the beginning after the end perfect duo

I'm still standing

Tom's eyes fluttered open, his vision greeted by a ceiling of rough, tightly stitched fabric. The muted tan of the tent's interior glowed faintly, lit by the soft orange light of the morning sun filtering through the canvas. The air carried the faint scent of earth and smoke, with a sharper undertone of medicinal herbs lingering nearby.

The corners of the tent were weighted down with heavy stones, keeping the structure steady despite the occasional whisper of wind outside. In the center, a small brazier emitted a faint warmth, the embers glowing softly. Around the perimeter, simple wooden crates stacked with bandages, bottles, and tools served as makeshift storage.

The bedroll beneath him was coarse but comforting, covered by a thick fur blanket. As he shifted slightly, every muscle in his body protested, soreness radiating through him like an old ache finally awakened.

His dry lips parted, and he exhaled a faint whisper.
"...Lilia?"

Across the tent, Lilia sat cross-legged on a thin mat, her eyes shut tightly in focus. A determined crease lined her brow as she practiced meditative breathing, her hands resting on her knees. For a moment, she didn't seem to hear him. Then, her ears caught the faint rasp of his voice, and her eyes snapped open.

Her gaze locked onto him, her heart skipping a beat.
"Tom?" she gasped, her voice trembling as disbelief gave way to joy.

In an instant, she scrambled to her feet and rushed to his side. Her hands hovered just above him, hesitant as if unsure whether to embrace him or check if he was real.
"You're awake! Oh, thank the heavens, you're awake!"

Her exclamation rang out, piercing the stillness of the camp. It wasn't long before the sound of hurried footsteps approached the tent.

Arthur was the first to burst in, his sharp eyes darting to Tom before softening with relief. His guarded expression melted away as he strode over, kneeling beside his brother.

"You really like making us worry, don't you?" Arthur muttered, his voice low but filled with warmth.

Behind him, Jasmine and Mira appeared at the tent's entrance. Jasmine paused just inside, her face calm but her hand gripping the tent flap tightly. Mira clasped her hands together, her lips quivering as silent tears rolled down her cheeks.

Tom managed a weak smile, his voice hoarse but teasing.
"Miss me... that much?"

Lilia couldn't stop talking. She leaned forward, practically bouncing on her knees beside Tom's bedroll.

"We were so worried about you! I mean, you looked like you were about to—" She stopped abruptly, realizing the sentence wasn't exactly uplifting. "Anyway, you're back now, and that's what matters! You're really tough, you know that?" Her eyes sparkled with unrestrained excitement, though her voice cracked slightly at the end.

Mira, standing just a few steps behind, let out an awkward laugh, wiping at her cheeks.
"I was convinced I'd... well, I thought I'd... kill someone for the first time. I mean, not on purpose, of course! But the way you were—" She stopped herself, her face flushing deep red. "Oh, never mind. I'm just glad I didn't! You're alive. That's all that matters."

Tom chuckled weakly, his voice still hoarse but carrying his usual mischievous undertone.
"Well, Mira, glad I could keep your record clean. Wouldn't want to mess that up for you."

Jasmine crossed her arms and leaned against the tent pole, trying to maintain her usual calm demeanor. Still, the slight quirk of her lips betrayed her relief.
"You gave us a real scare, you know. But of course, I knew you'd pull through. You're stubborn like that," she said, her tone light but with a sincerity that warmed the room.