Of Ancient Passages: Chapter 5: What to Wonder?

When he awakens, her arms are wrapped tight around him. Quite a persistent grip, holding his shirt so tight. She dreams of slow things. Carefully he gets up. His body does not ache or hurt.  Moving to the door, he grabs the handle, stopped, caught by her voice.

Whispers come through haze of dreams. “Don’t leave me. It is not my fault. Sol I am so sorry. Words cannot describe my woe. Please do not leave. I am so scared, help me, and stay.”

He finds this an odd thing. For whatever reason a sense of nostalgia comes (like a quick breeze). A feeling that holds, making his heart race, in an all too peculiar way. Laying back down he waits for her to wake. Listening to the silence, relaxation works in. He has a stable piece of mind, for however long it may last.

What am I doing? Have I lost my mind completely? Why should I wait for her to wake up? What does it matter? There is something familiar about all of this. But why? I wish I could figure it out.

These strangers do not know him, or he they. He is sure of that. Still he finds an odd sense of peace with them around. May be he is comforted by the company. That alone is a good reason to leave, isn’t it? To stay alone locked away by memories is a harsh fate.

Stretching she opens her eyes. Mesmerizing purple globes move to him. Smiling she wipes away her sleepies. D’ereen grabs onto him in a warm embrace. Giggling like the happiest woman in the world. Sol feels odd about it and has a hard time understand why.

“Can I get up now?”

She smiles humorously. “No, no, never.”

They head to the kitchen. Sol slumps in a chair, trying to wake up. He does not usually rise this early. Looking around he wishes the house were cleaner. Soot sprites gather at his feet. Hiding as D’ereen moves about.

“Do you mind if I make breakfast?” She asks.

“Uh, have you already asked me that?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

“Oh, well I thought…never mind. Yes please feel free.”

Soon the room wafts with delicious smells. She is glowing. Fixing his plate, she hands it to him. Setting her own plate down joining him. Scooping with his fork, he holds it to his mouth. It smells like something his mother made.

“I hope you like it.”

He takes a bite letting his taste buds kick it around. “This tastes exactly how my mother use to make it.” He digs in.

“I am so glad you like it.”

“How did you know? This is my favorite dish.”

“It’s a secret.” She winks.

The rest of the food vanishes quickly. “That was amazing. Even better than what my mother use to make. How did you learn to cook like that?”

She nearly kisses him. “You want some more?”

“I could not eat another bite.”

He is glad for company. It feels good. Almost like old times in a dreamy sort of way. It makes him grin. He cannot believe the uncommon expression came. When had he grinned last, or smiled, it is not easy to recall.

Alunda stumbles from his room. He sits down. D’ereen makes him a plate. It vanishes quickly. Everyone’s conversations are tidy and warm. It is refreshing to see the gloom lift from the house.
The wizard’s voice booms through the breakfast haze. “I have to leave soon before it gets too late in the day. Pack light. Bring only what you can carry. If you both still plan on coming that is.”

“I cannot stay. This place holds bad memories. You have given me a taste of what I am missing. I just can’t remain here any longer.”

D’ereen folds her arms. “Don’t forget about me.”

“Then we are set. We leave in a few minutes. Ready your things.” Says Alunda.