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Her father told her it was all right, but he didn’t need to, nor did he need to tell her who the woman was. Her hair was blonde instead of red and she’d swear her eyes seemed lighter, but Mims had no question who she was. She would recognize Elora Danan anywhere.
She’d spent a lot of time over the years wondering what had become of the baby she and her brother found floating down the river. She could still remember the feeling she’d had that day, like she was moving towards something special.
Mims had the same feeling when she woke that morning, like something magical was just around the corner, that her life was about to change again.
Now she stood looking up into dazzling blue eyes, still alight with joy and wonder. She knew it was a long shot, but she couldn’t help but ask, “You don’t remember me, do you?”
~
All Brunhilde had wanted was to save Airk, bring him home and get married like they’d planned, but nothing was going as she’d planned. First she was rejected by the group, even though they could clearly use her skills. It wasn’t unexpected, but it still stung. She’d been undeterred though, finding her own way when the others said it wasn’t possible. So much for The Barrier, she’s been able to walk straight through it. No wonder Airk had been taken so easily.
They’d all nearly suffered the same or worse, when the Bone Reavers attacked, poor old Kase. But somehow, jumping off the cliff had been their only hope of survival. They were lucky Boorman was so good with horses, or as it turned out, not.
Through it all Brunhilde kept pushing forward, kept working to save Airk. It’s what she was meant to do, it had to be, she could feel it. Every step she’d taken had made her feel like she was moving towards something she was meant for, like she was coming home. She’d been certain of so much before they’d reached to village, before she found out she was Elora Danan, before she saw the girl.
As Willow led them inside, Elora’s eyes locked with hers, wide and brown, filled with wonder. Elora knew those eyes, had seen them in dreams her whole life. As the sorcerer made introduction, and the girl, Mims, began to joyfully gush about finding her, Elora couldn’t help but smile as well.
“You still are, beautiful.” Mims told her, blushing.
“You’re beautiful.” Elora’s response was instant and honest, finally breaking her from her stunned awe. Mims had asked her a question, and in her stupor she hadn’t quite answered. Elora bent to her knees in front of Mims, leaning in to kiss her softly, “Yes, of course I remember you. You saved me.”
Elora would still save Airk, and of course she still loved him, but the moment her lips touched Mims’ she knew, this was were fate was leading her, where she was meant to be. She could have let herself believe that it was the Nelwyn village she’d longed for. But in her heart she knew the truth. It was Mims that she’d been searching for, long before now. She was what felt missing from Elora’s heart. Mims was her home.