Chapter 9

Up until this point, Alexander had never really realized the significance of dreamless slumber. Although good dream sleep makes one feel positive, there is nothing like tight, dreamless slumber where your body, mind, and soul are truly rested.
Moreover, before drifting off, he was already looking forward to having a meal with Heather; as agreed, when he woke up from his pleasant slumber, they ate their supper together.
“You should have let me help you,” Alexander said as he took a bite of her scrumptious piece of well-cooked chicken.
"Tell me honestly," Heather prompted, sending him a knowing glance. “Do you agree or disagree that getting good sleep is far more crucial than helping me?"
Alexander wanted to chuckle, but he pursed his lips instead and said, “I am in a pickle now, Heather Crown. While my heart screams that I should have helped you, my brain's rational side knows better. So, yes. A rest was desperately required."
In response, Heather merely smiled. No words were required to be spoken aloud about her being right. Later, after their meal, once she was convinced that her most beloved patient was alright, she also allowed him to take a breath of fresh air in her yard since he was well rested, and as she had promised, she joined him there as she sat on the porch steps.
While butterflies flew freely amid the dandelions, birds chirped. The sky was clear, and the clouds floated carefree with nothing pressing down on them. It was favorable for her to live a wee bit away from the main thoroughfare.
Since her surroundings were clear of noisy streets, she was surrounded by quietness.
Although it can occasionally seem too quiet, she enjoys the feeling of being closer to nature, and she does not wish to give that up. She was surrounded by nature, and that was the most beautiful way to live. She awakens to fresh air; at night, she is surrounded by nature's darkness, with the moon's light shining on her to bring lightness everywhere.
Alexander, on the other hand, was not accustomed to it. He seldom gets to appreciate silence because he comes from a huge family. Some may dislike the silence, but he craved for it. He treasured the time he had for thinking, which was difficult in his household.
What's more, this town was a paradise in and of itself, and Heather Crown's residence was nothing short of eutopia, which he intends to cherish every second of while he is with her.
Furthermore, one does not often get the chance to feel at ease with oneself.
Even though there was not much talking between them, they seemed to be enjoying the peace and quiet of their surroundings and soaking in each and every minute.
"Alexander Diadem, you sure are a man of few words, eh?" Heather made a note.
"I do believe that words expressed when necessary hold more value and strength than the words spoken frequently." He stated, believing every word.
His father was the same way, so he believes that he inherited his silence from him.
"That, I suppose, is a man's strong suit." Heather pointed it out.
"Probably. But do not mistake my silence for boredom since I am regularly reminded that I was rather wicked as a youngster, which I still occasionally exhibit." He gave a cheeky grin.
Heather chimed in, "Now, that is something difficult to believe."
It seemed inconceivable to imagine that the person seated next to her could be mischievous of any sort.
"Well, Heather Crown, who knows, you might catch a glimpse of my goofy self during the most unexpected moment."
"Well, I am looking forward to it. So you have mentioned that you come from a big family. Where are you from?" She asked with intrigue.
They had never before communicated in-depth, but she was inquisitive about him. But more than that, she wanted to know everything she could about him.
"Warsavor. It is a good place to stay, but nowhere near as beautiful as this town. How about you?" He wondered. Except for being a kind lady, he did not know much about her, and he wished to know every fine detail.
Heather scowled slightly at his startling inquiry. "What about me?"
"I know nothing about you other than that you are a healer. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where were you raised?"
"I am not aware of my roots." He was perplexed by the sorrowful smile Heather Crown offered him.
"Not aware?" He raised both eyebrows, shocked by her response. "How is that possible at all? Everyone is aware of their origins."
"Not the ones," Heather said sadly, "who have no memory of their lives."
"I do not comprehend." Alexander inquired, curious about the hidden meaning underlying her words.
"I have no memory of my entire life other than the two years I spent at Mystes," Heather informed him.
"Why is that? I truly hope I am not encroaching on your privacy by asking you a sensitive question, but I genuinely want to know so that I may help you in any way I can."
Heather was touched by his thoughtful words.
"You are not invading my privacy, Alexander Diadem. My history is general knowledge of this town. I arrived unannounced at Silva and Clifford Hortus' house a little over two years ago. During that time, even the Oscars were present. They are the ones who have a family business of herbs and medicines. It is like their own ancestral medical emporium. I am not sure how I came to this town, but Hortus and Oscar say they found me in the forest in a shattered state with my garments tethered, a bruise on my head, and a few scrapes on my arm.
I was calling out for assistance in my battered state, much like you. Being the kind souls they are, they immediately took me in. Since Hortus place was nearby, they bought me there, and Oscars, another local medical specialist, helped me rise on my feet on my own. When I regained consciousness, my name was the only thing I could recall. I was alone and had no other identity, no old memories, or anything else. To be completely honest, I was and still am a lost soul, but this town adopted me as one of their own without a single ounce of hesitation." Heather explained it to him.
"That is dreadful. It must have been tough for you to recall nothing."
He was immersed in his own thoughts about the pain she could have gone through. She lived in an unknown location among strangers without knowing who she was.

"It was challenging. I spent restless hours trying to recall memories from my subconscious mind in an effort to locate the answers, but there were none. I am blanked out with every single moment of my being, as if my life before Mystes did not exist."
Alexander sensed she was in pain, even if he couldn't fully feel her misery.
"I am confident that one day you will find all the answers you seek," he said, stepping closer to her and placing his hands on hers. "One day, you will learn everything about your past while living a blissful present and eagerly awaiting a prosperous future."
It had been a very long time since she had shed tears. Initial days in this town had been painful, with impatient sobs, but she eventually adapted to her life and embraced it wholeheartedly. However, she had suppressed those unpleasant recollections until she spoke with Alexander Diadem.
"Thank you. I greatly appreciate your words." She said.
"I have another question. How did you find your way to being a healer if you do not recall your past?" He inquired.

"It is rather bizarre. When Oscar's father was creating my herbal syrup, I instinctively corrected him by having him include different and more effective substances. He was astounded by my accuracy and, much more so, by my knowledge of plants. I started working for him after being blissfully adopted into this community, and he was amazed by the expertise I possessed in the field. I discovered my path to being a healer when I started assisting him with his clients and their small medical issues, and since he could tell I was natural, he made me his protégé."
"Perhaps this is a relic from your past." He pondered.
"Maybe. I have considered it previously, but I have never found any indications to follow. Nonetheless, despite my inability to recall anything, I am content with the life I am entitled to lead here. This is a magnificent place with wonderful people."
Alexander was genuinely in awe. How was it possible for someone to remain optimistic after what she went through?
"Heather Crown, you are an extraordinary woman."
"I am a woman just like any other."
"I do not believe so. You were created to strive for greater things and one day, you will achieve everything and more of what you desire."