Nia and Meisel spent an entire day testing a theoretical parameter they could go to before the walkie-talkie’s stopped working.

  Meisel stood hands on hips humming.

  “Well there are many facets of the in between. We can start with what belongs to the Warlock Manor.” Meisel offered. Nia nodded.

  “And we’ll keep thinking on solutions to go farther.” Nia agreed. The walked around the immediate garden marking the nearest tree to the house, walking to the one side until they reached a little creak marking it as well.

  “There are nymphs that live in this creak.” Meisel informed Nia. Nia looked around. “Most likely they’ll hide until they become used to your presence.” Meisel admitted.

  “Oh. Okay that makes sense.” Nia agreed. They followed the creak down until they reached a willow with long flowering strings of white.

  “Duck into the flowers.” Meisel directed and Nia did. Inside it was shadowed but without much issue Meisel noted a girl who looked to be a few years older then Nia, with white hair and eyes as green as the leaves of the willow. Her eyes dashed over them.

  “What do you want?” She asked. Her arms were wrapped around her knees and tears stained her face. Nia was surprised to see the girl looking so miserable.

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  “I’m Nia and this is Meisel. My mother bought the Manor and we’re going to make a map of the in between.” Nia told her. The girl perked up.

  “So, the Warlock really isn’t here anymore. Good riddance.” The girl snarled.

  “Are you alright?” Nia asked her. The girl glanced at her looking her up and down.

  “This manor has always been a place weighed by sadness and negativity.” She scoffed. “That’s why the Great Warlock planted me here. Willows ease things, purify the corruption of pain.” The girl covered her ears. “He should have known one Willow wouldn’t be enough to handle it here. He should have planted more. It’s too much to ask of one.” She insisted.

  Nia hesitated.

  “Can I help at all?” Nia asked. The girl looked at Nia and seemed to consider.

  “Maybe you could break some of the curses free some of those who are trapped. Guiding some of the attached things to acceptance. Or if you could just plant more willows. Though, I would never intentionally put one of my people through life in this place.” He groaned.

  Nia reached out and took her hand.

  “I’ll figure it out. This is Mom and I’s houe for now, so I’ll help.” She assured. The girl paused and lifted her hand placing it against Nia’s cheek closing her eyes.

  “You are very easing.” She offered. “If you manage it even a bit. I’ll offer you something rare in return.” The girl offered. Nia beamed and nodded.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll figure it out.” Nia promised.

  Soon after that Meisel went home and Nia headed back to the house where she found Tarren and Farris waiting outside.

  “Tarren! Farris!” Nia beamed and ran to them nearly tackling them in her excitement. “I missed you guys so much.” She insisted pulling back. Both boys looked at her like she’d grown a second head.

  “Where were you?” Tarren asked.

  “We called for you for a while.” Farris added.

  “Just exploring a bit.” She told them. “Come on let’s go play.” Nia insisted coaxing them inside where they ate and played a game on the floor.