After two new tours, Finnian ended any activity that would take his breath. That Ailfryd was aware of his progress meant something, although even he needed to rest, and what better time to do it than in the afternoon? Returning to their cabin to replenish forces, the Galya’s peace was more than contagious. It was enough to finish eating to perceive a descent in their activity, or at least compared to the morning. They might not be the only ones who needed rest, and they even appreciated it.

Unlike in the previous days, where they went out to continue training or helping him meet the Galya better, they decided to stay in the backyard, resting in the shade. They were at that point where the temperature was neither high nor low, perfect for them to be comfortable and even fall asleep. Instead of imitating his partners, however, Finnian decided to use sunlight to continue his reading.

The magic section of that book, for example, had been enlarged. In it, he found explained that it could not only be initiated with gestures, as he was doing, but with all kinds of words or symbols, and even thoughts. Objects also influenced, some helping concentration, while others could strengthen it. His pages didn’t include a catalogue of Elthea’s magical weapons, but the book did explain how they worked and what they could accomplish. Like elthean or even people, this varied almost as much as what his imagination might create.

“That’s why you’ve been learning so much about control,” Ead reminded him. “No matter how strong one is. If it has no stability, even the most powerful elthean will fall prey to its own power.”

“It doesn’t sound very comforting,” Finnian admitted.

“And no less true. Like nature, it must be respected.”

In his case, if he was not careful, his magic might act when he least expected it. It could not be considered a strange entity but a life force similar to breathing or feelings. Being too angry or frustrated could hurt him or give him extra strength in exchange for accuracy. No matter how complex or intriguing that was, staying there without forcing himself to practice was refreshing. If his first days in Elthea were full of challenges and dangers, there at least he could get some perspective.

“Finnian!”

Or, at first, he hoped until a sharp voice of a family elthean drew his attention. It was the same kitten of golden fur and white wings known as Katsumi. Her yellow eyes shone off the emotion, and even he would not deny the desire to give her a hug if she asked. Next to him, the copper teddy bear Meir smiled as he joined them.

“How are you? Have they let you go out and play?” Finnian said, smiling still sitting on the floor.

“Of course, we have to take advantage of the free days!” Katsumi exclaimed.

However, their visit was not to see how they were doing or even send them any messages. Instead, it was to talk about their involvement in the Climbing Grounds.

“The next time you return, let us know. Got it?” Katsumi said with an unusual conviction for someone of her size. “Even to cheer you.”

“Done,” said Finnian, but after appreciating how both looked at each other, he added. “Is anything else happening?”

“Would you like to play hide-and-seek?”

Although hesitant, Meir’s words emerged at first as the same energy that her friend transmitted. Of all the little ones he had known, that couple managed to conquer him. Most “younglings” were behind Rune, but a smaller number seemed to love Aer and sought his attention to impress him. That dynamic did not change, although at least the two of them were so charming that they could not deny what they asked. For the same reason, he listened to the “in training” elthean with their short request: their group of friends had decided to play hide-and-seek, and they needed a few more to make that more fun.

“Where are the others?” Finnian said, knowing that there were no other elthean nearby.

“Well… They were hesitant to ask you,” Meir said.

“But not us!” Katsumi exclaimed, flying a few centimetres above the ground. “They doubt you want to join us.”

“Sounds interesting. Why don’t we play too?”

Aer’s voice and the security that he delivered made him unmistakable. Having both Rune and Leith on each side and Ead fluttering over them, the four elthean were there, more awake than they saw them a few minutes before. It’s not that he will be thrilled to spend the afternoon babysitting, but he won’t be the one who disappointed them. He found out that Aer sometimes took them to the outside area, where they played and would not bother anyone.

“As a general rule, they are forbidden being so far from adults without someone else to watch over them.”

They were careful, even having protections in the dorean. Thus, Aer and Rune would be in charge of looking for them while the rest would be hiding where they could and without climbing into the trees. After all, they should make that game achievable, shouldn’t they? Everyone wore a scarf, one that would change colour as soon as they were captured. The only option they would have to get out of that was that some brave could get their handkerchief snatched and stolen, although it would not be an easy task for him, given his size.

“Don’t worry. Just keep that big head down when you hide, and you shouldn’t have any problems,” Rune suggested after a laugh.

Why was everything to be limited to a joke with her? Didn’t she know how to prove it otherwise?

As soon as they left to the outside area, accompanied by Leith, she assured him that every elthean was a world, something he also saw happening in humans. Not everyone was able to show their feelings in the same way, although that did not imply that they were non-existent.

“Small gestures help, but sincerity in these cases is always welcome,” said the dragon.

Something else they had in common, although they would not try to change their partner. After all, everyone had a different personality, but they had managed to fit into their group dynamics to begin to bother with something that was not important. Besides, how could they prevent them from being seen? After all, they were the ones that stood out most from those who were hiding!

The large trees inside ceased to be so numerous outside, although that did not make them any less imposing. The Galya possessed a division of zones and defences to protect the population, although being so far from the core would not put them in a strait of any kind. The upper bridges were used by those patrolling, even if they were not to use them for their benefit.

“I’m surprised you decided to come with me,” Leith said as they walked, raising their head to look at him, “Wouldn’t it have been easier for you to be the one you seek?”

“Perhaps, but since I’m doing different things, why not this?” Finnian said, shrugging. Checking that the dragon did not answer, he added. “Furthermore, neither you nor I know the Galya as well as others. I thought it would be a good time for us.”

“Now, the important thing is to hide us. Don’t forget it!” Katsumi exclaimed from his shoulder, jumping to climb up the dragon and then to him. Were all of the Galya so energetic?

In addition, his partner’s peace of mind was comforting, even more so with how active Aer and Rune were, although they will be serious when the situation requires it. In the end, noting how time was running out and watching Meir and Katsumi sneak out of where they were, he decided to do what they would least expect from him.

“The secret base?” Wouldn’t it be the first place they would look?” Leith said.

“It’s possible, but that’s still why they could ignore it,” Finnian said.

Several minutes later, they were silent, hoping that their theory would be correct and they would not call anyone’s attention. Any magic act on their part would discover their position, and for that reason, they only had the option of keeping their arms crossed. Patience had never been his strength, and there he was, testing it with each passing day. Then, without saying anything, Leith grabbed him from his leg, drawing his attention.

“There’s elthean nearby,” Leith whispered in his ear, getting him to nod.

He even perceived it and that his senses were not as developed as those of her. Regardless of how complex it would be to find someone there, as they all possessed a similar essence, any new player in that forest did not go unnoticed.

They left the secret base without hesitation, ignoring that they were still playing. His instinct told him that he could not stay on the sidelines, playing like another child. He was there for a reason, and it wouldn’t be looking elsewhere to continue spending a quiet Sunday afternoon. At that moment, Katsumi appeared, running toward them as if she had seen something horrible. She climbed on his shoulder, reaching the end of hiding between his arms, letting him feel like her heart at a frantic pace.

“Meir needs help,” Katsumi said with a tiny voice.

They did not need any other notice. Signer and partners moved forward. Regardless of who guarded the area, they wouldn’t let someone helpless suffer, not if they could help it.

“I wish Ead was here,” Leith said, “at least then we could let others know.

“It’s OK. We’ll take care of this,” Finnian said.

Because, if they were not too far away, and they could both feel them, sooner or later, they would notice what was happening. It was certainly nothing, but with the surprises they had, he preferred not to trust and act before he had to repent.