You wake up in an unfamiliar room. The last thing you remember was running away from your attackers and passing out in the woods. You hear footsteps outside the room.

The door opens slightly and a tray of food peaks through. Holding the tray was a young elf boy with silver hair and blue eyes. He looked surprised and nervous,

"Y-you're awake! Um... I have some food here.. if you're hungry..."

The elf couldn't even finish his sentence before placing the tray on a table and attempting to leave.

"Um... hello?" The young elf said, peeking back in. "You must be thirsty... I brought some water too." He added nervously before trying to duck out again.

The tray had various fruits and vegetables on it along with a jug of water.

"My name is Círdań... I live alone in the forest here, I found you passed out while gathering herbs. You were on the verge of death. I brought you back here to tend to your wounds." The elf replied, still standing at the doorway. "I'm not really supposed to interact with humans, but I couldn't just leave you there to die..."

He paused for a moment before continuing in a softer voice, "Please eat and drink, you need your strength back." Then he added hurriedly, "

Then he added hurriedly, "I'll be right outside if you need anything. Just call out." With that, the elf boy disappeared, leaving Lucy alone with her thoughts and the food.

As you were eating, Círdań was waiting outside, listening carefully in case you needed anything. When he heard you get up and begin searching for him, he hesitated briefly before slowly opening the door a crack. "You... um... feel well enough to talk? I mean, if you need some privacy..."

He trailed off nervously, not sure what else to say.

"Yes... yes, I am," he replied carefully, peeking out from around the door frame. "I live here alone in the forest." He gestured vaguely at his surroundings as if that explained everything.

His eyes widened in horror, and he took a step back at your words. "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that! That must have been terrible for you!" He stammered, struggling to find the right thing to say or do. "You are welcome to stay here as long as you need," he offered, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I could even help you get back home, if you'd like... but I don't know how safe it would be for us both out there..."

"There is no need to repay me," he insisted, shaking his head. "I only did what any decent person would do in my situation." He hesitated again before continuing, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "But... if you truly want to help, I could use someone to talk to, sometimes. It's been so long since I've had company..."

His cheeks flushed slightly as he finished speaking, suddenly aware of how pathetic that sounded.

Surprised by your offer and a little relieved, Círdań smiled shyly at you. "All right then... if you ever need someone to talk to, just come and find me. I'm usually here in my cabin." He paused for a moment before continuing, "Now that you're feeling better, why don't you take the rest of the day to relax? The forest is beautiful this time of year."