The city was called Avantia, it was my home. For many years, I had lived in this castle. This very room was a place I played often in my childhood. Riona was the queen of Faerelle, or as I once knew her, my mother. 

My memory was still mixed up, so I wasn’t exactly sure how long it had been, but I was certain that I lived on Earth for at least six years. In that time my mother hadn’t changed. She barely looked any different from how I remembered her.

I had vague memories of a bedtime story she used to tell me, something about a soldier named Liriel. I also recalled studying magic under Lady Silvia until I was six, but beyond that everything mixed together with my life on earth and I wasn’t sure what was real or fake.

"Silvon," The Queen said, drawing me back to the moment. "I've missed you terribly." She placed an arm around my shoulders and guided me towards a couch. "Please, sit down with me."

There are times in everyone's life when they feel completely lost, alone, and helpless. With my memory all scrambled, that’s exactly how I felt. I didn’t know who to believe, who I could trust. Because of what my uncle had said, I couldn’t even be sure the stakes of my decisions, but I had a gut feeling that discovering I was an elven prince wouldn’t mean a life of luxury and comfort. 

I recalled times when my mother, The Queen, used to comfort me. No matter how busy she was, how many scrolls she still needed to stamp and seal, or which duke needed her ear, she was always there for me. I knew she cared for me. That was never in question, but I still didn't understand why she sent me away—why my memory was manipulated.

I worried that even now, someone could be manipulating my memory. Some things were very firm, I felt confident in those, but some things felt more fuzzy. There was also the overlap between some memories from Earth and some that happened here, although a little differently, leaving me to wonder how much of what I remembered I could I trust?

I at least felt confident that Queen Riona was my birth mother. Avantia, the capital city of elves, was where I was born and Aeros my home world. On earth I’d always felt out of place, I was faster, stronger, and more keen of mind than humans. Being an elf explained those differences.

I'd daydream in class about a world where magic wasn't just a fantasy, and dragons were as real as any horse. In doodles, I'd draw up scenes like the city Clair had just walked me through. I wrote stories about young adventurers slaying great beasts; stories I now recognized as the elven legends that served as my bedtime stories when I was young. Now it all made sense.

Standing in my old home, a stranger, seeing familiar things—most exactly as I remembered them—the feeling was surreal. I wasn’t human, I was an elf. My memories continued to return, but I touched my ears to be sure. It was real. “I’m really a prince…” I uttered as it all settled in.

“The proof of your royal lineage is your silver eyes and the gold strands in your hair.” The Queen said as she sat down on the couch, giving me an expectant smile.

I had brown hair and eyes, or at least I did when I was on earth. I’d have to check later. I sat next to her, trying to decide what I should say. There were quite a few things I wanted to ask, but again, I didn't know where to begin.

"Mom—can I call you that?" It wasn't what I intended to ask, but it was as good a starting place as any.

She nodded, so I continued. "Why did you send me to earth?"

Her expression darkened slightly before answering. "Your uncle was a treasonous bastard. That ass—” She began, but stopped short. “I’m sorry." She paused and took a breath, but didn’t continue speaking. 

The explanation brought to the surface the haunting nightmares I’d started having. “So he really did try to—”

“Another time Silv.” My mother interrupted.

I frowned in frustration.

A coup attempt might've explained why I had to go to earth, but it certainly didn't explain why I was left there for so long or why my memories had been messed with. All things considered, I felt I was owed an explanation. 

She must've realized I wasn't satisfied with her response because she said, "Answers will come soon. For now, I want to enjoy the time I have with you." Smiling, she pulled me into a warm embrace. “It's been six years since I last hugged you."

For a second I hesitated, unsure of what to do. But the hug was gentle, comforting even, and soon enough I relaxed into her arms.

As I held onto her, I noticed how soft and strong she seemed, bringing back more positive memories. She'd always been loving when I was young. I still wanted a better explanation, but I told myself she must've had a reason, and for now that was good enough.

We remained embraced for several minutes, until I grew tired and finally pulled away.

Something happened then, like a dam breaking. Childhood memories flooded my mind—the stories she told me, our games together, her laugh. Suddenly I understood why I loved her, and why I never felt at home on earth. I felt tears welling up behind my eyelids, I tried to blink them away, but I couldn’t stop them coming.

"I've missed you so much, Silvon,” Mother said, smiling gently at my teary eyes.

 "Me too, mom.” I smiled back, wiping the moisture from my cheeks. “Me too.”