Tim’s birthday came and went. It will be painstakingly boring to have the reader live through the last month of Anna’s time with Maia, so I will summarize what they accomplished.
Firstly, Maia was now able to hold Water for as long as she needed. No matter her environment, condition, or position, she could do it indefinitely. Through a series of hard, draining sessions, Maia was able to create animals and objects. She created a little animal, a hybrid of a mink and a puppy, that sat on her shoulder, and floated in the air beside her. At night, it disappeared, but the second Maia became conscious again, Sir Sturgill. She was able to use Water to dry herself and get wet. With a shove of mind-power, all of the condensation in the air around Maia became liquid, handy for surviving where water is limited.
She could fly, using a jet of Water beneath her, and shooting up. Amongst other things, these were the basic talents that she had learned to harness. And now, it was time for Water to take over her training.
She could imagine him. Tall and thin- spidery, with long, bony fingers, and a diamond shaped face. His cheeks would be hollow and gaunt, while his features would swim between full and sharp, leaving viewers to wonder just who is this man?
And Maia thought that too. Just who is this man, who will teach me the secrets of his trade?