You wake up with a start. Suddenly, as if something had jolted you from the abyss, into consciousness.
Like hearing alarm bells sounding.
Like hearing a long, tortured scream.
You awake, and there is an emptiness. A hollow feeling that squeezed your chest, and you couldn't understand it.
You look around you, and you realize you don't seem to be in any danger. There is something comforting and familiar about the vines that twined themselves into the window shutters.
The fragrant meal that waited, by the window.
And the bear of a man that slept peacefully, sitting in a chair beside you, as he held your hand.
In the very least, you didn't seem to be in imminent danger. And whoever this was, seemed to care about you.
But who was he?
And more to the point, who are you?
You watch him as he yawns slowly, eyes slowly blinking, as he woke.
"Good, you're awake. I must've dozed off, after I made breakfast." He says, as he hands you a plate. "All I have is simple fare, but you're welcome to it."
"Where am I" you ask, as you take it. "How did I get here?"
He watches you eat, as he answers. "A travelling wizard found you by the forest. He was in the middle of something dangerous, so he brought you here. He might come by and check on you, if he survives."
"Or not." he adds. "He's feeling very complicated, at the moment. I'm sure you do, as well."
"Do you remember anything?" He asks.
"No," you answer. "I feel like I should want to find out, but I also feel like it's fine not to. It's strange."
"Is that all?" He inquires, an odd tone in his voice you can't quite place.
"No." you admit. "I feel anxious. Not about you, I feel like I know you, but there's something. I don't know. Isn't it strange? Am I strange?"
"Not at all." He replies. "Why not stay here, while you figure things out?"
"I wouldn't want to intrude."
"Intrude? Not at all. I've been waiting for someone to help mind the house for me. I'm not always home, and I feel anxious, each time I leave." He answers guilelessly. "It would also be nice to come home to a warm meal, when I return. It gets lonely out here by myself. Having a friend to talk with, would be a blessing."
He takes your now-empty plate, and hands you a glass. It's apple juice.
"Thank you. I'll be happy to stay, if it's okay with you. At least, until I get my memory back."
He gives you a look of genuine delight, as he answers "Stay as long as you like. Whether your memory returns or not, you are always welcome here."
You find it strange that he would be so generous to a stranger.
"Do you know me?" You ask, hesitantly.
"I do." He says. "I know the Oakfather has sent you to me for rest and healing. And I am thankful that he did."
There was a truth in his words that rang deep. Even as it sidestepped the question, entirely. You decide to trust this man.
"You can call me Halsin." He offers. "Until your memory returns, we should call you something. What would you like me to call you?"
You can't think of a name so you leave it to him.
"What would you like to call me?" you ask, innocently.
He smiles at you, but for some reason, it is both sad and sweet.
"Then let me call you Cyllien." He decides, as he walks out the room with the dishes.
"Cyllien" you murmur. Tasting the syllables on your tongue.
And while you can't remember your own name, or your origins, you remember you have a love for history and languages, and you realize what the name means.
And you wonder just how well this large, gentle man knew you, and what you might have caused him for him to look at you like that.
Even as he called you sweetheart.