Kara's fingers brushed her chestnut hair as the wind passed her, the grass and flower dance in a frenzy— as a ascent reached her nose.
That smell.
'Its so familiar..' Her lips twist into a soft smile. 'It remained me of..'
The forest around her blurred as the memory rose like smoke, vivid and warm...
'The beginning of my second life..'
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My eyes blinked open, the darkness giving way to a soft lavender glow. I was cradled in warm arms, a lullaby of gentle voices filling my ears.
"Kara," a woman's voice, sweet as honey, whispered tenderly. "Oh my precious little Kara..."
As I struggled to focus, my vision cleared to reveal a face framed by cascading brown hair. Her warm hazel eyes sparkled with love, as if they held the entire world.
"She's getting heavier these days," the woman chuckled softly, her voice melodic.
A large hand brushed gently over my head, the scent of sweat mingling with something sweet filling my nose. "Look at her, Glory. Just a few weeks old," a deep voice marveled, awe evident in his tone. "And she's growing so fast, just like a little sprout..."
My mother nuzzled my cheek affectionately. "She has your striking silver eyes, they suit her so well."
A soft giggle escaped my lips, a helpless sound that seemed to light up the room. The world around me felt like a vibrant canvas of colors and scents, a beautiful experience i was only beginning to understand.
"Do you remember when i was a kid, Glory?" my father asked, mischief glinting in his eyes. "As a child, I dreamed of soaring through the sky."
My mother laughed, her gaze filled with delight as she looked at him. "Yes, Davel, you even declare it to the world. Your imagination was always boundless, and here you are now, still finding joy in the simplest of things."
I watched them, stretching out my small hands to touch their faces. My mother's skin was soft and gentle, while my father's hand was rough yet strong. Both offered a warmth that enveloped me in comfort.
"I hope our little Kara inherits that sense of wonder and imagination," my father said, his voice filled with hope. "I can picture her wielding the elements, imagine her summoning fire or coaxing a gentle breeze."
My mother brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, her touch tender. "Oh, Davel, you're always so..." She paused, stealing a glance at my father's eager expression. "Enthusiastic, at times."
"And I'm not?" he replied playfully, eliciting laughter from my mother as she nudged him gently.
"I, however, envision our little Kara possessing a gentle and nurturing Arcana, just like her pure soul." she said in a matter-of-fact, eyes soften as she looked back at me, "Perhaps she'll have the gift to heal others or bring comfort."
"Ah, but what if she surprises us?" my father shot back, a grin on his face. "What if she has something unexpected, like the ability to manipulate time or walk through dreams? It's been a long time since the last users of those!"
"Now, now, you're getting carried away, Davel. Let's not forget our little one is still a baby. We have plenty of time to discover her true potential."
I listened intently, my tiny mind buzzing with curiosity. All their words, the phrase i never recognize, filled me with interest.
Arcana. I wondered what it meant in this world?
My mother leaned closer, her voice a soft whisper. "Kara, my sweet little one, when you grow up, you'll discover what your Arcana is. It will be a part of you, a precious blessing from our ancestors..."
My gaze fixated on her, wonder filling my heart. I didn't fully grasp her words, but i knew what she meant. I would one day possess my own power, a unique gift that would separate me from others.
'Maybe this time.. will my life be different?'
"Isn't it fascinating, Kara?" my father interrupted my thoughts, excitement bubbling in his voice. "You'll explore this world and uncover your own potential. We'll be right here, supporting you every step of the way."
I cooed in response, as if understanding their words, my tiny hands reaching out towards them.
With a content sigh, i snuggled closer to my parents, feeling their love and warmth around me. As I drifted off to sleep, dreams of something anew danced in my mind.
It was the memory of my promise with that entity.
"On the fifth year of your birth, thou art become blessed with the bloodline of our tribe."
Reincarnation, a desire for a new life, the chance for a new beginning.
"Bear the power that will someday..."
The answer to my wishful rebirth.
"Free me from this eternal seal."
It was right there, extended to me.