My dream this night is a whirlwind of memories of my own and Aylwin. I was at the edge of our home with Aylwin practicing the magic of old with my mother. I was there but I was not "I". I look at Aylwin and sounded like him. His blue locked with my brown. He shocked so to say but he was fascinated at the sight. He approached me and touched my face. My hands moved on its own and mirrored his movements. He caressed my cheeks and so did I. It was all life-like and I felt it as if I was feeling the warmth of his blood. He tried grasping my hand but a shattering sound came from the heavens and shook me awake.
I wasn't in my meager crib anymore. I was sleeping in a bed, hard as it may be but more comfortable nonetheless. I was sweating the whole time and I stank underneath the fur blanket. I'd take a bath if not for the growling of my stomach.
Finally, real food. I approached the kitchen and as I did, I realized that the discomfort I felt in Aylwin's body is gone. Something during the sleep made my soul attune to his body. It feels as if I'm wearing his body like a well-worn cloak. I walked with comfort and met with my mother who just finished preparing barley bread, porridge and a side of berries foraged at the backyard.
Dirk nor our father is nowhere to be seen. If memory serves correct, they've been gone for three days now on a scout to find Ironwood groves in the forest. Rumors say that a war is brewing up North between kingdoms I do not know yet. Something about land or broken betrothals were the cause. The truth is far to be found because the merchants passing Belfiore tend to spice up their tales with half-truths and out of proportioned stories. Kind of like 'ye olde fake news'. With this war, Dirk suggested that they find new Ironwood groves for lumber. Ironwood is sturdier than most wood, lighter than most steel but fetches a higher price. With a new grove to harvest, they'll have enough money to keep them fed for three years or so. The rest will be spent on Dirk's application for the Warrior's company and Aylwin's necessary apothecaries and trinkets for magic training.
"Aylwin," mother snapped at me. She laid down the light gruel of porridge at the table and looked at me. "You look different today."
I gulped. She must have seen my eyes. If she realized that, she'll probably find out that it's me hiding inside her son.
"I can't put a finger on it but you do look different. Anyway, wake up your little brother. Breakfast's ready."
If she finds out that my real body is gone, she'll flip out or even blame Aylwin. I can't let her do that. I need to do something. I...