At first I See, now I don't|Sensatiamens, Sensatia

[Northen Light36]

Tres frowned worriedly. "That's possible, but where is she? I can't imagine she'd be content if she's lost somewhere in Naurorod with a small child."

Flame was quiet, lost in thought. "Aly's daddy isn't from Naurorod is he? Mum, do you know what he looked like?" Could I be seeing Aly? she wondered, wishing she'd bothered to speak mentally with the toddler once or twice. She might be better able to tell if she was seeing through the Naurorod Heir's eyes if she knew what Aly's mind felt like.

"No," Tres replied. "Ann never spoke about him. Why?"

"I think I'm seeing Aly," Flame replied softly.

[Kender Bard]

Thelon frowned at that. He, too, was wishing he knew the toddler's mind a little better. "If you are, then she's not in the desert. Where else could she b-" His face slackened with dawning. "Maelstrom. With Shadow. Possibly?" He reached out to Shadow. ~Is Ann with you?~

[Northen Light36]

No, Shadow replied, sounding startled by the question. I wasn't expecting to see her until at least Sunfest. Why? What's happened?

[Kender Bard]

Thelon groaned.

Nothing's ever simple, is it dad? Libre thought with a sort of grim, dark humor. He'd heard Thelon mutter the line often enough.

As best as he could, he informed Shadow of the situation. ~I was really, really hoping she was with you and you were taking care of her or something.~

[Northen Light36]

Trust me, Thelon, I wish I was too, Shadow thought grimly. But I haven't seen or heard from her... since winter actually, when I got her last letter. Do you really think she's here? I could send people out to search for her.

[Kender Bard]

~All I know is that she's not in the desert and she's somewhere westish of Sensatia~ Thelon answered. ~I immediately thought of Maelstrom. And it's not farther south because it's somewhere cold. So that rules out the Beastlands. If not Maelstrom, then Anarlina is a possibility. I really pray that it's not Ilyamen or Reave.~

[Northen Light36]

Shadow's heart nearly stopped at the thought of Ann in Reave. The Clears wouldn't dare hold another elemental leader, he thought back, though the tone of his thoughts suggested he wasn't at all certain. He couldn't help but think that kidnapping the last of Damien's lineage could be considered revenge for Lacuna.

[Kender Bard]

~I don't think she is~ Thelon answered back, though not with resounding conviction. ~I honestly think she's in Maelstrom. It's a second home to her, she may instinctively go there.~

[Northen Light36]

I'll start a search for her here then. And lets hope for the best, Shadow replied.

[Kender Bard]

~I'll inform Naurorod of what I've found out~ Thelon agreed, breaking off to let Artica and Charminei know what he and Shadow knew now.

"Father?" Libre asked.

"She's not with Shadow but I still suspect she's in Maelstrom," Thelon answered distractedly.

[Northen Light36]

Tres sighed. "I didn't think she would be with Shade. He can be as petty as the day is long when it suits him, but he wouldn't have her and not let anyone in Naurorod know. At least we now know she's alive and we have a place to start looking."

Flame was quiet, lost in thought and worry. ~Libre?~ she whispered to her brother. ~What if I'm wrong and it's not Aly I'm seeing? I think it is, but I don't KNOW for sure. We could be looking in completely the wrong place.~

[Kender Bard]

~We'll worry about that when we get to it~ Libre assured Flame. ~Look at it this way; sometimes Etaf works in very roundabout ways. Your visions prompted father to find out if anyone was missing in Naurorod and now we know that Aly and Ann are; if you keep getting visions, then we'll go from there. But no more pushing yourself, okay? You're not the only seer in the world and now we know that something that looks inconsequential might not be after all. Lesson learned, for both of us. YOU just rest for now.~

[Northen Light36]

Flame nodded, comforted by Libre's words. ~I won't push anymore. I promise,~ she assured him.

~I won't let her,~ Secret commented. She brushed against Flame's leg, then, at a thought from Flame, led the little girl slowly over to Thelon.

Flame reached out and gave her father a clumsy hug. "Thank you Daddy," she murmured. "I should have asked for help sooner."

Tres smiled, thinking, Well if that lesson sticks, this will all be worthwhile.

[Kender Bard]

Thelon smiled slightly as he hugged Flame tight to himself and stroked her hair. "It's all right, baby girl," he murmured to her softly. "Sometimes asking for help is one of the hardest things to do in life."

[Northen Light36]

"It is," Flame agreed, closing her eyes and relaxing, even as she tired to stiffle a yawn. It had been a very stressful day today. "I'm sorry I was bad in my lessons today too," she murmured, feeling she should get that appology out of the way as well.

"We all have bad days," Tres soothed. "Now, how about I get you that sandwich to make up for you feeding your dinner to the floor?"

Flame giggled at that and nodded, though she didn't let go of Thelon. It was comforting to be able to feel one of her parents, even if she couldn't see them. ~Daddy?~ she whispered. ~Can I sleep with you and mum if I still can't see by bedtime? I... I don't want to be alone.~