**An Unexpected Visit**
Around a week after Samantha entered the dark room for her intense training, Lyra arrived at Master Eldric's tower. She was eager to check on Samantha and to see how she was adjusting to her new challenges. The weight of the year-long separation was already beginning to set in.
As Lyra approached the tower, she was greeted by the young apprentice who had initially welcomed her and Samantha. "Good morning, Lady Lyra," the apprentice said with a respectful bow. "Master Eldric is expecting you."
Lyra followed the apprentice through the corridors and up the winding staircase to Eldric's study. The old wizard was seated at his desk, poring over ancient texts, but he looked up and smiled as she entered.
"Ah, Lyra," Eldric greeted warmly. "What brings you here today?"
**The Conversation**
"I wanted to check on Samantha," Lyra said, concern evident in her voice. "How is she doing? Can I see her?"
Master Eldric's expression grew serious. "Samantha is undergoing very rigorous training. She is currently in a sealed room, focusing on mastering the spell Judgement. She will be there for a year, sustained only by magic."
Lyra's eyes widened in surprise. "A year? She won't have any contact with the outside world for an entire year?"
Eldric nodded. "That is correct. It is essential for her training. She needs to focus entirely on her magic without any distractions. I assure you, she is safe, but she must not be disturbed."
**Delivering the News**
Lyra felt a pang of sadness and concern for Samantha, but she trusted Master Eldric's judgment. "Thank you for explaining, Eldric. I understand the importance of her training."
As she made her way back to their cabin, Lyra's thoughts were filled with Samantha. She knew that this training was crucial for Samantha's growth and future, but the year-long separation was going to be hard on everyone, especially Joan.
When Lyra arrived home, Joan was playing outside, his laughter filling the air. Seeing him so happy made what she had to do even harder. She called him inside, and he ran up to her, his face lit up with excitement.
"Mom! Did you see Grandma? How is she?" Joan asked eagerly.
Lyra knelt down to his level, her heart aching. "Joan, I need to talk to you about Grandma Samantha."
Joan's face fell, sensing the seriousness in her tone. "What is it, Mom?"
**Calming Joan**
"Grandma Samantha is undergoing very special training right now," Lyra explained gently. "She has to stay in a special room for an entire year to learn something very important. We won't be able to see her or talk to her during this time."
Joan's eyes filled with tears. "A whole year? Why, Mom? Why can't we see her?"
Lyra pulled Joan into a comforting hug. "I know it's hard, sweetheart. But Grandma is doing this to become stronger, so she can help protect us and everyone else. It's a big sacrifice, but she's doing it out of love for us."
Joan sobbed quietly into her shoulder. "I miss her already."
"I know, honey. I miss her too," Lyra said softly. "But she will be back. And when she comes back, she will be stronger and more amazing than ever. We just have to be patient and support her in spirit."
**A Year of Patience**
For the next several days, Lyra did her best to keep Joan's spirits up. She engaged him in various activities, from teaching him new skills to exploring the forest around their cabin. Joan slowly began to accept the situation, though he often asked about his grandmother, his eyes filled with longing.
Lyra found solace in maintaining a routine and focusing on the positive aspects of their life. She often thought of Samantha, sending her silent encouragement and strength. Lyra knew that this year would be challenging, but she also knew it was a necessary step for Samantha's growth and for their future.
**Reflections and Hope**
One evening, as Lyra tucked Joan into bed, he looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes. "Mom, do you think Grandma is okay?"
Lyra smiled softly, brushing a lock of hair from his forehead. "I know she is, Joan. She's strong and determined. And she's doing this for us. We need to be strong for her too."
Joan nodded, his eyes drooping with sleep. "Okay, Mom. I'll be strong. For Grandma."
Lyra kissed his forehead. "That's my brave boy. Goodnight, Joan."
As she left his room and sat by the fireplace, Lyra allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. She missed Samantha dearly, but she also felt a deep sense of pride and admiration for her. Samantha's journey was just as much about sacrifice and love as it was about strength and power.
Looking out the window at the starry night sky, Lyra whispered, "Stay strong, Samantha. We're with you in spirit, every step of the way."
This concludes Chapter Twenty-Seven.