There is no memory of my travel here, no recollection of how I arrived. There was just me waking up on a bed of grass, inside a dense forest. I felt the sun caress my skin, gently welcoming me into this new world, a breeze of fresh air and the smell of flowers.
It felt out of place, my mind couldn't but my body did remember. I wasn't supposed to be here, lifting myself upright, I struggled to open my eyes. The sight that slowly came into sight was that of lush green. Bushes and trees, flowers and grass.
Where was I, what was I doing here I thought. I strangely didn't panic or felt fear, I just couldn't remember anything at all, it was as if I had taken a long nap, a nap that had taken away all my memories.
I stood up, walked around, maybe if saw a familiar object or road, that would bring back a fragment or a thought. But no matter where I went and how long I walked I just couldn't find an end to this forest. It seems that not only was I with no memories but also lost and alone.
The time was passing, the once lively forest sounds started to quiet down and an eerie silence took over, a cold breeze and nothing more. I was no outdoors expert, all I knew was that I had to find water and food. Maybe shelter.
The quiet wasn't all that bad, it allowed me to hear noises hidden by the birds singing. Running water, a small creek was nearby. Making my way to it, the moon had risen on the night sky and guided me through the shadows of the forest.
As I laid down by the creek, my mind was clearer. Using my hand to drink some water, I felt rejuvenated. I started thinking, not of the forest or what I should do, but how, where and why. And even more important who was I?
With my back against a big rock and eyes lost in thought, my only company was the owls and the critters. First who was I.
"Mi..no that isn't it." I spoke out loud. It was there at the edge of my tongue, teasing my brain. And then it came to me, as if someone pointed out.
"Maegol…" Was that really my name? At that time I had no choice but just accept it, if I were to second guess even my own name then I might as well dig my own grave.
I had more questions, ones I should know the answers to. Did I have a home, was I lost, did I have an accident and lose my memories. It was late, my body was exhausted and I was hungry, with no energy to spare, my eyelids closed and my thoughts drifted into the land of dreams.
…
"Wake up…" A voice of woman rung in my ear, soothing and warm.
"We are going to be late...Wake Up! Come on!" I smiled, she was close to me, my heart knew it.
I tried to open my eyes, I had no control over them. I wanted to see her, remember her, why. A hand touched my shoulder and rocked me.
"WAKE UP!" The voice changed, deeper and ancient, it scared me awake.
Still leaning on the rock, I opened my eyes. I was cold, sleeping by the river and the night breeze wasn't a great idea.
I looked up and realized I wasn't alone. No. A deer, was looking at me straight in the eyes, right in front of me. I froze for a moment, it felt sudden.
Why where its eyes so intelligent I thought, green and mesmerizing. I still remember them to this day. Nothing else was special about it, just those eyes. So full of life.
"Hi." I said and extended my arm towards it, I didn't want to pet it. It was more of a greeting, maybe it would sniff it.
It's eyes looked at it and then back at me, was it judging me. It then held it's chin up and left, disappearing into the woods. Never to be seen again.
Thinking back to it, that was actually the first 'person' that I met in this world. Was that a coincidence, how interesting. Back to our story.
My stomach grumbled, I had to find breakfast. The sun was rising, warming me. It was time for some food foraging. Berries, nuts, not mushrooms, even fruits would be good. Anything really. I drank some more water, washed my face and took off.
My hunt for food ended early, just a few moments later I had found a bush with an abundance of berries. Taking one, I wasted no time and ate it. How juicy it was, sweet and delicious. What a great start of the day I thought.
Satisfying my hunger for the moment, I took some with me for later, filling the pockets of my pants. I went back towards the river and followed it, wandering aimlessly into the forest didn't have the best results. And so I walked. And thought, it was a great combination.
I had to find someone, to help me understand where I was. Maybe a town or a village, anything that led me to civilization. I hoped over a boulder and continued.
This time I was taking in the scenery, appreciating its beauty, it would be a waste not to. It was calming to me, nature. The fresh air, the nice smells, it still is. I jumped and ducked, looked and heard. I did it all really.
Back to my thoughts, I was setting up my goals. Food and water, people, information. And then what. I paused. I halted. Then what. The lack of memories, of who I was, made it difficult to move on.
*Crack* the sound of a twig breaking brought me back to reality. I quickly turned around, lost in thought I hadn't noticed it. A bear. Larger than two men in height, claws the size of my hand and eyes that locked onto me like a predator.
And I ran, I shouldn't have. But my instinct told me to, my legs move on their own. And as soon as I did, the ground shook behind me.
"Grrraaah!" The beast roared. With each step, the ground split and rocks flew.
Adrenaline, my pressure and my heart was through the roof. I was running for my life, one wrong step and it was all over, I was going to end up being breakfast to a bear.
"Dammit!" the terrain was rough and I was no ranger. More than once did I lose my balance, I could feel it breathing down my neck. Drooling at the thought of eating me.
I changed path, went into the woods. Maybe the trees would slow it down, my size was my advantage. It wasn't, the bear charged and pulverized the tree trunks. It was unstoppable. I ran, the forest behind me now in ruins.
The berries in my pockets had long flewn out, becoming paste under the beast's feet. I was looking for way out, for a safe place. But I had no option.
I was running out of time, it was going to happen at any moment. I was going to die. Dying with no memories, no one to remember. But fate wasn't so cruel. Just enough.
"Agh!" My leg got caught on a root and fell forward. Face first into the ground, I rolled like a string less puppet. My body crashed against a sturdy wall of bedrock and roots and vines covered my body from above. My head slammed against the rock and just like that I lost consciousness. Lights out. The start of my adventure.