Chapter Thirty-Seven

Atohmma was amazed at the story the Chief sage had just narrated to her. She had no questions or concerns because she was learning about her history. This was her home, the place she knew and grew to love. She was transforming, to become the leader, the one chosen to protect and guide her people, whether they were elves or natives. The more information she received, the easier her task and more equipped she will be. The knowledge that the Chief sage was passing on to her, would be carried for generations. This was important to Atohmma.

"Is there anything else you would like to know about dear?" he asked her. "Not at the moment Sir, maybe after I process all the information or maybe as the days go by, but not at this moment." she replied. "Well then, shall we get going?" asked Frisky. "Sure!" Atohmma answered as she stood up to greet the Chief. She bowed and Frisky also bowed. "I will see you again soon child." said the sage and they left.

Meanwhile, back at the village, Venomma and Orgamma had everything under control. Nothing happened to warrant their decision making, so they went about their days in the usual way. Orgamma had already checked on the ponies and the unicorns were back at the pasturelands, as they usually take good care of themselves. He was at his desk now, having done his daily chore. The natives were working, the children were playing and Venomma, was at the market along with another native from the village, who she was helping with preparations for the welcome ceremony of her new baby. They usually had welcome ceremonies for the newborns. It was another special ritual that they performed. She was ensuring things went well, and that she had everything they would need. The elders did the ceremony for such an occasion, but they needed only two elders, as it was being held in their cave, privately. The elemental shield was keeping everything under control and protecting their world.

Over at Nucamma's, he was at work, but he couldn't help thinking about Atohmma. His thoughts were diverted for such a long while, that he actually sat doing nothing. He was a bit concerned, not knowing if she had a safe journey, or if she was okay after finding the elven village. He was going out of his mind, not being able to hear from her, at least to know how she was doing. He wanted to find out, so he thought many times about flying over there at night, but couldn't take risk. He had a plan. He would go to the entrance by the oak tree and ask one of the guards. He wasn't quite sure how they will receive him though, but he wanted to do it. He decided that he will go over there during the daytime on the morrow. He got up from where he was sitting, having decided, and casually went back to his work. He remembered that he had nothing to eat, so he went for his lunch. He was restless. This whole transition, and not knowing what it was like to be in Atohmma's position, undergoing changes that made her into a completely new person, was driving him out of his mind. Usually, Nucamma had himself under control at all times, but this time, he didn't know what to do.

Back at the elven village, Atohmma was surrounded by the little elves of the village. They were all getting to know her and she was getting acquainted with them. Frisky left her, a little way from her home, where they were all playing and she remained there, sitting on a rock, while they made a circle around her. She told them about her village, what she did daily, and about her pet pony whom she missed dearly. The elves in the elven village, seldom left, to go flying around in the nearby villages, but the little elves, knew about the ponies. They told her, that their parents, usually flew with them out to the stables to see the ponies, but they kept at a distance. She mentioned the unicorns, and her experience with Windsong, which had the little elves amazed. The didn't know much about the unicorns, but their parents did. They wanted to see the unicorns, but Atohmma mentioned that they will have to ask their parents to take them. After having an earful, of their questions, she wanted to walk around a bit, so she suggested that they show her around. Doing this pleased them, as they had nothing else to do, so, they were all happy to show her around their village. They showed her to the tents, where food such as their vegetables, fruits and produce was shared. They didn't have markets and stalls like the other villages, nor did they purchase items. Nothing was sold. They didn't use gems to purchase anything there. Everything was shared. There was a stall that shared items like their clothes and bedspreads. Some of the elves that prepared the items, were their parents. There was a tent, where ladies sat making the elven hats and shoes. The elves used their skills to make everything they needed. They worked very hard and they shared what they made. Some stalls usually exchanged with other stalls for items that they wanted.

In Atohmma's eyes, the elven village seemed to be very peaceful. It was very organized and constructive. She admired their dedication to community spirit and their oneness. The little elves then, took her to a special tree, that they would use for their spare time. They hung swings and hammocks from that tree. It was surrounded by lush, green grass, the area being their playground. There were some tents nearby, but they were unutilized. Atohmma took a seat on one of the swings and she was almost addicted. She didn't want to stop swinging. It was so much fun and the swing allowed her to go higher and further, with every push. The little elves ran around laughing and singing. Some of them sat on the other swings and others found pleasure in running around to tag each other. Atohmma thought it was a good idea, to have some of these swings built in her village and in all the villages, because there were many trees, with the branches and the space to accommodate them. Atohmma decided that she will be visiting those swings more often, during her stay there.