Hiraeth

C H A P T E RㅤO N E

Perhaps I shouldve been able to ascertain that I could never be, or never once be called normal. Even after assuming I was normal in the first place.

This so called average life of mine ended in a humble sleep. I was so indulged in that sleep, it made me feel like not wanting to wake up. And in this dream of mine, I was falling. But this isn't the usual 'let's jolt up with your heart beating fast once you fall on the end' kind of dream. I was sure it wasn't. Well, yeah, let's say it was for the past 6 days but this one, it wasn't.

In that dream, I could see the floor nearing. As usual, I would expect this sudden jolt of my body and wake up, my heart beating wildly, sweatbeads rolling on the side of my cheek and terror apparent to my face. But it didn't. I stood there, on the floor I was used to being awoke to. The past six days of falling in this indefinite abyss, I finally saw it's end.

Sure, it wasn't that much of a big deal. I would probably be awoken by some alarm clock in my room or my brother storming in and body-slamming my entire being, but I wasn't.

So, there I stay and wandered in the depths of my own mind. Believe it or not, I saw kingdoms. Kingdoms of sorts that you couldn't even believe, really.

I took interest in one. I went inside and explored the peculiar place. People of musical notes walked by the streets. They literally looked like musical notes. Black bodies, a long neck and a tail, connected with tiny arms and legs. I wasn't that much surprised, considering I am inside of my dream. They were very kind, since they greet me so formally.

Then I came across this castle, which I think is where the head of this kingdom lives in. I feel like in some type of fairytale and let me guess, I'd be meeting a prince in no time.

I went inside and met a guy with golden brown hair. He got startled by my presence, considering the look on his blue eyes. He examined my being, then after, his expression turned to a terrified one.

"Why are you here?!" He asked with a shaky voice, pointing at me like I'm some sort of criminal.

"I should be the one asking that." I said back with a monotone expression, arms crossed by my chest as I looked at him with a glare. "Who are you?"

He sighed. "Renade. I'm practically a Prince here. And for all I know, you are not supposed to be here."

So meeting a prince got sooner than I expected. I relaxed myself and placed down my arms. I admired the castle, and landed my gaze on this so called prince.

"So. Would you care to explain... This?" I said waving my hands around, referring to everything. He motioned me to sit down, and I'm guessing this would be quite a long discussion.

"I'll be brief for a moment, okay? You're currently trapped in your own mind. Your body's in a coma and I dont exactly know why." he said with arms crossed.

"And this?" I asked referring to him, the castle, the kingdoms and the weird people.

"I am Prince Serenade of the first kingdom, Harmony. There are four kingdoms existing in your mind. Each one makes up... You." he said rubbing his temple.

Makes me... Me? So i'm assuming this is a kingdom of music. Considering the notes and this prince's name i suppose.

"I suppose you know me then?" i looked at him as i stood up.

"Tori Evans, age seventeen. 5" 5 tall, likes color black, is a complete sweetheart but is hiding a complete smartass, and-"

"-Okay stop. I think thats too much information." I cut him off, raising my hand and showing him my palm as a sign to stop and started walking around the palace.

"How long will I end up here?" i asked, trying hard my voice not to break

"I am not sure by that. This is the first time you've came here personally. And this is the first time i've seen you up close. I dont even think this is possible." he said as he ruffled his hair, making it messier than a while ago. I looked at him with a small smile.

"Can I stay?" I asked out of the blue. His eyes widened from pure shock.

"We would love that but Tori, you dont belong here. I understand the situation youre handling out there, but we need you alive, awake." he explained as he pulled me in for an unexpecting hug. I admit it was pretty comforting.

He looked at me. His blue, ocean like eyes stared at mines with a wave of concern splashing in it. "I need you out there." He said and hugged me.

This person is a complete stranger to me, but somehow, it felt like ive known him for years. His entire being is nostalgic to me. All so familiar. His scent, his eyes, his build, his hair. Its just so nostalgic.

I nodded in response. He let go of me, my body feeling cold once again. "I need to tell the other kingdoms that you're here. But for now, you could stay in the spare room." He said as he held my wrists and led me there. The room was huge. The place looked like a medieval room with red carpets and a fancy bed. Complete with everything. I thanked him as he left to tell the others, I suppose. I lie on the king-sized bed, my chest went uand then down as I breathed out a heavy sigh.

A lot of things are on my mind. Well, literally, seeing this is messing me up. I over think a little too much.

Renade. I hummed, imagining what he looked dlike again. His face is so nostalgic. It felt like I met him before. For some reasons, he looked like someone I lost. Lost? Why would I say that? I haven't lost anyone in particular.

I sighed once more.

Who are you, Renade?

The thought kept echoing in my mind. But other thoughts kept screaming. Unanswered questions. How did I end up in a coma?

I sat up from the comfy bed and messed up my brown locks. "Keep it together, Tori." I mumbled to myself as I felt like breaking down. I breathed a shaky breath and huffed it out quick.

And so, I decided to take a nap. Maybe it would stop the hellish-thoughts.

Or so it did.