homecoming

A wall of motion, sound, heat and light hit Maia as she opened the door. The change from the snow and wind outside sent her stumbling backwards a few steps, Maia grabbed the doorframe with her right hand to steady herself. A number of people seated near the door had looked up when the door opened, bringing with it a sudden drop in temperature, “Maia,” a large burly man, said, rising from his chair, he stepped toward Maia still standing in the doorway, his hair and beard long and grizzly like a dark lion mane.

Several more people looked toward the door at the sound of her name, two more men and one of the women nearest the door rose and moved towards her. Maia smiled, stepping into the warmth and light. She slung the cloak from her shoulders, the burly man took it from her and moved to close the inn door.

“Welcome home Maia,” said the woman as she moved in and hugged Maia round the shoulders, a large moonstone shone bright in the candlelight from a clasp in her golden hair.

“Chloe,” Maia said as she returned the hug.

The hug was broken suddenly as the burly man returned, swinging Maia into a fierce bear hug that lifted her off her feet. “Girl, you’ve been away too long.”

Maia laughed as she hugged him fiercely in return, “Caleb, it is good to see you, all of you,” she said, sweeping her hand in a motion that included the entire room.

Cries of “Maia” and “welcome home” filled the air as the group around Maia increased as more people wandered over to join in the growing group near the door. They laughed with Maia as Caleb swung her around in a mock dance step and stood her firmly on the ground once more. A tall slender woman had joined Chloe, her hair was also long and golden, hanging in waves down her back. “Mother,” Maia moved towards the woman with a smile.

“Welcome home child,” Cerise smiled and kissed Maia on the cheek. Maia smiled in return, “mother,” she said.

“Come girl, sit, you must be tired,” Caleb took Maia’s hand and pulled her through the group of well wishes to a nearby table. Maia sank gratefully into a chair.

A plate piled high with lamb, mashed potato and green beans and liberally covered with thick gravy was placed on the table, Maia looked up and smiled at the large man that stood at the end of the table, smiling down at her.