of accidents, but we learn from them and keep moving forward.”

Ayla, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke, her tone more introspective. “So, everything on Earth is built on knowledge and technology. But no magic at all… It’s hard to imagine.”

Paola nodded. “Yeah, it’s weird for me too. Coming here and seeing people use magic for everything… it’s amazing, but also overwhelming. On Earth, we have to find other ways to solve problems—technology is our version of magic, I guess. But it’s not as… well, it’s not as powerful, not as connected to us.”

Poca tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “And what about everyday things? Like… how do people get around? Do zey all use zis ‘airplane’?”

Paola laughed, shaking her head. “No, not everyone. We have cars—small vehicles that people drive around on roads. They’re like little carriages but with engines that make them move. Most people use those to get around.”

Poca’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Cars… I would love to see one of zese cars. It sounds so… practical.”

Paola grinned, her ears twitching slightly as she imagined Poca’s reaction to seeing a car for the first time. “They are practical, but they can also be a pain. Traffic jams, accidents, the usual stuff. But they get the job done.”

Ayla leaned back, her gaze still fixed on Paola. “So, no magic, but a lot of ingenuity. It’s a different kind of world, but it makes sense in its own way.”

Paola nodded, her smile fading slightly as she thought about the differences between the two worlds. “Yeah… It does. But being here, in Udanara, it’s like everything I thought I knew has been turned upside down. I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in.”

Poca reached out, placing a gentle hand on Paola’s arm. “You fit in just fine, Paola. Zis world may be different, but you ‘ave found a place in it.”

Paola looked down at Poca’s hand, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Thanks, Poca. That means a lot.”

Ayla, ever the observer, seemed to be taking in every detail of Paola’s reactions, her gaze softening as she watched the interaction. “You’ve adapted quickly, Paola. Not everyone could handle being thrown into a completely different world like this. But you’ve done more than just survive—you’ve made a mark here.”

Paola’s tail swished behind her, reflecting the mix of emotions she felt. “I guess I’ve had to. There’s no going back, so I just… try to keep moving forward.”

Poca’s stitched-on smile remained ever-present as she asked another question. “And what about ze people on Earth? Zey must be very different without magic.”

Paola thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. “People are… people, no matter where you go. We have our good and bad, our strengths and weaknesses. But yeah, living without magic makes things different. People rely more on themselves and on each other. There’s a lot of innovation, a lot of creativity. But there’s also a lot of conflict, a lot of problems that come from trying to control the world through technology.”

Poca’s expression grew more serious. “It sounds like zere is much struggle. But also much progress.”

Paola nodded. “Yeah, it’s a mixed bag. We’ve accomplished amazing things, but we’ve also messed up a lot. There’s always a balance to be found.”

Ayla, who had been listening intently, leaned forward slightly. “It sounds like Earth isn’t so different from Udanara in that way. We have magic, but we still have the same struggles—the same need to

find balance.”

Paola smiled faintly, her tail flicking behind her in a more relaxed manner. “Yeah… I guess you’re right. It’s just a different set of tools, a different way of looking at the world.”

Poca’s eyes sparkled with curiosity once more. “I would love to learn more about your world, Paola. It sounds so… fascinating.”

Paola chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. “I’d be happy to share more, though I’ll admit it’s weird talking about it now. It feels like a lifetime ago.”

Ayla reached out, gently placing a hand on Paola’s shoulder. “It’s part of who you are, Paola. And it’s a part of you that’s helped you survive here. Don’t forget that.”

Paola looked up at Ayla, her new feline eyes reflecting the gratitude she felt. “Thanks, Ayla. I won’t.”

The conversation lulled into a comfortable silence as the wagon continued its journey through the increasingly green landscape. The road ahead was long, and there were still many questions left unanswered, but for now, Paola felt a sense of connection, of belonging, that she hadn’t felt since arriving in Udanara.

Poca’s curiosity had opened up a new avenue of understanding, and Ayla’s steady presence reassured her that she wasn’t alone in navigating this strange new world. The future was still uncertain, but Paola knew she could face whatever came her way with these two by her side.

And as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills, Paola allowed herself to relax, her worries momentarily forgotten. The road ahead was long, but with every step, she was finding her place in this world—one day at a time.