The sun was low hanging and shining a brilliant gold, casting a warm sheen across the garden and the forest. It was early when we got up, the birds just beginning to sing their songs, the wind blowing with a cool calmness, a stark contrast to the violence the night before. Juno wanted to make sure we got to school on time and so they insisted on the early start, however barely 5 minutes into the walk to the forest it was obvious they were regretting it. Meandering slowly, they brought a hand up to their mouth and yawned, eyes drooping with dark circles underneath. Aubrey and I however were bouncing up and down. The idea that we were really, truly learning magic had just settled in, and I felt my stomach begin to hurt out of joy, shaking my hands and jumping up and down to try and get rid of the excitement. Aubrey was similarly thrilled, though rather than letting it out physically she was walking directly by Juno's side, asking them question after question. We wandered further into the forest, the crisp smell of early morning air in front of us, the ambient noise of birds chirping following closely behind. The events of the night before had left me slightly shaken, sure, but I was feeling much more myself and the excitement of learning magic was at the forefront of my mind. After what happened in the bathroom, a wave of exhaustion had crashed into me and I almost immediately passed out on the air mattress Juno had laid out for me, Aubrey following closely behind. I had seen Juno get into bed as well, and so considering the early night it troubled me slightly how tired they were.
"Hey Juno," I asked, steadying back from jumping to walking, tapping my fingers against my thigh, "How come you look so drained? Is everything okay?"
They paused, brushing their fringe back with their hand and sighing deeply. "It's nothing, don't worry, though I appreciate the concern. Just had a lot on my mind last night, that's all."
"Huh. Well, just try and go to bed early tonight, 'kay?"
Amusement danced in their eyes as they smiled, lightly hitting me in the arm. "Okay dad," they said sarcastically, Aubrey laughing in the background. I smiled, a warmth dancing along my skin. Again that sensation fluttered in my heart, and it crossed my mind properly that we were friends. Me, Aubrey and Juno were friends. I smiled again.
We stopped just outside a tree with a large star drawn on, and my heart began to pound again. I noticed Aubrey draw in closer to Juno, eyes looking down at the floor, and the cheerful atmosphere seemed to dip. Juno walked forward undeterred however, sitting down in the ring and smiling gently, beckoning us over.
"I know you probably have some mixed emotions about this place, but I promise you, this is the safest area in town besides my house. The flower f-" They stopped themself, taking a quick breath before regaining composure. "The ring of flowers here is one of the best places to practise spells - it's practically flowing through each and every one of these ferns. Of course, ferns symbolise magic and enchantment, so that's hardly a surprise. It's a shame there's so few flowers here now, it looks so dead and unwelcoming - aside from the white clovers."
Aubrey and I took a seat in the ring, sitting on our knees to try and fit us all in. It was barely big enough for two people, let alone three, but we managed nonetheless.
"Okay. The first thing you need to understand about magic is it's not just a tool for you to abuse however you like. Everything we think we "create" originates from the earth, the wind and the water around us, and to misuse such would be to spit at nature itself. So, lesson one. I want you to try and connect with the earth in some way - simply be and feel everything around you. Nothing will let you harness it unless you show kindness first."
I frowned at Juno. "You're kidding, right? This is like - dumb hippie shit or something. I want to learn actual magic."
Juno rolled their eyes. "Shut up, Tobi. You asked me to teach you, so I'm teaching you."
