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4

Everything was blurry. My eyes saw only misshapen silhouettes. My ears were sensitive and only noises drowned in my saliva came out of my mouth. But I knew I was no longer orphan Taylor, because I was oddly small in the arms that held me. When I felt something insert into my mouth and a bitter liquid ran down my tongue. I realized what was happening. I was a baby. There was no other explanation, and while the teenager in me was horrified to be a weak newborn. I realized that I was in my mother's arms. I had a mother and maybe a father. I was no longer alone. It was my last thought before I fell asleep satiated and protected.

An infant is not very active, he sleeps, he eats, he soils his diaper, he sleeps, he eats and when he feels alone he cries. Since I had no other means of communication, I used and abused my new vocal cords. But I was never forgotten and when my mother took me in my arms, I could truly say that I felt pampered. It took me three days to really see his face, but never again had trouble with the colors, I seem to remember that a baby has normal vision from 1 year old and I was still far from it. At least that's what I had heard about human babies. But I was not one. A human. Not anymore. All I had to do was see my mother's face for something to catch my attention. She had pointy ears . It did not take me more to understand that I was no longer Earth, and that I had become a creature of legend: an elf.

I quickly adapted to this discovery. After all I knew death wasn't the end, so why shouldn't there be other universes. I wondered if the world I now inhabited had magic.

But still finding out that I wasn't human anymore wasn't my biggest surprise. No, this was back to what happened the first time my mom changed my diapers. The shame I felt at this act was quickly eclipsed by an incredible discovery. I was a boy.

I was catatonic for two days, so my concerned mother called in what was certainly a doctor to examine me.

He found nothing strange, and told her that I was certainly in a bad mood. This was not the case. I was just shocked. I thought souls had a gender, but that assumption turned out to be wrong. Of course I was also convinced that a baby should have no memory of his previous life. But either that was the norm for a second life, or someone had forgotten to do their job.

Being a man in this unknown world was perhaps also a good thing. I had no idea of the status of the woman, but I preferred to be on the other side of the fence this time around. The horrifying memories of my death stuck in my memory and haunted me through nightmares.

My mother was relieved to see me in a better mood and rewarded me with an outing. We descended some stairs and soon I found myself in the sun for the first time. I laugh in spite of myself. This seemed to delight my mother who delicately kissed my forehead . She showed me the horizon, but I could barely see the colors. However, I was certain that the color green predominated. So we were in a forest. So it wasn't a cliché, elves really lived near trees.

The days went by like this, they looked the same, but my mother had now added regular walks to our routine.

My mother's comforting voice rocked me and her songs accompanied my bedtime. I had begun to understand what she was saying better, although I was sure I had never heard that language in my previous life. But as an elf I learned faster. Indistinct words had become sentences and stories. I learned that I lived on a continent called Eteryddyn. It was a world divided into three kingdoms. But my mother spoke of it in a more poetic way.

“Up in the north, in the sleeping mountains, the dwarves strike hard and reap the gold. In the center of the world the elves sing under the moons and climb the trees of the horned forest. To the west, men sail on theblue sea, merchants and pirates fill their hands and laugh. Beneath the icy mist a lost land, which they all covet but no one is never seen again. »

“Three kingdoms allied in wars crossed, the beasts prowl and wait under the seas, the bushes, the crevices and the shadows. Beware mage sometimes your magic won't be enough and you can lose your life. »

I would learn more if I had a book in front of me. But I don't think I'll have access to it for a few years. I had learned that magic existed here, and I was not going to pass up the opportunity to learn more.

I had noticed that my mother had never given me a first name. She called me her "little elf" or used other words of endearment, but she never said my first name. I wondered when she would give me one.

My father was conspicuously absent from this new life. My mother often told me that I looked like my father, that I would one day become as powerful as him, yet he had never come to see his new son and I could see that my mother was sad about it. I would have put up with his negligence, but since he had made my mother cry, I didn't think well of him. Yes I had become a mama's boy, and I was not ashamed to say that she had become my world, and that I was loyal to her. As loyal as an infant could be. I made sure not to wake her too often when she slept and used my smile as a weapon to overcome her sadness.

At 10 months I was finally able to start walking. Our apartments were large and I ran back and forth between my room and my mother's. I thought I would regain normal vision , but I had forgotten that I was an elf. My vision and my hearing were more developed than those of a human. I could see in the dark as in broad daylight. I was also very flexible. So I was running up and down the halls. When we were outside, my mother would sit with me under a tree and when she wasn't paying attention I would climb the trunk. Of course, she realized that before I reached the first branch.

I had discovered that we lived in a castle. I was disappointed that elves didn't actually live in treehouses. Whenever a soldier or a servant passed us, he bowed slightly and went about their business. My mother was irritated every time this happened, but I didn't think it was because she was humble.

From my few observations, it goes without saying that I deduce that my family was noble without knowing their exact rank. The world around me seemed to be medieval. But my mother never showed me the whole castle and just took me to a small park to the east. She sat with me on a bench right next to a pond surrounded by sparkling flowers. I had never seen such. She let me touch one of them . It had brilliant red petals that left a powdery residue on the skin. My mother laughed out loud at my little misadventure.

It was in this park that I found myself sitting on the ground next to the pond. I touched the water with a finger curious to see if it was magic too. My mother watched me carefully.

When I hit the water I felt tingles run through my body, nothing unpleasant. It felt like cold water got under my skin and tickled me. I had the strange feeling that the water wanted to play with me.

“Mom, tickle.” I exclaimed laughing

I heard my mother exclaim.

" You speak ! »

At that moment I realized that I had just spoken my first words. She took me in her arms and twirled me around.

“My little elf is talking! Soon you will be 1 year old and your father will give you a name! I'm proud of you ! »

We left the park shortly after. As we walked away I turned my head one last time towards the pond. What could I have smelled?

When I was one year old, I met my father for the first time. My mother woke me up at midnight and carried me in the dark. She looked worried to me.

“Everything will be fine my little elf. she replied when I questioned her, as she rushed up the stairs.

Our apartments had been set up in one of the towers of the castle and were connected by a glass bridge to the central part in which my father lived. It was guarded on each side by two guards. I watched our destination approach with a hint of impatience. My mother must have sensed my mood as she gently stroked my cheek. Then we entered my father's house.

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If I had to find an adjective for this castle, the word labyrinthine would come to mind. The building was insolently beautiful, the silver colored tiling reflected our every step, the ornaments on the walls were the same hue and my eyes were fascinated by the myriads of arabesques which gave the impression of clouds floating around. But the beauty of these corridors was associated with a gigantism which would have been suitable for a king. I wondered for a moment if I was a prince.

It took us ten minutes to reach a guarded room. The elf guarding the door opened it to let us in. It was a office, but that's where the similarities to a regular office ended. A tree stood in the middle of the room and rose up to the dome. A glass desk had been placed to the side and across from that was a small sitting room. I saw my father's face for the first time. He was sitting at his desk and working. When he saw us, he got up and approached us.

There were a few words I could have used to describe my father. But the first one that came to me was terrifying. Were I not a reincarnated soul, I would certainly have burst into tears in front of this elf. He even seemed surprised by my silence. My father was a 2 m giant. I had noticed that the elves were tall in nature. But the average for a male elf was 1m 90 while the women oscillated between 1m 70 and 1m80. At least that's what my walks in my mother's arms had made me notice. I still was ignorant of the outside world. If my father's impressive height wasn't intimidating enough, his icy blue eyes certainly froze those who were unlucky enough to meet his gaze. Part of his skull was shaved and showed horrible scars. This man was not ugly, far from it, elves were always aesthetically pleasing. At least the few books I had read in my previous life hadn't been wrong about that, but my father's beauty was overshadowed by the fear he inspired.

I met his gaze and stared at him for a moment. He seemed to expect me to look away, but I denied him that privilege.

Suddenly I heard a thunderous laugh, then he lifted me in his muscular arms.

“It is my son! What a terrifying look.” he exclaimed

Was it really the same man that made me tremble with fear seconds before. I had the impression of being faced with a strange metamorphosis. I could have understood if he had remained distant. After all, it was the first time I had seen him. But now I have in front of me a man who gave me a look full of adoration.

I was confused.

"So aren't you going to say hello to your father? Your mother told me you can talk.”

I read in his eyes impatience mixed with excitement and hope. That man….

" Dad "

Her face lit up at those words.

" Again.”

I wanted to roll my eyes at his insistence. It was what I thought. This man was completely fond of his child.

" Dad.” I repeated

After having to repeat this word several times. I decided that I had to get away from this idiot quickly. It was therefore filled with despair that I stretched out my arms towards my mother, to the great disappointment of my father who seemed ready to burst into tears.

No really his appearance had nothing to do with his personality.

I nuzzled my head against my mother's chest and ignored him.

“My son is so cute.” I heard him say

I didn't know what to feel for this man who seemed to love me, but who had caused my mother so much sadness. Why had he never visited us?

" Liamon, when will you have the ceremony?" Your son needs a name. He is strong. asked my mother

So my dad was called Liamon. In this world it was therefore the father who named his child. And if I had understood what my mother had just said, it was necessary to wait until the baby was of a certain age and to ensure that it survived before giving it a name. I was truly born in a medieval world if the infant mortality rate was so high that this type of action was necessary.

“Elanore, you know I can't give her that kind of ceremony sweetheart. Dalanne and Lidiane would take this as an affront and the tensions between their family and me would intensify. They did not accept our marriage and think you are inferior because you are not of noble lineage. »

He looked pained as he said those words. So, I was the son of a nobleman and a commoner. A forbidden romance. But who were Dalanne and Lidiane? My aunts maybe .

"Liamon, I don't need you to remind me that I am the Duke of Woodskin's third wife, and my little elf is your fifth son. I know it. I see that when the guards barely bow to me as they refrain from licking other's shoes. I know it when I must clean my room because my last maid brought rats into my bedroom which the guards paraded in a cage in the yard. For weeks I heard servants and soldiers whispering that I was an dirty elf. I am even obliged to visit you late at night like a common mistress. I love you Liamon never doubts it, and I knew my fate when I agreed to be by your side. The years of silence after our adolescence. I never doubted that I would be neither your first nor your second wife. After all, the first two had to be noble. I accept my place Liamon, but our son deserves better. »

Third wife? Did I fall into this type of story? A harem story? I had always thought that elves only loved one person all their life. Fantasy novels were so unreliable. But Liamon didn't seem to have a choice. That didn't stop me from resenting my father for my mother's suffering. I was going to have to protect her and survive all this political intrigue.

“I'll give him a name tonight, but that's all I can do. Our child is not strong enough to fight against all his enemies. For now, we can’t draw attention to him. It's for his good Elanore. »

My mother sighed. I didn't want to agree with this man, but he was right. It was better for me to keep a low profile, at least until I was able to help my mother. It was impossible to let her live hidden and humiliated for the rest of her life.

“okay”she said with an annoyed tone .

My father led us under the tree. The clouds that previously veiled the lunar star parted to illuminate the leaves. My eyes widened when I saw a second moon alongside the first. I felt like I was looking at twins.

“Arala is out and accompanies her brother Aran tonight. It is a very good omen.” said my father smiling.

So I hadn't dreamed. That second moon wasn't there the last time I looked at the sky.

“She's fascinating, isn't she? We have never succeeded in creating a lunar calendar. She is never there when you expect her. That's why it's called the Hidden Paths Moon. It would appear only for those who have a great destiny.” added Liamon

“Don't tell him all that nonsense. There has never been any proof of any of this. She is beautiful and that's it. She always watches over her brother in the shadows, like a wife in the shadow of her husband. She only has the chance to shine if he is by her side and never alone. »

My father gave him a pained look. She was no longer talking about the moon, but about something more personal.

"Let 's get started," my father said before hugging me. He then turned to the tree.

“This tree my son is the central part of the estate. He protects us from the beasts that roam the horned forest. It houses an earth spirit that was here even before our ancestors built the castle around it. The spirit has accepted our presence and not the other way around, keep that in mind. To thank him, each duke prays to the spirit to help him find a name for his children. You are my fifth son but my seventh child. Neither your four brothers nor your two sisters managed to wake him up. Maybe you will. »

My father then took my right hand and placed it on the trunk.

“Earth Spirit, bless my son with a name. May he bring him strength and courage in the darkest times. »

I waited, eager to see magic. But I felt nothing. The trunk was hard under my fingers, but I hadn't felt anything else.

“Maybe that was too much to ask of this sleeping tree.” my father said in a disappointed tone.

He was about to pull away, but I shook my head violently.

“Oh, you want to try again. Why not.” he said

If this tree was asleep, I was going to wake it up.

I didn't know if it would work, but I will give a try anyway. I closed my eyes and focused on the tree. On the being it sheltered.

I saw something glowing in its center. This light went on and off, as if breathing. I approached her cautiously and touched her. I felt something leave my body to enter this one. Then the light blinded me and I opened my eyes. The previously invisible light extended to the trunk and the roots, then moved towards the leaves which under the light of the moon, took on a golden tint.

I turned my head towards my mother who seemed shocked but proud. My father looked amazed and hopeful.

Suddenly we heard someone take a deep breath. Then cough violently. But there was no one in the room except…

“Mr tree? It's you ? »

My mother gave me a scandalized look when she heard me called the spirit, but remained silent.

I shrugged and focused on the tree. The voice of an old man answered me.

"Ah, it's been so long, so long. Is it you Balt? You didn't have those burns the last time I saw you. What happened? Did you piss off your wife again? »

Who was Balt?

Liamon bowed to the tree and answered.

“Great spirit, I am the descendant of Balt, Liamon, three thousand years have passed since the death of my grandfather. He could have been with us if a beast hadn't killed him during a hunt. he explained

"So much time has passed?" That fool…I had told him that he had grown too old to play those young elf games. Ah, he must have reincarnated as a beast. I don't see a better fate for him. »

The people of Eteryddyn believed in reincarnation. I wonder if they had proof. I might not be the only earthling here.

“My dad thought the same.” answered my father

“So you came to introduce me to your son. Ah, first I must thank you for giving me some of your magic. I'm not very young anymore and a little juice gives me back some strength. »

My father looked confused.

“My son is the only one who has touched you.” he stammered, tightening his embrace on me.

“Your son…” he said thoughtfully.

I felt the energy once again race through my body as if examining me.

“So it was true. You already have enough magic in you. Do you know how risky what you did was. Giving away your magic like this can be fatal. Especially for such a young child. But what do I detect in you? Curiosity, worry and… Ah, I get it now. he said before her presence faded away.

“Tell me son of Balt, do you know that your son is a reincarnated soul? »