The Translator

Chapter 1: Meeting the Jaakoppi's

(Erik's P.O.V)

Hi everyone, my name is Eikko Koskinen, but please feel free to call me Erik. I am among the first generation in my family to be born in Illea instead of Swendway so I know English very well, but I also speak fluent Finnish. My parents are desperately trying to hold onto our Swendish customs so we live in a small Swendish community here in Kent. I am currently on my way to Sota for what I guess you would call an interview. I applied to be a translator for a young man around my age named Henri Jaakoppi who was recently chosen to participate in the Selection process.

Quick explanation on what this Selection is and why it is so important. I'm not quite sure how to word this so forgive me if it hardly makes sense. A selection is when 35 commoners, one from each different provinces in Illea, are chosen at random to come to the palace and compete against each other to win the hand of a royal. I know it sounds really weird, but the royal family believes this is a good way to make their people happy. The last two selections had been a prince trying to find a wife among 35 females, but this time it is Princess Eadlyn Schreave who will be finding a husband among 35 testosterone driven males...this should be interesting. I'm not completely sure the princess knows what she is getting herself into, but I shouldn't be one to judge. I am a nobody after all, and that is just how I like it. You are probably wondering if I submitted an application for the selection and my answer to that is no. Who am I to try and win the heart of the beautiful princess?

Anyways, I am on my way to Sota to meet with the Jaakoppi family who speak very little English. That is why they are desperate to try and find a translator for their son, Henri, who will be taking part in the selection starting next week. Not only do they want a translator, but they also want someone who can help Henri learn English and I feel like I am the right man for the job...I just hope they think so too!

Chapter 1: Meeting the Jaakoppi's

"Tervetuloa!" Mrs. Jaakoppi welcomes me in Finnish.

"Tervetuloa kotiimme," Mr. Jaakoppi says next, welcoming me into their home. "Tule sisaan, tule sisaan (come in, come in)!!"

"Henri, come here please," Mrs. Jaakoppi says, switching to English. They quickly guide me into their living room and sit me down on the couch before offering me some tea. The entire home is filled with the wonderful auroma of many different Finnish foods.

"Ei kiitos (no thank you)," I smile shyly, trying not to play with my shirt cuffs.

"You...tired?" Mr. Jaakoppi says, attempting English.

"A little," I say, never losing my smile. I notice that both Mr and Mrs. Jaakoppi are grinning from ear-to-ear, their smiles practically lighting up the room. "Mutta mina tulen hyvin (but I will be fine)."

"Henri! Kiire, kiitos, Eikko on vasynyt (Hurry please, Erik is tired)," Mrs. Jaakoppi calls, stepping into another room.

"Anteeksi aiti (sorry mom)," Henri says politely, finally coming into view.

My first impression of Henri is that he is a very happy, energetic young man. Henri is a normal height with a slight build and a head full of wild, curly blonde hair. I can practically feel Henri's excitement and happiness dripping off of himself and into the room. From that moment on, I knew we could become best friends.

"Terveisia, Henri (Greetings)," I say, standing up from my place on the couch.

"Eikko!! On niin hyva tavata sinut (Erik!! It is so good to meet you)," Henri exclaims happily, pulling me into a giant hug. "Oletko nalkainen? (Are you hungry)"