Submission (#6011) Approved

At the heart of Elenion Forest in Faerindell, beneath the thick canopy and warm sunlight piercing it regardless, Wish's determination to acquire a unique, magical breath was still unyielding. With her nimble physique and playful spirit, she'd always been adept at executing pranks and disappearing into tight nooks. Yet, she had come to realize that mastering the art of magical breath required not just knowledge but physical prowess too.

"Stamina, endurance, and now lung capacity," Wish muttered to herself, determined to strengthen every facet of her being. Holding her breath would not only amplify her mana channeling capabilities but would also allow her to maintain it for longer durations. Which theoretically would help her develop her own breath?

Wish began her training in Siruna Cove. The blue water's surface was mostly still, save for the occasional ripple caused by a passing fish or a lazy dragonfly. Taking in a deep breath, she dived in. The cool water enveloped her wholly, and Wish focused on the sensation of her lungs filled to the brim with air and the challenge of holding it underneath the waves. At first, staying under for longer than ten seconds was a struggle. The urge to resurface and gasp for breath gripped at her. However, with every dive, she managed to stay submerged just a little longer than the last.

A familiar voice interrupted her as Wish erupted from beneath the water’s surface, panting for air. "Trying to become a fish, are we?" teased Faren, her fiery pattern glinting in the sun as she casted a shadow above Wish.

"More like training my lung capacity," Wish replied, wiping water from her face. "Care to join me?"

Faren grinned at the offer. "How about we make it a competition? Let's see who can hold their breath the longest." and Wish agreed.

The two friends each took a deep breath, their chests expanding with air, and dived simultaneously together into the water. The world underwater was a blur of beautiful colors and movements. Wish focused on the bubbles that escaped from her nose, counting them to keep her mind off the burning sensation in her lungs. To her surprise, after what felt like an eternity, she surfaced first, gasping, while Faren emerged seconds later, giggling, clearly triumphant.

"Not bad, Wish," she said, smirking. "But how about a real challenge?"

Curious, Wish nodded, and Faren explained. “We can travel to somewhere high up in Eyre and practice holding our breaths. Maybe even try holding our breaths underwater.” so the two of them climbed to a higher vantage point. The air was noticeably thinner the higher they went, making every breath feel shallower. "Higher elevation," Faren explained. "Less oxygen. Perfect for training lung capacity."
The two took deep breaths, their chests heaving, and held it. As seconds turned into minutes, the challenge grew. Wish felt a peculiar lightness in her head, her vision blurring. Just when she was about to give in, Faren, ever the playful one, began tickling her. Wish squirmed and giggled, trying hard to maintain her composure, but the combination of thin air and Faren's relentless tickling was too much. She exhaled with a loud laugh, surrendering.

"You're incorrigible!" she exclaimed, panting, her face flushed from the effort and laughter.

"That's why you love having me around as your pal," Faren winked. “I’ll have to get going for now though Wish. I wish you best of luck with your breath training!” The orange elnin laughed at her own pun before parting ways with the small and nimble faenin.

Rejuvenated by their friendly competition, Wish felt ready for her final challenge. This time, she'd try holding her breath for as long as she can all the while engaging in rigorous activities, like sprinting or leaping. The idea was to train her lungs and body to manage oxygen efficiently, even during intense physical exertion.

The sun was setting slowly, as it cast the forest in hues of gold and orange, as Wish took a deep breath and sprinted. Every muscle in her body screamed for more oxygen, but Wish pushed on, her focus unwavering. She jumped over logs, darted around trees, and zigzagged through the dense underbrush. By the time she finally allowed herself to breathe, night had fallen, and the forest was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. It was ethereal.

Exhausted but exhilarated, Wish returned to her cozy den to rest from today’s hard work. As she sipped on a refreshing herbal tea, she reflected on her journey thus far. From diving underwater to competing with Faren at high altitudes, she had tested her lung's limits and emerged stronger. This is also after all the stamina training and endurance training she did earlier too. As well as hours upon hours of research poured into the topic alone.

There was a sense of satisfaction in knowing that her dream of acquiring a unique, magical breath was one step closer to reality. With her newfound expanded lung capacity and unwavering determination, there was no challenge too great for Wish.

The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with mysteries and challenges. But with every breath she took, Wish felt more connected to the magic within her, ready to face whatever came her way in the future. As such…

In the heart of Elenion Forest, as stars twinkled overhead and nocturnal creatures began their nightly symphony, a small, nimble elnin named Wish drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreams filled with magic, adventure, and the boundless possibilities of tomorrow.