A new Beggining

In the stillness of a modest room in the village of Elden's Reach, the first cry of a newborn pierced the quiet night. The midwife, a kindly woman with gentle hands, wrapped the infant in a soft, warm blanket and handed him to the waiting arms of his mother, Sarah.

"Congratulations, it's a boy," she said with a smile, watching as the mother cradled her son for the first time.

Sarah, with tears of joy in her eyes, looked down at her newborn. "Hello, my beautiful Leo," she whispered, touching his tiny hand.

Beside her, John, the proud father, looked over with a broad smile, his heart swelling with happiness and relief. "He's got your eyes, Sarah."

As the new parents admired their son, a small voice echoed within the confines of the infant's mind, a remnant of a past life beginning to stir. Where am I? Who is this? The thoughts were fleeting, confused impressions not yet fully formed.

Sarah and John noticed nothing unusual, absorbed in their joy and the immediate tasks of caring for their new son. The midwife finished her duties and assured them once more before leaving, "He's strong and healthy. You have a wonderful little boy."

As the days turned into weeks, Leo grew quickly, as all children do. But within him, the quiet voice continued to ponder, gradually gaining coherence. This voice... is it mine? Am I not Lucian, the ruler of Avalon? How can this be?

Despite these internal questions, Leo's outward life was filled with typical childhood experiences. His days were spent learning to crawl, to walk, to play. Sarah and John, both former soldiers, provided a loving and stable home, filled with laughter and stories of their adventures. They were unaware of the deep, existential contemplations occurring within their son's mind.

Year One

By his first birthday, Leo had started to articulate his thoughts more clearly, even if only to himself. These people, they care for me, protect me. They call me Leo. But I remember a different life, a throne, a crown. How can this be?

His first words, much to his parents' delight, were simple yet filled with joy. "Mama, Papa," he babbled, reaching out with chubby hands. Sarah and John cheered and clapped, encouraging every sound and giggle from their son, unaware of the profound dissonance these simple interactions caused in the mind of the child who had once been a king.

As Leo grew, so did his physical and mental capabilities. He learned quickly, picking up language and movement with an ease that surprised even his parents. Yet, at night, in the quiet of his room, the memories of his past life became more vivid. Images of battles, decisions made with heavy consequences, and faces of people he once knew flickered through his mind like shadows dancing on the wall.

Year Two

On his second birthday, surrounded by other village children at a small party, Leo found himself watching the other kids play. He felt a strange separation from them, an awareness of experiences they had not shared. They are innocent, unburdened by such memories. Is this my second chance? To live freely, unshackled by the past?

Yet, the question lingered, unanswered. Leo played and laughed, but the echoes of Lucian's life were never far from his thoughts, a constant reminder of a destiny that was still unclear.

As Leo continued to grow, each year added more pieces to the puzzle of his dual identity. With each memory of Lucian that surfaced, Leo struggled to integrate these with the simple, loving life he now led. The contrast between past and present was stark but also enlightening, offering him unique perspectives on life and a depth of understanding rare for someone so young.