Praxis materializes a pair of binoculars & looks at the far off ruins. Fae turns to Coral & gives them a hug.

“I’m not complaining, but what was that for?” Carol says as the hug ends a few seconds later.

Praxis closes faer eyes & shifts into a big smile Coral a big smile. “Because you came along silly.” She gives Coral a soft punch in the arm. “I appreciate it.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t miss an opportunity to explore the Fallen Cities.” They pull their camera from around their neck to their face & snap a picture of the hills on the other sides of the water, littered with 3 miles long chunks of cracked stone.

“Alright, ready to head off?” Praxis held out faer hand for Coral to grab.

They smile & grab Praxis’ hand. “Certainly.” Praxis transfers a portion of her magical essence to Coral. The line between them starts to blur as they become magically bonded. The universe starts to fold. The lake in between them shrinks more & more until the ruined hills are right in front of them. They unlink hand & suddenly, the land returns to its former state.

“Hey, Coral...”

“Yeah?”

“Can we sit for a little. Folding space always makes me a little dizzy.”

“Of course we can.” They both sit down on the bank of the river.

Praxis grabs faer knees & stares off at the hills. “Thanks for understanding. I’ve been trying to work on it during class, but nothing is helping.” Praxis drops her human form, revealing her staring skin & erratically changing shape.

Coral smiles a little & places their hand on faer shoulder. “Yeah, I get it. My necromancy used to be like that. I would always puke whenever I tried it. But you probably just have to practice it some more. That’s what worked for me. It’ll work for you.”

Praxis sniffles & wipes a translucent tear from faer eye. “Thanks, Coral.” Fae looks up at the sky, then back down at the ruins. “Wanna head out?”

“You sure? You’re still looking a little rough.”

“Yeah, I’ll be good.”