You have no home;
My feet carry me not as far as I would have hoped, before I awaken to dew laden grass, my head pounding and muscles sore. Had I lost consciousness? Bullocks. Rolling onto my side, I stare out into the darkness, ears twitching at minute sounds that flitter in the distance and sit up. Dagger at the ready...far too weak to protect myself. I have to keep moving. The next day brings no end to my travels. I’m weary; hungry. I los consciousness yet again, just outside city limits. Leave me here. There’s nothing worth saving. Warmth envelops me, but waking up seems difficult. My body begs me to let it heal itself, so I let it do just that. I wake to an empty hovel, fire crackling beside me. There are numerous blankets placed upon me and I reach up to feel at my left eye. It’s since been healed, and covered, but the socket still remains. My brow furrows at the feeling in my gut, and take another look about the room. It’s cozy...homey even. “You’re awake. Good. I was beginning to worry that you would never break your meditative state and that you would become one of the lost ones.” I blink at that stranger, who makes their way to the fire and places a kettle. “How are you feeling?” It takes me a moment to find my voice. “Rested.” The stranger smiles. “I hope so.” Moving away from the flame, the stranger wanders to a cupboard to retrieve a bowl, and returning to the fire to retrieve the kettle after a few moments. The stranger hands me the bowl. “Drink, to restore your strength.” It’s bitter, but I know I have to drink it despite the taste. “How long was I…?” I ask. “A week. Maybe more.” The stranger responds with a very small shrug. She points to my left eye, smiling somberly. “I’m sorry, it seems you’ve been through a lot.” Frowning, I nod. “I was able to heal it, though there was some damage to the socket that I was unable to mend and unable to save.” I reach up to the left side of my face. “This is more than I could have ever asked for, and I don’t know how to repay you for caring for me these past few weeks.” She shaked her head and laughs for but a moment. “The bridge cities bring many people in, and they filter out just the same, bringing supplies, and herbs for healing. They’re easy to come by on ones own if you know where to look. I need no thanks, other than for you to become strong once more.” I stare at her for a moment, and finish the tea poured for me. “I…” Pausing, I look away from her, then back to her once more. “Thank you. I will do my best.”
They would give me no aid. They don’t let me explain. They never did. My family does not bid me farewell; they turned their back on me. I’m sent off with nothing but my bow, and my heart seeming like it’s perpetually stuck in my throat. I’m grateful to be alive, but I wish I would have never attempted to return home.
