Chapter Twenty-Two

The following day, the old lady visited Atohmma, letting her know how much she appreciated the assistance and the lodging. She said she went back home to her cave by the lake, as it was habitable enough for her to begin cleaning and drying some of her stuff. She also indicated that she needed to check on things there because she had to secure all her raw materials for her mats and blankets. Atohmma didn't mind, she understood. The old lady promised to surprise Atohmma with a present. Atohmma welcomed it, and she told the old lady, that it was no trouble at all for her to help her out, and that she also enjoyed having her company.

"So I heard the Wolf Festival was a bang!" whispered a voice from the corner of her front landing. It was Nucamma. He came by to spend some time with Atohmma and to see how she was coping with everything. "Yes it was actually and it almost didn't happen, so I am so glad it's out of the way now," replied Atohmma as she sat next to him. "I'm exhausted, would you like to make me lunch today?" she asked him. "No need, I brought you lunch," he said as he dipped into his knapsack for the bowl of food. It was still hot and it looked delicious. Atohmma didn't hesitate. She went right into it. She ate every drop and then handed him the bowl to go wash. She remained sitting on the landing, and she allowed herself to relax doing nothing. Nucamma brought her a drink and she sipped on it while waving to a few natives who were leisurely passing. Her mind strayed on them being able to use their wings in the daytime, but it seemed they all grew accustomed to only using their wings at night. She remembered she had to tell Nucamma about her wings and the epic experience she had with it being double the size to lift her the mountain. She ran inside to share the story like it was her discovery.

After sharing her story with Nucamma, she felt like displaying her wings to prove it. He told her it wasn't necessary to prove, as he believed her and he could always see it later on tonight. She was satisfied and then she went on about the coincidences. Nucamma mentioned that to him, they may seem coincidental, but that he was beginning to see a pattern and he couldn't quite put the pieces together, but it was evident, that there was more to her. Atohmma became thoughtful. She was silenced by what he said, because she believed, that she tried to ignore the connections. Although she had the journal, she knew there was something mysterious about herself, that she was not quite certain she was prepared to face. She just relied on the unfolding. They both relaxed for the remainder of the afternoon, chatting and snacking. Nucamma shared with her, his daily experiences, a bit more about himself that she did not yet know. He told her about his elemental power, as he was very good at forming ice out of water and air. She kept that in mind, should she need his expertise. Atohmma knew there were many special talents and skills hidden in all of them. She wanted to know much about the rest of the natives and those in the other villages, as she believed, it would be good to know who can do what, for any instance where cooperation is required. There was much to learn about everyone and for most of them, they kept their skills underutilized. Atohmma believed they needed to exercise their powers and learn better how to control and manipulate them. She just kept those ideas to herself.

Nucamma suggested they fly over to the pastureland that night, to see whether the unicorns returned or not. Atohmma wasn't quite sure at that moment if she was up to it, so she told him she would let him know. Outside there was a commotion. Apparently, two natives and Venomma were arguing over a mix up that happened at the market. Both Nucamma and Atohmma went outside to see what was happening. There were two elders and Venomma. The argument seemed to be about a purchase that Venomma made a few weeks ago and when she collected it, she collected the wrong package. "If I had the wrong package, I would know!" shouted Venomma in rage. "We were due to collect ours and your package was scheduled to be complete a week later." said one of the elders. Venomma said, "my name was written on the package and when I collected it, the storekeeper did not mention me being early." Atohmma and Nucamma looked at each other confused. They were not quite certain if they should have intervened. They just stood there, trying to understand and maybe offer assistance to resolve the issue. The two elders, went further to argue that their package was made with a gold lining. "Well then let's go see," she said and the three of them, went into Venomma's cave to see, whether what she collected, actually had a gold lining or not. It seemed to be an order for a new furniture center-piece. Upon checking, it turned out, that the one Venomma collected did indeed have a gold lining. She apologized and returned the piece to them. They were satisfied and accepted her apology. She then had to return to the storekeeper to clarify the purchase. The two elders left with the center-piece. Atohmma and Nucamma turned away, as their assistance was not required.

That night, Atohmma felt a bit rested and was able to fly to the pasturelands with Nucamma to see if the unicorns had returned. Off they flew, through the streets, through the trees, in no hurry. They fluttered casually and having reached the pastures, the waters had subsided now, the grass was lush and a bit swampy but they walked delicately and flew sometimes. In the distance, they could see a few unicorns. As they drew closer, they could see some more and then the others. They were happy to see they were back. They didn't know where they went but at least things were getting back to normal.

Nucamma suggested they search for Windsong. Atohmma flew forward, searching and when they saw her, Windsong had her little unicorns by her side. She had given birth. "Oh my, they are adorable," said Atohmma to Windsong. Windsong greeted them both. "Where did you all go to during the monsoon Windsong. I searched for you." Atohmma asked. "We were at the waterfalls." replied Windsong. "The waterfalls?" questioned Atohmma. "I searched there, there weren't any of you." "Yes, we were there. There is a sacred cove behind the waterfalls, where we take refuge and visit from time to time. It's like our second home. It's much more magical than here, more beautiful and sacred." said Windsong, as it made sense to Atohmma, remembering that she saw some reflecting light coming from behind the waterfalls and she tried to see what it was. "Oh, yes indeed. I was there, I should have guessed. I knew something was strange there. At least you all were safe." Atohmma responded calmly. "That sure explains, the many mysteries of this world." said Nucamma. They remained a while, petting the newborns and becoming friendly with them. The others were not too far away and were about their usual unicorn lives.