The Empty Chair

Soft, pastel-colored flowers greeted her as she opened her eyes. Though
she felt a great weight on her heart - on her soul - the flowers brought a soft smile to her lips. Realizing it must be late, she quickly rose to get dressed to begin her work. Tying her hair back with the light blue ribbon Issic had given her, she went over in her mind what she would say to him.
She had to apologize for how angry she'd gotten with him. Though it pained her to think it, she had to admit it that if Andreww was still alive there had to be some reason he had not returned home. Reaching for the door, she stopped as she saw the note pinned there.

Her hands trembled slightly as she read the note. The note... the
flowers... it all had such a final ring to it. Frowning slightly she
pulled open the door and walked down the hall to the main room. Silas was standing behind the counter, a few customers were already there for lunch.
Caelynn quickly scanned the room for Issic, her frown deepening as she saw his usual seat empty.

Trying to control her muddled thoughts, she walked back behind the counter and grabbed an apron. "I'm sorry, Silas, didn't mean to sleep so late."

"Don't worry about it Caety-girl. We had it covered." Silas lowered his voice as he added, "Issic is gone for a few days - wanted to go check something out. But he'll be back, Caety." He noted her look of relief at his last words and hoped that meant she'd forgiven the lad for what he'd said. Silas feared the future would just prove to be more difficult for the girl - for all of them - and the last thing he needed was animosity between Caety and Issic.

Thanking Silas, Caelynn ducked back to her room and put on the necklace with the eagle charm before returning to her work.