My eyes opened to blue skies. 

How long was I asleep?

I couldn’t tell, but one thing was for sure— I had never been so damn hot in my life. Well, maybe I had, but it’s not like I could remember. The desert unfolded before me as I scraped together the scattered pieces of my awareness. I lay there in the sand for quite some time before realizing the heat didn’t bother me. I didn’t mind it; I belonged in it.

Looking down, I brushed the accumulated sand off my torso, clothed with charcoal-colored garments I didn't remember. Come to think of it, I couldn't remember anything. 

What happened?

With a groan, I sat up, holding my head in my hands. Gods, it hurt like hell. As I tried to recall something, anything, the pain only grew worse, like a barrier in my mind. I hissed through my teeth as the throbbing worsened but continued despite the discomfort. I needed to remember something about the events leading to my current situation. Taking a deep breath and closing my eyes, I focused on uncovering the truth within my mind. Still, instead of a helpful memory, I encountered a gaping black void.

While peering into the nothingness, I knew something stared back at me. Its very existence caused a searing, piercing pain akin to a flaming iron spear embedding itself in my skull. I cried out, the sheer agony causing me to lose all focus, all desire to remember something about myself. Before it devoured me completely, I forced my eyes open, gasping and breathing hard, mumbled curses escaping my lips.

What… Was that?

Not wishing to bring that harrowing darkness or pain upon myself again, I tried to concentrate on something other than the freakish experience. I wasn't sure if I could take another round of mental combat against... Myself? 

I should calm down and focus on the clues around me.

Breathing deeply, I stood up and observed myself. Rough black clothing covered my entire body in several layers. Quality trousers, a billowy long-sleeved shirt with ties in the front, and a poncho-cape held together by ties high at my right shoulder. This outfit came complete with a pair of black, knee-length leather boots, a cloth wrapped around my head, a couple of large curvy blades stained with blood, and a variety of small pouches around my waist. None of it was familiar to me. Touching the sturdy fabric of the cloth wrapped around my head, my hand wandered to my neck, feeling a soft, slim leather strap. 

A necklace?

I pulled the strap so the pendant was visible but still had difficulty examining it because it rested beneath my throat. My head cocked to the side while my eyes focused on a smooth, ovular stone the size of a coin. The stone was lavender, and my best guess told me it was likely amethyst. As I felt along the outer rim with my thumb, I noticed runes engraved deep into the purplish rock, most small except for the symbol in the middle. The central character was almost familiar to me, yet I couldn't recall where I had seen it or its significance. 

Why can I remember what a specific type of rock looks like and not why I'm lying here?

Nothing was certain.

I searched the sand for tracks I knew wouldn't be there. The desert winds would have blown them away ages ago, leaving no explanation for my situation. With a sigh, I glanced up at the sun to discern which direction to travel to find civilization. I needed water. A past version of myself somehow forgot to bring a water skin during a journey in the desert.

Because of my estimated location, I journeyed eastward. Crossing over the Umbra border would be the best bet for survival. The Umbrian people were shady at best, but I didn't see any other option. I'd rather survive and deal with some sketchy people than lie down and die here.