Lightning Maiden

I see her like a memory playing over and over again in my head. She's walking with me, hand on my shoulder as she leads me along the road. The sun bears down on us, as shop owners call out to us from the sides of the crowded streets. Horses snort and trot past us, some carry heavily armored soldiers, their long swords draped on the sides of their saddles. Others carry smug rich nobles through the masses of common folk.  I can feel the heat through my shirt. Part of me wants to strip down to my shorts, but I wouldn't dare do that in front of my companion. Her small laugh brings a smile to my face. I glance over and she's watching me mess with my sweat soaked tunic. No question she understands exactly what's going through my mind right now. She turns and smiles in thought, and I watch the magic unfold before me.  The twisted throngs of people would normally be hard to maneuver through. Yet, as we walk together, the crowd around us seems to dissipate. People give us a respectable distance as we pass. Mothers move their children out of the way as we walk by, whispering to their children, clutching them as if they were glittering diamonds or prime steaks from a king's best cow. Glaring eyes catch my lady's attention, her smile disappears, her gaze turns cold. She locks eyes with several, pursing her lips softly, staying silent. Their eyes lower as we walk by, and I can hear the murmurs cease. They're all watching the two of us walk by.  Her caramel complexion and raven hair make her more noticeable in the sea of people. Full lips kissed by satin roses - corners reaching softly up to the sky. I can see the enchanted gazes of men and women alike. Some soldiers bow as she walks by, and she smiles warmly at them, causing some to blush. The scent of lilies and roses swirls around her in a torrent of winds. Whenever she turns, you are slammed in the face with another wave of the hurricane surrounding her. Inside and out, she shines with a rarity I have yet to see in another woman.  She has a round face, yet her cheekbones are prominent. Her face is clear of any blemishes, and almost angelic in nature. She doesn't squint in the harsh light, but reflects it back all around her. She's glowing with an aura of intensity, walking with grace and dignity, yet seeming so down to earth. She draws those in around her, yet keeps them at playful distance. She turns to me as we get closer to our destination. A reassuring nod and small smile is all I receive as we stride. I get lost in her gaze. It takes everything I have not to stumble over a rock in our path. She chuckles at my clumsiness. I hang my head in shame. Still, we push on.  A tall building made of stone with multiple stories looms ahead of us. I start to slow down, and she pushes me gently ahead. Her hand on my back is soft, the warmth of her palm radiating into my skin. This feeling of comfort and safety I feel around her, I know where I am going, it won't follow me. A tightness in my stomach surrounds me, the warmth of her storm dissipating already. My heart beat pounds through my chest, I'm unable to draw breath. No, not now. I don't want to give that up. I look at her desperately, unable to speak. I wish I could have a conversation with her, but no words come out. There's no sound. That doesn't matter here. I can't talk to her, yet she knows what I feel. She gazes through me, down into my very soul. The softness in her striking purple eyes soothes me. I give her a halfhearted smile and she guides me up the the stairs. The door begins to open.... *** I always wake up around this time.  Such a distant memory, but it wasn't so long ago. That woman from my dreams... I need to see her again. I have some questions, about who I am.