The last night as a maiden was filled with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Aravis and the maids she’d chosen to be beside her the night before her and Cor’s wedding had been a calming presence, even if there had been a significant amount of giggling and suggestive remarks. All things that would dare never leave her chambers because even if it had been her last night before becoming a married woman, Aravis would honor her betrothed. The night had been longer than anticipated, but it had been enjoyable. It was a goodbye to one chapter and a welcome to another.
As was custom, the symbols drawn on her hands from the night before were still quite vibrant. The smell of seafoam and salt and gentle lull of water slowly woke her. Something hard, somewhat pliable near her hand.
That’s odd.
Her eyes opened slowly at first and then quite suddenly she sat up and took in the surrounding beach. That was when she read the note. “What… The water?” she whispered.
Panic. Confusion. Her expression a mixture of the two emotions as she stared out at the unfamiliar sea and then side to side at the beach. She did not know this place. This was not Archenland.
Fumbling somewhat as she stood from the spot where she awoke, she spun around and called out, “Hello? Where am I? What is the meaning of this? Cor?” She waited about ten seconds before yelling out Cor’s name again, only this time, her panic intensified and a fear that she had been abducted took over.