Elder Fu studied them with penetrating intensity, his gaze lingering on their still-joined hands before moving to their faces. "The Grove shows each traveler what they need to see," he observed. "Some find the revelations more... challenging than others. You two are the first to arrive at the heart tree. The others may take considerably longer."
He gestured toward a section of exposed roots that formed a natural seating area. "Rest while you can. Once all disciples have completed their passage, we'll have a more difficult journey ahead." His tone carried a subtle warning. "The Grove is merely the threshold guardian. What lies beyond requires more than simply facing one's past."
