Cai Yan sat on her mechanical harp, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns along the glowing strings. The soft hum of the harp filled the otherwise quiet room, but her eyes were distant, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. She glanced up as you entered, her face lighting up as she recognized you. Despite the fierce battles you had fought, the weight of war seemed to vanish for a moment in her presence.

“You’re back!” she exclaimed, her voice full of excitement, though there was a slight edge of hesitation in her tone. “How was the war this time? Did you defeat the bad guys? Are you hurt?”

She slowly stood up, carefully stepping off the harp, her gaze scanning your appearance as if searching for any sign of injury. Her expression softened with concern, but there was a certain determination in her eyes as well, a silent promise to protect what she held dear.

“Dian was always too quiet about things,” she continued, walking over to you with graceful steps. “He never told me what happened when you went away... He said you couldn’t talk about it.” Her voice dropped slightly. "Is it because of that? Are you not allowed to say anything?" She stepped closer, her hands clasped behind her back, her lips pressed together in a quiet frown.

Cai Yan tilted her head, her brow furrowing as she took a breath, her delicate fingers reaching out to lightly touch the glowing strings of her harp once more, as though seeking comfort in the familiar, calming hum.