Tintin cheers substantially at the reminder that he will be learning magic. "I will study very hard! - but not so hard that I endanger myself. I would not like to worry Auntie."

"Thank you. Oh, my actual name is Sovie. I am not from Earth."

"Oh! I thought that women are not usually so tall, but perhaps in America - I'm being rude. Sorry, Auntie. Where are you from, then?"

"The world is called Elan, it's in another universe... I guess we didn't explain to you that aspect of the existence of magic."

They explain that there is a small pocket universe - relatively small, about the size of a continent - which is the source of sorcery, it every so often comes in contact with other worlds and "anchors" itself to them, spreading its magic. Its name is Elsewhere.

Elan is one of those worlds, it has a less versatile kind of magic of its own: Synth, which lets one do small changes in living things, like making humans taller and stronger.

The other worlds are: Efross, an ice age world with people that can store and release heat; Exile, a world sometimes called "moss ball"; and Epoch, a arid world with low-oxygen that houses magical memory-storing crystals.

Both Exile and Epoch have been part of Elsewhere for tens of thousands of years and no one knows where Elsewhere comes from, but people from Elan managed to learn sorcery through Elsewhere ruins.

"Ruins! I want to visit them, can we?"

"We could, yes."

"You, Sovie and one of the boys could visit one as a vacation trip."

"This is already a very good family, and I haven't even met my brothers."

"Aww, it's great you are enthusiastic about this." They then proceed with their journey through the countryside until they go to a remote but well-kept warehouse.

Inside there is an underground floor with a large portal, through which they pass through. They are inside another warehouse with more portals around them. Several trucks going to and from portals. They go through yet another one. Then drive a short while to another group of portals (this one used for more personal vehicles) and drive through a while longer.

This repeats a few more times, until Stephen announces they are in the states.

Tintin has been looking out the window assiduously. He continues to do so. Does it look different from the Belgian countryside?

It doesn't look very different. Other kind of trees, but similar kind of overall geography. That said, there is a difference in the signs, cars and other structures. According to this sign, the local school mascot is "The Cryptid". And of course there is a Starbucks over there.

They pass through a remote controlled gate and into the Grayward proper, the house reveals itself as a nice two store building standing over a hill. The structure is made out of overlapping straight-angled shapes and has an overall modern look to it.

There are two boys by the front door already waiting for them.

Tintin leaps from the car as soon as it stops moving.

"Mes fréres! Salut!" He runs over to hug them. "Oh, non - hello! Brothers!"

"Wow, that was fast."

"New brother!" One of the boys says, hugging back. Hugging them both and standing up.

The parents reach them once the car is parked. "Franklyn, ask permission before flying with someone."

"Mom, is not flying its just hovering."

Tintin giggles with delight. "I did not even know he was hovering! Can you fly with me?"

"Of course!"

"After we put some protections on you. And also, after you have met the others."

"Maybe starting with introductions...?" Should he ask about his whatever-the-opposite-of-dead-name is.

"Ah, of course! My name is Tintin. - my first name is Félix but that is just because one must have a real name as well as a nickname, but I think the only people who should call me Félix are doctors and people I do not like."

"And people disciplining you by using your full-name. So you know they mean business. As the elder gray boy. I, Aaron, sure qualify."

"Just like I will use 'Orpheus Aaron Grayward' with him."

"He would figure out my shameful secret name at some point."