Missing Memories Bring Me Here

Waiting is difficult for Zen as the butterflies swarming in her stomach try to convince her, more than once, to just turn around and run away. Yet, with the possibility of answers so close at hand, the woman knows this is an opportunity that she cannot pass up. Thankfully, she does not have to wait long for the similar marked male to appear and, when he says her name, the woman cannot keep the shock that raises on her features. Tension is evident in the stranger’s posture as he approaches her and the shock gives way to confusion as she wonders why he is on edge. Had she done something to him in the past?

Dormant memories attempt to stir within the depths of her mind, raising up toward the surface before falling back down in the inky darkness that hides them from her. A frown pulls her lips down as he questions why she is here and all Zenith can do is look at him with bewilderment and, lingering in the back of her eyes, hope. He seems anxious that she is here yet, to the woman, she has no idea who he is expect the man who might have some answers. The only solid things she does remember is her name and that of her sire’s. A wave of dizziness strikes her as the world seems to tilt underneath as the fear and doubt try to steal away her resolve.

But she is here and the woman knows that, if she leaves now, she will leave with nothing. Throat works as she swallows past the nausea that the dizziness brought with it and she gazes into those ember eyes. Again, memories begin to stir, a thin veil between her and them but, again, they fall away without bringing her any explanations. Minutes have passed as emotions play across her features and, when she finally opens her mouth to speak, her voice is feeble and wobbly with uncertainty, “You… you know me?” A question answered with a question but one that Zenith cannot seem to stop herself from asking.

A few beats pass before she shakes her head, as if to rid herself of the hesitation and Zen straightens up as she realizes that she had shrunken into herself as the emotions had played through her. Clearing her throat, voice gaining strength now, she says, “Uh, I’m sorry but I’m afraid I don’t know who you are. I woke up a few weeks ago without any memories. Well, actually, I have two. My name and that of my father’s.” Taking a breath, she gazes at the man with a calmness that had yet to appear until now. No matter what happens, she knows that answers are not far from her reach.

“I saw you while I was passing through the land and… something tried to surface. That is why I am here. I was, uh, hoping you could help me.” A weak smile is offered as Zenith purposefully leaves out how long she had been lingering in the Nook for fear of turning him away.


"Zenith Praetor"