AMNESIA'S TYRANNY

Chapter 10 | Jealousy From a Stranger

Oh, how lovely!

Lily was beaming as bright as the sun, swaying her hips and arms happily as Zisa guided her down the halls of the community tribe house.

They were on the first floor, where the halls were grander. Antler chandeliers and paintings of past leaders and essential events adorned the walls. She noticed some beautifully done trophies of animals, from geese to meese.

Strangely, not a single bear was mounted on the walls.

She was met with a massive banquet room when she walked through tall open doors. Windows lined the walls, along with numerous chairs and tables. Food was scattered across, serving platters and bowls of drinks.
A few people either sat in chairs or discussed while standing. She noticed not a single plate was full of food. They all wore traditional clothing, which seemed to be common apparel as normal as wearing a t-shirt.

A few tribe members approached her immediately, greeting her excitedly.

A tall young man, like the rest, held a hand against his chest and smiled. "You're absolutely beautiful!" He'd compliment, "I've never seen a woman with white hair like yours."

Lily ran her fingers through her hair, which was simply tied in a high ponytail. "Thank you..." She muttered, clearly flustered.

Zisa stepped in, "Hey!" She'd huff, "You can make friends with her, but no courting!"

What?! Her face lit up in red at this exclamation.

A mug is slammed on a table.

She flinches, a few people flinching too, while attention is drawn to the abrupt noise. The cloaked man rose from his chair at a table, his large mug half-full of a honey-coloured liquid.

Taking it with them, he'd push past a few people and walk out the doors leading to the outside from the banquet.

Arngrim approaches her, "Don't be too bothered by that." He'd say, stealing her gaze. "That guy is another guest- he's always been super silent and strange." The man scratched his face, "Though he's been here so long you could consider him a tribe member..."
Zisa would nod along with him, "Yeah, Aðal trusts his word like it's the word of Ullr himself." She giggled girlishly, "She was even the one that invited him as a guest to the tribe- but we don't know why!" She threw her hands up.

"I see..." Lily muttered. How fascinating.

Zisa would put her hands on her shoulders and push her further into the room, "We sit at the chairs at the end!" She cheered, "Everyone is pretty hungry- the cooks here are so good!"

Her enthusiasm was quite adorable, making Lily smile.

Sitting down, tribe members seemed to want to be as close to her as possible- but many ended up at a different table. 

Everyone outstretched their hands, confusing Lily. Zisa took her hand while Arngrim took her other one. Zisa cleared her throat, "As to not overwhelm our guest, I'll speak for her."

Lily listened curiously.

"We sit here today, having a delicious meal, but it would be nothing without the animals we have here today. We thank the caribou, meese, and duck that was hunted so we could have them here today." She said in all in one breath, "Thank you."

With that- everyone began to collect their food and eat.

She ate foods such as caribou, moose, duck, and many fresh vegetables. She'd coo in delight at the taste of honey-covered cooked carrots. "These are so good!" She cheered, "You were right, Zisa."

"Always am." The woman beamed.

Arngrim sat nearby, "We tend to eat a lot of meat during celebrations." He said, "A lot of the meat is hunted specifically for this dinner- so we always thank the animals for their meat."

She found this a very sweet and respectful tradition. "We do this even during regular meals," Zisa explained.

During the dinner, she would take a sip of her Cassina tea. It was warm and relaxing. "I'm going to take a quick breath of fresh air." She'd gently say, smiling at everyone. 

She would get up, everyone agreeing and appreciating her need for a moment of silence. Lily walked around the table and people, walking up to the door to the outside and stepping out. The door closed behind her.
Lily walked a bit until she stood at the bottom of the stone steps. It was incredibly cold outside, but she appreciated the crisp air. However, a presence alerts her.

Looking to the side, the cloaked man stood leaning against the wall. His arms were crossed- expression under the darkness of his hood.

"Hello." She greeted the fellow guest kindly, "My name is Lily. What's yours?" 

Lily has been curious about his name ever since she first saw him.

He pushed himself away from the wall, slowly approaching her. He absolutely towered over her- and she was 5'5! Her head barely reached his shoulders. His heavy breathing caught her ear, making her shiver.

"Are you looking to court someone?"

His heavy voice was like a bass, making her tense. Butterflies swarmed inside her tummy. It was deep and rough, like a well-seasoned soldier.

A furious blush coated her already rosy cheeks, and she shook her head. "No..." She nervously said.

The cloaked man simply grunted. "You deserve someone willing to hunt, feed, and keep you warm." He told her seriously, his gaze strong despite her inability to see it. "You need someone capable and strong."

He was strangely passionate and... jealous.

Lily's plump lips parted to say something, but his cloak wavered in the wind as he turned and walked away. She watched his massive frame walk until it disappeared around a corner, large boots leaving imprints in the snow.

Who is he?