Samantha was looking forward to the afternoon’s party too. Her husband Ailwin should be on his way from his village of Olaescoa. His sister Kasula and her husband Rhys Keywynn were coming to celebrate with them. They were bringing their twins Tanila and Lorsan to meet Quaeth for the first time. Atalaya loved playing with her seven year old cousins, trying to do whatever she saw them doing. The elven village of Olaescoa was five day’s travel northwestward from here nestled along the SireLurue, the main tributary river to the Unicorn Run. Her husband, Aliwin had felt unable to permanently leave his people. He was already embroiled in the defense of the High Forest, even at his relatively young age. For herself, Samantha was unwilling to leave Otterwell, the village of her birth, without a midwife or healer. Their marriage was unconventional for many reasons, but worked well for both of them. Atalaya was excited about the party this afternoon, although she still didn’t really understand the reason behind it. Nevertheless, she knew her father was coming home for the party and was excited about seeing him again. So where was she?
The cottage only had a few rooms; the main living area that included a cooking area, two bedrooms and a workroom where she prepared her medications and saw some of the villagers for ailments that permitted them to travel to her. Atalaya was not in any of them. Samantha had searched through each several times already, including her workroom that was strictly off limits to the small girl. Cupboards stood open as well as a wardrobe. The child was not in the house. So where was she? Then she noticed Atalaya’s stool placed near the door. It belonged near the fireplace. Samantha moved quickly across the room to look out the door into the gardens surrounding the small house. There was no one in sight. A quick look in her bedroom assured her that Quaeth was still sleeping soundly.
Stepping outside she headed around the house searching for her missing child in all her usual favorite play spots. Not finding her anywhere, she returned to the spot that Atalaya had chosen as her own private garden. Had the dirt been disturbed that day? She couldn’t be sure, but thought that maybe Atalaya had spent at least some time there recently. But now there was no sign of her. Becoming even more worried she started calling for her, walking around the edges of the homesite, stopping every few feet to call again, but she heard no responding call from her wayward child. Samantha was becoming more frantic with each passing moment. Where had that girl gotten off to? Atalaya knew the rules, no going outside without an adult. No wandering off into the woods, and to always answer when her mother called for her. How could she be far enough away that she could not hear and respond to her name?
Samantha called out for her missing child a final time. Getting no answer, she ran to the cottage, flinging the door open, not even caring as it slammed against the inner wall. The loud thwack as the door hit the wall startled her and she stopped, holding her breath and hoping that Quaeth would sleep through the noise. When no cry came from the bedroom, she modulated her movement as she hastened to the doorway to check on him. He was fretful but still sleeping. Turning she carefully closed the door and headed for her workroom. Going to the desk, she searched frantically for the box containing the special papers and scroll case that Aliwin had given her after Atalaya was born. Pulling out one of the smaller red sheets, she sat down, and reached for her ink bottle and quill. Taking a deep breath to compose herself and letting it out slowly she lifted her quill and dipped it into the ink. Seeing that her hand was still shaking, she paused and took another calming breath. Then composed a simple but slightly frantic message to her husband.
HELP!! Atalaya is missing. Can’t find her and she doesn’t answer.
Missing for one hour? I need you!
- Samantha
Rolling the paper tightly and placing it into the special scroll case Samantha focused her thoughts on Aliwin. She again took some calming breaths and waited for an answer, her hand resting lightly upon the case. It took longer than forever before she felt the tube vibrate slightly and saw a golden sparkling aura around it. Pulling the parchment out of the scroll case she carefully unfolded it. Reading his response of “We search. Stay with Quaeth. We will find her!” over and over she sagged onto the desktop, resting her head on her arms and gave into her tears. After several minutes Samantha grabbed the edge of her apron and brought it to her face wiping them away. Hearing Quaeth’s restless whimpers coming from the bedroom she resolutely reached for her gardening tools and stalked through the small cottage and out into her gardens to gather what she needed for her teething remedies.
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