A Lost Village

Marianne XIII led us down the broken cobblestone pathway that led to the ruined village. The grass around us had grown wild and tall after years left untouched by human hands. After some meters of walking, we began to pass by the first few abandoned houses that were part of the village. They were riddled with dust and stains left behind by extreme weather. Some clay roof tiles were either shattered or missing, much like the glass on the windows. A quick peek inside revealed dusty interiors that were mostly left intact.

A wave of familiarity overcame me that I felt a slight jolt from my broken core. I instinctively placed a hand to my chest. I searched my memory for any hint, but it was as silent as the once thriving village.

The Latrell twins fell silent. Iris was particularly disturbed by the scene that she remained close to her brother.

Drops of rain started falling from the sky.

"Come on, let's get some shelter," Marianne XIII urged us to enter the nearby mansion.

Everyone managed to get inside before the rain poured harder. We were spared from being drenched by the cold rain. There was nothing left to do but to wait until the rain stopped. We gathered at the living room and sat on the dusty cushioned seats constructed out of mahogany and soft cotton fibers.

"This place still looks intact," commented Iris who couldn't resist examining the furniture and items left behind.

"This was the house of a wealthy merchant who conducted trade in the village and at Anbernel. Many villagers depended on him for livelihood. He lived here with his wife and children," Marianne XIII explained. "Unfortunately, he and his family perished during the tragedy."

Adrian chanced upon a particular portrait hung above the fireplace. He was struck by the strong resemblance of the person in the painting. "Iris, come have a look at this." He urged his sister to hurry beside him.

"What is it?" Iris approached her brother.

"Doesn't she look like Aliciel?"

Iris gasped. "Indeed. It's Aliciel!"

I went to see the painting they were referring to. It was the portrait of a young girl in a red satin dress. It no doubt resembled me. I had no need of peering into a mirror to confirm it.

Who was that girl in the painting?

"Look, there's something written underneath the portrait." Iris pointed at a metal plaque with an engraved message.

It read: To my dearest Siam.

Suddenly, a lost memory flashed before me. I had been here before. I wore fine clothes, had a family, and was treated nicely by everyone. I remembered fire burning everything to the ground. I did not understand what was happening at that time, but that was my last memory of this place.

I collapsed on the ground, my limbs weakened from the realization. Adrian and Iris quickly ran to my side.

"Aliciel, are you alright?" Adrian helped me up.

"I'm fine," I replied. "This might have been my home."

He had on the look of pity. He knew not what to say to console me. "I'm sorry."

I looked around me, at the remnants of the life I once had. Who knew Master and I actually had a related history? If only he knew...

I tried to remember more about my past, but nothing came. It was once again far from my reach.

"Siam Lockhart, the daughter of the merchant. She was among those reported missing that day the village was burned. Who knew she actually survived to this day?" Marianne XIII was intrigued by the revelation. She gazed upon me. "Do you remember anything of what took place here, child?"

"I remember nothing except a great fire," I replied.

"Perhaps it is for the best that you don't remember. Most who did have succumbed to despair." Her expression was melancholic. She turned her head towards the largest window with a good view of the sea. In my memories, it always had the most beautiful view of the sunset.

And now it only shows a foreboding sight of gray skies and turbulent seas.

***

When we returned to the inn that day, we decided to just remain there. It was hard to get around with the pouring rain. The rain that day was like a broken light switch that turned on and off erratically. We were lucky to get enough time to walk back to the ship and sail back without incident.

In the middle of the night, Iris suddenly woke up in cold sweat from a nightmare. Her sudden movement woke Adrian up.

"My dear sister Iris, what's the matter?" he inquired in a sleepy tone.

"I had a dream that Eriden was in flames." Iris was close to tears.

"It was only a dream, dear sister. We are safe. Eriden is still alright."

"Oh, Adrian! I fear that day might come sooner or later."

"We will fight along with the underground council to keep our cities safe. I promise you that." Adrian clumsily sang a lullaby to keep his twin sister calm. It was familiar, but I never really knew where I heard it from. It calmed her. Soon, she was fast asleep again.

I was about to close my eyes when I heard Adrian's voice asking, "Are you awake, Aliciel?"

I turned my head to face him and gave a nod.

He struggled to find the words to speak. "I'm sorry about today. I did not imagine that such a terrible fate had befallen on you." He paused. "Iris and I... You're part of our family now. You'll always be welcome to stay with us."

"Thank you," I replied gratefully.

"Goodnight, Aliciel." He closed his eyes.

"Goodnight, Adrian."