[Viktor, son of Smiour]
After catching a glimpse of that green light dancing like a curtain that night, my desire to explore the outside world grew even stronger. I'm pretty convinced now that I'm still on Earth and not in some other world like the ones I've read about in stories.
Aurora is typically only visible in areas that are closer to the poles. There's a good chance I'm hanging out in Iceland or exploring the northern regions of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, Alaska, or possibly even Greenland.
Even though I haven't visited these places myself, I still find a sense of relief in thinking about them.
Since my parents still don't let me step out from under their watchful eyes, I find myself in a position where I have to wait. I'm growing up in this cozy home, surrounded by their affectionate care. Each day passes comfortably, wrapped in the warmth of their love.
Maybe it's because my spirit keeps burning bright every day. Watching my parents during their husband and wife activities, I can't help but feel like this little monster whenever it's feeding time. I just have this instinct to suck up all the milk I can get.
So, two months later, I blossomed into a healthy baby, and today marks my second birthday as well.
I want to show my parents that I'm ready to step out into the world. I plan to demonstrate my determination and independence with every confident move I make. I've improved my balance and confidence. I no longer walk unsteadily like I used to. Plus, my speaking skills have gotten better, making it much easier for people to understand me.
"Are you sure you want to go out?" my father asked, a hint of surprise in his voice. Even though he likely already sensed my longing to step outside, this was the first time he heard me voice it out loud.
"I want to follow father... together." If you believe I intentionally speak this way, you're mistaken.
You wouldn't believe how tough it can be for a 2-year-old like me to put words together without stumbling, drooling, or gasping for air.
Even with that in mind, I still feel pretty lucky because it seems like people are more inclined to go along with most of my requests. But before that, I need to rein in the overwhelming surge of affection they shower upon me.
"Hahaha, look at this boy, he really can't wait."
My father's large hand gently ruffled my hair, and momentarily, I almost lost my balance. I managed to steady myself, though the sensation left me feeling a bit lightheaded.
There were times when he just couldn't hold it together, which was so different from how my mother handled things.
"Just don't even think about teaching little Viktor anything strange, okay? I swear, I won't forgive you if anything goes wrong with him," my mother said, lifting my body with a firm grip.
Suddenly, my vision shifted, and I noticed my feet gently rising off the ground. But that didn't really matter because as soon as we stepped outside, a familiar warmth washed over my face.
The warmth didn't just linger. It spread through my entire body, gradually making its way deeper, settling into my heart. I could hear my parents laughing behind me, exchanging those classic husband-and-wife jokes that I had grown accustomed to hearing every single day.
"Sweetheart, I understand how hard it is for you to be away from Viktor, but this moment is important for him and his father."
My father had this uncanny ability to get my mother riled up, and it was almost like he did it without even trying. It was just one of those things that seemed to happen naturally between them. But this time, with that cocky grin of his, I could tell he was about to stir things up.
In a flash, he swooped me up from my mother's embrace and dashed out of the house.
A few days back, I had talked it over with my parents about my plan to head out, so when that chilly winter wind hit me, I was all set to embrace it. The cozy warmth I felt came from the thick lamb's wool that my mother had expertly sewn into the jacket I was wearing now, using only the finest quality materials.
It felt like I was facing a lot more risks out there.
"Buddy, come on! Let me show you how the coolest folks in this village get together."
I found it impossible to concentrate on what he was saying since my current position was just so uncomfortable. He held me tightly, almost like I was just a piece of luggage, as he wrapped his arms around my petite frame.
As I lay there in a supine position, my legs and arms dangled freely, and I started to feel a wave of nausea wash over me. All I could do was stare up at the vast sky above. If that were to happen, my whole plan would fall apart since I wouldn't be able to gather any information.
"I can walk on my own, father... just put me down, okay?" When I began to protest, my father finally understood just how uncomfortable my situation was, yet he still didn't let me go.
Instead, he allowed me to perch on his neck.
"Hey buddy, what do you think? Are you enjoying the view of Iceland?"
Thank goodness my father couldn't see my face at this moment because I can only imagine how terrified he would be by the sheer ridiculousness of my shocked expression.
"I-Iceland?... Iceland... So that's how it is..."
I'm feeling a mix of relief and sadness since my guess turned out to be partially correct. But in the end, it was all brought to light by my foolish father.
I couldn't believe it. He had never once brought up Iceland while we were at home, and then suddenly, he just blurted it out in front of me. I was completely at a loss for words.
"Exactly, my son. Don't feel let down if, in the end, all you see are vast stretches of snow and towering ice mountains. This is where we belong, and you should take pride in that."
Even though I could sense the excitement in my father's voice, my attention was already pulled away by something else at that moment, and I just couldn't shake it off.
I always had a hunch that I came from a tribe deep within the icy wilderness, but I never imagined a place like this could be real.
The traditional houses I spotted created a pretty sizable village. I could even catch a glimpse of the shoreline, where people were going about their daily activities.
As we walked by, a few people we encountered greeted us with genuine warmth. It was a friendly atmosphere, and I couldn't help but chuckle when I realized they laughed at my attempt to hold their gaze a bit longer. My eyes wandered, taking in every detail of their appearances and the items they carried with them.
I went through all of this to uncover something that had been on my mind for quite a while now.
Absolutely, it's a modern sign.
Honestly, anything will do—I'm okay with a plastic basket.
But why?
I didn't come across anything at all.
Their clothing was pretty consistent, featuring the usual thick sheep wool jackets paired with old trousers for the men and long skirts for the women. It's interesting to note that their fashion choices haven't shifted much in the last couple of years.
They also sport shoes crafted from animal skin, securely fastened with ropes to keep out even the tiniest bit of snow. Overall, their clothes are comfortable, especially in this wild, cold, snowy weather. Staying warm is super important for them.
"Oh, Smiour, I honestly didn't think you'd show up today! Out of everyone I know, you genuinely seem to enjoy your job, so what's going on? You're not the type to be late, are you?"
A hoarse voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and as I glanced around, I realized we had come to a stop at an open building. So, imagine a spot that has a roof overhead but is completely open on the sides.
Well, I definitely wouldn't go so far as to call the fabric draping the back of this spot a wall.
As soon as the thick smell of smoke hit me, my nose crinkled up instinctively, and I could feel it filling my lungs. However, my father's sudden movement forced me to grip on even more firmly.
He really struggled to protect his son when he allowed me to be constantly surrounded by that harmful smoke while he chatted with his friends.
"Today is a pretty special day. Just don't be surprised, alright?"
All of a sudden, everything flooded back to me as I felt the weight of several pairs of eyes watching me. My father had this playful glint in his eye as he lifted me up, almost like he was showcasing his prized pet to his two friends. It felt like a moment where he wanted to share a bit of pride, and I could sense the lightheartedness in the air.
"Wow, you actually brought your son along! You sure know how to push Eva's buttons, don't you?"
As I heard my mother's name, I seized the brief moment to take in the sight of the nearly bald man standing before me. He stood just as tall as my father's ear, but I definitely couldn't overlook the strength in his muscular build. His broad grin somehow made the little beard on his chin seem a lot more tolerable.
It wasn't just him. The other guy had a similar build, too. I didn't sense any bad vibes from either of them, so it felt like they were genuinely welcoming me. In fact, I had this strange feeling that I recognized them when they came to visit me at home a few months after I was born.
It makes sense, considering they are my father's closest friends.
"I can't believe how fast Viktor has grown! It's wild. And just so you know, you not only had us worried, but Thors has been searching for you since earlier too. He actually planned to head straight over to your place."
I honestly felt like throwing in the towel. The smoke in this place was making it hard to breathe, and my vision was starting to get all fuzzy.
Perhaps it was my mother's protective nature that prompted my father to dash out to meet Thors without hesitation. Right away, I could feel my lungs refreshing, and my vision sharpened, allowing me to spot a man walking by with a bucket of water.
There was no need for my father to even call him over. Thors was already making his way over, a broad smile spreading across his face as he said, "I'm glad I can learn from you again today."
After setting the bucket of water aside, Thors turned to me with a smile. "You too. It's great to see you again, Viktor, son of Smiour."