Page 8 of Celestia, Year Four

I opened my eyes again and reluctantly shifted my gaze to land on a familiar person. His long black hair was currently in a ponytail, the silky strands falling down his back with a few hanging on the side of his face and behind his ear.

He was sitting in another oddly shaped piece of furniture that was a pale purple and was curved weirdly. I wondered if he could even sit on it because it looked beyond peculiar.

When my gaze met his, I had to pause and just stare. Those light lavender eyes looked almost white, and though I noticed the relief in them as we continued to study one another, I could tell he was tired.

The black circles under his eyes were evident, leaving me to wonder when he had last slept.

It was taking a bit of time to figure out who this person was, but it was in the back of my mind and taking its time to resurface.

The man was patient and didn't say another word, which was rather comforting. I didn't want to feel rushed into figuring out who he was, but I didn't want to offend him by taking too long either.

"I'm… trying to remember..." I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.

I must have been asleep for a while, and I unconsciously wished I had a cup of rich coffee to help remove the fog cloaking my mind.

He nodded, a small smile crept onto his lips and I swear, his exhaustion faded for those few seconds. I wished I could help him feel better. It wasn't like he was sick, but I had the urge to hug and hold him while he slept. He must have done something tiring to look so spent.

Yet, there he was, sitting and being patient with my slow mind.

Lifting his hand, he reached out to stroke my left cheek as I continued to rest on my right side, my gaze never leaving his.

"Take all the time you need, my Queen. You went through a lot to survive. Your body needs rest."

"Body needs rest? What did I do? I don't recall," I mumbled quietly.

I wanted to sit up, but just the slightest movement was difficult. The man noticed and got up from his chair.

"Want to sit up?" he suggested.

"Yes, please," I replied, needing the extra help.

He helped me sit up and scooped me up to bring me further back in the bed, my back now rested against the headboard with a supportive pillow.

"Thank you," I whispered, my eyes taking their time to take in the room that was giving me weird vibes. It was more abnormal than anything, and it told my mind that something was off with how everything was shaped compared to "normal furniture."

"You’re welcome, Celestia, and it's a bit hard to explain. Don't work yourself up trying to remember. It will come to you in spurts. Traveling and surviving the entry into the Dark World does that to you."

"Dark World… is this where we are? It's… well… dark." I tried to think of what to say regarding his explanation, but I soon gave up.

Can't think properly without coffee. Or anything drinkable.

"BiBo..."

My head turned to look at a medium sized looking rag doll. Its body was black, but its head was a round circle with white string-like hair.

It wore a lavender dress, something a doll would wear, and it even had little black buttons on the front.

I wasn't sure if it was a girl, but from the pigtails of her stringy hair, I could only assume until told otherwise.

Her eyes were huge white circles with a black spiral which I hoped was her iris. They were spiraling in a slow motion, making me curious that if I stared at her long enough, would I become super dizzy.

What pulled my attention from my analysis was the scent of hazelnut that drifted to my nose, and when I lowered my gaze to see the black cup of coffee, I almost squealed.

Maybe I did, I wasn't really sure.

"Coffee..." I whispered and looked at the creature who tilted her head.

I could tell she was slightly trembling, making me wonder if she was scared.