As they left Nana's house and began walking, Arthur decided to broach a new subject with his mother.
"Mom, can I go to Selia and learn to hunt?" Arthur asked, looking up at her earnestly.
Elyan raised an eyebrow. "Can I know why, Arthur?"
Morgan, who was walking alongside them, chimed in with curiosity. "I'd like to know that too."
Arthur looked at both women seriously. "To make some more money to help pay for Tista's treatment until I start my apprenticeship with Nana."
Elyan glanced at him, her heart both swelling with pride and sinking with concern.
By the time they arrived back at the family property, the scene was alive with activity. Apollo and Trion were working in the fields, their tools moving rhythmically with years of practice. Rena and Hades were busy tending to the cows and chickens, keeping everything in order.
Apollo spotted them and waved. "Welcome home! Why does Arthur look so serious, dear?" he called to Elyan.
Elyan sighed, preparing herself for the conversation. "Arthur wants to go to Selia to learn how to hunt," she replied.
Apollo stopped in his tracks, his face a mix of surprise and concern. "What? Why?"
Before Elyan could answer, Tista, who was sitting nearby, spoke up. "To make more money to help pay for my treatment until he starts his apprenticeship with Nana."
Rena, overhearing, froze. "What? Arthur got an apprenticeship with Nana? When did this happen?"
Elyan's face softened into a proud smile. "Just now, at Nana's house. And it's not just Arthur—Morgan too."
Apollo crossed his arms, still trying to piece everything together. "When did they learn chore magic? Neither of you told me!"
Elyan shrugged, then pointed to Morgan.
Morgan smirked mischievously. "We learned at night in our crib while you were all asleep."
The family stared at her, their faces frozen in a mix of shock and amazement. Apollo finally broke the silence. "Can you show me?"
Arthur and Morgan exchanged a quick glance before nodding.
Morgan held out her hands, conjuring five ice arrows and five lightning arrows. They hovered around her, crackling with power before dissipating into the air.
Arthur followed, conjuring five swords made of hard light, five flaming swords, and five blades cloaked in swirling darkness.
Elyan gasped. "Amazing." She pulled both children into a tight hug, her pride overflowing. Apollo and Rena joined in, wrapping their arms around the small group.
Apollo finally stepped back, his expression firm. "Let him learn to hunt. Selia is a good teacher and a skilled hunter."
Elyan frowned, her protective instincts flaring. "But he's only four years old, honey!"
Apollo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Yes, and at four years old, he's already taught himself to use magic. He'll be fine, Elyan."
Elyan sighed but nodded, knowing her husband was right.
The rest of the day passed with Arthur and Morgan using their magic to help with the daily chores. Morgan used her ice to chill the water for the animals, while Arthur's hard-light constructs carried bales of hay effortlessly.
The following morning, as the sun rose, Arthur prepared for his first day learning to hunt with Selia. Though Elyan's heart still aches with worry, she knew her son was ready to take this next step toward his future.