“Why are you lying up on the roof?”
Hal rose from his spot to spy a girl standing on the path that ran into town. He returned his gaze to the sky and said, “Because up until this moment, no one ever bothered me while I was up here.”
“This is the wizard’s house. Are you the apprentice?”
“Yes, and I’m studying.”
“Studying? Without books?”
“Silly girl! A wizard’s books are the elements themselves!” Hal spread his arms out toward the sky for emphasis.
“It looks to me like you’re cloud watching.”
Hal folded his arms, “So?”
“May I join you?”

