“It means…” Jake’s brow furrowed as he thought furiously. “It means you’re special Amari. You can do something most others can’t. That’s a gift.”

Amari glanced down, “I don’t know...the church condemned such things. Maybe this is why my mother died when she gave birth to me...” She shook her head. “Do you...think Joshua knew about this?”

Jake shrugged. “I don’t know, honestly… he seems to know much more than he lets on, if you ask me. But your mother dying wasn’t your fault Amari… and there’s nothing wrong with a little magic.” He snapped his fingers and conjured a ball of fire in his hand. “I know the church in Salvar looks harshly on it, but you don’t need to worry about that here. People will accept you for who you are.”

She stood and dusted the dirt off her clothes. “I don’t care about that, I’m more worried about what you think of me.”

“What I think of you?” Jake asked. Women could be so bloody confusing. “I think you’re wonderful, Amari. That’s why I’ve done everything I have. Because you’re worth it.”

She stared at Jake a few moments, silent, and he wasn’t able to read the expression on her face. Finally she smiled at him and broached the small gap between them to grasp his hands in hers. “That means a lot to me Jake. I’ve been worried that I’ve been such a bother to you lately.”

“You’re not a bother,” Jake chuckled, tucking a red lock behind her ear. “Life’s been twice as fun since you’ve been around. Aside from the harrowing bits and everything. You know what I mean. I feel stronger around you. More focused.”

He felt her squeeze his hands tighter, “Sometimes you give me these looks and I think...I’ve done something wrong or you’re bothered by me. I’m relieved that is not the case.” She breathed a sigh of relief and leaned her face into his gesture. “This is all so new to me, and I’m glad I have people to help me. Like you...and now like Breaker.”

“Yes, Breaker…” Jake said, looking away suddenly and releasing her hands. “I’m sure he’ll be very helpful. Did he give you any other advice on what to do?”

She shook her head.

“Well I guess he’s a one and done sort of teacher,” Jake quipped. “Why don’t you see if you can make those trees grow some more?

Amari glanced toward a tree off the path, it was smaller, weaker than the rest and the roots had been uplifted from the ground. “I wouldn’t know where to start…” Despite her words, she wandered over to the tree and nestled herself against it. Jake watched as the tree didn’t exactly grow, but reacted positively to her presence.

“That’s good, Amari… just do what comes naturally.”

“Sit with me?” she asked, gesturing to the place beside her.

Jake stepped next to her and folded his legs, leaning his back against one of the uplifted roots. “I can’t do what you do.” He assured her. But it was still a pleasant moment of peace, and he took a deep breath, enjoying it.