Gardening

My new routine quickly settled into a rhythm. Each morning began with gardening alongside Kara. Together, we tended to the plants in our small plot, ensuring they had enough water and were free from weeds. Kara was a diligent helper, her small hands quick and sure as she worked beside me.

After gardening, I would head to the library, always on the lookout for books that might expand my knowledge. Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that there was nothing related to magic in the public library. Magic, it seemed, was a privilege reserved for the high-born, with books and scrolls kept under lock and key in the royal library. This revelation was disheartening, but it didn't deter my curiosity.

Determined to learn more, I decided to experiment in secret. One morning, after ensuring no one was around, I mixed a few drops of my blood with water and applied it to the plants in our garden. The results were intriguing. Unlike the apple tree's instant growth, these plants grew faster than normal but at a more natural pace. It was a subtle change, but enough to give me an idea.

By using this method in our garden, we could potentially have a steady supply of food, even when money was tight. The thought of this secret advantage filled me with a sense of hope. No one needed to know about my magic, and it could quietly benefit our household.

As I observed the plants over the next few days, I noticed the difference. Leaves were greener, stems stronger, and flowers more vibrant. I shared my observations with Kara, who was delighted by the thriving garden but blissfully unaware of the true reason behind it. Her excitement was infectious, and it made our daily routine feel less like a chore and more like a shared adventure.

In the evenings, after a day of gardening and clandestine experiments, I would reflect on our progress. The steady growth of our garden was a metaphor for our new life—slowly but surely, we were establishing roots in this unfamiliar place. With Kara's cheerful company and the promise of a bountiful garden, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.