Laughing broke me from my daze, drawing my eye to the glowing figure of Daphnia. As She glided out from one of the swaying trees, closer to my right. I was surprised I didn't catch any hint of her mana, till she came out of the tree. I'm definitely going to have to investigate the limitations of my talent. Because it's quite apparent that there are ways to block it, or maybe I'm just not using it right, I thought.

Joining in the laughter, between fits of giggles, Madison said, "Oh you.. should have… seen your face. It was priceless, mom always likes to pull that trick on unsuspecting visitors.” Coming forward as she wiped a tear from her eye, wrapping me in a warm hug. Daphnia said, "I'm sorry I just couldn't resist, I've found, you never really get to surprise someone unless you do right when they walk in.” Pulling back to look me in the eyes, smiling, she said, "To make it up to you, I'll make you my signature dish. I call it the Hayward table stack, hmm how does that sound?”

I wanted to be upset, but it was a harmless prank, I wasn't really so surprised

by her entrance anyway. More by the fact my talent didn't sense her, but she's

done so much for me I'll just let her think she surprised me. Not only that but

this place was definitely not an illusion or least I don't think it is

or my talent should have picked up on it, I thought.

Chuckling, giving her my best impish smile, I said: "It's fine, I guess, but a nice breakfast would probably make me feel better.” As she guided us through the grove of ankle-high grass, I couldn't help but take in. The wide variety of flowers that grew around the denser parts of the forest. With a menagerie of small woodland creatures scurrying through the bushes and trees, everything felt so vibrant.

Just when we passed the far side of the grove, the air around us rippled. Causing all the colors in my vision to blur, into a nauseous soupy mixture. It felt like the world tilted for a split second then just as quick righted itself. Before I had time to fall, I felt a pair of arms prop me up. Turning I saw daphnia, looking thoroughly apologetic, She said, "I'm so sorry! I'm such a klutz sometimes, I didn't even think about how your talent would interact with you being dislocated.” Leading me towards a chair, She said: "Are you okay?”

Taking in the giant spread of boiled eggs, diced potatoes, fresh fruit and pitchers of a dark red liquid. As the feeling of nausea left me, I said: "I'm okay, it just took me by surprise.” Looking over from across the table, shaking his head. Mancin said, "See my love, this is what happens when you play your little games.” Cutting in, as she took the seat to my left, in true Madison fashion. She said, "Ya but where's the fun in that, plus it's not like anything really bad ever happens.” Honestly, even though I haven't known her that long. It's easy to tell she likes fun and fun to her is almost always related to trouble.

Shooting looks of blame at each other over their daughter's antics, caring on a whole silent conversation. Turning to look at me completely ignoring her husband, Smiling. She said, "Anyway.. what would like to eat Kyle? We have turtle-quail eggs, spur potatoes, an assortment of fruit and one of my favorites all-fruit nectar.” Just looking at all the delicious choices made my mouth water. I said, "Mmm. It all looks so good, I guess I'll take a little of everything.”

Letting out a deep laugh after looking at his wife as if she was the sun itself. Turning to me, Mancin said, "So Kyle what do you think of Daphnia’s macrocosm? It cost a fortune, not to mention the paperwork to get the proper permits from the city. Which was a nightmare of hoops to jump through and greedy palms wanting money for a job they were already getting paid for!” Coughing as he patted his chest, He said, "Sorry, I get worked up remembering it, but she was and is definitely worth it. How could I let my lovely wife suffer in the city when her Witchy magic calls to the forests of nature.”

Leaning over and giving him a warm kiss. Daphnia said, "Oh my sweet man, you and that silver tongue of yours always know what to say to melt my heart.” Settling back in her chair, turning to smile at me. She said, "Don't listen to him, Kyle, Mancin just likes to complain, and he enjoys my grove just as much as I do.” My face was slightly flushed, from their sappy love talk. I said, "It's amazing! it's nice to feel and smell the warmth and freshness of nature after being in the city.”

It didn't take long for us to finish our meal, between listening to the Haywards witty banter and savoring all the new and delicious flavors of the food, it was very relaxing. Finishing off the last of my nectar, turning to Mancin I said “Could I talk to you later about some of the problems I've been having with a spell matrix? I figured it would look good, with Edens admissions test coming up.”

Before he could respond, almost screeching. Madison said, "What! You're going to try out for Eden too?” Practically jumping out of her chair in excitement, she said, "That's fantastic. I can't wait, we're going to have so much fun.” Smiling, I said, "Ya, your parents convinced me I should try to get in. Because it's a great opportunity and course of my talent as well.” Shaking her head in agreement, She said: "Yup, that sure sounds like them.”

While we were talking, Daphnia was busy looking off to the far right mumbling something I couldn't quite hear. Turning to look at Mancin, with a frown. She said, "constable Sherk is here to talk about Kyle's case.” Looking towards where Daphnia’s gaze had been, his eyes flashing with blue light. Before he disappeared, looking stern. He said, "I'll go talk to him, I'll be back in a few minutes.”

Letting out a sigh, shooting a worried look at Mancin as he disappeared. She said, "I probably should go with him, you never know what your father could do. You know he detests the constable.” Her mana bled from her body, blending into the surroundings, like a drop of paint falling in the water. Then she was gone, leaving Madison and me to our own devices.