The first time I met Memory

3rd of Sindir 350

Today, I went on my normal gathering route. My parents wanted me to find berries and herbs to sell at the nearby village. I saw some berries off the beaten path I usually go on, and so I decided to go after them. They were so tasty! Very red and tasted very sweet. I gathered until my basket was filled with various berries, herbs, and small animals. I took a rest on a rock in an open clearing. I heard a stirring in the woods and had an uneasy feeling, so I hid behind a rock and hid my basket with me, drawing my knife. I peeked around the corner and saw him. Memory himself, in the flesh. His wings and his purple hair looked different than the illustrations I'd seen by passing travelers and in the library. But why was he here of all places, in the middle of the woods?

He brushed some branches and leaves off of his clothes. He seemed to be staring in my general direction, holding something in his hand. He stood silently, almost as if he were thinking about something. I stepped out from behind the rock, my knife re-sheathed. I walked towards him hesitantly, but not because I was scared or thought I could win a fight against an icon, but it was just in case. He had no weapons drawn, and as I stepped closer, I could see what was in his hand better. It was a necklace I had lost a week prior! One made for me by my mother! It was like he could tell it was mine, and he put it down on the rock beside him.

"You're Memory, right? I've read about the icons and heard about the current icons from travelers." He nodded; he seemed distant. We talked for a bit longer, though it was mostly me talking about the village and my research on the icons and him listening. I talked about my interest in learning magic and showed him the little things I had learned, like changing my eye color and flickering a flame. I got up from the stone, getting ready to head back to the village, and I offered for him to join me for dinner. It was getting late. Much of the village would be retiring to their homes, done with their tasks for the day. He was happy to join, and we went back to the village together. I introduced him to my parents; my mother was more starstruck than I was, haha. They offered him a meal, and we all ate together. He excused himself and left for the night, and I escorted him out of the city. I asked him if I would see him again, and he nodded at me. I watched as he went back into the forest.

I am excited for when I get to meet him again, but I am still a bit scared. Being in the presence of a traveler has always scared me, let alone being in the presence of an icon. I hope to get more comfortable with him, and maybe he can get more comfortable with me. I have a feeling he would be a great teacher. No, I'm thinking too far ahead. I will be hesitant and focus on trying to become more comfortable with him before deciding something like that.

Anyway, that's all I have to write about today. Hopefully the me in the future makes the right choice on what to do. For right now, I will just continue as normal, with hesitance. Good night, journal.

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