Elyan swayed left and right, each step a battle as he tried to follow the memory fragment, which seemed to be heading towards the base of the cliff. The night was cold, the breeze biting at his skin. The moonlight cast long shadows, and the forest around him felt like an endless maze. Noticing Elyan's struggle, the memory fragment eased his movement with air magic, creating a gentle force that guided and supported him.

Despite the magical assistance, every move sent waves of pain through Elyan's body, draining his energy. His strength waned rapidly, and his vision blurred. The trauma from the fall, coupled with his injuries, left him weak and groggy. As his legs gave out beneath him, the air magic cushioned his fall, preventing him from hitting the ground harshly. Elyan collapsed onto his knees, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

The memory fragment floated beside him, its translucent form shimmering in the moonlight. "I'm sorry, little one," it said gently, its voice filled with concern. "I spent my magic protecting you from wild animals and monsters while you were unconscious. Rest here for a while. I will look for anything useful from the debris."

Elyan tried to find some comfort on the cold ground, but the chill seeped into his bones, making it impossible to rest. His throat was parched, and he thought about the river nearby. The sound of rushing water was tantalizing, but he knew the current was strong. In his weakened state, he couldn't risk slipping into the river while trying to drink.

The memory fragment's voice broke through his thoughts. "Aha! These look useful! Little one, I found several backpacks here. I will bring them to you in a while." The fragment's tone was cheerful, a stark contrast to Elyan's dire condition.

After a few minutes, the memory fragment returned, floating several backpacks with its magic. It rummaged through them, its movements quick and efficient. "Look at this," it said, pulling out a makeshift bedroll. With careful precision, the fragment set up the bedroll next to Elyan using air magic. The wood debris floated away smoothly, making space for the bedding.

Elyan watched in a daze as the memory fragment worked. It then gently lifted him, using its magic to minimize any additional pain, and placed him on the bedroll. The softness of the bedroll was a welcome change from the hard ground. The memory fragment's touch was surprisingly warm, a contrast to its ethereal appearance.

"Hmm," the fragment mused, looking around. "I need something to cover him up... or maybe I should start a campfire here!"

The fragment moved quickly, collecting wood from the house debris. It arranged the wood a little distance away from Elyan but close enough for the warmth to reach him. With a flick of its hand, the fragment used fire magic to start a small, controlled blaze. The flames danced in the night, casting flickering shadows around them.

Elyan felt the warmth of the fire seep into his body, driving away the cold. The memory fragment returned to his side, its presence comforting. "Rest now," it said softly. "We'll find a way to get you better soon."

Before Elyan could close his eyes, the memory fragment seemed to remember something. "Ah, wait! You must be thirsty."

The fragment rummaged through the backpacks again and pulled out a small canteen. It floated the canteen towards Elyan and helped him tilt it to drink. The cool water soothed his parched throat, bringing a brief but much-needed relief.

"Thank you," Elyan whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Anytime, little one," the fragment replied with a gentle smile. "Now, sleep. You need your strength."

As Elyan closed his eyes, the exhaustion of the past days catching up to him, he allowed himself to drift into a fitful sleep, the warmth of the fire and the memory fragment's watchful gaze providing a small measure of comfort amidst the chaos.

Morning arrived with the gentle sounds of birds singing and the sunlight casting a warm glow over Elyan's face. He blinked awake, the remnants of sleep clinging to his mind. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of earth and foliage. As he tried to sit up, his muscles protested, a dull ache reminding him of the previous night's ordeal.

Elyan looked around, taking in his surroundings. The remnants of the old house lay scattered around him, half of it precariously perched on the cliff above. He still found it hard to believe he had survived the fall with no broken bones. The memory of the collapse, the panic, and the sudden plunge into darkness replayed in his mind, leaving him in awe of his survival.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"It's too quiet," he murmured, the silence pressing in on him. He glanced around, noticing the absence of the memory fragment. "... Maybe it's a ghost after all. No. It can't be. How am I on a makeshift bedroll next to a campfire right now?"

As if summoned by his thoughts, the memory fragment floated back into view, its translucent form shimmering in the morning light. "Good morning!" it greeted cheerfully. "Ah, you look better now. I went to the forest over there to forage some fruits for you. Here, don't worry, it's not poisonous. I know, I tried and nothing happened to me. Hahahahha! Just kidding! Here, here. Eat."

Elyan blinked at the memory fragment, his mind still groggy. The humor of the fragment's words slowly registered, and he managed a weak smile. "Thank you," he said, accepting the offered fruits. He took a cautious bite, the sweet and tangy flavor providing a welcome burst of energy.

As Elyan ate, he studied the memory fragment, trying to make sense of the entity before him. The fragment's form was both solid and ethereal, a blend of light and shadow that seemed to shift and flow. Its eyes, though not entirely human, held a warmth and intelligence that put Elyan at ease.

The memory fragment watched him eat, a thoughtful expression on its face. "May I check on your health condition using my magic?" it asked, its tone gentle.

Elyan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure. Go ahead."

The memory fragment moved closer, extending a hand that glowed with a soft, blue light. Elyan felt a soothing warmth spread through his body as the fragment's magic flowed over him, easing his pain and fatigue. He closed his eyes, letting the sensation wash over him.

"You're healing well," the fragment said, its voice calm and reassuring. "Your injuries are not as severe as they could have been. You're lucky to be alive."

"Thank you," Elyan said again, his gratitude sincere. "I don't know what I would have done without you."

The memory fragment smiled; a serene expression that made Elyan feel safe. "Eh, don't think too much about it. We all need help sometimes," it said. "And I'm glad I could be here for you. Now, let's focus on getting you fully recovered."

As the morning sun continued its ascent, casting warm light through the trees, Elyan took another bite of the fruits the memory fragment had foraged. He chewed thoughtfully, then looked at the memory fragment, curiosity shining in his eyes. "May I ask for your name?" he inquired.

"My name?" the memory fragment replied, sounding almost surprised by the question. "Oh yes, yes, I guess I forgot to introduce myself all this time." He straightened up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Well, the name of this handsome man in front of you is Zenith Chronos. You can call me Zenith. A pleasure to meet you, little one. Oh, what's your name?"

"I am Elyan," he answered. "As for my second name, I don't have one yet." Elyan explained to Zenith how he had never been given a second name since nobody knew his parents or relatives.

"Hmm, I see…" Zenith said thoughtfully. "Names are important, they hold power and meaning. But don't worry, Elyan. A name is something that you can earn and define for yourself over time."

Elyan nodded, appreciating the wisdom in Zenith's words. There was a moment of comfortable silence between them as Elyan finished his meal. After a while, Zenith seemed to remember something important. "I have to tell you something," he began, his tone turning more serious. "Do you know why I led you to the base of the cliff right over there?" He pointed toward a spot beneath the towering rock face.

"Oh, I did not notice it last night," Elyan replied, following Zenith's gesture with his eyes. "Umm… So… what do you want to tell me?"

Zenith hesitated for a moment, avoiding Elyan's gaze. "There is a secret cave over there…" he said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I wanted to drag you in to rest, but I was afraid to move you around last night. Hehe."

Elyan's eyes widened with curiosity. "A secret cave?" he echoed, the words igniting a spark of excitement within him despite his weariness. "What's inside it?"

Zenith raised an eyebrow, stunned by Elyan's reply. He let out a chuckle, his ethereal form shimmering with amusement. "You are not mad that I made you sleep here instead of in there, away from the outside elements? Hahahaha! I guess I was worried for nothing. Well, as for the cave, that, my friend, is something you'll have to discover for yourself. But I can assure you, it's a place of safety and rest, a perfect spot for someone in need of healing and recuperation."

Elyan felt a surge of determination. "Can we go there now?" he asked, his voice tinged with eagerness.

Zenith nodded. "Yes, but we must be careful. You're still recovering, and I don't want you to exert yourself too much. I'll help you, just as I did last night."

With Zenith's guidance, Elyan slowly got to his feet. As they approached the cliff face, Elyan spotted a narrow opening partially concealed by overgrown vines and moss. Zenith led him toward it, his ethereal form moving with graceful fluidity. The entrance was small, but just large enough for Elyan to squeeze through.

Zenith went ahead, his form lighting up the dark interior with a soft glow. "Come on, Elyan," he encouraged. "This way."

Elyan followed, crawling through the opening and emerging into a spacious cavern. The air inside was cool and fresh, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, and a small, clear pool of water glistened in the dim light. Elyan felt an overwhelming sense of relief and safety wash over him.

"This is amazing," he whispered, awe in his voice.

Zenith smiled, his form shimmering brightly. "Rest here, Elyan. This cave will keep you safe while you recover. I'll stay with you and make sure no harm comes your way."

Elyan settled onto the cool ground, the pain in his body gradually fading as he relaxed. Zenith hovered nearby, a constant, comforting presence.