"You know, you scared me too much. I thought that you were not going to be found, but... but... thank Naka, you are now safe and well. Just promise me that you won't ever do this to your mother again, okay," Celeste immediately followed soon after, alongside Sura, Fiona, Grandma Celia, Ayla, and everyone else, each uttering a few emotional words.
Witnessing this, Orion felt his heart swell with intense emotion. He was genuinely glad that every single one of them was his partner, and he didn't regret proposing to them for a moment.
Just as he was about to speak, he felt his forehead become wet, as though it were raining.
However, the sun was still shining brightly, and Orion knew that the rainy season had not yet arrived.
Nonetheless, when he lifted his gaze, he quickly found his answer.
Lyra was kneeling behind him, her eyes reddened and teary, a basket brimming with Kalna fruits positioned on the ground beside her, seemingly placed there by her.
"Orion, you're back... Hic! Hic!" Lyra said, her voice quivering as she caressed Orion's face, as if trying to wipe away the tears that flowed from her eyes, slowly streaming down her cheeks, staining his skin.
Orion gently freed his hand and reached up to wipe away Lyra's tears. Instead of words, he chose to remain silent, giving them the space to pour out their hearts a little while longer.
…....
"I believe that's everything," the Village Chief said as he cast his gaze over the assembly, from Caretakers Ivor, Shani, and Naida, who occupied one side, to Caretakers Nala, Zola, and Stronghold Leader Zogar, seated on the other.
A profound silence descended upon the treehouse as the other key figures grappled with the information the Village Chief had just conveyed.
Then, Caretaker Ivor decided to shatter the silence, his eyes fixed on the Village Chief. "Chief, do you have faith in the truth of what he told you?" He awaited the Village Chief's response with unwavering attention.
The Village Chief nodded solemnly, and a heavy sigh slipped from his lips.
"Yes, given the person that Orion is and his tremendous contributions to our village, I have every reason to trust that he spoke the truth. So, I wholeheartedly believe his words," he replied.
"I understand your perspective, Chief, and I share your sentiment. However, the more I ponder this issue, the more I realize its delicacy," Caretaker Ivor responded, his head shaking wearily. "If Saria is indeed alive, then I agree that dispatching a team of warriors to rescue her is essential. It would go a long way in pacifying the tree nymphs on the farm and safeguarding our crops."
"But if it's about aiding a race whose ancestors rebelled against Naka, even if they've now found redemption, I must object to such an idea. We have our own concerns, and we must remember that these beings, though once Naka's children, have brought this predicament upon themselves. They should find their own means to resolve it. I'm sorry, Chief, but I cannot support such a course of action," Caretaker Ivor said, articulating the views of several Caretakers in the room.
"Caretaker Ivor makes a valid point," Caretaker Naida chimed in, reinforcing Ivor's argument. "Our warriors are already overwhelmed with the relentless Vylkr vines, and it wouldn't be wise to divert their efforts away from securing our village and farm to aid this race in a battle that doesn't directly concern us."
The Village Chief observed the disagreement, which had been anticipated, and nodded in acknowledgement of their opinions.
He then shifted his gaze to the rest of those assembled.
"Does anyone else wish to voice their thoughts on this matter?" he asked, his voice reaching every corner of the treehouse.
Caretaker Shani shared her support for Orion's request, saying, "I agree with Orion's appeal, Chief. While I'm well aware of the potential consequences, there must be a significant reason motivating Orion's desire to help them. As long as he's prepared to bear any responsibilities that may arise, I see no grounds to reject his request," holding her sleeping baby gently in her arms.
The Village Chief acknowledged Caretaker Shani's stance with a nod and then turned his attention to the remaining Caretakers.
As they remained in silent contemplation, he took a deep breath and proposed, "Let's put it to a vote. Those who oppose Orion's request but support sending a team of warriors to rescue Saria and bring her back to the Village, please raise your hands."
Caretaker Ivor, Caretaker Naida, and Caretaker Zola raised their hands in agreement.
Seeing this, Caretaker Ivor could only grunt in defeat, shaking his head wearily, as he already understood the results.
"Lower your hands," the Village Chief instructed before continuing, "Anyone who fully supports Orion's request to rescue Saria and aid the Prismerion race, please raise your hands."
The Village Chief, the Village Chieftess, Caretaker Shani, Caretaker Nala, and Stronghold Leader Zogar all raised their hands in agreement.
Definitively, the Village Chief expressed, "That settles it." He lowered his hand, and the rest followed suit. "Tomorrow, a team of warriors will be sent to accompany him to the mountain from which he was rescued. Our first priority is to rescue Saria, and subsequently, assist the Prismerion race in securing their freedom. Are there any objections?"
His gaze rested primarily on Caretaker Ivor, Caretaker Naida, and Caretaker Zola.
"Tch," Caretaker Ivor responded irritably, shaking his head in disapproval alongside the two others.
"Since there are no objections, let us proceed. Stronghold Leader Zogar, I need you to select the team willing to accompany Orion on this mission. Additionally, ensure that the Orion's skies are well-maintained before they take flight."
"Caretaker Shani and Caretaker Nala, your responsibility will be to organize the necessary supplies for their journey," the Village Chief instructed. "For the rest of you, your duty is to maintain the farm and ensure that all planned activities continue as scheduled, even in the absence of Caretaker Shani and Caretaker Naida. This concludes our meeting."
