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The glow that had hovered above Selene's chest quivered and twisted, stretching into the shape of a tiny human. Limbs and fingers slowly took form, delicate and shimmering with silver light. The air vibrated with magic, resonating like a song the grove had always known. Leaves trembled, crystals sparkled, and streams reflected the first shimmer of a living being no mortal eye should ever see.
Selene crouched beside the forming child, her eyes wide with awe. "Slowly… steady… let it take shape," she murmured, her hands weaving threads of magic to guide the essence.
Then, with a sudden pulse, the glow condensed fully into a small child, about a year old in appearance but radiating an unmistakable divinity. Her tiny hands flexed, tracing the patterns of floating silver light above her. Selene held her breath as the infant's eyes opened—gray flecked with silver—and for the first time, the child made a small, tentative smile.
"You… are extraordinary," Selene whispered, brushing the child's glowing hair back. "Even the stars would envy you."
The child giggled, a sound like tiny chimes, and reached out, batting at Selene's fingers. "Catch me, moon lady!" she squealed, her voice full of unrestrained joy.
Selene chuckled, scooping her up gently. "I am the moon, yes, but I will not let you bounce off the clouds," she teased, spinning the child in a soft arc. Sparks of silver light flickered around them, and for the first time in days, Selene felt the tension in her shoulders ease.
Days blurred into weeks—or maybe months, time moved strangely here—and the child grew at a speed that startled even Selene. Each morning, she woke to find the girl taller, more aware, her glow brighter, her movements surer.
"You are growing fast," Selene said one morning as the child tried to jump onto a floating rock. "Careful, you'll crush the stones before I finish my wards!"
The child pouted, crossing her tiny arms, and Selene couldn't help but laugh. "I can handle it!" the girl said, eyes sparkling. Then, with a mischievous grin, she leaped anyway, stumbling slightly before Selene caught her in a swirl of moonlight.
"You'll break everything if you're not careful," Selene scolded softly, brushing imaginary dust from the child's glowing hair.
"I'm careful!" the child protested, tugging at Selene's sleeve, "I can do magic too!"
Selene arched an eyebrow. "Oh really? Show me then."
With a flick of her small hand, the child sent a droplet of water hovering into the air. It spun, forming a tiny orb that reflected the silver leaves and moonlight. A tiny flame appeared in her other hand, dancing like a playful spirit. Selene's eyes widened.
"Not bad," Selene said, clapping softly. "But your control is sloppy. Fire and water can burn or drown you if you're reckless."
The child grinned again, bouncing in Selene's arms. "Then teach me, moon lady! Teach me everything so I can fight them when they come!"
Selene's smile softened, and she tucked the child close. "You have much to learn… patience, control, perception. You will know the wind's whispers, the fire's temper, the water's patience, the land's stability. But for now…" She traced the child's glowing cheek with her fingers. "…for now, just enjoy being small."
"Small is boring!" the girl protested with mock indignation. "I want to be big like you!"
Selene laughed, letting the child clamber onto her shoulders. "Then grow strong, clever, and brave. But never so hasty that you forget the lessons of the small things. The small things notice first when danger comes."
The next days were a whirlwind of training disguised as play. Selene guided the child through the four elements: water danced in orbs around her fingers, fire flickered along her palms, wind swirled through her hair and laughter, and the roots of the earth shifted gently beneath her steps, anchoring her to the sanctuary.
"Again!" the child shouted, her silver eyes alight. "I can do it! Watch me!"
Selene let her, weaving her magic subtly around the child to ensure that every mistake was harmless. The girl's glow pulsed with every success, brightening, fading, and then stabilizing as she learned to control her power.
One evening, after a long day of playful training, the child collapsed onto the soft moss of the sanctuary, giggling. "I did it! Did you see? Did you see?"
Selene knelt beside her, brushing the child's hair back with a smile. "I saw," she said, voice gentle. "You are learning faster than anyone could hope. But remember, strength without control is chaos. Never forget that, little flame."
The child yawned, snuggling into Selene's lap. "Moon lady… will you always be here?"
Selene felt her chest tighten, a flicker of emotion she rarely allowed herself. She stroked the child's hair. "I will. For as long as you need me, I will guard you, teach you, and guide you. And when the time comes… you will know why."
The silver light softened, pulsing gently as the child drifted into sleep. Selene watched her, her heart steady but fierce. Outside, the world waited, full of unseen danger. But inside the sanctuary, the girl glowed, growing strong, clever, and prepared, every laugh and every playful misstep a step closer to the warrior she would become.