Missing

Chapter 3 - Mushroom Soup and Trading Troupe

The dinner was, as expected, amazing. Andrea may not be preferential to wild adventures, but she could cook a mean meal. 

"My my, Ms. Lawkthorn, your cooking always amazes me! This mushroom soup has amazing flavor, and this bread just hits the spot." Reeno took another bite and sent her a smile, which she begrudgingly accepted with a huff. She still wasn't happy that the two were delayed in eating dinner, but the genuine compliment pleased her, though she wouldn't admit it.

"I suppose it will do," was her response, and she hid a small smile as she turned to make herself busy.

Sadie took a mouthful of the soup. "So, Reeno, tell me a bit more about where you have been. I can't recall the last time you were in this area, let alone joining us for dinner."

Reeno took a moment to finish slurping down his soup. "Well, where do I start? I spent some time on the Mainland, I had some errands to run with some new friends, you see. I have an amazing story about a carpenter's son, it's quite the tale. Oh, and before that, I was up north. That was a little less than a year ago, actually."

Sadie perked up at the conversation. "I think my parents were there during that time. They were supposed to come back from a trade, but they decided to stay for a little longer. Did you see them?"

Reeno wiped a piece of bread on his bowl, collecting the last bits of soup, and took a bite before nodding his head. "I believe I did. They were in giant country, up in the northern mount-"
Sadie cut him off. "And they were alive? And well?"

"Yes, Sadie, but-"

"I knew it!" For the first time, Sadie let go of a breath she didn't know she was holding. "I knew it." She felt like crying and laughing at the same time. She had started to hope since talking with Rosk, but now, she was certain they hadn't been in the crash. "I'm going to find them, Reeno. I'm sailing out, the day after to-morrow, to the Northernland."

Reeno nodded thoughtfully for a moment after wiping his mouth. "The day after tomorrow? Well, I suppose I better come with you!"

"Come with? But you just got here!s  "

"Oh, I've been here long enough. If I stay here any longer, the kids may grow tired of my tales." He winked, standing up and stretching for effect. "It's about time I stretch my legs and travel again, anyway. After all, it's not like me to stay in one place for too long."

Sadie smiled. "Of course." She also hopped up from the table, holding out her hand. "Welcome aboard!"

Reeno grabbed her outstretched hand in a hearty handshake. "Aye aye, captain!"

– – –

The rest of the night ended quickly. Though Sadie offered to let him use a spare room, Reeno bid them goodbye until the trip. He said he had a friend who would house him, and that he would meet them at the docks in two days.

The time before the trip flew by in a blur. Much of the following day was spent with Richard, listening to last-minute instructions on the upcoming trade. Brawn, a trusted captain in the fleet, would be in charge of the trade. Sadie would always be accompanied by her nursemaid. They would also have their own cabin above deck, while the rest of the crew would sleep below. Sadie tried to protest, not wanting the crew to see her as spoiled, but Richard wouldn't have it. As a lady, she would be sleeping separately, and that was final.

Andrea spent most of the time putting together what they would need for the trip, and sometimes a bit more than what they'd need. She was a bit frazzled at the thought of going with Sadie on the trip, but she accepted the task with a grim countenance nonetheless. She couldn't say no to Richard, who she happened to see as an above-averagely handsome man.

Thus came the day of departure. A burst of excitement bubbled up in Sadie as she watched the crew load up from the docks. It was a beautiful day, the sky clear and the sun shining brightly. They were leaving quite early to get a head start on the day, though it would be a long trip ahead of them. Sadie could hardly wait.

Sadie loaded onto the boat with Andrea, soaking in the hustle of the crew as they weaved in and out around her. A few were carrying supplies below deck while others were tying the rigging. A few others were yelling instructions, and in the center of it all were Richard and Brawn, ensuring that everything was being taken care of correctly. Sadie walked up to the two of them while Andrea brought their luggage on board.

"Hey Richard, Captain Brawn?" The two of them stopped mid-conversation to look at her.

"Why hello, Miss Sadie. Are you ready for the big adventure?" Richard grinned at her. "I'm sure Captain Brawn will keep you good company." Captain Brawn, a more solemn man, nodded affirmatively.

"Yes, that's actually what I wanted to talk about." Sadie paused, and Richard turned towards her.

"Is there a problem? If you're getting cold feet, we can wait until the next shipment before-"

"Oh, no!" Sadie cut him off. "I just thought it might be wise to bring along a few extra containers of supplies, in case of any extra trading opportunities."

Richard shared a glance with Captain Brawn. "Ah, your parents used to do the same thing. Alright, I see where you're going with this. I'll have a crew member grab a few more containers from storage."

Sadie grinned. "Thank you, Richard! Captain Brawn." She gave him a quick nod before running off to find where Andrea had gone. Richard shook his head and looked back at Brawn.

"She's quite high-spirited, isn't she."

Brawn gave a low laugh. "She does remind me of her parents in their youth. I remember them to be quite the visionaries."

Richard smiled at the reminiscing. "That they were." His face dropped slightly. "My, I do miss them." 

Brawn nodded in solemn agreement. "So do I"