Dawn

Chapter 2: Dawn

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 his past

As the sun rose higher, Lucian stood. "There must be something I can do to repay your care," he insisted.

Hazel considered. "The stable roof needs mending before more snow. Your height could aid that task."

Lucian nodded. "It's a start. Perhaps physical work will stir memories better than talk."

They bundled up and walked to the stables. Lucian set to repairing cracks while Hazel did chores. As he nailed shingles, his mind wandered. Being outdoors felt right, as did using his hands. Suddenly, he uttered, "I know horses."

Hazel looked up, hopeful. "How so?"

"I'm...not sure," said Lucian slowly. "But being near them brings comfort. As a child perhaps, I spent time in stables."

He glanced at Hazel. "Does this ring any bells for you? Have I stable experience locals would recognize?"

Hazel shook her head. "None come to mind. But the town is small - perhaps asking others will jog memories."

As they worked, Lucian added more pieces - a love of the open air, basic healing skills. Each discovery lifted his spirits, but the larger puzzle remained frustratingly unclear. By day's end, however, thanks to Hazel's company and labor, he felt restored enough to face the future, and hopefully, his past.

With the roof mended, Lucian and Hazel walked back as clouds rolled in. She invited him to stay for supper by the fire.

As they ate, conversation flowed easily between them. Lucian marvelled at Hazel's calm, thoughtful nature. "I am grateful for your kindness in taking me in."

Hazel smiled. "Think nothing of it. I'm glad to help uncover your past."

A crash of thunder sounded, and rain began to fall in thick sheets. Lucianrose to gaze out the window. "The storm is upon us."

Hazel joined him, their arms brushing. She flushed, looking away first. "It seems you'll be stranded for the night."

Another rumble shook the walls as Lucian turned to her. "Are you...uncomfortable with that arrangement?"

"No, of course not," Hazel said hurriedly. But she couldn't meet his eye.

Lucian lifted her chin gently. "I've caused you no small disruption. Say the word and I'll take my leave, weather be damned."

Hazel shook her head. "You'll do no such thing. Please, stay." Outside, wind howled like a wild thing. "The blizzard has us well trapped for now."

And so they remained, watching the storm's fury through the window, closer than before but questions still unanswered between them.

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