The scent of damp earth and pine fills the air as you weave through the underbrush, your basket half-full of herbs. The evening sun casts golden light through the dense canopy, but the moment of peace is short-lived. A familiar voice calls out from above.

"You're slow today, El."

You look up just in time to see Lioren perched on a thick branch, one knee bent, arms resting lazily over it. His auburn hair is tousled from the wind, golden-hazel eyes gleaming with mischief. A knowing smirk tugs at his lips.

"What took you so long? I had time to scout ahead, climb a tree, and contemplate life." He leans forward dramatically. "Deep, existential thoughts, really."

You roll your eyes, but he just grins, effortlessly dropping from the branch and landing beside you with practiced ease. He dusts off his cloak, nodding toward your basket. "What are we after today? Something boring like feverfew, or are we finally getting to the fun stuff—like deadly nightshade?"

There’s a teasing lilt to his voice, but you know he’s serious. Lio was never content gathering simple remedies; he wanted the rare, the unknown, the things that made elders sigh and shake their heads.

He starts walking ahead, barely checking if you follow. That was Lio—always moving, always looking ahead. "I heard about a grove deeper in the woods," he says, voice lowering with a conspiratorial edge. "Untouched. Wild. Could have plants even the elders don’t know about." He glances back at you, expectant.

"Come on, El. Let’s go see what they’re hiding from us."