Theia's efforts fell on deaf ears. She tried a number of times to talk Heartha around to giving Alina a place within magic school. However, no matter what Theia said, she remained sceptical and sent her away with the dismissive phrase, "I'll think about it."

Alina watched the small wooden door of the willow tree slowly open after Theia visited her sister once again. Her mama's downcast expression told Alina everything she needed to know.

"It didn't work, did it?" she asked, her face matching the solemnness of her guardian's.

"I'm so sorry, Alina, I tried..."

"I know you did. It's alright," Alina replied. She shrugged her shoulders and turned away so that she could hide the tears that fought to escape her eyes.

"Oh, my light, I hate seeing you like this."

Alina gave another shrug with her back turned. Theia could only see this movement as it ricocheted along her black, feather wings.

Theia thought hard. She desperately racked her brain for a way to cheer up her child. Then only one solution came to her. Alina needed to learn magic, she was gifted and picked up things easily. In fact, she was the perfect student.

"Well, if Mother still refuses to teach you. I will have to."

Alina turned around to look at her Mama.

"But, the other night..."

"I was wrong to stop your lessons after that night. I was convinced Heartha would listen. But it's clear now that she won't. So I'll teach you here at home."

"I won't be with the others, I still won't have any friends..." Alina reminded Theia sadly.

"Yes, but you'll be educated and you will have a place in this world. A place that is fulfilling," Theia said confidently, her eyebrows knitted together in determination. "Heartha does not truly have the last word. We mustn't let her prejudices dictate your future!"

"Will we go and fly in the forest again? Tonight?" Alina asked excitedly, clearly won over by her mama's passionate words.

"No, not tonight. I was thinking of showing you a few spells that we can do within the willow tree."

"Oh..." Alina uttered disappointedly, the beam of excitement left her eyes as her gaze fell to her feet.

"Don't worry, Alina, we will go out and fly again. But tonight, I wanted to show you how to do domestic tasks with magic. You'll need to know this magic to build your own home one day," Theia explained, then added, "You can take what I teach you here, out there." She waved her hand towards the open window.

"Oh, okay!" The light returned to Alina's eyes and a smile stretched her mouth.

"Great! When would you like to start? After supper?"

"Now! Please!" Alina squealed with delight and jumped up and down.

"Oh! Alright. Well, first thing's first!"

Theia then scurried to an old chest that stood in a humble dusty corner of the room. She opened the lid carefully and rummaged through its mysterious contents. Eventually she escaped the small trove grasping onto an old wooden wand. It's length matched that of her forearm and it looked a bit weathered.

"This was my first wand. The Great Power gave it to me himself the day he created me. I would like you to have it."

"To keep?" Alina asked excitedly.

"Yes, to keep."

Alina reached towards the wand that Theia held out towards her. But a sudden jerk of movement caused a surprised gasp to leave her lips.

"Actually, before I give this to you, let me clean it up a bit," Theia said. She then took out her current wand and tapped the tip of the old one, making it float in mid-air.

They both watched it spin as sparks of light surrounded it. The chips within the wood then simultaneously sealed and the carved flowers that decorated its handle returned to their original splendour. It looked just as new.

Theia then handed the wand to Alina, who held it with a new sense of pride.

"You must keep this wand on your person at all times, Alina, a lost wand is a dangerous thing indeed," Theia informed her in a very serious tone. Alina then looked about her for the perfect place to put her wand. The only thing she could find was a small pocket within her jade dress. But it was far too small to hold the long wand within her hand.

"Go on, put it in your pocket. It will fit." Theia said, as if she read the young fairy's mind.

Alina did as she was told and slipped the wand into the small pocket. She felt the wand shrink to perfectly match the size of the small pouch of material. That material, then closed itself snuggly around the small stick of wood. It fit perfectly and was secure.

"Oh!" Alina said. She then drew it out again and watched it grow back to its original size. "Well, that is handy!"

Theia let out a chuckle and decided to begin her lesson. "Now, copy my movements."

She lifted both of her hands above her head - her wand sat steadily in her right hand and the fingers on her left hand spread out wide. "Alright after three, clap your hands together. One, two, three..."

The sound of synchronised snaps echoed around the room as they both clapped their hands at the exact same time.

The vibrations that took over the air around them made all the furniture within the quaint living room disappear into the ground. It looked as though somebody set time to go backwards causing everything to grow smaller, back to their humble beginnings.

"Okay, we have a blank slate!" Theia announced with a bright grin.

Alina looked around. Her mouth agape.

"E-everything's gone..." Was all she was able to say as her eyes grew wider to let in the sight of the much larger looking room.

"Indeed, which gives us the chance to make the room even better, together," Theia said confidently, with a twinkle in her eye. Alina fiddled nervously with the wand that lay in her nervous right hand.

"Right, where shall we start?" Theia asked quietly to herself, as Alina stared at her kind face with anticipation. "I think some seats are in order. Somewhere comfortable for us to sit. What do you think?"

"Beside a cosy fire?" Alina added shyly.

"Yes! Perfect! Where shall these creations go do you reckon?" Theia asked, leading the young fairy into a creative state of mind.

"I... think..." Alina thought hard. "In the centre of the room! Right here!" She pointed to a spot directly in front of her.

"Ooh, different. But I like it! Now, close your eyes and imagine what it'll look like, every tiny detail."

Alina closed her eyes.

"Hold up your wand and as you picture the fire and seats, wave your wand around in three small circles," Theia instructed further, then quickly added. "Ooh! Then stand back!"

Alina, with her eyes still shut, traced a horizontal circle with her wand slowly.

"A bit faster than that."

Alina then traced the same size horizontal circle three times in a quicker pace and felt power move down her right arm. It left her body through the fingers that gripped tightly onto her decorated wand.

"Oh, my..." Theia gasped.

Not seeing her Mama's face made it difficult for Alina to gauge the sentiment behind her mama's gasp.

"Before you open your eyes, describe to me what you imagined," directed Theia, gently.

"I-I imagined a guarded c-camp fire safely lit in the centre of th- the room a-and facing it were two soft green armchairs that m-matched the colour of your wings, Mama," Alina described nervously. She had no idea whether that was indeed what stood in front of her or not.

"Open your eyes," Theia's gentle, velvety whisper brushed across Alina's ear, and she did as she was told immediately.

Her eyes grew, taking in exactly what she imagined, only better! Seeing what she pictured in her mind right there in front of her sparked a heat of excitement that filled her chest. A giggle left her and she flung her arms around her Mama.

"I did it! I- oh, wow!"

She walked forward and explored each nook and cranny of her first ever magical creation. The two armchairs grew up from the soft earth under their feet in twists of small wooden strings. On top of each chair lay bright green cushions made of thick, soft leaves. They were neatly sewn together with invisible thread, and tiny sparkles like glittering stars decorated the edges of each leaf used. A beautiful representation of Theia's green, sparkling wings.

They stood a perfect distance from the small crackling fire that was surrounded by a delicate looking fireguard. It reflected each spark of the fire it kept captive upon its smooth, golden surface. The smoke from the orange dancing flames rose perfectly through a chimney that formed itself within the very top centre of the willow tree. Not one wisp of smoke strayed from its path out of the room.

"Incredible work, my light!" Theia clapped her hands with pride. "I love it!"

"I like it too!" Alina said, matching her Mama's beaming smile.

"How about the rest of the room?" Theia then added, turning her focus away from the new seating area. "Think you can handle the rest?"

"I certainly can!" Alina said with confidence.

A confidence that could only have started to grow, through the nurturing encouragement of someone who truly loved her.