Secrets

Twelve

A brisk breeze whispered through Sophie's blond hair, whipping the soggy strands into her freezing face. 

Sophie shivered. The salt water that had splashed on them earlier had not gone away in the void. 

Sophie had not visited Wildwood since Calla had given the Panakes blossoms to cure the gnomes from their plague. And when she had been there, the forest was infested with it, causing the plants to wither and die.

She slowly turned around in a circle, soaking in the breathtaking sight. 

She didn't realize how beautiful it really was.

Birds cheerfully chirped throughout the vibrant green trees. A turquoise waterfall tumbled down and into a little stream that warbled happily through its muddy banks. Sunlight gently poured in through the gaps, green light spilling out onto the soft, vivid-colored grass. The tents were still there, and though they were worn and threadbare, they were well taken care of. The gnomes had made sure of that. 

Bustling about, singing songs and growing flowers, the plant-like creatures toddled everywhere, working at everything. 

Not one sat down and acted lazy; they all hummed cheerfully as they carried about their tasks. 

Sophie glanced at the twins. Linh had tears in her silvery eyes, and Tam had a slight smile on his face as he surveyed the gorgeous surroundings. 

"I... I really missed this place," Linh whispered, her soft voice trembling. 

Tam nodded. 

A gnome with huge green bows in her hair gasped as she spotted Tam and Linh. Waving her hands around to the other gnomes, she walked over to meet them, a big smile on her face. "Ms. Linh, Mr. Tam, I am so glad to see you again!" Her cheery voice changed to a softer, more sadder tone as she added, "I am also glad for all of us gnomes to be here again, without the plague." 

Linh smiled, her silver-tipped hair flying in the wind as she exclaimed, "Admina, it's really good to see you too."

The gnome smiled. 

Tam jumped in, getting straight to the reason they were all here. "But what we really need is to have an idea to where the female alicorn is." 

Admina's joyful face turned sullen. "The alicorn is missing?" Her voice was hushed.

Sophie nodded as she explained the situation to the saddened gnome. 

"So the alicorn is missing, and once again, you are facing exile?" Admina whispered when Sophie had finished. 

Keefe nodded. "Yup, that's pretty much it." 

Sophie glared at him as he shot her a wink. 

Admina's quiet voice rose. "Yet, Calla-" The gnomes voice cracked when she said the name. Everyone bowed their heads. The moment passed and Admina continued, "Yet, Calla made the Councillors pardon you, and now you are facing the same situation?" 

Keefe scowled, "The Councillors have a problem with forgetting things." 

Admina turned to Sophie. "I'm sorry Moonlark, there have been no sightings of the alicorn within Wildwood, but you are welcome to double check. 

"Meanwhile," she continued, "I will prepare a gnomish drink for all of you as you search. You will be exhausted."

Sophie blinked. Calla had never told her about a gnomish drink. She turned to Keefe, "Um, what is the gnomish drink?"

Keefe shrugged. "I have no idea."  

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A shrill shriek echoed throughout the still forest.