“Maman,” Mai called out to her mother breathlessly as she descended the stairs at a sprint to catch up with her before she left the stronghold.

“Mai? What are you doing up so early?”

“I was wondering if I could come with you for your meditation.”

A smile spread across Olympe’s face. “Of course you can.”

Mai went with her mother last night. Even though her twin sister was annoying and, as much as she hated to admit it, she was right. Olympe was one of the best Jovies in all of Aeris. Perhaps Mai could observe her and at least get some tips on what to do.

Her mother pulled Mai close and linked arms with her. They went along the stone path until they reached the gate out of Nuitetoilée. Their walk was a silent one. Mai took in the scenery. She had a glance behind and stopped. The forest framed the city, and the mountains served as the backdrop.

“It’s magnificent, isn’t it?” Olympe said in a reverent whisper.

Mai nodded. She had only been to the forest once, but felt homesick. She took a step forward, but her mother linked their arms once more, guiding her on a dirt path towards the river. The sun was rising, which gave the water a peachy glow. Mai drew in the dawn air, which had a chill to it, causing goosebumps.

“I have found a spot near the river that I feel most connected to Earth.”

“Are there areas that are more intense than others?”

“Honestly, I'm uncertain. I've not heard of such a place before, but I can sense its rushing waters within my soul. I feel much stronger here than anywhere else I've mediated. It's like a well of power.”

Mai followed her mother towards the river bank. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up straight. She felt the energy then, even before meditation. Her mother chose a spot near the river and sat in the tall grass. Mai picked a spot further away. She wanted to observe and not interrupt. As soon as Olympe’s eyes closed, a breeze rushed around her and grass rustled. The blue glow of the Jovial’s aura circled from her mother’s fingertips that gently touched the ground beneath her.

It soon became clear to Mai that she could not disrupt her mother even if she needed to. She made meditation look like an art which only made her doubt her own abilities even more.

“I could never do that.”

“How do you know if you have never tried?” a soft voice said.

Mai glanced up to find the source of the voice, but only the two of them were there. And the voice was not her mother’s. She shrugged it off, as it was her own conscience. A voice that she had invented herself. The statement was not wrong. She has given little thought to meditation. She had once laughed it off, thinking it could not help, but now the evidence showed itself right in front of her. With each passing moment, she could see her mother receiving the power of nature. She had an undeniable glow on her face. She was strength embodied.

Mai mirrored her mother. Sitting in the lotus position, she placed her hands on top of her knees. She inhaled and exhaled. Acknowledging each inhale and exhale through her nose, she traced her breath downward through her lungs. The river air filled her up, and then she released it. She allowed her mind to feel the rise and fall of her belly. The scent of the blades of meadow and wet soil on the river bank entered her senses. Her aura radiated through her fingertips, and slowly throughout her body.

Mai’s eyelids flew open, and she saw her mother staring at her with a smile on her face.

“You did well,” she said.

Mai blushed, “I’m not sure I’ll ever be at your level.”

“You will, my love. It’s in your blood.”

Mai got up from the ground and gave her mother a tight hug.

“Thank you for this.”

Olympe kissed the top of Mai’s head, “You can join me anytime.”

Mai smiled at the invitation. She wished to promise to join her mother every morning, but her heart drew her towards the forest. Perhaps her well was within the trees and mossy boulders.

“It’s almost time for breakfast, shall we?” Olympe linked arms with Mai once more and led her back to the stronghold.

When they arrived, Olympe led her daughter towards the dining hall, but Mai unlinked her arm from hers.

“What’s wrong?” Olympe asked.

“I need to grab my book.”

Olympe smiled. “Of course you do.”

She kissed Mai’s forehead and continued on as Mai climbed the staircase leading to her room. She saw her sister and raced to catch up with her.

“As much as you run late, you should be crazy thin.”

“Ha! Besides, I’m not late. Breakfast has only just begun.”

“Then why are you running?”

“Oh. I don’t know. I guess out of habit.”

Her sister laughed at this remark and Mai slowed to a walk and walked into the hall together. They grabbed platefuls of eggs, roasted potatoes, fresh tomatoes, and toast. The two sisters wound their way through the expansive dining hall and sat alone in the corner so Mai could tell Em the events of this morning.

“See. My suggestion was brilliant, right?”

“Yeah. I learned a bunch from just a short time. Maman found a spot near the river where she gets more power than any spot she's meditated at before.”

“That’s interesting,” Em said, poking a roasted potato with her fork and devouring it. No doubt more interested in the food than what her sister had to say about meditation.

“Yes. I don’t think I’m connected to the river like Maman is though.”

“Oh yeah? Well, you’ll find it soon enough. You just gotta try different places.”

“I think I have once found it. Biennuit Forest.”

Em nearly choked on the tomato she put in her mouth seconds ago.

“Are you crazy?” she said with a mouthful of food.

“What do you mean?”

“That place is way too dangerous!”

“Sure, if you’re trying to kidnap mystical beasts for evil intents.”

“I can’t tell you what to do.”

“Good. I’m glad we both agree on one thing.”

“But I will not be covering for you if you land your ass into some trouble.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Em made a small grunting sound. Mai knew she did not trust her sister’s abilities to defend herself.

After Mai cleared her plate, she read.

“We have weapons training after breakfast.”

Mai moaned and pretended to die by dramatically falling over the table.

“Maybe you should try a new weapon,” Em suggested.

“Ugh. I just don’t want to go. Do we need to go every day?”

“You know you need it to pass a practical. You actually should give some thought to your future and push your own wants to the side until afterward.”

“You sound like Papa.”

“Well, he was a wise man. So I get that,” Em winked.

“You’re such a brat.”

“Come on, my child. Let’s go.”

Mai lifted herself off the table and followed her sister with the book in hand.