Chapter 60: So He Thought...

Tiel hadn't expected Celeste to come back so soon, but when he saw her turn the corner, gladness on her face as she laid eyes on him, it was as if some of the weight was lifted off his shoulders. He stood up, past conflicts forgotten, as he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I didn't think you'd come back so soon."

"How can I be gone for so long when I know Nirmala is sick and you're here alone?" Celeste asked, looking up to meet his gaze as they partially parted.

Her voice was still foreign but beautiful to his ears.

"Thank you. Have you talked to Avond?" Tiel asked.

"I have," Celeste answered. She pulled him to sit next to her, aware that now there were others who were sitting slumped in their own sadness.