“You no longer need to worry about thinking of that thief. I’ve already contacted Healer Cruz to replace those potions with new ones.” Timothee handed me a cup of tea, we both were chatting in our room and a little hidden place within the chamber.
We made sure that nobody heard our conversation at that time.
“Why are you so calm?” I raised my eyebrow in surprise upon seeing Timothee, who was different from before. I knew he was a lycan who was very indifferent to his enemies.

Basically, he would always chase his enemies wherever they fled, but this time Timothee was different. I cupped my chin because of that, but Timothee’s response was just a thin smile without a definite answer.
“Why are you suddenly silent? Is my question wrong?” I continued.
“Not wrong, just... I indeed do not want to be so conspicuous at times like this to trap them.”
“Them?” I raised my eyebrow.
Timothee smiled, “Yes, those who stole our potions. I’m sure there’s more than one person and I’m also sure they are not from our group.”
I was shocked by his words, “How could that be? Do you mean there are still infiltrators like the other day?”

Timothee nodded, “It is possible. We are not the only one in this area. There may be others who have malicious intentions towards us.”
“But I wonder... why take the potions?” I was still curious about the reason.
Timothee chuckled softly. “Maybe they need them. Or perhaps some use potions for specific purposes, like concocting brews or medicines.”
I picked up my cup and sipped it until it was half empty. Rubbing my temples with frustration, “So what should we tell mom when giving her this immortal crystal?”

Timothee shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe we can just tell her the truth. That we found it in our backyard and it has some kind of magical properties.”
I rolled my eyes. “This crystal looks different, don’t you see that it doesn’t look like an ordinary crystal. Plus, how many people are going to believe us if we tell them that?”
Timothee nodded in agreement. “You’re right, we could just say it’s a rare and valuable gemstone.”
I sighed. “I guess that’s the best we can do.”
Timothee smiled at me. “Don’t worry, I’m sure mom will be happy with whatever we give her. Or just make it like a pendant for a necklace. It will still look beautiful.”
I couldn’t help but smile back at him. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks for the idea.”
I quickly went to get some necklaces that I had stored in my suitcase. While I was searching through them, Timothee continued, “And maybe added some glittering wire on it.”
Curiosity piqued, I paused mid-search, turning to face him. “What kind of glittering wire are you thinking about? Do you mean something specific, or just anything that shines and wraps around the crystal well?”
Timothee stretched his nape, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “I mean something like crystal wires, you know? Something that twinkles almost as much as the crystal itself. It should complement it, not overshadow its natural beauty.”
Timothee glanced around the room, his eyes landing on a cluttered drawer. “Hey, while you’re at it, could you grab some rope for me? I think a simple, sturdy one could help us secure the wire and crystal together.
I paused for a sec, trying to wrap my head around Timothee’s request, feeling pretty baffled. The thought of mixing those materials was kind of out there and left me scratching my head. But seeing how serious Timothee looked about it, I guessed there had to be something cool about his quirky idea. So, with a half-hearted shrug that was more curious than anything, I got back to what I was doing. Digging through the drawer, I came across a piece of rope that looked both simple and strong, just like Timothee wanted. Holding it, I really wondered how this was going to work out, but I went ahead and handed it to him, pretty curious about what he was up to.
“So what should I do now?” I asked him.
Timothee was silent and quickly took some strands of thread and then made small knots with his hands.
“What are you doing?” I asked curiously.
Timothee smiled and replied, “I will show you how to make it.” He continued to make knots and explained each step to me then added some crystal on each knot.
I soon found myself following his instructions and creating my own knot pattern. Timothee’s patient guidance helped me to create a beautiful and intricate design.
As we continued to work, he shared with me the history and significance of this traditional French art form called “macrame”. He also showed me different variations and ways to incorporate it into home decor or even fashion.
I was amazed by how something as simple as knots and thread could create such intricate and beautiful designs. Timothee’s passion for macrame was contagious and I found myself eager to learn more.
After spending the afternoon with Timothee, I realized that sometimes the best way to learn something new is through hands-on experience and guidance from someone who is knowledgeable and passionate about it.
“Cool.”
“Yours is cooler.” I responded with a smile.
Timothee laughed and said, “No, yours is unique and reflects your own creativity.”
“My mom would absolutely love this,” I said thoughtfully, holding up my creation to the light. “She’s always appreciated handmade art, and this would be a perfect gift for her.”
Timothee nodded, his eyes brightening at the mention of gifting the macrame. “Then it’s settled. I’m pretty sure if we make it like this, mom won’t get suspicious. Plus, it’s totally worth it for the look on her face when she sees it.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at Timothee’s mischievous grin.
“I’ll leave this to mom first.” I said, already imagining her delighted reaction.
Timothee smiled and patted my head, “I’m sure she’ll love it.”
With the macrame necklace now complete, its threads intertwined with precision and care under Timothee’s guidance, I couldn’t wait to see my mother’s reaction. The necklace, a token of our afternoon’s effort and a harbinger of joy, felt heavy with significance in my hands.
I walked, my steps quick with anticipation, towards the Fae Aurora Room, where I knew my mother spent her quiet afternoons. The sun filtered through the tall windows, casting patterns of light and shadow that danced across the corridor.
My heart raced a bit faster with each step closer to the room. This wasn’t just a gift it was a piece of my day, a fragment of learning and shared laughter, all woven into a simple piece of art. I paused at the door, taking a deep breath to calm my fluttering heart, ready to witness the joy and surprise on my mother’s face.
“Hey... mom.” I strached my nape awkwardly when she looked up from her book.
Her curious expression turned into a warm smile as she saw the macrame necklace in my hands.
“Oh, what do we have here?” she asked, setting her book aside.
“I made this for you,” I said, holding out the necklace. “Timothee taught me how to do it. It’s called macrame.”
Her eyes lit up with delight as she took the necklace in her hands, examining the intricate knots and patterns woven into it. “It’s beautiful, my dear Barbara. You’ve put so much love and effort into this. I’m amazed!”
As my mother’s words filled the room, a sense of fulfillment and pride washed over me. I smiled widely at that moment, knowing that our efforts had truly paid off.
“But why are you giving me a gift like this?”