A cold Encounter

Chapter 1: A Cold Encounter

The icy wind howled through the deserted streets as Hazel walked alone, cloak wrapped tightly. Up ahead, a shadowy figure caught her eye.

"Excuse me, could you help me?" came a voice from the dark. A cold voice indeed but had the ability to melt Hazel into pieces that night,his face till pale looking through Hazel

Hazel stopped. "What do you need?"

"I don't know where I am," said the figure, stepping into the moonlight. Lucian, a tall man in tattered clothing shivered. "I can't remember anything."

"You're freezing. Come with me," Hazel said. "I'll get you warmed up and see if I can jog your memory."

Once inside, Lucian sat by the fire as Hazel brought him soup. "This is very kind of you," he said.

"It's no trouble," Hazel responded. "Now, tell me what you do remember."

"Nothing," said Lucian. "I woke and saw only snow and shadows. No memories came."

"Hmm," pondered Hazel. "Well something must have brought you to this city. Anything feel familiar?"

"No, just cold," said Lucian. He sipped the soup gratefully. "Though this fire and food feel comforting."

"Well you're welcome to stay here until we figure things out," Hazel offered.

Lucian arched an eyebrow. "You'd take in a stranger, with no questions?"

Hazel shrugged. "You needed help. I have space. No need to turn someone in need back to the cold." She studied him. "You don't seem dangerous. And something tells me you mean no harm."

Lucian nodded slowly, warming his hands. "You have a kind soul. I pray no ill comes of your generosity..."

Their long discussion continued into the night, as the blizzard howled outside, leaving Lucian's past still shrouded in the fog of his missing memories. But for now, he found comfort and safety through Hazel's hospitality. More questions would have to wait for the morning.

Chapter 2: Stirrings of the Past

As dawn broke, Lucian awoke slowly by the dwindling fire. Hazel entered, carrying more wood.

"I hope you slept well," she said, stoking the flames.

Lucian stretched with a yawn. "Better than I have in awhile, it seems." He gazed at her thoughtfully. "You continue to aid a stranger so freely. I must find a way to repay your kindness."

"No need for that," Hazel insisted. "How are you feeling? Any memories surfaced in dreams?"

Lucian sighed. "Only fog. But..." He smiled softly. "Being here feels familiar, somehow. As if I've known similar comfort in another life."

"Hmm," mused Hazel. She set tea to boil. "Drink this. Warm your insides as the fire does your out."

They sat together quietly as Lucian sipped. Then he said, "Tell me of this place. Perhaps familiar details will stir my mind."

So Hazel spoke of the small town, the people, landmarks. But nothing sparked for Lucian. He frowned, frustrated.

"Do not trouble yourself," said Hazel gently. "These things take time. For now, rest and regain your strength."

Lucian nodded, gazing into the fire. Who was he, before the snow erased his path? Patience, it seemed, would be their guide to finding out.

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