Tears of Joy and Earfuls of Love

The morning sun spilled over Greenwood Village, painting the starbloom grove in hues of gold and silver, the delicate petals shimmering like tiny lanterns. The air carried the crisp scent of dew-soaked grass and the faint sweetness of apples ripening in the orchard nearby. Villagers bustled through the cobblestone paths, some hauling baskets of moonwheat, while others tended to the skeletal frame of Akira’s greenhouse, its metal supports gleaming in the sunlight. Miren darted through the village, her silver hair whipping behind her, her green dress catching the breeze as she searched every corner for Akira. Her heart pounded, her mind replaying Hana’s panicked cries from the orchard, Elara’s limp form crumpled on the ground. “Akira! Where are you?” she called, her voice sharp with urgency as she checked the great oak square, the herb field, and the riverbank where children played with woven starbloom crowns. But Akira was nowhere to be found.

Her boots thudded against the path as she neared the fields, her breath short. Saya, a young elf with auburn braids and a basket brimming with fresh moonwheat, paused in her work, her black eyes narrowing at Miren’s frantic pace. “Miren, what’s going on?” Saya called, brushing dirt from her hands. “You’re running like a sprite’s chasing you!”

Miren skidded to a stop, her chest heaving. “It’s Elara—she collapsed in the orchard! Hana’s beside herself, sent me to find Akira. Have you seen him anywhere?”

Saya’s basket dipped, her face paling. “Collapsed? Oh, that’s terrible! I saw Akira and Liora heading into the forest not long ago—maybe an hour? They had packs, and they looked like they were off to gather something. Didn’t say where.”

Miren’s eyes lit with hope, though her urgency didn’t waver. “The forest? Thank you, Saya! I’ll check there. Can you let Hana know if you see anyone else?”
Saya nodded, her braids bouncing. “Of course. Should I fetch anyone else? Taryn, maybe? If Elara’s hurt…”

“No need,” Miren said, already turning. “I’ve already told Taryn—he’s heading to Hana’s cottage with Thalion. Just spread the word if you see Akira!”

Saya called after her, “Be careful, Miren!” as the elf sprinted toward the forest path, her heart racing with the weight of her task.

Inside Hana’s cottage, the air was heavy with worry, the hearth’s fire casting flickering shadows across the wooden walls. The scent of lavender and starbloom salve lingered, Hana’s desperate attempts to rouse Elara. Elara lay motionless on her bed, her silver hair splayed across the pillow, her face pale, her breathing shallow. Hana sat beside her, clutching her hand, her gray-streaked hair falling loose from its bun, tears glistening on her cheeks. The door swung open, and Taryn, Greenwood’s healer, rushed in, his white robes billowing, his satchel of herbs and potions clinking softly. Thalion followed, his silver hair glinting, his wise eyes clouded with concern, and Fenwick trailed behind, his gnome lantern glowing faintly, his green cap clutched nervously in his hands.

“Hana, tell me everything,” Taryn said, kneeling beside Elara, his hands already glowing with a soft green light, the gentle hum of healing magic filling the room. “What happened? How’s her condition?”

Hana’s voice trembled, her hands tightening around Elara’s. “We were in the orchard, checking the apple trees, talking about preserves. She was fine—laughing, full of energy. Then she grabbed my hand, said the world was spinning, like she was going to vomit. And then… she just collapsed. I carried her here, but she hasn’t woken up.” Hana’s voice broke, her eyes searching Taryn’s. “I think… I think she might be pregnant. I’ve seen the signs—her tiredness, the way she’s been pushing herself with all these journeys. But I’m not sure.”

Taryn’s brow furrowed, his magic deepening as he probed Elara’s energy. “Pregnant? That could explain it. Let me examine her properly—I’ll use magic to confirm if it’s true or if something else is wrong.”

Fenwick shifted uncomfortably by the door, his lantern’s glow dimming. “Is she going to be alright, Taryn? Elara’s been so kind to me. If there’s anything I can do…”

Thalion placed a reassuring hand on Fenwick’s shoulder, his voice calm but firm. “Taryn’s the best healer in Greenwood, Fenwick. She’s in good hands. We just need to wait.”

Hana's voice steadied. “I just want her to wake up. And where’s Akira? He should be here!”

As Taryn worked, his hands moving in slow arcs over Elara, Miren burst through the door, her silver hair matted with sweat, her breath ragged. “Hana! I couldn’t find Akira!” she gasped, clutching the doorframe. “Saya saw him and Liora heading into the forest a little while ago with packs. They must’ve left before Elara collapsed.”

Hana’s face hardened, her tears giving way to a flash of anger. “The forest? At a time like this? When his wife needs him the most? When that boy comes home, he’s getting an earful he won’t forget!”

Taryn paused, his magic fading, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Hana, you’re right,” he said, his voice warm with relief. “Elara’s pregnant. The baby’s strong, healthy. But the constant journeys—Darkwood, Havenbrook, all that strain—exhausted her. That’s why she collapsed. She needs rest, no more travel, and no heavy magic for a while.”

Hana’s anger melted into tears of joy, her hands trembling as she squeezed Elara’s. “Pregnant… my girl’s going to be a mother. Oh, thank the Forest Heart.”

Elara stirred, her green eyes fluttering open, confusion clouding her face. “What… what happened?” she murmured, her voice faint. “I was in the orchard… how am I here?”

Hana smoothed her black hair, sitting closer, her voice soft. “You fainted, dear. The world spun, you said, and you collapsed. I brought you here. But don’t worry—everything’s fine now.”Hana's smile spread across her face, "You are going to be a mother, Elara."

Elara’s hand drifted to her belly, her eyes widening. “I am going to be a mother? Is that… true?”Taryn nodded, his smile kind. “Yes, Elara. You’re going to be a mother. The baby’s fine, but you’ve pushed yourself too hard. Rest is what you need now.”

Elara’s tears spilled over, a mix of shock and joy, and Hana pulled her into a gentle hug, their bond a quiet strength in the crowded room. “You’ll be wonderful, Elara,” Hana whispered, her voice thick. “We’re all here for you.”

Fenwick’s lantern glowed brighter, his voice soft. “Congratulations, Elara. That’s… that’s beautiful news.”

Thalion’s eyes twinkled, his voice warm. “A new life in Greenwood. The village will celebrate this.”

Miren wiped her own tears, her voice trembling. “I’m so relieved you’re okay, Elara. I was so scared running around looking for Akira.”

Deep in the forest, the air was cool and thick with the scent of pine and wild herbs, the canopy filtering sunlight into dappled patches. Akira and Liora trekked along the path toward Crystal Vale, their packs slung over their shoulders, filled with water, moonwheat bread, and a small knife for harvesting. Akira’s mind was lighter than it had been that morning, the forest’s quiet beauty easing the weight of Arathia’s dark history. He glanced at Liora, her auburn hair catching the light, her moonstone bracelet glinting as she pushed through the underbrush.

“You sure these crops are worth all this walking?” Liora asked, swatting at a buzzing insect, her voice teasing. “I could be back in the fields, you know, not dodging thorns.”
Akira grinned, stepping over a root. “Trust me, Liora. These are from my world. Tomatoes are juicy, perfect for sauces or eating fresh. Eggplants have this rich, smoky flavor when you roast them. Pumpkins make pies or soups that last through winter, and watermelons—oh, you’ll love those. They’re sweet, like biting into a summer day.”
Liora’s eyes sparkled, her earlier reluctance fading. “Watermelons sound amazing. And tomatoes? Can we eat them raw?”

“Absolutely,” Akira said, his voice animated. “Slice them up, add a pinch of salt—perfect, or just wash them and eat the whole thing as you like. Wait till you try them.”

They reached a meadow, a lush clearing ringed by tall oaks, the ground bursting with familiar plants: tomato vines heavy with red fruit, eggplant bushes with glossy purple globes, pumpkin vines sprawling with orange orbs, and watermelon vines trailing with green-striped melons. Akira knelt by a tomato plant, his hands gentle as he plucked a ripe fruit. “This is a tomato,” he said, handing it to Liora. “We only need one plant—the seeds will grow dozens more. Elara’s druidic magic can speed that up, make a whole field by summer’s end.”

Liora bit into the tomato, juice dripping down her chin, her eyes widening. “Sweet and tangy! Okay, I’m sold. But you said Elara’s magic—what about mine? I’m a druid too, you know.”

Akira laughed, nodding. “You’re right! You and Elara both—you’ll make these fields burst with life. Imagine it: rows of tomatoes, eggplants, pumpkins, watermelons, all thriving because of you two.”

Liora grinned, her guilt from earlier easing. “Alright, farmer Akira, let’s get these plants.”

Akira’s voice turned thoughtful, his hands working as he spoke. “Eggplants are sturdy—warm soil, a bit of care, and they’ll grow strong. We’ll roast them with herbs, perhaps creating a dish reminiscent of my village. Pumpkins are perfect for storage—cut them into soups or pies for winter. Watermelons need space, but their sweetness is worth it—slice them open on a hot day, and everyone’s smiling.” They carefully uprooted one plant of each, wrapping the roots in damp cloth, their packs growing heavy with the promise of new harvests.

By afternoon, they trudged back to the village with all the plants they needed, the forest path alive with birdsong, the sun warm on their backs. As they entered Greenwood, Saya spotted them from the fields, her auburn braids swaying as she hurried over, her basket of herbs forgotten. “Akira! Liora!” she called, her voice sharp. “Miren’s been searching the whole village for you! Elara collapsed in the orchard—Hana’s frantic!”
Akira’s face drained of color, his pack hitting the ground with a thud. “Elara? Collapsed? Where is she?”

Saya pointed toward the cottage. “Hana’s place. Taryn’s with her and Thalion. Hurry!”Akira sprinted, his heart pounding, fear clawing at him. Liora followed, her breath catching, guilt crashing over her like a wave. I should’ve noticed, she thought, her chest tightening. Elara’s my friend—she’s been exhausted, and I dragged off with Akira without checking on her. What if it’s my fault? Her bracelet jingled as she ran, her mind racing with worry.

They burst into Hana’s cottage, the room crowded with familiar faces—Hana, Taryn, Thalion, and Fenwick. Elara lay on the bed, awake but pale, her silver hair splayed, Hana holding her hand. Akira rushed to her side, his voice breaking as he knelt. “Elara, what happened? Are you okay?”Elara’s green eyes met his, weak but warm. “I’m fine now, Dear. I fainted in the orchard… I don’t know why.”

Liora hovered behind, her voice trembling. “Hana, what’s wrong with her? Please, tell us.”
Hana remained silent, her expression unreadable, her hands steady on Elara’s. Akira opened his mouth to ask again, but the door creaked as Kael, Saya, and Miren stepped closer, their faces a mix of worry and relief.

 Akira’s heart raced, his eyes brimming with tears he fought to hold back. “Elara, please—what happened?” he asked, his voice shaking.
Hana finally spoke, her voice soft but firm. “The journeys, Akira—Darkwood, Havenbrook, all of it—exhausted her. She collapsed because she’s been pushing too hard. But she’s okay now.”

Akira’s tears spilled, his hands clutching Elara’s. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve been here. I should’ve seen you were tired.”

Hana’s expression softened, a smile breaking through as she stood, pulling Akira to his feet. “There’s more, Aki,” she said, her voice warm. She hugged him tightly, then turned to Elara, hugging her too. “You’re going to be a father, Akira. And Elara, you’re going to be a mother.”
Akira’s knees buckled, his tears flowing freely, a mix of relief and joy. “A father?” he whispered, his voice choking. “We’re… we’re having a baby?”

Elara nodded, her own tears falling as she reached for him. “Yes, Dear. A baby.”

Akira kissed her forehead, his heart so full he couldn’t stop smiling, though his tears wouldn’t cease. Hana laughed softly, wiping her eyes. “Those are tears of joy, Aki. That’s what they’re called.”

Liora stepped forward, her eyes wet, her voice breaking. “Elara, I’m so sorry. I should’ve checked on you, noticed you were tired. You’re my friend—I failed you.”

Elara sat up slowly, her strength returning, and pulled Liora into a hug. “Liora, don’t blame yourself. You’ve always been there for me. I know how much you care.”

The room filled with smiles, Thalion’s eyes twinkling, Fenwick’s lantern glowing brighter, Kael nodding quietly, Saya and Miren wiping their tears.

Hana’s voice cut through, her tone stern again. “Akira, you’re not off the hook. How could you not see your wife was exhausted? Running off to the forest without checking if she was sick? You’re getting an earful today, young man.”

Akira’s eyes widened, and he ducked behind Elara, his voice playful but nervous. “Elara, save me! Mom’s terrifying when she’s angry. I haven’t gotten an earful in a while, and she’s extra mad this time. I’m scared!”

Elara laughed, her voice weak but bright. “You’re on your own, Dear.”

Hana grabbed his ear, dragging him toward the door, her voice rising. “Out, now! We’re having a talk about how you should take care of your wife!”

The cottage erupted in laughter, Liora clutching her sides. “Hana’s a force when she’s mad,” she said, wiping tears of mirth.

Miren giggled, her voice light. “I’m so glad I’m not in Akira's place right now!”
Thalion chuckled, his wise eyes gleaming. “We’d all better watch out for Hana. She’s fiercer than any stone drake.”

Fenwick grinned, his lantern pulsing. “This family’s something else. Never a dull moment.”

Saya nodded, her braids bouncing. “Greenwood’s lucky to have them.”

Outside, Hana’s voice carried, her lecture a mix of love and exasperation, while inside, the room glowed with laughter and warmth, the promise of new life binding them all closer.