AT MY FRIEND'S HOUSE

 Finn's mom is just the embodiment of maternal warmth. She looks at Lucian with a beaming smile and says, "Well, hello, dear! How are you and your dad doing?"

"Hi, Mrs. Dew," Lucian says with a smile. "We're doing alright,"

"Ok," replied Mrs dew " hope everything's okay over there? Can I get you something to eat, honey?" Miss. dew asked. 

"We're doing alright, thanks! Dad's a bit under the weather, but he's hanging in there. And I'd love something to eat - everything smells amazing!" Lucian replied

 It's like he's radiating kindness and concern at the same time. 

Lucian glances at the spread of food on the table, his stomach rumbling with anticipation. He's grateful for Finn's mom's hospitality, and it shows in her warm expression and genuine tone.

Finn's mom bustles around, plating up a feast fit for a king. The table groans under the weight of the dishes, and everyone settles in for a proper meal. The atmosphere is convivial, and conversation flows easily. 

Lucian starts off with, "So, Mrs. Dew, tell me about your garden! I've heard it's a thing of beauty." 

Finn's mom lights up and launches into a passionate monologue about her gardening endeavors. "Oh my goodness, where to even start! I have an herb garden out back, and I'm always experimenting with new varieties. The basil is really flourishing this year, and the oregano is so fragrant. And don't even get me started on my tomatoes! I think this year's crop is going to be the best." 

As Mrs. Dew goes on, Lucian eyes grow wider with admiration. "Wow, that's so impressive! I've always wanted to try my hand at gardening, but I'm afraid my green thumb is more like a brown thumb. Do you have any tips for beginners like me?" Lucian asked, eager to absorb some gardening wisdom. 

Finn's mom nods, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "The key is patience and persistence! Start small, water regularly, and don't give up at the first sign of a withering leaf."  

"Hey, Lucian," Finn interjected, clearly tired of the gardening talk. "Have you heard about the Arokah? Apparently, it's been making some noise lately."

 Her father, noticing the change in conversation, tried to signal to her with a subtle finger gesture, but Lucian was already invested. 

"Wait, wait, hold on," Lucian said, clearly not buying Finn's father's dismissal. "Arokah, as in the creature from those books we've read? Tell me everything, I need to know!"

 Finn's father sighed, realizing that there was no stopping his daughter's insatiable curiosity. "Well, they say that the Arokah has been roaming the outskirts of the kingdom, causing a bit of a stir. It's said to be a powerful and enigmatic creature, shrouded in mystery."  

"Powerful and enigmatic...oooh," Lucian shivered with excitement. "Have there been any sightings? Has it hurt anyone?"

Finn's father shook his head. "There have been rumors, but no confirmed sightings. As for harm...well, the stories vary. Some say it's a fierce and unpredictable beast, while others claim it's a misunderstood creature that only lashes out in self-defense."

"Hmm, it sounds like we need to investigate further," Lucian mused, his imagination already running wild. 

"You're right, Lucian. We've got the green flame on our side. It's said to be the only thing that can repel the Arokah and keep our people safe." Finn's father nodded, his expression serious. "As long as the flame remains lit, we should be ok. But still, it doesn't hurt to be vigilant."

"True, but also...this is so cool! Can you imagine seeing an actual Arokah? The stuff of legends!" Finn's eyes practically glowed with fascination as she spoke. 

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I can't help but think about the villages beyond our borders that don't have the green flame to protect them. I mean, it's scary to think about, but it's also kinda heart-breaking to imagine what they must go through, living in fear like that." Lucian shook his head, a sympathetic frown on his face as he replied to Finn. "It's not fair."

"True, true, my dear. It's always a good idea to look at the bright side. Those villagers may not have the green flame, but they've got their own magic too, and that's pretty rad. And besides, living in the shadow of danger can bring out the best in people - it can make them brave and resourceful, and help them find strength they didn't know they had."

"You're right, Mr Dew. There's something to be said for being tested and coming out stronger for it. Plus, imagine the stories those villagers must have to tell! Like, they could probably spin a yarn or two about outwitting the Arokah, or finding hidden strengths within themselves. It's like a whole other kind of magic, you know?" Lucian grinned, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of it all. 

"Lucian, you've got a way with words, you know that?" Finn said, a hint of admiration in her voice.

 "You make the struggle of those villagers sound almost...noble. And let's be real, it takes some serious guts to face down a fearsome beast like the Arokah. They're like...the unsung heroes of the realm." 

"You two have such a knack for storytelling. I'm so proud!" Miss dew said, beaming with pride. "But you know, there's more to those villagers than just their bravery. They're also resilient and resourceful - they've figured out ways to survive and thrive in a tough environment. There's real wisdom in that." 

"Speaking of wisdom, have you seen how those villagers use their gardens to grow medicinal herbs? It's incredible! It's like they've figured out how to harness the power of nature to heal themselves. And they don't just grow plants - they also use things like honey and bee pollen in their remedies. The ingenuity is mind-blowing!" Finn's Mom gushed. "Maybe we could learn a thing or two from them, don't you think?" she added, giving the kids a sly wink.

"Oh, Mom, you're such a plant-lover. You'd probably build a whole conservatory in our backyard if you could!" She teased, nudging her arm with a smirk. "But for real, I gotta admit, there's something pretty cool about people using nature to heal themselves. It's almost like nature's their secret weapon!" 

The talk of herbal wisdom and sages stirs memories in Finn's father, and he speaks in a grave tone. "Aye, the Arokah is a being of great power, and tales speak of its ties to the arcane arts. There be those who say it possesses secrets and knowledge long forgotten, and that those who seek its wisdom must tread with caution, for the Arokah is not one to be trifled with."

"Hush now, dear husband," Finn's mom interjects. "She's trying her best not to speak of such matters in idle chatter. The mere mention of the Arokah can invite trouble upon those who seek to meddle in matters beyond their ken." She gives her husband a significant look, her eyes stern and firm. "Let us speak no more of this, lest we stir things best left unstirred." 

Lucian, seeing the drama, suddenly interrupted. "Speaking of magic Finn, you're the bomb at magic tricks, so show us some of that sweet, sweet wizardry. It's chilly outside, and we're all sile up here, it's not like the king is going to find out, so let's get some magic in here!" 

"Nope, not happening, girl. I'm not doin' no tricks for you," Finn says, shaking her head and grinning as she takes a bite of her meal.

 "You gotta entertain yourself, bro. This ain't the court of King lankard in the north-east nor is it ya dag in the south" She winks at Lucian, who can't help but laugh.

 "Fine, fine. I'll find my own fun. But don't think you're off the hook!" 

"Well well, Lucian, seems like our little magician here is tapped out," Finn's dad says with a chuckle, glancing at Finn. "How about you, Lucian? Got any jokes up your sleeve?"

 Lucian blushes, but rallies and smiles. "I'm no joke-teller, sir, but I do know a thing or two about sleight of hand, I can't show you real magic but I could show you fake magic"

The family burst into laughter as they glanced at him.

Lucian takes a deep breath and stands up, a confident twinkle in his eye. "Alrighty, folks. Watch closely!"

 He takes three fruits from the one they were eating, and with an expert flick of his wrist, sends them spinning in a mesmerizing arc in the air. The fruits seem to defy gravity as they swirl and spin, before Lucian expertly catches them one by one, but when he opens his hand, there are now FOUR fruits! 

"WHAAAT?! That's gotta be some kind of wizardry!" Mr.dew suggested.

"No wayyy! How did you do that?" Finn asked with her eyes Wide open.

 "Lucian, you're like a fruit magician or something!" Mrs.dew implies. "Mind...blown! How did she add extra fruit?!" 

"Y'all, it's no big deal. My dad just showed me how to do some fun little magic tricks, that's all. No magic involved! My dad is a really classic magician," Lucian says, trying to sound casual.

 Finn isn't buying it, though. "Mmhmm... 'fun little tricks. Suuuure. Well, I gotta say, that disappearing fruit thing was pretty impressive, even if it was just a trick."

 She gives Lucian a sly grin, her skepticism still clear. "But wait,  you said your dad is a great magician, that's strange, because the last time I checked, you told me that your dad doesn't have anything to do with magic."

The air is already on the conversation, as everyone is eager to know what Lucian has to say. After some seconds of staring at them dumbfounded, he broke the silence.

"Yeah.. yeah..yes you're right my dad doesn't really have anything to do with that….it just that.. ehmm he's a wise man you know, he taught me how to just do some tricks that demand wisdom, just like what I did."

His face is already fainting to it, betraying his lies that he's using as shade. 

Lucian grins shepishly, still hoping to deflect suspicion. "and moreover  It's just a parlor trick, really. I mean, anyone can learn it with enough practice." 

But Finn isn't letting up. "Uh huh. Right!! You're a regular tricker Lucian. Got any other cool tricks up your sleeve?" She raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. 

Lucian starts to sweat a little, hoping his dad's secrets will stay hidden.

 As Lucian tries harder to cover it up, Finn interrupts. 

"Wait, what's that?!" Finn exclaims, as the sound of hooves pounding against the cobblestones outside their house and reaches their ears. The castle bell begins to toll frantically, sending chills down their spines.

 Lucian's eyes widened, his expression turning serious. "Uh-oh. Something's wrong. We need to find out what's happening!"

They both hurried their way outside, peering out to see what's going on. The atmosphere suddenly feels ominous…

"Whoa, wait!" Finn's parents called out, their voices urgent. "Be careful, kids. Whatever's going on out there, it's dangerous. We don't want you getting hurt."

Finn rolls her eyes, but the concern on her parents' faces stops her in her tracks. 

"Okay, okay, we'll be careful. But we gotta find out what's happening!" Lucian adds, a determined glint in his eyes.