As Leo grew from a toddler into a bright, inquisitive child, the village of Elden's Reach continued to be a nurturing place for him. His third, fourth, and fifth birthdays came and went, each marked by village festivities and the quiet, private celebrations of his family. Yet, with each passing year, Leo's internal world became increasingly complex.
Year Three
On a crisp morning of his third birthday, Leo stood in the backyard, watching his father, John, work in their small but fruitful garden. John noticed Leo's thoughtful expression and paused, wiping sweat from his brow.
"What's on your mind, Leo?" John asked, smiling at his son.
Leo glanced at the wooden sword he often played with, then back at his father. "Dad, where did I come from?" he asked, his question loaded with deeper implications than John could realize.
John chuckled softly, assuming the curiosity of a typical child. "Well, you came from your mom and me, of course. You were born right here in this village."
Leo nodded but remained silent. His question was more about his past life, about Lucian, but he knew better than to delve deeper into those memories with his parents. Instead, he picked up his wooden sword, swinging it lightly, feeling a familiar weight in his grip that no ordinary child's toy should bring.
Year Four
By his fourth year, Leo began to demonstrate an exceptional aptitude for learning. He could read simpler books, which Sarah often brought from the village market. One evening, while reading a story about a great hero who saved his kingdom, Leo felt a pang of recognition.
"Mom, do heroes always win?" he asked Sarah, looking up from the book.
Sarah, sewing by the lamp light, looked thoughtful. "Not always, Leo. But they always try to do what's right, even if it's hard."
Leo pondered this. Was I a hero? Did I try to do what was right? These thoughts swirled in his mind as he fell asleep that night, dreams of grand halls and distant battles playing like echoes in his sleep.
Year Five
As his fifth birthday approached, Leo's awareness of his past life as Lucian became clearer. He understood that he was different, that he had been someone important, someone with responsibilities far beyond what his young peers could fathom.
Yet, he kept these realizations to himself, fearing what might happen if he revealed his true identity. Instead, he focused on being a good son and friend, helping around the house, playing with other children, and learning from his parents.
One day, while playing near the creek with other village children, Leo overheard a conversation between two adults walking by.
"The world's changing," one of them said. "These classes they're assigning at age ten now, it's going to make a big difference in who gets what in life."
"Yeah," the other replied. "It's all about what you're born with, they say. Your magic, your potential. It's more important than ever."
Leo listened intently. Classes at ten, based on what you're born with. He thought about the weapon that was supposed to be his, hidden still, its conditions for appearance a mystery. Is that part of my class? Part of who I'm supposed to be?
These thoughts and questions grew as Leo continued to balance his dual identities. His fifth year marked a turning point, where he began to prepare mentally for the eventual revelation of his class. He practiced more seriously with his wooden sword, read more avidly, and observed the adults more closely, gathering all the knowledge he could.
As the sun set on the eve of his fifth birthday, Leo looked up at the stars, feeling both small and significant in the vast tapestry of life. I was Lucian, and now I am Leo. But soon, I'll find out even more about who I am supposed to be.