Chapter 2 - ## **Chapter 2: The Green Gift**

At twelve, Alaric's powers took root in earnest, though he'd rather they didn't. The palace gardens—sprawling acres of roses, willows, and a pond choked with lilies—became his playground. One humid afternoon, he lounged by the fountain, skipping stones and dodging his brothers' latest lecture. Gavric, the eldest, a broad-shouldered warrior with a permanent scowl, was sparring with Lorne, the sly second son whose fingers sparked with minor magic. "You're a disgrace, Alaric," Gavric barked, swinging a wooden sword. "Princes fight, not nap."Alaric smirked, leaning back. "And weeds grow without trying. Watch this." He flicked a wrist, and three vines sprouted from the dirt, thick and green, coiling around Gavric's ankles. With a tug, they yanked him off-balance, sending him face-first into the grass. "What's a blade to a weed-whacker?" Alaric taunted, dodging as Gavric roared and hacked a vine in half, sap splattering his tunic. Lorne cackled, clapping. "Point to the runt!" Alaric puffed a dandelion seed into Gavric's face, grinning as he sneezed. "Allergic to fun, huh?"Later, alone under a willow, he pushed further. The air smelled of damp earth and honeysuckle as he focused, summoning five vines this time—each twitching like they had opinions. "Great, I'm a plant puppeteer," he muttered, aiming them at a low branch. They lashed out, wrapping it tight, but one veered off, knotting his shoelaces. He tripped, landing in a heap. "This'll end well," he sighed, untangling himself. The vines shimmered faintly, as if mocking him, and he flopped back, staring at the sky. "Why can't I turn into a couch instead?"