Marcus awoke to the soft light of dawn seeping through the modest window of his new room. The once unfamiliar sensations of his five-year-old body were slowly becoming more natural, though the disparity between his adult mind and Elric’s youthful form still felt surreal. He stretched, shaking off the remnants of sleep, and prepared for another day in the village of Hartwood.
Elda, Elric’s mother, was already bustling around their small home. Her movements were quick and efficient as she prepared breakfast, the aroma of fresh bread and herbal tea filling the air. As Marcus approached the table, Elda greeted him with a warm smile.
“Morning, Elric,” she said, ruffling his hair affectionately. “We have a busy day ahead. Are you ready?”
Marcus nodded, trying to mask the complexity of his thoughts with a childlike enthusiasm. “Yes, Mama.”
After breakfast, Elda handed Marcus a small basket. “We need to gather herbs from the forest. Pay attention, I’ll teach you which ones to pick.”
They ventured outside, the village of Hartwood already alive with activity. Marcus observed the villagers with a keen eye, noting their routines and interactions. As they walked, he spotted a few children playing near the edge of the forest. One of them, a boy named Finn, caught Marcus’s attention. Finn was around Elric’s age and had a mischievous glint in his eye.
Stolen novel; please report.
Elda guided Marcus into the forest, pointing out various herbs and their uses. “This one helps with fevers,” she explained, showing him a plant with broad, green leaves. “And this one is good for healing wounds.”
Marcus absorbed the information, realizing the practical knowledge he was gaining. As they gathered herbs, Marcus’s mind wandered to ways he could use his modern understanding to help Elda and the villagers. The idea of improving their lives with his unique perspective gave him a renewed sense of purpose.
Suddenly, a shout broke through the peaceful ambiance of the forest. Marcus turned to see Finn and a group of children gathered around a girl who had fallen and scraped her knee. Finn looked concerned, unsure of how to help.
Marcus stepped forward, his adult instincts kicking in. “What happened?” he asked, kneeling beside the girl.
“She tripped and hurt her knee,” Finn explained, his voice shaky.
Marcus examined the wound. It wasn’t deep, but it needed cleaning. He remembered Elda mentioning a herb that could help with wounds. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”
He quickly found the herb Elda had shown him earlier and returned to the group. He chewed the leaves into a paste and gently applied it to the girl’s knee. “This should help,” he said confidently. “My mama taught me.”
The children watched in awe as the girl’s pain seemed to ease. Finn’s eyes widened. “Wow, Elric, you’re really smart!”
Elda, who had been watching from a distance, approached with a proud smile. “You did well, Elric. You have a natural talent for healing.”
Marcus felt a surge of satisfaction. His adult knowledge was making a difference, even in small ways. As they continued their herb gathering, he couldn’t help but think of more ways to help the villagers.
Later that day, back in their home, Elda used a small amount of magic to float a jar from a high shelf down to the table. Marcus watched, fascinated by the casual display of magic. “Mama, can you teach me that?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Elda chuckled. “One day, perhaps. Magic requires patience and practice, just like anything else.”
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the village, Marcus felt a sense of belonging he hadn’t expected. He was beginning to see how he could blend his past experiences with his new life, using his knowledge to improve their daily existence. The path ahead was still uncertain, but with each passing day, he felt more equipped to navigate it.