The Beginning of Her Training

Elara awoke to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the narrow windows of her room. For a moment, she simply lay there, staring up at the intricately carved wooden beams of the ceiling, her mind swirling with the revelations of the day before. 

Her mana—awakened and now a part of her, a force she could feel pulsing beneath her skin. A part of her was excited at the potential, while another part, the more cautious side, feared the unknown. She had been given her role as a princess bound by expectations and rules when she woke up into this world. But now, she was on the road to becoming a potential mage, with a power that could change everything. 

Elara sighed softly, pushing herself out of bed. She had little time to dwell on her thoughts. Aelor had given her specific instructions for her first day of training, and she was eager—yet nervous—to begin. 

She moved toward the wardrobe, her fingers brushing against the smooth fabric of the training tunic that had been laid out for her. It was simple but functional, a plain white.

When she was ready, she grabbed the small leather pouch of mana crystals Master Aelor had given her the night before. The crystals were meant to help her focus and attune her energy during training.

Elara stepped out of the room and into the corridor. She made her way down the hallway, the sound of her footsteps muffled by the thick carpet beneath her feet. 

At the end of the hall, she spotted Kaelen standing by the staircase, his posture relaxed.

"Good Morning, Your Highness." Kaelen greeted, his voice steady yet warm. 

Elara smiled nervously, adjusting the pouch at her waist. "Good Morning. I couldn't sleep much after everything that happened yesterday. I've been thinking about what Aelor said, about the kind of magic I possess." She paused, biting her lip. "It's a little overwhelming, isn't it?" 

Kaelen's lips curled into a small smile. "It's a lot to process, yes. But it's also an opportunity. You're strong, Your Highness. You'll grow into this power, I'm sure of it." 

Elara met his gaze, feeling a spark of reassurance from his confidence in her. "I hope you're right," she murmured. "I don't know if I'll be able to control it." 

Kaelen began walking down the corridor, and Elara fell into step beside him. "You don't have to do it alone," he said softly. "I'll be here to support you, just like I always have." 

Elara nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. From her few interactions with him, she figured Kaelen was to always be by her side, but hearing him say it so directly made her feel even more grounded, like she wasn't facing this unknown future entirely on her own. 

"I've never been inside a magic tower before," Elara said, her curiosity piqued as they walked through the courtyard. "How does the training work here? Will I be… tested immediately?" 

Kaelen chuckled softly. "Not immediately. Master Aelor believes in starting slow, so today will be more about getting used to your mana. You'll work with the crystals and focus on grounding yourself. No need to rush it." 

Elara exhaled, trying to ease the tension in her shoulders. "I suppose that's a relief. I don't think I'm ready for anything too intense yet." 

"You'll be fine," Kaelen said with quiet certainty. "Once you get a feel for it, things will start to make sense." 

They finally reached the training room, a vast space that had large windows to let in the natural light, with magical symbols painted on the floor that radiated a soft glow. The room was equipped with various objects for training—dummies, mana-absorbing barriers, and shelves filled with enchanted books and scrolls. 

Aelor was already there, standing by a table with several glowing mana crystals laid out. He turned toward them as they entered, his expression calm yet expectant. 

"Ah, Princess Elara. It's good to see you ready for your first lesson," Aelor said, his tone measured. "Come, take a seat. We'll begin with the basics." 

Elara nodded and approached the table, feeling a flutter of nerves. She glanced at Kaelen one more time before focusing on the task ahead.

Elara took her place at the table, her hands resting lightly on the surface. Aelor motioned for Kaelen to stand beside her, ensuring that the training would be conducted with both their safety and her comfort in mind.

"This is where we begin," Aelor said, his voice steady and calm. "Mana is not a force to be conquered in an instant, but rather a power that must be nurtured. Today, we will focus on understanding the nature of your connection to it."

Elara nodded, trying to calm her racing heart.

"First, close your eyes," Aelor instructed. "Focus on your breath. In… and out… slow your thoughts, letting them drift like leaves carried on a gentle stream. This is the first step in learning to control your mana."

Elara took a deep breath, following his guidance. Her senses sharpened, and the hum of the magic around her faded into the background. For a moment, it was just her and the steady rhythm of her breathing. She let the sounds of the world fade, her mind becoming a quiet space.

"Now," Aelor continued, "focus on the sensation within you. That warmth, that pull. Your mana is not just energy, but a part of you. It flows through your veins, touches your heart, and whispers to your soul."

Elara felt it then—subtle at first, a faint warmth in her chest. It was more than the heat she had felt when the mana awakened; it was a constant presence, like the flicker of a flame inside her. She could sense its movement, a quiet stir within her core.

"Don't fight it," Aelor's voice broke through her thoughts. "Let it rise naturally, like the tide. Allow it to fill your body without resistance."

Elara followed his advice, gently opening herself to the power within her. The warmth spread, slow and steady, creeping into her limbs, pooling in her hands. She could feel the faintest pulse, a rhythm that matched her heartbeat. 

When she opened her eyes, she looked at the crystal before her. It seemed to glow brighter, as though her presence had somehow stirred it.

"Good," Aelor said, his eyes assessing her every movement. "You're beginning to attune yourself to the mana. Now, focus on directing it. Let it flow into your hands."

Elara extended her palms toward the crystal, trying to draw the energy from within her into the object. At first, nothing happened. She frowned, frustration bubbling up. Was she doing it wrong? 

And then, it happened. The warmth in her hands surged forward, like a stream of light, curling around the crystal and infusing it with energy. The crystal shone brightly, almost blindingly, and then settled back to its soft, steady glow.

Elara's heart skipped a beat. She had done it. The crystal responded to her. She had connected with it.

Aelor's approving gaze softened as he approached her. "Well done, Princess. You have already taken the first step in harnessing your mana."

Elara's fingers trembled slightly, the excitement and exhaustion mixing in her veins. "It worked…" she whispered, awe in her voice.

"It did," Aelor said with a small smile. "You have a natural connection to the mana within you. But now we begin the work of learning control. It won't be instantaneous. With time, your connection will grow stronger, more refined. But you've made a good start."

Elara chuckled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing as she absorbed the praise. "I suppose you're right. It feels… strange, but powerful. I can feel it."

Aelor nodded. "That is the essence of mana—alive and ever-present. But, Princess, remember: power can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. You must be careful with it, always. Trust in your instincts, but never forget the responsibility that comes with wielding such power."

"I understand," Elara said, her voice more serious now. She had a lot to learn, but she felt a newfound determination inside her. Aelor had given her the first tools she needed to control the force inside her, and now, it was up to her to refine them.

Aelor gestured to the rest of the room. "For today, you will continue to practice, but with more focus. Direct your mana into the air, into objects around you. Try to lift them, control their movement. But do not overexert yourself."

Elara nodded and stepped forward, ready to continue.