3/19

“I want to be a hero.” Skeggi said.

Three months have passed since Eiric arrived at the heavens waiting room, the halls continue to fill as few are sent to their new life.

Passing time can be difficult as no one is allowed far from the castle and the information of the world below is limited to the few books passed around by reincarnations. Of course, the humans find it difficult to get their hands on the books.

“I think you should focus on not being despised by everyone.” Halvard said.

“That’s why I’m going to be hero. What do you say, Eiric, want to be a hero with me?”

“I’m not sure if I’ll be strong enough.”

“That’s what our blessing will be for. I’ll show them, humans aren’t so bad.”

“I disagree.” Halvard said, “If they’re anything like back home, then even you can’t change their minds.”

“We have to try. Like in the stories, we’ve been summoned for a reason.”

“And if we haven’t?”

“I’ll make the reason. We should at least try, right?”

“You won’t convince a youngster, Skeggi.” Livhild said. “But is there anything you want to do Halvard?”

“I just want my life to be different this time around.”

“And you’ll make it happen. Oh, I just can’t wait to be young again. Eiric, anything you want to do once we reincarnate?”

“I’ll find Sigrun. And then… I don’t know.”

“You know, I hear you mumble that name in your dreams every now and then. Who is Sigrun?” Skeggi said.

“My dreams? She’s my friend from the orphanage; I followed her here.”

“Followed?! Well, nothing is impossible. Ah, to be in love again. Just you wait, I’ll marry an elf beauty.”

“Good luck with that, the elf tribes will probably parade your head around at one of their events.” The tiny winged man that saved Eiric sits on Skeggi’s shoulder.

“Jarl! Did you get it?”

“Of course I did. Now where’s the stuff? Oh!” Jarl snatches a chocolate bar from Skeggi, “Mmmm! You humans from, earth, was it? Always have the best stuff, why don’t one of you open a bakery here. That will get you some love.”

“I can’t cook. Hey, have you ever heard of someone coming here together?”

“You’re asking for that boy aren’t you. I want nothing more to do with him. For goodness’s sake, if any of the angels find out about his method of arrival, I’ll be cleaning the bathrooms.”

“I’ll trade for it.”

“… get close.” Jarl looks around before continuing, “Listen. There’s no shortage of blessings, but for any to transcend worlds, it’d have to be extremely powerful. Only a sullied blessing could do such a thing, there’s rules you know. But… I’ve said enough. I don’t care if all of you are rotten to the core, there is no greater sin than a sullied blessing.” Jarl said before flying away.

“A sullied blessing?” Eiric said.

“From what I hear, it’s when a blessing has all restraints removed. But that’s all anyone ever says about it. They become frightened when speaking about it.” Livhild said, “Eiric, don’t worry about his words too much. If you trust this girl, then I’m sure all will be well.”

“I agree, if she is your love then you go find her. Now then, Livhild, should we do it now?”

“Yes. We could be called upon at any moment.”

The trio brings Eiric to a table where a large birthday cake awaits him. Skeggi places the candles he got from Jarl on the cake and lights a flame for each.

“Happy birthday!” They all said.

“For me?”

“Of course. I know you don’t know your actual date, so we’ll made it today.” Livhild said.

“Make a wish. I don’t believe in such things, but this world could be different.” Halvard said.

“Then, I wish for us to meet again.” Eiric said as he blew the candles out.

“Aw, I hope we do as well.” Skeggi said.

The group enjoys their cake as they receive strange stares from the others nearby. Birthdays in their world are used as rites of passage, seldom celebrated as humans do. Yet, the joy conveyed by Eiric as he enjoys cake with his friends is undeniable.

“Thank you everyone. I’m really glad I met you all here.”

“Hey, you’ll meet even more great people in the new world. But, if times ever get tough, we’ll always be available.” Livhild said.

Before anyone can continue, the doors at the center of the waiting room opens.

“Livhild, Jarskeggi, Halvard, Eiric.” Are the first names called of the bunch.

Excited bodies rush for the door, eager to begin their new lives despite losing memories as they do. Only the reincarnated from another world have the luxury of memory.

“So, it is time.” Livhild said.

“Hey, we’ll be fine.” Skeggi said.

“I know. I know. I just wish I got to say goodbye.” Livhild wipes a tear away.

“Maybe you’ll find a way in the new world. Eiric had someone contact him after all.” Halvard said.

“Oh! Yes. I’ll ask Sigrun how she did it.” Eiric said.

“Oh, that would be nice. Ok. Everyone, it is time.”

The group walks to the open door holding hands. Despite their time here, the start of a new life is one that brings great nerves.

With their first step into the hall, the group disappears.

Eiric opens his eyes. He is alone in a dark room lit only by the light of small floating orbs carrying different weapons or runs inside.

“Dear child, we meet again.” Verdandi stands at the center of the floating orbs. “What you see here are blessings. Each generated by the great tree Yggdrasil to be given to the reincarnations that will protect our world. Each blessing is made for the person; the great tree is aware of what will make you worthy after all.”

“Did everyone else get theirs?”

“Oh yes. This is an adventure you must do alone of course. Stand by me, we will find your blessing together.”

Eiric does so, looking around to which blessing could be his. The heart of a child is drawn to the swords and weapons in the orbs, though none call his name.

“How strange. Follow me child.”

Verdandi leads Eiric down the dark hall. In time, they appear in a forest with a massive tree standing at its center. The forest is endless, smaller trees covering every possible space in the quiet forest.

Magic is great here. Even Eiric who has only heard of magic is aware of the veil covering the area. Both protective and nurturing, the veil welcomes Eiric.

“Yggdrasil, I have brought the one you called for.”

Despite the wonders around him, Eiric focuses only on the massive tree, Yggdrasil. Like the other trees in the area, Yggdrasil teems with magic. But it’s magic isn’t soothing like the rest.

“Is Yggdrasil sick?”

“She is. We angels search for a way to heal her, but it is a difficult task. Perhaps you will be able to find an answer.” Verdandi kneels and breaks a piece of Yggdrasil’s root. “You are full of surprises; Yggdrasil has bestowed this blessing upon you.” Verdandi kneels and places the end of the root to Eiric’s head. “Your sacrifice will bring us closer to protecting the world. Thank you, Eiric. Your blessing is… master of light magic.”

Verdandi stabs Eiric’s head with the root, eliciting a scream from him as Eiric struggles to free himself from Verdandi’s sudden grasp. He’s unable to run, soon succumbing to the pain and waking in a dark room where small rods of light pass by him.

Each rod whispers, though the words are unintelligible even as Eiric approaches them.

“Eiric.”

The voice that calls for him is far.

“Eiric.”

‘I’m here!”

The voice familiar, one he believes he has heard many times before. One that brings him comfort and joy even if he has no explanation of why or how. He runs for it as fast he can until,

“Eiric! Oh, you opened your eyes. Love, look, he’s looking at me.”

A beautiful woman holds Eiric, smiling at him as she wipes away tears. Just next to her, sitting on the bed, is a handsome man with an even wider smile. Their smiles disappear as the doctor returns however; the woman tightens her hold on Eiric.

“They’ve asked for another examination.”

“We’ve already checked his body.” The man said, “He has no mark of the blessed, the boy is normal.”

“Ah eh.” Eiric said. He just received a blessing, or he believes he did. His second meeting with Verdandi is a distant memory now.

“Then allow us to check.” The doctor raises his hand over Eiric. “Einn scan… nurse, the boy is normal.”

The doctors leave the room.

“Thank goodness. Torsten, you needn’t worry.”

“I know dear. Eiric, welcome, we promise to always protect you.”