The answer felt incomplete, but it was more than I got from Riona and it covered the most important things. 

Mirina was born on earth—I remember waiting with Vorlin at the hospital, but our parents never told her about Aeros, or that they were elves, for fear that she would tell me.

I worried she might have difficulty adjusting, but so far things were going smoothly. I wasn't quite sure how she felt about being an elf, I was still adjusting to it, but I didn't think she'd be too upset. Like most small children, Mimi had always fantasized about turning into a magical creature, now that dream was coming true. 

The only problem arose when Slivia and Vorlin told her that I had to stay at the castle and couldn't live with them anymore. Mirina threw a fit.

“Everyday, Sam. you have to visit every day!”

“I wi—”

“And I want my own pet gruffle.”

“Mimi…” Silvia said, “Sam can’t just give you a gruffle.”

“But you said he’s the prince.” Mirina whined. 

Kneeling next to and embracing his daughter, Vorlin answered, “he is dear, but even a prince can’t give away what isn’t his.”

With teary eyes Mirina nodded. I wasn’t sure she actually understood, but she pushed free of Vorlin and rammed into my stomach. As her arms wrapped around my waist, she mumbled into my shirt.  "I don't want you to leave."

“Mimi, if I ask the Queen about a gruffle for you, do you promise you'll be a good girl for mom and dad?"

She dried her wet eyes and examined my face earnestly. “You promise?"

I nodded. "Yes, but only if you promise to listen to mom and dad. Don’t give them a hard time, okay?”

Instantly she beamed with joy. "I'm getting a gruffle!" she shouted, "and his name will be fluffle!"

"Don't get so excited just yet. I said I'd ask, but I don't know if she'll actually say yes."

Mirina's lips scrunched together and her eyes zeroed in on me.

“She'll probably say yes, but I can’t guarantee anything.” I said, putting my hands up in a defensive posture.

At my words, a satisfied smile crept across her face. "You promised, so don't forget."

"Yeah, I won't. I'll ask her the next time I see her, should be tomorrow morning."

Mirina gave a thumbs up and a satisfied grunt then raced off deeper into the house.

“Mimi, what are you doing?” Mom shouted after her.

“I’m going to sleep, so it’ll be tomorrow.”

I tried to hold it in, but I laughed again. Vorlin and Silvia were going to have their hands full. Hopefully learning magic would help keep her occupied.

I talked with my adoptive parents a while longer learning that it was my twelfth birthday when I was taken to earth. They wouldn’t say much more than that, the rest they felt it best I learn from my birth mom.

When it was time to return to the castle, I gave them each a hug, said goodbye, and set off.

***

Light poured over me, glowing warmly behind my eyelids. There was a zipping sound like someone drawing open curtains, then the light got so bright that it was impossible to ignore. 

My eyes opened then blinked shut a few times as they adjusted to the brightness. Sitting up, I rubbed the remaining sleep from my eyes.

“Good morning, your highness.” A woman said as she pulled open another set of curtains, flooding my room with yet more light.

She was short, plump, and wore a gown of woven leaves that looked almost like scales. They reflected light like little mirrors. With the flexibility of fine fabric, the metallic leaves folded around her curves like silk. 

Black waves of curly hair fell past her shoulders and stopped just above her thick waist.

The autumn colored dress accentuated her dark brown skin nicely and was complemented by a pair of amber leggings—the fabric of which was semi-transparent and sprinkled with something like glitter. 

When she turned towards me, light from the window framed her figure, giving her a heavenly appearance as she adjusted her glasses. 

“Good morning,” I said, wondering why exactly she was in my room. 

“You probably don’t remember me, so I’ll introduce myself.” She said as she came towards the bed.

Stopping on a rug at the center of the room, she continued speaking with an elegant curtsy. “I’m Naelina, queen Riona's secretary. This morning I was tasked to wake you and deliver a note. It’s next to you, on the pillow."

On the pillow next to mine, there was a small white envelope with a red wax seal.

I picked it up, opening it with eagerness and anticipation. Inside was a handwritten letter from my mother. 

‘Good morning Silvon, 

I’m sure you’re tired and still adjusting to all of the changes in your daily life. I wish I could give you more time to adjust and rest, but it’s quite important that you learn to defend yourself and use magic as soon as possible. As soon as you’re ready, go meet Vorlin at the training grounds. He’ll be expecting you.

-I love you.’

I looked back at Naelina, feeling a bit disappointed yet hopeful and excited about starting training. Mostly I was looking forward to training with Silvia. I’d always been fascinated with the idea of magic, but now I’d have the chance to learn it for real. 

“She says, I’m to train.” I said aloud.

Naelina nodded. “Your clothes are there on the dresser.” She gestured toward a neatly folded stack of white clothes. “Would you like help getting dressed?”

“No,” I said, waving my hands in front of my face, “thank you for offering, but I can handle it alone.”

“As you wish. Then, with your permission, I’ll take my leave.”