Unknown
Sitting under the shade of my favorite tree, I slowly began to awake from my slumber. Being hit by the gentle wind and the sun's bright rays I felt comforted by the familiar greeting. That said, familiar was an understatement. How many years have passed since my punishment? A thousand years? No, it's been much longer than that. I allowed myself, like every other day, a moment to feel weak. Just like every day under the tree. This tree that has now become my prison, my companion, and my home was the only thing keeping me sane. All these years of solitary would break anyone, but I knew this punishment was justified. For the crime I had committed, this punishment was if anything merciful. While I sulked, I turned to face you. Your raised eyebrow and confused eyes stared at me, waiting for me to answer your unspoken questions.
"It's the first time you have made your presence known to me, are you perhaps lonely as well. In that case, shall we keep each other company? Yes but forgive me for I will not tell you my name right away. Nor will I tell you my crime. You see the crime I committed was for the sake of others. It was during a decisive war between two kings. Ah, I'm getting ahead of myself. Please forgive me, I haven't talked to anyone in so long."
Pulling a book from my dress, I presented it to you.
"This is the book! I've read it multiple times thanks to the author. Yes multiple times and each time I'm constantly attacked with the what-ifs. Shall we start? Ah but again I ask for your forgiveness. I might interject here and there. You see I had watched these events play out in the past. Maybe if I had acted back then things would have been different. I ask that you please don't judge me harshly."
Opening the book, I let a small smile bloom on my face.
"Sorry. This name simply brought back memories of them. From the moment they met their odyssey had begun."