"Water lily plant.It creates its own water flow."She handed him another bolt."I'm still not entirely sure how it works.Magic doesn't always follow logic."
"Most magic doesn't."He tested the drum's spin—it rotated smoothly."Your magic is unusual though.Growing finished products instead of raw materials."
"Is that rare?"
"Very.Most plant mages can encourage growth, improve yields, maybe influence characteristics.But growing bread from a tree?"He looked at her."That's something else entirely."
She felt herself flush slightly under his direct gaze."I'm still learning the limits.Some things work, some don't.The combat plants were disasters."
"I heard about the dogwood."
"You heard about that?"She covered her face."The barking was horrible!"
His mouth quirked—that almost-smile again."The guards heard it from the gate.They were taking bets on how long before you gave up."
"It was ten minutes.Ten very loud minutes."
"Smart to recognize it wasn't working."He stood, offering her a hand up."Try it now."
She loaded a test batch of clothes—just a few things—and closed the drum's door.The stream's current caught the paddles immediately, and the drum began to rotate.Slowly, steadily, water sloshing inside.
"It works!"She grinned."Oh, this is going to make everything so much easier."
"Practical magic."Jin nodded approvingly."That's the kind that matters out here."
They watched the drum rotate for a moment.Wren found herself curious."Can I ask about your ability?The tracking one?"
He glanced at her, slightly wary."What about it?"
"How does it work?I mean, can you just...know where anyone is?All the time?Or do you have to focus on specific people?"
Most people either wanted to use his ability or were afraid of it.But Wren's expression was just genuinely curious."I have to focus," he said."It's not automatic.And it works better with people I know, or if I have something of theirs."
"Like a bloodhound with a scent?"
"Similar.I can sense direction, distance, sometimes emotional state if they're close enough."
"Does it work on animals?Or just people?"
"Mostly people.Large animals sometimes, if they're unique enough."He found himself explaining more than he usually did."It's useful for finding lost travelers or tracking criminals.Less useful for everyday things."
"But it must be exhausting.All that...sensing."
He blinked.Most people never considered that."It can be.I have to consciously filter out the background noise or I'd go insane."
"Like living in a crowded room all the time."
"Exactly."
She nodded thoughtfully."My magic exhausts me too.Growing things pulls energy from somewhere—I'm always starving after a big planting day."She smiled."At least I can grow food to fix that problem."
He almost smiled back."That is convenient."
The wash drum continued its steady rotation.The dandelions were patrolling nearby, golden eyes watchful.Her property was green and thriving, organized now into clear sections.
She'd done well.Really well, for someone who'd arrived alone and unprepared just over a week ago.
"Viktor Andersen spoke to you today," Jin said.Not a question, but not quite an accusation either.
