Rising from deep slumber I shook my head to get rid of the receding dream running just a steps away. What was it about again? Oh yeah, I was in a fantasy world.
Hah, as if.
Though I am actually more surprised that I dreamed of Damien. Huh, weird! Now onto the bigger question: where exactly am I and why is it so dark? Though I guess that's two questions rather than one. Jumping out of the freakishly big bed was surprisingly easier than I thought.
"Where should I go now and how would that help me discover where I am?" I asked out loud.
"Seraphina, is that you?" A sleepy voice called out in the dark.
"Damien. Where are you? And why is it so dark in here?"
"I'm on the bed. Which is exactly where you should still be. You're still healing after all not to mention lying out on the snow. What were you thinking?"
'Is he scolding me? And what the hell is he talking about. Snow? It's May for Frigga's sakes not winter and what does he mean healing. I'm not sick am I?'
After relaying the questions back to him, I could tell that caught his interest as he jumped out of the bed. Not that I could see that.
"Do you mean you don't remember? Sera we're in Vardale. Specifically the North and yes healing, you banged your head a little but the Healer said you were recovering well. He didn't say anything about memory loss. Then again you did trip, again. Clutz."
With that affectionate nickname, he gently patted me on the head. Like a pet. So of course I growled at him like one.
"Woah are we feisty today! Come on I'm sure you're hungry with all that excitement."
And with that my traitiorius stomach decided to make an appearance.
"Fine whatever"
Dragging me out of the room, we were met with the eyes of a young child. Dropping down on one knee I addressed the boy:
"Well hello there. My name's Seraphina. What about you?" I couldn't help but ask the cute kid in front of me. Especially when I was met with the cutest smile I'd ever seen.
"My name is Benjamin. But you can call me Ben. It's nice to meet you."
"You too, little one." I replied.
"Ben! What are you doing here. Shouldn't you be sleeping? How did you get past the guards?"
I don't know what but something in me was telling me that I knew this kid, but not in this form.
"I just wanted to meet our guest. I am sorry Brandon, I won't do it again. Please don't tell father."
Just then his already big eyes turned even bigger if that was possible turning his pleading gaze to … Brandon.
But I was too captivated by how stiff Damien turned when the name was uttered on the young boy's lips. Deciding to end this quickly, I interjected.
"Of course he won't. Will you … Brandon?"