Three months later.
Since I realized what had happened to me, I've been trying to learn everything I can about this place. I've discovered some useful things, like magic. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, almost every reincarnation story has magic involved.
I first saw it when my mother, whose name I've learned is Lyra, used a fire spell to burn away dead leaves. I also found out my father's name is Galen, and he used to be the leader of a mercenary team. He's told me all sorts of stories about his adventures before he met my mother, though it's hard to tell what's true. My mother reads me bedtime stories, too, but I can't quite tell if they're real or just tales for kids. I've learned that I was born in a small, peaceful village called Elfin.
In these past three months, I've managed to walk a bit, though crawling is still faster. I've tried speaking, but so far, I can only manage a few random words. Right now, my parents seem happy enough with me saying "Mama" and "Papa."
A knock sounds at the door, and my mother opens it to reveal a young girl who looks like she's in her teens. Her name is Amara, and she lives nearby with her parents.
I first met Amara when my mother took me outside for the first time. She took me to visit Amara's house, and as my mother chatted with Amara's mom, Salena, Amara tried to entertain me with funny faces, hoping to make me laugh. I didn't smile, just to see her reaction.
Since that day, Amara has been visiting our house a lot. My dad spends his days working in the fields and at the city market, and my mother is usually busy with household tasks. So, Amara has become my main babysitter. Today, she's here again.
"Hello, Mrs. Dawning! Where's little Lucian?" Amara chirps as she steps inside.
"You're right on time, Amara. Galen just left, and I need to go to the city market. Lucian's in his crib, why don't you go see him? I'm sure he'd be happy to see you," Lyra says with a smile.
"I hope he smiles at me one of these days! He always looks so serious, no matter how hard I try." Amara pouts, a little discouraged.
But then she raises her fist with renewed determination. "I won't give up! Not only will I make him smile, but today, I'll make him laugh!"
Lyra chuckles and gives her an encouraging nod. "All right, I'll be off, then. Just make sure to keep an eye on him when he's out of the crib, he tends to disappear if you leave him alone."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Dawning! I'll keep an eye on him the whole time, we'll be playing all day!" Amara says cheerfully.
Lyra comes over to my crib, picking me up to plant a soft kiss on my forehead. "Mom will be back soon, so don't make Amara worry, all right?"
I give her a smile, and she passes me to Amara before waving goodbye.
'I can't say I'm not grateful to have such a loving mom.'
Amara looks at me with a big smile, ready to play. But today, I have another plan, today, I want to learn about magic. Amara may still be young, but I've seen her practicing magic outside a few times. My mother doesn't allow her to use magic in front of me, but today, I'll make sure to learn something about it.
'It's time to use one of my ultimate techniques!'
ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE: STRETCH AND POINT, WITH BABY NOISES!
With all my might, I point at the thing I want most, the book on the top shelf. I overheard my mom talking about it once, and now I need to see it. I keep pointing, hoping she'll figure it out.
"Do you want me to read you a story? Which one? Do you want the adventure story about the hero?" Amara asks, glancing at the bookshelf.
'No, no, no! She's looking at the wrong one!' I stretch my arms toward the top shelf, trying harder to signal her. 'Please, understand what I'm pointing at.'
Finally, Amara follows my gaze. "Oh, are you pointing at 'that' book?" She gestures toward the one I want.
Excited, I nod vigorously. She places me back in the crib and reaches for the book, examining it. She hesitates when she sees the title: 'The Nature of Magic.'
"I don't think this is a fun book, Lucian. Big sister Amara will read you something more exciting, like the hero's adventures," she says, her expression uncertain.
'No! I must succeed in my mission!' Time for my second technique: CRYING.
I start wailing, glancing repeatedly at the book I want. After a moment of thought, Amara finally gives in and, with a sigh of defeat, hands me the book about magic.
"Fine, but remember Lucian, big sister Amara will stay beside you while you look at it, okay?"