The first thing I noticed was the smell…

Herbs..

Smoke…

Chicken? Food? 

I noticed pain as well. My left shoulder and left thigh burned as soon as I regained consciousness. I opened my eyes and a wooden ceiling above me came into view. The sunlight shone through the window by the bed that I am now lying in. I looked around the room and came in eye contact with an older woman seated by the bed to my right. 

I froze… This isn’t the forest. My hand moved towards my waist.

Nothing. I did not even bring any weapon with me before going to the village. 

“Are you looking for something, child?” The older woman asked. I looked towards her direction again. Green eyes that told stories stared into my own brown eyes. Her face had a few wrinkles near her eyes and mouth. Her white hair was neatly put into a bun. And her purple dress was neatly ironed and sewn. Is she a noble?

”Grandma! The soup is ready!” Another lady’s voice was heard outside this room.

”Okay, dear!” The grandmother replied. Then she looked at me again.

”Are you okay, child?” She asked. 

“Yes, ma’am.”

”Do you feel any pain at all?”

”No, ma’am,” I lied. Even though my body was on fire now and I could barely feel my thigh and shoulder. 

“Child, what happened to you?” She asked.

I opened my mouth but closed it again. What would I tell her? That assassins ambushed me and almost lost my life? Or how I forgot to bring a sword or even a dagger to protect myself, but decided not to since I believed my disguise was perfect. That old man must’ve sent the assassins after me.

I stared at the older woman in front of me, unable to answer her question. 

”Grandma, what is taking you so long? Would you like me to bring you a soup?” That same lady’s voice was heard again outside the room.

The older woman got off the chair, walked towards the bedroom door, and gently opened it. On the other side was the same woman from last night.

”My dear, can you bring in a bowl of soup for this young man?” The grandmother asked. The young lady looked in my direction and walked away from the door, assuming she would get what her grandmother had asked for. 

“Alright, child, let’s have you eat first and then check on your wounds, then we can talk.” The grandmother gently smiled at me, then walked out of the room. 

I was left alone in the room with my thoughts. I need to get back to the castle. There is no way I will let anyone catch up to my disappearance. 

“Here you go.” The young lady from before walked into the room, holding a wooden tray with a wooden bowl of soup. 

She placed the tray on the bedside stand, then stood in front of me. “Can you sit upright on your own?” She asked.

”Yes...” I responded as I sat upright. “Excuse me, where am I?” I asked. Am I very far from the village now?

”You’re at my house in the forest. What happened to you last night?” She asked.

I stayed silent. I cannot tell who I am.

”Here, eat this. If you are not willing to tell us how you got injured, at least tell us your name.” She placed the tray with the bowl of soup in my lap. 

“Evren,” I simply responded, looking at my bowl of soup. It had chicken, potatoes, carrots, and rice. 

“What about you? What is your name?” It was my turn to ask. 

She stayed silent, looking at me. Green eyes watched my every move while I brought the soup towards my mouth.

”Elara,” She said.