“That was dangerous Darin. I can’t believe that you did that. Do you understand how unbelievably stupid what you just did is?” “I know. I know. I get it. It didn’t feel smart while I was doing it. It doesn’t feel smart now. It feels super dumb.” Darin wasn’t entirely sure were she was. She was pretty positive that she was dreaming. The area was sunny, bright, and warm. Darin was dressed in an outfit reminisce of the outfits that the Workers from The Farm wore. She was barefoot and her shirt was untucked. Her hair was just a little longer than she would like. Across from her was a person that looked like Ravi. It wasn’t though. The Tree had picked a form that Darin’s exhausted mind could comprehend. It spoke with Ridahne’s voice and dressed like her mother. Darin watched the odd from pace back and forth. To say that The Tree was livid at the human girl was an understatement. The Tree continued its rant, “The weather is not something you can just manipulate to your whims Darin! It’s dangerous. Gardeners before have died trying to call rain or push snow away. Yes, the sky will listen to you, but the sky is more temperamental then the stone and the sea.” Darin scoffed, “Not by much! Trying to manipulate any of them means the odds of disaster increasing dramatically. I saw the memories. I’ve got that. I didn’t realize I could do it so soon. So, I’m just surprised it worked.” The Tree stopped pacing to look at Darin, “You’re right. You shouldn’t be able to do anything to speak to the sky yet. It’s too soon.” The Tree resumed pacing, “It’s only a matter time before stone and sea follow. You need practice before you do any major workings.” Darin sighed as she nodded, “I will add that to the list of things I need to learn and practice; along with blade work and horse riding and making friends.” Suddenly The Tree was right up against Darin with a grin on Its face as It looked Darin dead in the eyes, “You managed to make friends today! Harris respects you.” Darin took a step back as she scoffed, “That was just because I managed to stop the rain. I can’t do that every time.” Her arms came up to wrap around herself, “I still need to learn how to make proper friends.” The Tree let out a laugh, “It’s not that. You stayed to work.” It shook its head, “But you won’t believe me. I know you won’t. Learning to trust yourself; that should be on the list of things you practice.” Darin sputtered, “You shouldn’t be here. Not like this. It will drain your power faster.” The Tree raised an eyebrow, “And now you are lecturing me?” It smiled as It shook It shook Its head, “I suppose that’s fair.” It cupped Darin’s face in Its hands, “I’ll be going now. Just promise me you’ll be careful when calling on the sky, sea, and stone.” Darin nodded, “I will. I promise.” The Tree’s smile deepened, “I supposed that’s all I can ask.” It leaned forwarded to place a kiss on The Seed-Bearer’s forehead, “I love you dearly.” With that The Tree was gone and Darin was left alone. The human reached out towards the empty space, “I love you.” -- Darin woke with a start and looked around the cabin. She wasn’t sure what time it was or how long she had been asleep. Talyn and Konie were missing. She was sitting near the fire. Her clothes were damp, but not completely dry, so she couldn’t have been sleep for very long. She could still here the rain outside, but it was slowing down. Darin shakily stood up as she moved towards her collection of things. She wanted dry clothes. She needed to check on Ridahne. She also needed to check on Tsura, Talbot, and Taja. She couldn’t stop her hands from shaking. She found herself slowly sinking to the ground near Ridahne’s cot. She couldn’t see straight either. Absently she muttered, “I don’t feel so good.” She was willing to bet that she was running a fever. Even though she just woke up she still felt exhausted. She supposed that was because she has just held up who knew how much water. The only reason why she wasn’t still asleep was because she hadn’t tried to change the weather. She had just paused it for a moment. Trying to send the rain away might have killed her. Calling on the sky was a skill every Gardener before her had had. They just couldn’t use it as quickly as she could. Even though Darin’s mind was fuzzy she had to wonder if that meant anything. Darin let out a sneeze as she went a head and laid back down where she was. The bare ground wasn’t very comfortable, but she didn’t have the energy to move back to the sleeping mat by the fire. Right here would have to do. Darin sneezed again and this time her already pounding head pulsed at the movement. She wanted to just curl up and forget the world, but she was so tired of being wet. Plus, she needed to check on Ridahne and the animals. With a groan Darin rolled over to her stomach to try and push herself up. It was a failed endeavor since her arms felt like overcooked barley. She collapsed with a groan, “I guess that’s what I get for biting off more than I can chew.”