Sleepysoul

Prologue

I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. I sense unfamiliarity, but I still cannot think straight about this feeling that makes me so uneasy. 

Who I am? Where am I? After the moment had passed, I got up from the bed and saw everything in a daze. I was in a single bed that was made from wood and a thin mattress. 

The smells of burning wood lingering and I saw a fireplace in the room. There are no memories in my head. 

I shake my head as hard as I can and hope that things will get back in place. And then I saw a piece of paper that crumbled at my hand.
 
“Dear Vierra, as you wish I erased your memory from your old life and granted you the cooking skills that will help you in this new world. And let the memory of your recipe from passed life remain. I Hope your new life will give you a better life. From me who cannot be named.”

I let out a heavy sigh. Is this some lame joke? There is a sling bag under the tiny table beside the bed. I found a diary with a name written in front of it. 

“Vierra Maverick”

World of Lost and Found

I took out the meat from the pouch. I show Dylan the size of the chunk that I want. 


He nodded and since he was someone who was wielding a sword on a daily basis, he easily cut the meat. 


You can tell that his hand was really familiar with sharp things.


I can't stop thinking about the look on Anne's face. It seems things are getting worse. 


My hand moving fast preparing the ingredient. I chop the onion and carrot. I take the dried thyme from my pouch. 


I wonder what happened to the other villagers. Would it affect their home and I wonder if their cow and goat were doing fine.


"Hey young lady. Stop wearing that old expression on your cute face"


"Sorry…wh... what are you saying again?"


Without looking at me he continued cutting the meat.


"The villagers will arrive soon. My members are heading there with your father.


What's wrong with this guy. He was happily cutting the vegetables. 


His movement is not awkward at all. But there was something that made me feel uneasy but at the same time I felt warm. Who is this guy?


"V… could you prepare food for 12 person more?"


Madame Anne comes through the door with a warm smile on her face. It seems everything was under control now. I will ask her later.


"I got a help from Dylan, it should be no problem"


I took two pots from the storage. And ask Dylan to follow me step by step. He was a very good listener and didn't say much. 


"Put the olive oil in the pot, enough to coat the surface. Yes, just like that"


"Now put the chunk of meat slowly into the pot. Stir it until it shrinks a bit. Now pour the onion"


I put the carrot, dried thyme, garlic and stir everything together. Then I put the tomatoes puree, and barley and the water. 


I really wish I had a chicken stock. But since we got plenty of meat, I think it could be delicious enough. I get some pepper and salt.


"That is black demon eye. Where do you get it? Is it eaten?"


"This is black pepper, wait…. what with that name?"


"It's a fruit that can only be found in demon territory, and people use it to scare some orc. Because it smells and taste, the orc always avoid it all cost"


"It's a one of the demon race but because their sense of loyalty is dull and they actually have no intention to being ruled, they use to roaming in the darkwood and sometimes attack the adventurer"


I just nodded and the smells of meat got me to my senses.


"Have you pour the water, stir it well and close the lid. It may take an hour before ready to eat."


It's a good thing I soaked the barley earlier before I go outside to take a rest. It didn't take me too long to cook the stew. 


"You just help me see through my cloudy eyes. Im sure there is nothing could be wrong with your food"


He gently patted my head and smiled. Something felt unease at my heart, it's like tickling my heart and for a moment I thought it's going to explode.


Hearthy meaty stew.