The Welcoming Committee

As Elara took the last couple of steps to cross the bridge into the village, several children playing in the nearby streets called out to her.

As Elara made her way down the familiar cobblestone path that meandered through Riverdale, the soft echoes of her footsteps were suddenly drowned out by the urgent call of a young voice.

"Elara!" The distress in the call was unmistakable, pulling at her heartstrings even before she saw the source.

A blur of motion caught her eye, and within moments, a young girl, no more than seven, burst through the crowd, her eyes locked on Elara. With desperation and relief, she threw herself into Elara's arms, burying her head in the folds of Elara's dress. The fabric immediately soaked up the tears that had begun to overflow from the girl's eyes.

"Elara! Elara!" she cried, her small frame shaking as she tried to hold back her sobs.