The last rays of the setting sun draped the Whakarewarewa Forest in a golden cloak, transforming the leaves into shimmering jewels. Solstace lay in his human form amidst the underbrush, his usually vibrant eyes dull with pain.
As Solstace winced from the slow healing of his wound, the forest’s gentle sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds stood in contrast to his discomfort. Hesitantly, Crimson approached him, carrying a bundle of herbs and roots.
“I found some herbs,” she whispered, kneeling beside him. “They might help with the pain.”
Solstace looked at her with stubborn pride in his eyes. “I am healing,” he said.
“Silly, Mr. Grumpy,” Crimson shrugged, “I didn’t say you were not healing. I wanted to ease your pain.”
She left the leaves close to him and then got up.
“Chew on t
