Cedar sat, nervously wringing her hands in her Uncle's office; she knew there was more she could be doing to advance her knowledge and abilities, but Cedar was so drawn to the garden, and the fairies, that it was hard to drag herself away from assisting them in their quest to keep the garden looking its best. She loved making things grow, however she also realized that there was something (Paris never told them what) that she had to be capable of protecting herself from.
Paris sat opposite her at his desk, looking over a folder of her studies her. "Cedar," he began, smiling gently at his niece. "You're doing exceptionally well as far as practical application of your forest magic goes; there are new plants in the garden nearly daily, some that haven't been seen in years anywhere in Ceokia. You have the ability to coax them out of the ground, out of their hibernation, and into life again. You're ability to grow and control plants is far better than I ever expected it to be in someone as young as you, and after only a few short years of study." He beamed proudly at his young apprentice, the piece of his family he could keep close to him always. "However, when it comes to being able to protect yourself-"
"Maybe I'm just not meant to be a fighter," Cedar blurted, cutting him off. Her deep complexion flushed with embarrassment. "I mean, you always say everyone has their own purpose. Maybe fighting just isn't part of mine?" She questioned, looking at her Uncle for direction, answers.
Paris sighed, his gentle eyes sad with knowledge Cedar didn't understand. "Cedar, my dear, someday you will have to fight. You won't have a choice. It will come to you protecting your frien- no, your family here. When it comes to that day, I need to know you'll be ready to protect them, no matter what the situation is. You are so powerful, Cedar, and you don't yet realize it. There will come a day when I have no more to teach you, and that day will come when you realize that protecting your family, no matter the cost, is more important than being a pacifist. Do you understand what I'm saying?" he folded his hands, resting his chin on them.
Cedar paused, and then shook her head, letting out a defeated sigh. "You will, one day," Paris said with a reassuring smile. "Now, go out to the garden. I'm sure the fairies can put you to good work out there, while you contemplate what we've spoken about." Cedar stood, moving around the table to hug her Uncle. Paris chuckled, patting her back gently. She waved over her shoulder as she exited the office, and headed towards the garden.
As Cedar looked out the glass of the back door, she noticed Absidae leaning up against an oversized, yellow bear. She smiled softly, amazed at how quickly Orion was able to get the skittish, shy, timid girl to trust him and open up to him. Cedar decided it was best not to disturb them, and instead followed the wrought iron stairs up to the library; maybe she would challenge Sinclair to a game of chess.