The air inside the ruined house felt heavy and still. Outside, the distant sounds of the ongoing crisis continued, but within these walls everything had narrowed to a single, fragile moment. Tauriel stood near the center of the room, both arms carefully supporting two small, newly cleaned bundles. The infants rested against her, one in each arm, their tiny bodies warm and alive.
Mae hovered close, eyes fixed on the children. Her hands trembled at her sides.
"They're both breathing," Tauriel said quietly, voice steady despite the strain in it. "Strong heartbeats. No signs of distress."
Mae swallowed hard. "A boy and a girl?"
Tauriel gave a small nod. "Yes. One of each. They're… healthy."
