Elysha tilted her head to the side, a puzzled look crossing her face. “What do you mean?”

"I will have to gather some things," Elder Merakia replied, gesturing for her to take a seat on one of the nearest cushioned chairs. "Wait here for a moment."

As Elder Merakia left, the little girl sat down and let her gaze wander around the gazebo. Her attention returned to the book and she picked it up again, her fingers tracing the words on the cover and examining it closely:

The Studdy and Obs-observashun of Thenmn Ennurgie Levils in th Sollerimisk Arkipellago.

"The st-studdy and ob-obs-ser… vashun of the… then… um ennuie levils in S-Solle... Sollerimi… arki… pelgo.” She mumbled, struggling with the unfamiliar words.

Furrowing her brow, Elysha sighed softly, “I want to read…”

She continued to flip through the pages before taking another look at the pavilion's surroundings, her feet swaying back and forth, not touching the ground. She watched the birds on the branches of the trees above her and couldn't help but feel both anticipation and boredom.

Then she stopped swinging her legs.

"I know, maybe Elder Mera can show me how to read.” Elysha whispered to herself, hope and optimism shining in her eyes. “Then I would read and learn even more new things, like this book in my hands.”

The little girl paused for a few seconds and stared at the book.

“Thenom, what is thenom?” She asked herself with a glum look on her face. “I don’t know, I want to know, I want to learn…”

After a few minutes, her guardian returned to the gazebo, carefully balancing unfamiliar objects in her gloved hands while holding a pot filled with copious soil.

Elysha's eyes widened in surprise, and she set the book aside as she saw her guardian place the items on the table with the pot, and then turn to the little girl. There was a hint of sweat and fatigue on her face as she spoke, “Here is a pot filled with earth, and in my hand I hold a tiny seed of a red rose.”

“A seed?”

“Yes indeed,” Elder Merakia nodded. “From here, you will witness an example of what this book teaches.”

“What this book teaches?” Elysha repeated, her gaze flickering back and forth between the pot of soil and the seed in her guardian's fingers, her mind brimming with questions.

“You will see for it soon, sweetie.”

With bated breath, Elysha watched as the Elder Merakia took off her right glove and pressed the seed into the waiting soil, making sure it was comfortable in its new home. The moment was in the air, brimming with a child’s anticipation.

‘A seed in dirt…’ Elysha commented in her mind.

Closing her eyes, Elder Merakia lowered her right bare hand, fingertips gently grazing the surface of the pot. Soft whispers escaped her lips, elusive words unfamiliar to the child’s ears.

As Elder Merakia spoke the unknown words, a calm, mystical energy enveloped the pavilion. The atmosphere seemed to keep silent, as if waiting for something unexpected to happen.

Elysha watched closely as her heart thumped. It was as if the air of reality was responding to Elder Merakia's incantation.

“Mijaak enji levjia astaj enjaneji mosterejen ni o'wataija theonum.

(“Here is the beauty that lies in the confluence of nature and theonum.)

Ijaan madere-ji ot émidia, ijaan krannu-ji ot tovoijou.

(From soil to life, from seed to flower.)

Anjai ji kainétatora nianüv ov-waüdi’ls otastäd’lji ji almi n’Asnoiji.

(Through the harmony of our spirits and invoking the will of Asnoiji.)

W’talfoir’nt ji mawijad’nt niasven wuduhejsia suanmosja.”

(We saw the birth of this wonderful rose.”)

In the midst of the magical moment, as the last syllables of the incantation left Elder Merakia's lips, a subtle transformation began to take place.

Elysha's eyes widened in awe as she witnessed a wondrous sight: A faint golden glow enveloped Elder Merakia's hand and then the pot itself, whereupon a small ball of light formed in the depths of the soil, and the seed began to germinate rapidly.

A slender green sprout shot out of the ground and stretched upwards with determined grace. It swayed gently, as if moving to the rhythm of a melody, dancing to a piece that transcended the boundaries of normal botanical growth.

Elysha stood in awe, staring at the spellbinding scene unfolding before her.

“You’re—”

The little girl’s voice trailed off, and Elder Merakia grinned, “I am not done yet, sweetie.”

The shoot continued its ascent, unfurling leaves of brilliant green as it grew higher and higher until it finally came to a halt. Elysha looked closely at the plant, which now resembled a tree as a rose bush. Each large leaf seemed to radiate a soft, golden, ethereal light that fell on the pavilion, illuminating the room with its magical presence.

Then, Elder Merakia snapped her fingers and the rosebuds began to unfurl and blossom. They filled the air with a sweet fragrance, their petals glowing.

Elysha's mouth fell open, her breath caught in her throat as she looked at the creation before her. There was a sparkling shimmer in her eyes, reflecting the golden wonder. She reached out a trembling hand toward the radiant foliage—

When suddenly, the ethereal light vanished, leaving behind an ordinary rose bush, as if nothing had happened except for a memory of a brief, yet magical experience.

Nonetheless, Elysha could no longer suppress her astonishment and turned to Elder Merakia, her eyes expressing irrepressible curiosity and inquisistiveness, and her voice a mixture of amazement and eagerness. "How did you do that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

A smile curved Elder Merakia's lips as she met the child's eyes. "I am simply a mage in retirement," she explained, the weight of expertise resonating in her words. "I possess knowledge of spells, techniques, and a deep understanding of theonum substances. Sorcery is the art of harnessing and controlling the spiritual energy within one's soul, also referred to as the ‘heart’ or better known as the 'core.'"

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

With a graceful motion of her hand, Elder Merakia spoke more incomprehensible words. A few seconds later, a soft breeze caressed the air, carrying with it vibrant red petals that transformed into ethereal wisps of spirits, fluttering around the child.

“—!”

Elysha almost felt dizzy as she turned her head to see the creatures, and couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

"Spiritual energy, also known as 'theonum,’ permeates every living being in our world," Elder Merakia continued. "Some individuals possess the ability to control and direct their theonum potency, while others can manipulate or release it. Mastering the art of theonum is not a task accomplished overnight; it requires time, dedication, and practice to even grasp the fundamentals."

She took a step back and used her gloved hand to manifest her theonum. Then, out of nowhere, she swirled a liquid substance around her that was something similar to water.

*swish*

Elysha felt a lightly damp sensation from her guardian’s elegant display of magic.

"Theonum sorcery comes in a variety of elemental forms, like this example I showed you." Elder Merakia said, dispelling the wet incantation. "What you see here is a manifestation of spiritual magic, and each individual of Soliremisce possesses their original element, subconsciously chosen by their ‘soul identity.’”

Elysha's eyes lit up as she tried to make sense of Elder Merakia's words. She was also still trying to figure out how the flower was formed and how Elder Merakia managed to conjure the flower from the soil using only her hand and the strange incantation.

"Can you control theonum because you can use magic?" She asked, her young mind wanting to know more.

A soft chuckle escaped Elder Merakia's lips, “Indeed it is," she replied, her hand touching her chin as her eyes looked down at the little girl. “Remember, the potential to become skilled in theonum manipulation lies within each individual. And with the right guidance, practice and training, you too can unlock the possibilities of this art."

Elysha leaned up from her seat and asked, "I want to become as great as you, Elder Mera," she declared, her voice filled with resolve. "Is that possible?"

“Pfft, pa-haha-ha…”

Elder Merakia's laughter echoed through the pavilion, leaving Elysha confused as she stifled her chuckles. “Pardon me, I apologize for the sudden inappropriate reaction. Ah, it's been a long time since my last pupil showed me such a determined gesture. It reminded me of the past for a brief second. What memories…”

Then she turned to the little girl, and her voice took on a soothing tone. "And of course it is possible. Your desire to learn all about theonum is admirable, dear Elysha.”

With rosy cheeks, Elysha interlaced her fingers and spoke softly, her words filled with earnestness. "It’s because… I want to learn everything you know about using th-theonum…"

Elder Merakia's gaze softened, watching the nervous child before her. She sighed, sensing the depth of Elysha's longing, and responded, "Perhaps I can examine your theonum core and sense your potency. That way, I may be able to determine your potential and whether you are capable of practicing sorcery at this current time. Given the small size of your appearance and approximate age, this is a safe approach to endeavor.”

Then she chuckled lightly again and said, “Who knows? Maybe I can even find out what theonum capabilities and element you possess.”

‘Theonum that I possess?’ Elysha thought to herself as a realization struck into her head. ‘Me? I can become a magic person like Elder Mera?’

Elysha lowered her head, as if trying to hide her own expression. Her trembling hands clenched her white spring dress as a smile blossomed on her face.

When the child stood up, Elder Merakia extended her hand, a silent invitation to follow her. "Come with me to an open area. I would like to show you more about theonum.”

~ ❈❇❈ ~

Together they walked to an open space on a white, round stone platform, where they were greeted by a gentle breeze and the sunlight streaming in.

Elder Merakia stepped onto the platform first and took a few more steps, then said, “Elysha, stand there for a moment.”

Elysha nodded and stood still while her guardian took off the glove on her right hand and walked towards the little girl.

“Alright then, now allow me to do this for a moment.”

With a soft touch, she pressed her palm against Elysha’s hand.

“...?” Elysha watched as Elder Merakia closed her eyes in deep concentration. Seconds later, a golden light radiated from the Elder Merakia's hand and transferred its energy to the young child's palm.

‘Oh, she’s doing magic again.’ Elysha spoke in her mind. ‘She’s trying to see if I can become a magic person. It feels… tingly.’

Silently, Elder Merakia delved into the depths of Elysha's theonum core, carefully examining and analyzing its essence.

Elysha watched intently, her eyes fixed on the calm and steady face of her guardian. The minutes passed slowly, and the child’s subtle impatience threatened to surface.

‘So long…’ The little girl mused with a slight frown. ‘I wondered what is happening wih Elder Mera right now.’

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Elder Merakia withdrew her hand, opened her eyes, and met Elysha's gaze.

“—!” Elysha could see a mixture of complex emotions on her teacher's face, and her heart leapt with concern.

"Elder Mera?”

Elder Merakia shook herself out of her thoughts and gave the worried child a reassuring smile. "Oh, there's nothing to worry about." She replied.

‘Nothing to worry about?’

Despite her guardian's words, Elysha still had doubts, her skepticism clear from her initial reaction.

Elder Merakia continued in a smooth but firm voice, “I have a special task for you, Elysha. Instead of going through the usual stages of learning theonum, I believe it is time for you to learn how to manifest and control the theonum in your body.”

“Huh?”

"It will take some time, of course, but with practice and effort, you will be able to accomplish this task. Will you do it for me?"

Although she was surprised by the sudden proposition and didn’t know the reasons for it, Elysha's eyes lit up and she nodded her head without hesitation.

“I will do it, Elder Mera.”

After that, Elder Merakia handed Elysha a practice staff and gloves that she had originally brought to the gazebo. She spoke, “These tools will help you with your first task. You will learn to slowly and attune your senses to the inner flow of theonum within you, and channel and direct the energy outwardly.”

Elysha grabbed the wand and put on the gloves. She felt a sense of empowerment just having the items at hand. She clutched the staff, its wooden texture making her restless, nervous, and excited all at once.

"Now I would like to show you another example of the regulation and manifestation of the theonum.” Elder Merakia said, extending her right hand once again.

Elysha turned her attention to her guardian and watched her carefully. As Elder Merakia closed her eyes, the air around her shifted and the wind carried enigma with it.

“Focus,” she uttered, her voice firm and commanding.

With an almost meditative demeanor, Elder Merakia detached herself from the outside world and delved into a state of deep concentration, connecting with the core of her being. Elysha heard the rush of the wind, which was different from the other breezes as it brought with it the imbued presence that passed by herself and enveloped Elder Merakia. The wind swirled around her teacher's outstretched palm, and then she clenched her hand into a fist. Extending her hand once more, Elysha's eyes widened in awe and wonder as she caught sight of a shimmering, translucent orb of light floating on her guardian's palm.

"This is an example of how the manifestation of a theonum sphere works," Elder Merakia explained as the sphere dissolved into air. "By connecting to the core of your physical body and manifesting through the will of your consciousness, you can bring forth the power of theonum on the palm of your hand."

Elysha nodded silently.

She felt like she was really beginning to understand what magic was and what the world she lived in was.

She quietly took a deep breath.

‘My own core, and with it learning magic.... If I could learn as well as she did....’

For the first time since arriving in this garden, Elysha felt a strong desire to prove herself—to prove that she was indeed capable of manifesting her own theonum core.

Her gaze met Elder Merakia's, and with a mixture of eagerness and nervousness, she asked, "May I try?"

"As you wish," Elder Merakia replied simply, her voice filled with encouragement. "Detach yourself from the outside world and focus on regulating the theonum within you. Imagine it flowing through your body, and focus on that without letting anything else distract you. Allow the power within you to materialize, guided by your unwavering desire. Do you understand?"

The little girl clutched the necklace in her hands, her heart racing with anticipation of this forthcoming moment.

"I understand."