Unexpected Mastery

I watched Hazel and Kaelen intently as they faced the fractured portal, their expressions mirroring identical concentration. We'd been working for hours already, and frankly, I was starting to wonder if we were making any real progress.

"Let's try something simpler first," I suggested, wiping sweat from my brow. "Before we tackle the portal directly, practice with water. It's similar in fluidity to the portal's energy."

I conjured a small sphere of water between us, holding it suspended in the air.

"Feel its structure," I instructed. "Then try to separate it into two distinct forms without losing control."

Hazel narrowed her eyes at the floating water. "Like Moses parting the Red Sea? Except... tiny and round?"

I couldn't help but smile. Even in these desperate circumstances, her humor remained intact.

"Exactly like that, minus the biblical drama," I replied.