Chapter 136: Welcome Home

POV Mimi

We had arived at our temporary camp after being forced to flee our familiar and beloved home, just as we had four years earlier. Because of the message we had found in the middle of the street that morning, we had fled that very night. The message had been strange, because it described in detail when the attack would take place and how many attackers there would be. Obviously, there was an insider who had warned us. But how had the message found its way into our camp? And above all, who was it? Our hunter had confirmed before the day of the attack that several dozen people had set up camp nearby. So the warning was justified.

The message was signed Eliza, the name my little girl had at the time. Eliza, where were you and how were you? Not a day went by that I didn't think of you since you disappeared after the first attack. Since we hadn't found a corpse, you were still alive somewhere. I just wanted to believe that. I hoped you hadn't been captured and had to endure a life of slavery. Please come back alive. I missed you endlessly.

The sender wanted to meet with us. We discussed at length whether it was a trap and then decided to take the risk. The warning contained information that only someone who knew us could have known. So we had hope that it was indeed our Eliza. I prayed every day to all the gods I could think of that it was my little girl.

Our three adventurers had agreed to wait at the meeting place and find out who showed up. They were experienced enough to avoid most traps. On the day they were supposed to return at the earliest, I was very restless and paced back and forth in our makeshift camp. Then four people approached from the east. They were our three friends and a tall person with a hood pulled low over their face. The person was slightly taller than Aslan and therefore almost too tall for a woman. My heart sank, because it wasn't my little girl. My little girl was significantly shorter than me, but that was many years ago. Apparently, my hope had proven to be deceptive. Oh, Eliza, where were you?

A crowd gathered around the four people. Will, our leader, stepped forward and spoke.

“Aslan, welcome back. Is this the person who warned us? We are deeply grateful. Thanks to you, we were able to escape in time. I am Will Scarlett, the leader of this group.” <Will>

The hooded figure nodded and then replied in a deep, feminine voice.

“You don't have to thank me. I was happy to do it.” <Eliza>

“I can't let it go like that. I have to show my gratitude, otherwise I'll be considered ungrateful. Not everyone is willing to help us. Look at them. You may not have been aware of who we are before. No one in the empire helps beastfolk and runaway slaves.” <Will>

“I'm not everyone. I have personal reasons for helping you. I've already received my reward.” <Eliza>

What did this person say? Personal reasons? She had already received her reward? That didn't make sense. The woman looked around and stopped with her head in my direction. Then she walked toward me. I looked beside me to see if she could have meant someone else, but the mistake was quickly cleared up. The words she spoke hit me right in the heart and left me speechless. Tears immediately welled up in my eyes.

“Hello, Mama. I’m back.” <Eliza>

The woman took the hood off her head, revealing a grown-up face that was very familiar to me, with dark skin and white hair. My little girl was back!

POV Eliza

Mama opened her eyes wide and immediately began to cry. When I pulled back my hood, she immediately took me in her arms. I hugged her back and also began to cry loudly. I was finally home again. A huge weight was lifted from my heart and I was relieved. A great worry was finally taken from me. My mama was still alive!

I didn't know how long we stood there crying uncontrollably. It was getting noisy around us, but I didn't hear any of it. I only had eyes and ears for Mimi. Then Mama released her embrace, kissed me several times on the cheeks, and stepped back within arm's reach. She looked me up and down.

“Welcome back, little one. Let me look at you. You've grown so much. Are you okay? Where have you been? What happened to you?” <Mimi>

“I'm fine, Mama, now that I know you're fine too.” <Eliza>

“I hate to interrupt your reunion, but we're still standing in the middle of the street. Shall we go somewhere where we can talk in peace?” <Will>

Will had joined us and reminded us of the others standing around us. They talked a lot and some of them cried too. They were all happy that I was back and that Mimi had her daughter back. We went into one of the huts, but Mama held me in her arms the whole time. Besides Mama, Will, and me, Aslan was there too. I was happy at that moment.

“Sit down. It's so good to have you back with us, Eliza. After what happened, I had given up hope of ever seeing you alive again. But I'm most happy for Mimi. She hasn't been the same since then and has suffered greatly from the loss.” <Will>

Mama smiled broadly at me and leaned her head on my shoulder. Now I was much taller than her, so she was almost a head shorter than me. Her joy and relief were written all over her face.

“A lot has happened since then. Unfortunately, I never knew how or where to look for you. I had no way of doing so without risking exposing myself. Only recently did the opportunity arise, and I am glad that I found you again. Even if it meant you had to flee once more.” <Eliza>

“I would have given up everything to see you again. So I'm not complaining.” <Mimi>

“It's only thanks to you that we all got out alive. Even if you don't want a reward, I hope you'll accept my thanks. Now I understand what you mean by personal reasons.” <Will>

“No problem, Will. I'd do it again for you guys anytime.” <Eliza>

“You've grown up a lot, Eliza. I've learned the most important thing and will leave you two alone now. You have a lot to discuss and catch up on. See you later.” <Will>

Will stood up, signaled to Aslan, and together they left the hut. Then I was alone with Mama.