Chapter 5: Elara's Routine
In the mornings, Elara often listened to the whispers of the plants around her, especially those that played familiar songs in her mind. One morning, as she was absorbed in these melodies, she accidentally sent a new word she had learned into the mind of her aunty, Madam Asia. Madam Asia, who was washing dishes, abruptly stopped and listened closely, hearing her name called in a small, childlike voice. At first, she dismissed it as a trick of her memory, but after hearing it a second and third time, she realized it was Elara.
Suspecting that Elara might be an Arcanian with telepathic abilities, Madam Asia busied herself with downloading and collecting documents about Arcanian culture and history, especially information about Elara's ancestors. She dedicated a section of her mini-library under the stairs to these materials, ensuring Elara would have access to knowledge about her heritage as she grew up, even while living among ordinary humans.
By the age of two, Elara was healthy and well, her telepathic abilities developing gradually. The triplets, Amaga and Amansah, made it a routine to play hide and seek with Elara, challenging her to pick up on their thoughts. Amanda, on the other hand, began learning to read, especially books about plants, and started a mini garden of singing plants, adding to the collection of these magical flora.
Elara's daily routines included playtime, storytime, and reflective moments. In the mornings, the triplets engaged Elara in playful activities such as singing and dancing, inadvertently training her to filter and focus on different sound sources. After lunch and a short rest, they had telepathy time where they sat in a circle, and Elara tried to pick up simple thoughts from the triplets, guessing objects or colors they thought of.
In the evenings, storytime with Madam Asia was a cherished routine. Elara listened to tales of Arcanians, with simple words and large picture books, along with interactive audio and holographic books where characters moved and displayed various emotions. This routine helped Elara connect with her Arcanian heritage while developing her empathy and understanding of different emotions.
Every night at 9:00 pm, just before bed, Elara had quiet time to reflect on her abilities with the guidance of her aunty. Madam Asia reassured her that she was an ordinary human with an extraordinary ability, meant to help people and make friends. This nightly reflection helped Elara understand and embrace her unique gifts while maintaining a sense of normalcy and purpose.
By the time Elara turned three, these routines had become well-established. The triplets continued to engage her in activities that honed her telepathic skills, and her connection to her Arcanian heritage grew stronger with each story and lesson from her aunty. These early years were crucial in shaping Elara's understanding of her abilities and her place in both the ordinary and Arcanian worlds.