Admittedly, I chose a strange name. At first, it was comical but, after telling a couple of people and seeing their hesitant faces, part of me doubted if I should let it stick. Yet, I was assured by a few that it was a perfectly fine name. Especially if it was temporary. Zoey even said that she knew someone from her home that had a relative of the same name. Granted, they could have been only saying that to make me feel better. The only one that really made me worry though was Zenix. He scoffed at the name I had chosen for myself, told me it wasn't even a real name. Rowan though butted in and again told me to not become insecure about the choice.

' Luckily, a few days passed and I noticed that it had become more comfortable. I would wake up in my room and head downstairs to greet Dale and Molly as he was headed out for the day. They would both happily greet me by saying the name. I would then leave a while later to see Brendan and Donna in the fields, saying it with a bit of excitement. Though part of it was probably knowing they had more help once again. Then, a few people would pass by, like Zoey, and they would wish me a hello the same way. Now, would I always have this name? I couldn't be too sure. Possibly one day I would finally know mine and this one could be set aside but, for now, it was fine. One thing that made it better and sound more like anybody's name was when Rowan would come up to me and say; "Miss Aphmau."

It sounded natural coming from his dialect. Smooth like pebbles on the beach.

I had come to find myself getting into a routine here. Wake up, help with a few tasks around the village as a way to show my gratitude for being here, and then join a small crowd at Molly and Dale's Inn for a few drinks and a laugh. It was becoming more...enjoyable. Like I was meant to be here. Sure, no memories of my past life have appeared in my mind but, I was happy to be making new ones.

The tenth day of my arrival, as Donna liked to call it, I was helping her on the wheat fields, harvesting some for bread for the village and some for trade. The cool breeze of Phoenix Drop's spring was refreshing enough to keep me going, Donna chatting away about some topic or two. That day, she was going on about a merchant who had arrived the day prior. "His name is Logan and he stops by once every season. The first couple of times I met him, he was a real brute in my opinion but, then after the third...well, I reckon he's not that bad of a character."

"Well," I say, hesitant to reply. My interaction with him the day prior was one that was similar to Zenix's. Though, I decided to trust her input more as she did just say that it takes a while with him. "I'll take your word for it."

"Trust me, Aphmau. He's a real gentleman," She assured me once more, tying a bundle together in her hands so naturally. "In fact, he's going to join me for dinner tonight. His treat."

I giggled as she continued to "not gush" over the man, talking about how his messy golden hair was too dirty for her liking and his purple eyes were very unique. I wondered if this was who Donna was a normal basis. Then, from a distance, I heard a voice call out; "Miss Aphmau!"

I turned to see Rowan standing by the fence with Zenix by his side. His iron helmet shined so brightly in the sun, I had squint. I waved as I shouted back; "Hello Rowan! Hello Zenix! Is everything alright?"

"Yes but we were hoping that you could assist us in something," Rowan called back. His voice once again made me doubt that he was truly as young as he said he was. "It may help jog some memories."

"A big may if that," Zenix added, the wind carrying his voice.

I looked to Donna who just shrugged and left it up to me. I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to regain some of my past, so I said my goodbyes and joined the two men on the cobblestone path. Zenix, as usual, seemed distant but, Rowan remained his polite self as he went on to say; "I'm glad you'll be joining us, Aphmau. But, please, feel free to express to either of us if you're uncomfortable."

"Of course, Rowan," I replied, crossing my arms behind my back and giving him an assuring smile. I then turned to look at Zenix to gently asked; "Where are we going?"

"To the old Lord's home," He bluntly answered and I saw Rowan's head whip to look over at him. Zenix just looked straight ahead as he went on to say; "Don't worry. There's nothing to worry about."

But my curiosity went somewhere else. "Phoenix Drop has a Lord?"

"Y-Yes," Rowan stuttered. "Every village has one–"

"Except us. A couple of months ago, there was an accident. We think the man who we saw at the scene is connected to the man who brought you here," Zenix interrupted, causing Rowan to shout out; "Zenix! You don't need to bombard her with all of this!"

"And you wanted to tell her at the place? Do you recall what it looks like?" Zenix shrugged in return. "Come on Rowan. You know better."

He then gave a sly smirk and started walking in front of us, leading the way. I could tell though that there was more to that interaction then I could see. I realized then that I needed to be sensitive to all of this. It was not going to be a task where I could jest like with Donna and Brendan. I looked over to Rowan once again, saying gently; "I don't mind Rowan. I want to learn more about this place."

"And I appreciate that Miss Aphmau but, you truly don't need to worry about such a thing," He told me. As he looked down at me as we walked and I peered straight through the opening of his helm, I saw that his eyes were blue. I could barely see them but, they were there. "You have so many things to worry about. The last thing you need to hear is that this suspect could somehow be tied to you. Also, it probably isn't comforting to hear that our previous Lord has passed away in an accident."

I giggled slightly to lighten the mood and said; "You worry too much Rowan. With you and Zenix as guards, I don't have much to fear."

He then laughed and said; "Thank you but...not Dale?"

I blushed in embarrassment and tried to recover from the statement but, I saw after him just laughing that he was truly teasing me. I joined in after that and said; "But in all in honesty Rowan, you don't have to worry about me too much."

"It's my job Miss Aphmau. But, I thank you for your kindness," He said, calming down from his spurt of laughter. "I also want to apologize for Zenix's behavior towards you since you've arrived. I can assure you, he's the same whenever he meets someone new and once he warms up to you, he's a good man."

"How long do you think it'll take for me to earn his trust then?" I asked him, wanting to finally see that side of Zenix.

"Hopefully soon. Once you do, you may convince him to talk about his love of swords. He's fascinated with them. Not in a concerning way...he's just knows everything about them."

"Huh...interesting."

We eventually started walking on a path that led outside of the village, full and tall trees lining the path. At the end of the path was what looked like ruins. When we got closer, I saw that it was actually a home that was badly burned. The foundation, a couple of walls, beams, and only a fraction of the roof remained. I was stunned by the sight, my pace slowing. Zenix and Rowan matched my pace, Zenix asking; "Are you alright?"

I nodded my head and followed them up to the building. Zenix went through what used to be the front door while Rowan stayed behind to help me enter. Inside, I saw why Rowan was concerned for me. I partially was seeing how this Lord lived. His furniture was charred or completely burnt, items scattered across the floor with glass and wood mixed with it. I then saw a heavily damaged portrait. A man and woman were sitting in chairs, the woman looking pregnant. They both wore small smiles as well. I went on to ask; "Is that him?"

Rowan looked and I heard him sigh. "That is the best portrait of them now...unfortunately, the burns and water have ruined it...but yes, that's the Lord and his wife."

"What...What happened here?" I asked, my nerves dancing.

"A fire. In the middle of the night," Zenix bluntly put it. "The village tried their hardest to put out the flames but when it all dissipated, they were gone."

"I-I'm sorry," I say, quietly as I still look at the portrait. I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder and I turned to see Rowan. He sighed and said; "You don't need to apologize. Now, to help you...that may also help us."

They directed me to a room where the floorboards were broken and jagged. I then I saw. A decent size piece of green fabric was stuck to one of the boards. Zenix carefully removed it and said; "This fabric was wore by the man we saw running from the scene that night. We believe he's also the same man who brought you here."

"That's only a theory though," Rowan put. "We are hoping that this piece might rejog some memories of the day you brought here."

"Oh...um...let me see it then," I say, unsure if this would even work. Zenix handed the piece over to me and I took a closer look. I ran my thumb across it, feeling the texture of it. "I apologize in advance if I can't-"

"There's no pressure at all Miss Aphmau," Rowan assured me. "Take all the time that you want."

I smiled softly and nodded as a thank you before focusing back on it. It was dirty and worn. I felt that if I pressed too hard, the textile would turn into dust. The scent was strong enough to signal to me that it smelled of evergreen and smoke. And that's what triggered something. A foggy memory played in my mind.

A man ever so gently resting my head in the sand...a green cloak over his head and a black mask covering his face. His hands were cold and his voice was soft and distant. His words were muddled unfortunately but I could remember his eyes. Strange they were...bright green with a ring of red at the edge of his iris. They looked at me with empathy as he said one final thing before a shout came and he ran off.

I looked to Rowan and Zenix and said; "He...He took care of me. He wanted me to be safe."

Zenix scoffed as he said; "Great. She's fallen for her kidnapper most likely–"

"Zenix, that's enough. You don't even know if it's the same man," Rowan spat. "Now...Miss Aphmau, are you sure it's the same–"

"Positive...why would this jog a memory if it wasn't the same?"

"See? How about you take a moment before you shout at me?" Zenix asked Rowan, placing his hands on his hips. "Miss Aphmau, is there anything about this man that we could possibly use to identify him?"

"H-He had green and red eyes. That's all I can remember besides his green cloak," I answered, handing the fabric back to him. Zenix then looked back at Rowan who looked to be pondering it all. He answered moments later; "Thank you Miss Aphmau...this may help us identify him. If we happen to meet again. Zenix, you and I should start guarding the surrounding forest. He could be choosing to—"

Just then, I heard a whoosh fly right by my head. I jumped and watched as it skimmed the metal of Rowan's helm, creating sparks as it went. "Agh! What the–"

"It's him!" Zenix shouted, pointing up. Through the broken roof, there I saw the man. His eyes bright and glaring. He stood in the trees, holding a bow, arrows at his back. Once he saw us gazing up at him, he dropped from the branch, Zenix bolting out.

Before I went as well, I turned to Rowan who look thrown off, shaking his head. "Are you alright, Rowan?"

"Y-Yes, I'm fine but, I need to get you to safety, now," He said before drawing his iron sword, it glowing orange in the sunset. "Follow me."

I ran with him out of the house and we met up with Zenix who stood there as well, his sword drawn. "He ran this way to get cover. Should we approach?"

Rowan looked at me before looking to Zenix again. He must've been scanning through his options, finally deciding; "Yes. But, Miss Aphmau, you need to stay close. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head, looking to the ground to see a large piece of wood. I grabbed it and held it up as if it were my own weapon of choice, saying; "I'll be alright."

And for the first time, I saw Zenix smile at me. "At least you have one good instinct in you. Now, come on, before he runs off."

We slowly approached the edge of the home, Zenix peeking his head over to see. Another swoosh was heard and, luckily, Zenix was able to duck before it hit him. He then looked to Rowan who just gave him the go ahead, mumbling; "Be careful."

Zenix then charged, screaming almost a battle cry. Rowan and I weren't too far behind, except he kept me safely behind him, keeping his sword out in front of him while I gripped my pathetic piece of wood tightly. Seeing us, I think, struck fear in the man...or maybe told him that his job was complete. Because what I saw was an aggressive fight from Zenix, his sword clashing against the man's bow. Zenix definitely had the upper hand. But, the moment he saw Rowan and I, he reached down to his boot and pulled out a dagger. He sliced at Zenix's hand, causing him to yelp out in pain and fall back. The man then took the opportunity to run, bolting for the forest once more. Rowan left me to try and follow him but it was too late. With the darkening sky and his camouflage, he immediately seemed to disappear.

"Damn it," I heard Rowan curse. He composed himself, quickly rushing to Zenix's side, asking; "Are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine," He assured him, clutching his bleeding hand. "Might need some stitches but, besides that, nothing."

I saw Rowan's shoulders ease and it showed me that he wasn't concerned in the slightest for the man but for his friend. He reached into a small satchel that was attached to his belt, pulling out some rags. He took Zenix's hand, tightly wrapping it. Zenix grimaced but took it and thanked him once he was done.

"What? Were you scared?" Zenix then teased, smirking at him. But Rowan took it seriously, nodding his head as he said; "Yes. I couldn't see what he hit...let's get you to Zoey's, hm?"

Zenix softened, nodding his head. I smiled to myself, happy to see the sweet moment. But, the moment was ruined by cries. They were strange...they belonged to a infant. But, how could an infant be out here?

Rowan  and Zenix straightened and slowly walked to the cries, me not too far behind. There was a bundle of blankets by the foundation of the ruins, where the cries were coming from. When we finally reach them and peek inside, I heard Zenix simply say; "Fucking hell...there's no way."

"It's a child," I say, breathlessly. I leaned down to take a closer look. The infant, who didn't look more than six months, had dirty blond curls and his teary eyes were blue. I knew it must've been cold so I scooped him up in my arms, careful to hold it's head. "How did he–"

"It's Lord Fyresmith's son..." Rowan said, hearing the disbelief in his voice.

Zenix sharply turned to him and said; "Don't jump to–"

"Look at the birthmark, Zenix. It's the same as his'."

I looked myself to see a birthmark indeed on the child's neck. It was in a shape, similar to a drop of rain. I then looked back to the too men, Zenix looking as if he had seen a ghost. I couldn't even begin to imagine what Rowan looked like under that helm...