A New Home

The sun rose over Greenwood, its light dancing on the fields of watercress and taro. Akira stood outside Hana’s new cottage, its oak walls woven with vines that glowed faintly. The air smelled of fresh earth and flowers, and the village felt alive with chatter. A week had passed since the ritual, when the Starweave book burned to ash, bringing Hana to this world forever. Akira watched her step out, her dark hair tied back, her eyes wide with wonder.

“It’s beautiful,” Hana said, touching the cottage’s carved door. “Like a fairy tale.”

Akira grinned. “Wait till you see the fields, Mom.”

Elara joined them, her silver hair shining. “Ready to learn elven farming, Hana?” she asked, holding a basket of moonwheat seeds.

Hana nodded, her smile strong but nervous. “I ran a farm back home, but this… It’s new.”

They walked to the fields, where elves worked, their hands quick with tools. Liora waved, her auburn hair messy from the wedding. “Hana! Come see the moonwheat!”

Hana knelt beside Liora, who showed her the silvery grains. “They need soft soil and a bit of magic,” Liora said. Elara’s hands glowed, coaxing the plants to grow. Hana watched, amazed. “We never had magic on Earth,” she said. “But I know how to keep crops safe for winter.”

“Like what?” Akira asked, curious.

“Drying and storing,” Hana said. “We dried apples, sealed corn in jars. It kept us fed through the snow.”

Liora’s eyes lit up. “That’s perfect for our winter plan!”

Akira beamed, proud of his mom. “I told you she’s tough,” he said to Elara.

They moved to the herb garden, where Elara showed Hana moonberries and sage. “These heal and taste good,” Elara said, her voice warm. Hana touched the leaves, her farmer’s hands steady. “I grew herbs too,” she said. “Rosemary, basil. Maybe I can try them here.”

“I’d love that,” Elara said, smiling. “We’ll plant together.”

Akira watched them, his heart full. His mom and Elara were already like family, laughing over soil and plants. He joined them, digging rows for new herbs. “This is what I dreamed of,” he said. “You both here, happy.”

Hana hugged him. “You made this happen, Aki. I’m proud of you.”

Elara took his hand, her touch soft. “We’re a team,” she said. “All of us.”

That afternoon, the village expanded the fields, using Akira’s idea to build shelters for indoor growing. Kael hammered wooden frames, while Miren mixed compost. “Hana’s storage tricks will help,” Miren said. “We’ll have enough for winter.”

Akira looked at Elara, her face glowing with dirt and sunlight. “You were right,” he said. “Mom’s fitting in.”

“I knew she would,” Elara said, leaning against him. “She’s like you—strong, kind.”

As the sun set, the fields sparkled, and Hana’s cottage felt like home. Akira held Elara’s hand, feeling their love grow stronger, rooted in this new life with his mom and the village.