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Chapter 2: The Awakening
When Daegal regained consciousness, he felt a softness beneath his head—a lap. The distant hum of a woman’s voice, low and melodic, stirred him further. She fell silent as his face twitched, signaling his return to awareness. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, squinting through his hazy vision at the figure before him.
She wore a simple, flowing blue gown with a modest white linen underdress peeking from the sleeves. Her long black hair was glossy, her expression calm yet distant, her hands resting quietly on her lap beside him.
Confused, Daegal blinked at her, his vision sharpening. "Who... are you? You’re so beautiful," he murmured hoarsely, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.
The woman’s eyes softened with a sadness that ran deeper than the moment as she began to sing softly:
“Awaken, dear wanderer, night’s gentle embrace,
The river hums softly, no need for haste.
You’ve drifted so far, now you’re safe here with me,
In my lap, in my arms, where you’re meant to be.”
As her words sank in, Daegal noticed tears forming in her eyes. “Are you going to answer my question?” he asked.
Her lips stopped moving. She hesitated, then brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Rue,” she answered quietly.
“Rue…” Daegal echoed, as if tasting the sound of it. “I’m Daegal.”
They shared a moment of silence, the gentle rhythm of rain blending with the creek’s flowing water. But then Daegal’s memories returned. He remembered the orders from his lord before he’d lost consciousness. His heart raced, panic flaring in his eyes as he realized he had no idea how much time he had left.
“I have to leave,” he said abruptly, lifting himself from Rue’s lap to stand. Rue’s arms dropped to her sides, her body motionless, though Daegal was too distracted to notice. “I take it you’re from this area. I will come to visit you someday to repay my gratitude,” he said.
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