Grace

"We'll be waiting outside until you're both done," the Village Chief said before he stood up and left the room.

After they had left, Orion turned to Anara, raising a curious eyebrow. "What was that all about?" he asked.

Anara chuckled as she met Orion's gaze. 

"They are all curious about the announcement I'm going to make now that you're back," she responded.

Orion furrowed his brows, pondering the nature of Anara's announcement. Then, it struck him. During his absence, the tree nymphs had informed everyone that Anara was unwell, experiencing pain throughout her body to the point where she had to be placed in her tree for recovery.

With this in mind, Orion reached for Anara's green hand and gently began to rub it with his thumb. 

He spoke softly, his gaze fixed on her. "When did you wake up?" Orion asked, his tone filled with gentleness.

"I only woke up yesterday," Anara responded.