The air in Grass Village hummed with the gentle buzz of insects and the rustling of leaves, a symphony of peace that Blue Lily Cookie always found both comforting and a little… too quiet. She smoothed the pristine white of her gloves, her eyes scanning the familiar paths of the village. Even now, with the day winding down, she found herself reviewing conversations, a phantom whisper of doubt fluttering in her chest.

Beside her, Petal Mantis chirped, its sharp forelegs tapping a steady rhythm against the mossy ground.

"Another day, another… well, nothing much, thankfully," Blue Lily Cookie murmured, almost talking to the mantis.