Maradith had been waiting for a week for Wallkery to return. When she left the healer knew by the look in her eyes that she would be gone for a few days. Still, she had expected the younger woman to come back before now, and she was getting worried.

About two hours after Wallkery had left the village elders had woken and all of them had sat awkwardly as Maradith was working on preparing the morning meal. After they all had eaten and the cleanup was finished, the oldest of the elders, Greta, who had become fed up with all of the sitting and no talking, finally straightened herself on her stool. As the oldest she was the only one who had a stool, and not just because there was only one stool, because of this she towered above everyone else, even with age pulling her down.

So, from the side of the room by the door, a voice that was gruff with age spoke “Alright, I have had enough of this, these youngsters want to know where Wallkery is. I don't care but the others are getting on my nerves with their sideways glances and questioning looks. So if you wouldn't mind willing us so that they can stop I would like that very much.” After this short speech was over Maradith started to chuckle, finding the old woman delightful. All the men were staring at her. She was indeed older than them but they were far from young and they were slightly insulted.

Giving the men a sideways glance Greta could tell what they were all thinking and decided to put a stop to it. looking them full on she said, “ I will stop calling you youngsters when you speak your mind and stop acting like a boy in front of their crushes.” At which Maradith had trouble keeping from laughing outright.

Composing herself Maradith slowly explained that Wallkery would be gone for a day or two and that she would bring her to the village when she returned. At this the men wanted to get more information but were stopped by Greta who told them “It’s none of your business wondering what a woman is doing in the forest, so drop it” She said this with the voice of a grandmother scolding a child, and at that she stood thanked Maradith handed her a letter and started walking back to the village, not much caring if the boys followed her.

Each of the elders quickly thanked her and rushed after the old woman. After they had all left Maradith opened the letter and read it.

Miss, Maradith

I was wanting to apologize for the impatience of my fellow elders who have no scene of patience. I was once a healer and men have never had that trait. Normally I wouldn't apologize, but they don’t even know what they did wrong.

~Greta