ELDARYA

Our next step.

“I thought things would happen faster,” Erika thought. “I thought we’d cross the portal sooner. I thought things would unfold quickly. But real life isn’t like that. Obviously.”

Sometimes, Erika wished she could live in a book. She imagined how it would be to live in a book, where things flow quickly, where everything is so easy.

But real life wasn’t like that. Processes were slow and drawn-out. She felt stagnant. Above all, she felt powerless. She wished she could contribute something. She wished she could be useful; but she wasn’t.

Her knowledge of physics was superficial. About mechanics, almost nonexistent. About magic, weak. Her powers? Useless. She felt useless.

She wondered if she would be chosen to cross the portal. Would she have any usefulness? She avoided the subject. She really wanted to cross that portal.

She dried her hair, squeezing the blue towel that was wrapped around it. It seemed a bit longer when wet, maybe one or two centimeters difference.

She had embraced her short hair, at shoulder length. She liked her hair this way. It gave her a more adult look. She had always had features that hinted at youth, like her big eyes—something she had hated for a long time—or her height. She noticed she was taken more seriously after cutting her hair. It was subtle, but it made a big difference to her.

Nevra, sitting on the bed, watched her. What was going through his mind while she dried her hair? He got up and took the brush from the nightstand. Erika didn’t question anything, she just sat in the chair in front of the vanity. Nevra began to brush her hair.

— Do you want to cook with me? I bought some shrimp.

She remained silent for a moment before responding.

— Yes, sure.

They fell into a brief silence. Nevra started:

— Are you worried about the situation with the portal?

Right on target. Erika bit her lower lip.

— You know me so well.

She gave a dry laugh that sounded more like a sigh.

— It’s just that...

She searched for the right words. The right feeling. He waited in silence. All in its time.

— I wanted to be part of the expedition, you know? But I don’t know if they’ll call me.

Nevra thought for a moment.

— I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t call you.

He said, touching his chin with his hand.

— I don’t see any reason for them to call me. I’m not a scientist. I’m not an explorer. I can shoot, but I’m not a soldier. Why would they call me?

She contested, looking down. Nevra finished brushing and set the brush on the vanity.

— You’re a symbol of the union between two worlds. You were a messiah, twice.

He concluded.

— And what difference does that make? I don’t think that’s a reason to take me.

She looked at him through the mirror. His gaze softened. He turned her towards him and placed his hands on her shoulders.

— It’s just that… They’ve spent the last two years promoting you as a symbol of the union between two worlds, a harbinger of salvation. It’s already something that’s been embraced by the people. I find it unlikely they’d change this narrative now, seeing as it’s not about what you do, but what you represent. The weight of what you symbolize is undeniable.