"So if you hadn't lost your memories I guess you'd be more like Nadia?"
"Maybe. Though more chaotic." I smile, tracing little patterns on his chest with my finger.
"I wonder what you thought of Vesuvia before you came. Maybe you visited once before?"
"isn't it cool how your chest hair joins with your belly hair it's like a tattoo in hair." I trace down the centre of his torso.
"Y/n are you listening?"
"I am!! I just don't know what to say, I can't remember."
A maid bursts into my room and draws the curtains, "Morning ma'am! Time to be dress-" She stops at the sight of Muriel and quickly bows and leaves. I snort and sit up, looking for the clothes I had before. "Wait I can wear something different, these are all my clothes!!" I throw open the wardrobe and fumble around. Muriel wears the duvet like a cape and searched for his clothes. Baffled servants step aside as he waddles into his room, grabbing a far more simple outfit and waddling right back. "Need you to lace this bad boy up." I point with my thumb to the back of my stays. He plops his stuff on the bed and nervously tries to lace. "C'mon tighter."
"Won't it hurt??"
"No it's okay."
He pulls it a little more and ties a delicate little bow before grabbing his own clothes again. "Oh I'll help you." I pull on the last piece of clothing and hurry over to help him dress. He'd never admit it but I can see in his eyes that he likes this.
"Morning you two!" My mother greets us warmly and leads us to the lounge where we sit quietly. "How did you sleep?"
"Well thank you." I turn red, glancing at Muriel and taking a bite out of a biscuit as she chuckles.
"It's fine dear, as long as the wedding is soon. Did the room bring you any memories?"
"No unfortunately..."
"No matter. Perhaps you could tell us more about Vesuvia?"
"Yes about that..." I turn to Muriel and he takes in a breath. Slowly but surely he tells them the truth about Lucio's reign, the plague, the coliseum. My family gasp and nod at each shocking bit of news as he explains the city history. To my surprise he then goes on to tell the story of how we met, smiling fondly to himself as he remembers. My mother clutches her chest and grins as my brother takes in this new information.
"So... wheres this wolf of yours then?" Father asks eagerly, quite interested.
"She's staying with Asra but I can bring her next time."
"Oh yes! It will be lovely! She can meet our dog-"
"Kipper!" I gasp, the memory of his face rushing back. "Where is he?"
"In his room!" He father chuckles and hurries out to bring him.
"Darling! You remember!" My mother touches my face fondly and smiles as the fluffy, lanky dog gallops into the room. He immediately starts licking my hands and wagging his tail all over the place. "Hey buddy! Remember me?" I stroke his regal beige fur and giggle.
"Hello Kipper." Muriel seems so happy to be in the presence of an animal, gently patting his head.
We spend the rest of the trip restoring various memories through paintings, places, and things. The piano that seemed so strange to me was suddenly like an old friend and I finally played all those songs I'd forgotten. My family warmed up to Muriel so very quickly, respectful of his good manners and kind nature. By the time of our leaving I have quite a clear memory of life before Vesuvia, proud of my family and their open minds. "Visit any time you like, dear!" My mother squeezes my arm as we walk to the carriage.
"Same to you Mrs. y/l/n." Muriel smiles kindly.
"I certainly shall! And for the wedding!" She winks.
"Yeah... we'll have to do that soon." Muriel looks at me fondly and climbs into the carriage.
"See you again soon!"
