Disarray

Chapter Twenty-two

          “Shall I interrogate you?”
          “I see no reason not to. It might help you to find out how far my memories have progressed.” Rylan rolled his shoulders, and joined him at the table.

          Aden’s eyebrows creased in thought as he pondered which questions he would ask.

          “What was your father’s name?”

          “Gaelen,” he replied, not hesitating but a moment to think. “And my mother’s was Rebekah.”

          “What is the name of the village’s healer?” Aden inquired.

          “Derial.”

          “And who is Shalia?”

          “She is the woman who told me of my future. ‘You will save the ones you love, at any cost.’.” Rylan said. “Telvor is our friend, and the head of the elven army, Arilia is the queen of Islea, Jalmar is the sword trainer, and Malifar is the teacher of knowledge and the healer.”

          “Why is it you know all of this but not know who Raelein and I are?” Aden asked, more out of frustration than genuine inquiry. He shrugged.

          “If I knew, I would not withhold the information from you. I am as eager to have my memories return as you are.” Rylan assured him. Aden laughed wryly.

          “Are you sure our names mean nothing to you?”

          “You are only the kind man who is helping me regain my memories,” he replied. “And I’ve not been told much about Rylee.”

          “Raelein,” Aden corrected. He ran his hand through his damp hair, and took a deep breath to calm himself.

          “How is she?”

          “Unwell.”

          “Ah, is that all you are going to tell me?” Rylan inquired.

          “Yes, until your memories have returned. I need not stress you with the matter.” Aden became tense, and suddenly felt urgent. Malifar said she had only days to live. Seeing the change in his demeanor, Rylan remained silent.

For a few hours, they spoke, their conversations often drifting back toward the subject of his memories. Each time, it was a painful reminder that for long over a sevenday, his only friend had been gone, perhaps forever. There was no guarantee that his memories of them would return, they were lucky to have as many as they did already.

          Aden bid farewell, and slowly walked toward Malifar’s infirmary. He was reluctant to arrive; he didn’t want any more grim news to dwell on.

          He inhaled deeply as he strode. The air smelled so sweet and fresh like it did in the mornings, but with more depth. The soil was dark and moist, dampened by the rain. Fallen leaves clung to his boots, temporarily adhered to the leather by water. It was strangely quiet; there were no birds or insects, for they were all hiding from the rain. He rather liked the peaceful silence; it made everything seem more relaxed.

          The door to the infirmary was open, so Aden knocked on the doorframe.

          “Enter.” The old elf stated, sounding indifferent.

          “He remembers most everything,” Aden said, not wasting time with salutations. “Though, he still does not know me or Raelein.” Malifar pondered this, his gray eyes focused.

          “As I have previously stated, memory juice affects everyone differently. Moreover, since he was exposed to it several times, it is likely his cherished memories are taking longer to return,” Malifar said, struggling to explain. “You two are the most important people in his life, and it must have taken quite a lot of forgetting juice for him to not remember you.”

          “But why did he forget Raelein before me? I am but his friend, he is deeply in love with her.” Aden inquired, confused. He and Rylan have always been close, like brothers, but the love he had for Raelein was different, and more profound.

          “Rylan has known you his whole life, there was a lot more to forget of you than of her.” Malifar answered, speaking with a rare patience that was scarcely seen in him.

          Aden nodded, and tried his best to understand, though he wasn’t sure he had comprehended it all.

          “Has her condition worsened?” He asked, breaking the long moment of silence.

          “I do not know. It is difficult to tell. She could survive for a few more days, or she could die now.” Malifar answered, trying to sound emotionless. Despite his efforts to conceal it, Aden could see the sorrow in his eyes.

          “You had best be going. I must continue.” He said hurriedly. Aden started for the door, even though it was obvious he wasn’t occupied with something. He clenched his fist, not allowing himself to shed more tears, even though he wanted to.

Aden laid his head against the cool, damp ground, and stared up at the gray sky. He retreated to the home of the fairies, hoping to calm his mind. There were scarcely any fairies to be seen, they were all still hiding from the rain. He thought it strange they would hide; it had never crossed his mind that they would take refuge as the insects and animals did.

          It was near sunset, but the sky seemed indifferent about changing colors tonight. A dull sunset happened on occasion, but it was more often that a colorful, lively sunset would give the day a proper ending, as was similar with the sunrise.

          A sharp tickle on his ear startled him, and he jerked upright. A tiny, red fairy was sprawled out on the ground, looking shocked.

          “I am sorry, little one.” Aden apologized, extending his hand to her. She fluttered onto his palm; she weighed just about as much as a small pebble. The fairy seemed irritated that he was simply holding her, so she flew to his shoulder.

          “Raelein.” She whispered. Aden’s heart ached, for he knew the fairies adored her.

          “Raelein is sick, very sick. She may not return to us.” Aden replied, trying his best to give her the news simply and gentle. Her tiny, reddish face contorted with grief.

          “Will you take me to her when you leave?” she asked, her voice soft and sweet to hear. Aden nodded without hesitation. It would do well for her to have a friend near her, even if she was unaware of her surroundings. The fairy smiled slightly, and curled up next to him as he laid back.

It had begun to grow dark by the time Aden left with the fairy, and they hurriedly made their way toward the infirmary. When they entered, Malifar eyed him questioningly.

          “She wishes to be with Raelein.” Aden stated, gesturing toward the fairy trailing behind him. Malifar nodded, and he proceeded toward her still figure.

          The red fairy flittered toward her face, and stroked her cheek with her tiny palm. She then nestled herself on the pillow next to Raelein’s head, and fell asleep. Aden left without a word, neither him nor Malifar having anything to say.

Aden went to the dining hall for a brief supper, and with haste, returned to his room to rest. The day had gone by so quickly, and his energy was all but depleted.

          He yawned, lay down in his bed, and lost his consciousness to a calming haze of dreams.