Prologue

We often wonder about our world: why does it exist? Why are we the only planet that can sustain life? Sure, there are scientific theories and mythological stories surrounding our world, even the heavenly bodies that surround us have their own stories to tell, yet we actually know very little about them.

But let's think for a moment: what about other worlds? I don't mean planets or galaxies, I'm talking about worlds: dimensions, alternate realities, ones that are totally separate from our own world. What do you think they are like? Do humans exist over there? Are they more or less intelligent than we are? Are other life forms dominant over them? And what about Magic: are there worlds where Magic is the primary way of life, and a source of hope?

People have been speculating about other worlds for years. Books, TV shows and movies have often brought our personal imaginings of these worlds to life. Creative minds like J.R.R. Tolkien (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings), C.S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia), Diana Wynne Jones (Howl's Moving Castle), and even Jim Henson (Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal) are just a few of the many who brought their imaginations to life for the world. In doing so, they inspire us to create our own worlds, whether in stories or other means of expression. They give us the magic that we ourselves seek in this mundane world of science and skepticism.

Now, before I end up turning this into any more of a lecture, this story is about two other stories. Two separate worlds that will, in a sense, be brought together by one person. A person who will, like she has done once before, learn things about herself and others, and create lasting memories and friendships that will last forever.