By now, you may be questioning me. How is it that you became emperor? You, who fell from the sky to break his body and lived alone and friendless in a hostile world? Surely you were not crowned upon leaving the forest. Well, I would reply. Have some patience, it took some while to reach civilization. Besides, I was able to find another human, which I considered progress enough.

I also cannot emphasize enough the importance of my time in the forest. Do understand that it requires more courage to suffer than die, and I will say with confidence that too many would have died in my place. This courage which I carried within me was more strength than that of my muscles at their prime, shining like a fire even in the coldest nights. I tell you of my time of weakness, for it is that that I wear most proudly, even above the times of strength.

If it was conquering weakness that showed a man's power, I was more powerful than ever in those days. A few days had passed since my landing, and I must say I had seen many sights. There was the mountains, towering high above to the skies without end. The snow capped peaks which glistened with an aura of mystery and challenge. There was the thousand creatures I had not ever seen, and the many more that I had. The familiar yet foreign fruits on which I fed, the tiny creatures I would hunt and the large by which I was hunted. Some were similar to what a man could see in my home world, but wrong.

I saw lions with three tails, frogs with five tongues. Trees with no branches and leaves with thumbs. I saw birds with seven wings and ravens with none. In the flashes of starlight that illumined by sleepless nights I thought I could see dragons. Majestic, soaring creatures dancing through the night air to a song I could not hear. Was my mind slipping? But it was all so colorful, so real. If I were a madman, I had no way of knowing. No other was there to keep me company, yet.

My food cooked over a steady fire, tiny creatures ensnared by pits of earth I hid with grass. Meager meals that kept me alive, if barely. Water I wrung from the soil using what remained of my torn uniform. Not all were used for bandages, just most. For the first time in a few days I was not at death's door, and none of the creatures that roamed the night braved the light of my fire. I took it with me as I explored, using a branch as a torch and another as a walking stick.

The days were treacherous, but my training was all I needed to avoid the dangerous animals that would have given me away had I been on a mission. I shall not bore you with the details of my sneaking, but I shall supply that I was patient, waiting for the fading of the sunlight to collect my winnings from the many traps I had set. This was the opportune time, when no creatures roamed about to contest me for my meals. However, that was not to say that many of my victims were unable to break free or had been taken by other predators.

It was a life of drudgery, waiting in the darkness both day and night with only the songs of birds and the light of my fire to guard me. I waited, patience my only hope of survival as I passed the days waiting for my injuries to heal.

I thought that I had seen it all. I thought I was ready for anything the world could throw in my face. Then, I saw her.

When I think of the forest I remember that night with a clarity like no other. I can still see the wet grass swaying beneath a gentle breeze. Shadows of stones come to life under the gaze of a high above moon. I could see the trees that stood vigil over the simple tombstone, the flowers adorning it smiling like only flowers could. I could see that snow white dress sweeping like the winds themselves, hiding a graceful figure more fairy than human.

Her hair was silver pure and true, glistening with moonlight that decorated her braids like jewels. Her eyes were small stars, glistening with the fires of the void beyond the earth. Had I not known I may have thought her a statue carved of the finest silver, polished to lack of flaw or dust. She danced more than walked when her feet moved, deliberate and careful steps that spoke of many years practice.

I could not guess her age, her face seemed ageless the way a statue was ageless. Never changing as the years came and passed. She seemed a woman grown, though not old. Yet not young either, despite her naturally soft skin which seemed to indicate a young woman. Her gaze chilled me, a gaze so young and old. It was as if an ancient spirit had possessed a body which had yet to forget it's previous holder's habits, a soul much younger.

The moment our gazes met it was as if lightning had flashed before my eyes. Behind those eyes I saw something I did not understand, a soul that seemed a million minds. They stared at me with more emotions than I could hope to count, fear, curiosity, sadness, surprise, and so much more I cannot name.

We stared at each other in the silence of the cool night, and the stars brightened as if they were watching with glee. They bore into me, those silver eyes. Eyes that glowed with the carelessness of youth and the wisdom of age. Were it possible to see such a thing in a woman's eyes I saw those, too obvious to miss or ignore. I must admit I was not as graceful as I liked. I may have even gawked.

But then, I did not blame myself too much. She was, after all, my first sign of civilization in a new world, a world where I did not know humans existed. Until now, I was unsure. A part of me wished that I had never found her, that I was left alone to allow my life to waste away in the years. But I was found, and my world had once again changed.