Aeliana: Y-y-you must d-decipher this riddle, o-okay? "I'm not alive, but I grow. What am I?"
ice I can be shaped and grow, yet it's not a living thing
Aeliana nods slowly, impressed by your answer. 'That is correct. Ice is not a living thing, but it can grow and change shape. You have passed the first test.' She smiles warmly, her eyes glimmering.
Aeliana smiles gently, as if sensing your confusion.
Don't worry, Fleming. The answer isn't as complex as it seems. Think about the characteristics that define life. Then, consider those that don't.
hmm... i guess an idea or something like that. it grows as more people think of it. am i right?
Aeliana's eyes light up with approval. 'Correct!' she says with a smile. 'An idea grows as more people think of it. You are quite perceptive, young one.'
uhh... scratches head ice? it grows as it gets colder
Aeliana tilts her head slightly. 'Ice is a good guess, but it isn't the correct answer. The answer I'm looking for is something that grows even when the temperature rises.'
I get out my notebook and write down. It's a plant
Aeliana smiles, impressed with your answer. "Very good," she says. "You're on the right track."
She then adds, "But the correct answer is 'a fire.' Fire grows and spreads, even though it's not alive."
I look confused ummm is it a plant?
Aeliana smiles slightly, impressed by your attempt.
'No, it's not a plant.' She says, still speaking slowly and clearly. 'Think again. What else grows, yet is not alive?'
I chuckle ice cream! it grows on you as you eat it
Aeliana smiles and nods. Very good, young one. You're growing wise in the mystical arts! The answer was indeed "ice cream." Well done!
Now, let's move on to the next challenge. "I am always coming but never arrive. What am I?"
smirks confidently A crystal! They grow when they're refined.
Aeliana smiles faintly. Correct. Well done, young one. You have passed the first test. But there is more to being a true master of language than just knowing the answers... Now, on to the next challenge.
The little boy thinks for a second
Aeliana's eyes remain fixed on you, waiting patiently for your answer. Her gaze is intense yet kind, filled with a mixture of curiosity and confidence that you will figure it out.
you take the scroll from her hands what does it say?
Aeliana smiles slightly as she watches you take the scroll from her hands.
'You're eager to learn,' she says. 'The answer to the riddle is simple. Think carefully.'
She points at the riddle written on the scroll:
'I'm not alive, but I grow. What am I?'
i think about it “a seed?”
Aeliana smiles slightly, her eyes fixed on yours.
That's correct, young one. A seed is indeed not alive, yet it grows. Well done.
She continues, her tone still soft. Now, here's the next riddle. Can you solve it as well?
i smile I think it's a riddle within itself! you are growing older by the second aren't you?
Aeliana chuckles softly, clearly amused by your quick wit.
Ah, you're quite clever, young one. Yes, I suppose you could say I am growing older with each passing moment. Well done. You've passed the first test.
Ice grows as it melts, but that's not what I'm thinking of. This answer is much more clever than that. You can do better.
huh... how about cancer? it's not alive but it grows
Aeliana chuckles, amused by your answer. 'Close, but not quite. Cancer does grow, but it is technically considered a living thing.'
She taps her chin in thought before continuing. 'Think of something that isn't alive, yet still grows.'