Premonitions

Miss ran home as fast as she could. For the first time in years, she didn't feel safe in the woods. It was almost as if she was being watched.

A weak gust of wind rustled the trees. Even the sound of the forest was different. The forest nymphs were telling her to stay cautious. She ran faster, eventually stopping when she got to the doorstep of the small cottage. Yerem was not present but the candles were lit, indicating he was home only until recently.

Miss placed the basket on the table. The trees were finally silent. She could still feel her heart beating fast but she knew it would go down after a while. She decided to cook supper while Yerem was out. He was always out recently, Miss figured he would come home exhausted. The question of where Yerem could be going slowly crept into her mind.

Curious, she eyed the candle burning in the middle of the room. She crawled to it and watched as the flame danced whenever she would exhale... It was hypnotic.

She smiled and pinched the end of the wick, extinguishing the fire. Slowly, she could see figures form from the smoke. She could see Yerem, holding his staff to help him walk. In front of him was a cloaked figure, his hood over his head, possibly to hide his identity.

"Ah, Miss." Yerem said suddenly, startling Miss. "I apologise if I came late. I had to pick a few herbs."

Miss nodded then turned to the candle smoke which was still dancing upwards. The cloaked figure now had their hood down. Miss leaned closer to the smoke, trying to get a closer look at the figure's face. The person had long locks of hair but his build suggested he was a man. Miss didn't know him so she figured it was the red-haired man the villagers saw before. Miss drew back as she started thinking. What was Yerem doing with the red-haired man who cursed the sea?

She focused on the smoke once more. The figure was still, as if looking at the distance. For some reason, Miss saw a smile tug on his face the longer she stared. The figure turned to her direction and she flailed her arms in shock, knocking the candle off from its position.

Yerem asked her what was wrong. Miss looked up at him and paused. She took deep breaths and simply shook her head.

"Did you see something?" Yerem asked, visibly concerned.

"Yerem." Miss muttered, gathering all the courage she could muster. "Why did you suddenly teach me divination?"

Yerem kept a straight face for a moment. "It is what the gods want."

Miss frowned. She knew Yerem lied somewhat. She knew now that he was lying... or possibly, not yet.

"I heard of a red-haired person roaming the village." Miss muttered, "Is it possible for me to know who the person could be?"

Yerem was starting to get visibly uncomfortable. He shifted his position and shrugged. "There could be a chance."

Miss looked down. She could not shake off the feeling that perhaps the red-haired stranger can shed some light to who she could be. She eyed the lamp at the center of the room. She never went out to the woods after dark before but perhaps a little search would not hurt?

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The next day, Alexander waited just outside the woods as usual. He waited until late in the afternoon but Miss never came. It felt as if a thorn dug into his chest, thinking his hunch was true. He shook the thought away and assured himself that perhaps Yerem taught her the whole day.

He walked back to the Elder's house, his father wondering why he came home early.

"Miss didn't show up." he muttered, sad.

"I'm sure Yerem was still teaching her. Divination can be very challenging. She needs to learn quickly, too... She will succeed Yerem when he dies." Alaster told him. "I am sure she will come tomorrow."

Alexander nodded. Alaster placed his hand on his son's shoulder, telling him to look forward to dinner in the meantime.

After dinner, they heard a frantic knock on the door. Alaster quickly opened it and saw the augur, panting.

"Miss has disappeared!" the augur exclaimed in between breaths.

Alaster let the augur enter and asked him what happened. The augur told them that Miss left a note, telling the augur she'll be back before long. It was around dusk when he found out that his lamp was missing, indicating that Miss left with it when he was asleep. Miss had been gone longer than he thought.

Hearing the alarming news made Alexander run to and grab the nearest lamp, ready to help search for Miss.

"No" Alaster told him, knowing what his son is prepared to do. "It could be dangerous. The red haired stranger is still about. Allow me and the augur to search for her."

"Father, I will not stay here when I know my only friend is potentially in danger!" Alexander exclaimed, frantic. "I'm afraid I cannot stand by."

"I do not expect you to sit calmly, Alexander." Alaster spoke firmly, "But do understand that you will succeed me when I'm gone. If I ever run into trouble, you will be Head Elder."

Alexander went silent, looked down and nodded. Alaster gave him a pat on his back, telling him they will do everything they can to find Miss.

As his father and the augur left, Alexander could feel the uneasiness in his chest grow. He was sure that none of the villagers would help search for Miss. For the second time in his life, he was troubled. Sadly, the only person who can calm him was missing. He paced the room, ignoring the concerned questions of the others in the house. He waited at the door all night, waiting for his father and the augur to arrive... waiting for Miss to come back.