Areallya C3.2

Areallya made sure to get a good night’s rest before her first quest.

She awoke that morning with the same excited unease in her gut she’d had all week. The table was set with the usual breakfast when Areallya came down. She ate even as her stomach’s butterflies protested. Her mother’s concerned voice broke the silence in the dining room.

“Areallya, dear, please be careful today”, Arya said, coming from the kitchen with her own meal. Only four months had elapsed since Areallya’s cursing. The time felt short to be allowing her to venture outside the city’s walls again.

“I will, mom,” she said with all the confidence she could muster and a smile. Arya did her best to smile and nod in return. They both knew staying wouldn't guarantee her safety. Areallya needed this training. All Arya could do was pray her daughter would be watched over and protected.

Winter had finally begun to thaw. Snow-filled allies started to melt. Icicles dripped away from every awning, and cold water trickled down storm drains. Areallya stepped out into a temperate morning with lighter attire. The morning sun painted tops of buildings in bright gold. She walked among the opening shops and others starting the day.  Even in the early hours, Calpheon’s grand entryways bustled with commerce.

“ Good to see you on time”, Illiana’s voice through the business had Areallya turn around. The high mage wore attire better suited for questing rather than elegant robes.

“Come. Join us,”  she gestured and began towards a group of a dozen or so. Everyone appeared to be a bit older than Areallya. The mage’s crest adorned all their tunics and shirts. 

“Everyone. This is Areallya. She will be joining us,” the high mage announced once the conversation quieted. The party nodded in acknowledgement, and moved to a quieter area.

“Now, let’s talk about our objective.” 

Most of Calpheon knew of the crisis happening just north of the great city. Not long ago, displaced refugees from the regions’ conflicts were welcomed within the walls. At first, things worked out without any issues. But in the matter of a month, an unknown illness sprouted among the people. Given the camps’ highly populated conditions, it spread rapidly. Officials could not find nor produce a cure fast enough. To prevent contamination of the entire city, the refugees were immediately moved outside the walls. Land and one farm were dedicated to everyone displaced while a cure continued to be researched. However, with the imminent danger removed, the urgency surrounding the crisis dwindled. Weeks stretched to months with no remedy in sight. Any attempts to offer substantial aid were delayed. Now, the refugee camps were called the Abandoned Land. Anyone healthy eventually fled, and the disease festered unchecked. People riddled with sickness simply roamed aimlessly. Even the livestock and foliage shriveled and withered away. The makeshift borders for the camps deteriorated and refugees once again threatened Calpheon’s wellness. While other divisions suggested more harsh measures, the high mage once again proposed an attempt to help the people first. Offering to lead the effort herself, she and some of Calpheon’s skilled healing mages would make their way to the Abandoned Land.

“Remember: We are trying to assist these poor souls,” Illiana continued to explain the team’s objective. 

“A cure is yet to be confirmed, but every effort counts. Our group will be escorted to the safer spaces within the Abandoned Land so that we can treat people and conduct research.” The high mage went on, ensuring safety measures were strictly in place, and their endeavor would last a week. Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Right. Make your final preparations. We will depart in 15 minutes,” Illiana concluded her briefing.

The group’s destination remained close enough to depart on foot. The wagons that came carried an abundance of supplies. Areallya followed instructions and stayed close to the high mage.

“So tell me, Areallya-” Illiana began a conversation once the group set its pace. 

“-how much has Igor taught you about healing magic?” The studious teen went on to recite what she knew from books and answered questions. Illiana nodded at her responses in agreement every so often. 

“Your depth of knowledge is impressive,” the high mage complimented her, getting a quiet ‘thank you’ in return. 

“This quest will give you some hands-on experience with healing magic, and give me an opportunity to see you in action.” Areallya had packed in accordance: journals for notes and books she thought might aid her in whatever way. Despite all the uncertainty, she couldn't help but be excited to shift from classroom to quests.

“I will do my very best,” Areallya stated. Illiana smiled, but it soon faded. Everything around them began to crumble into ash and stone. The group remained close together as they quietly pressed forward. Cries of agony echoed in the distance. Shabby gray tents started to pop up along their path that eventually opened into a makeshift camp. The occupants sparsely populated the field, and huddled around the few campfires.

“High mage Illiana! Thank God you’re here!” A woman exclaimed while emerging from a larger infirmary tent. 

“I’m glad you are well,” the two embraced briefly. After a few more words they turned to address the group.

“Elowen has worked tirelessly in the effort to save as many refugees as possible. Please treat her orders as you would mine,” Illiana introduced her fellow mage. Everyone bowed with respect and acknowledgement. 

“I’d like to thank you all for taking time to come to these peoples’ aid. I know the task at hand is daunting, but know your efforts will not be in vain,” Elowen greeted them warmly. 

“We have little time to waste, so let’s get you settled and stationed,” she continued. Thus, Areallya’s first quest continued into motion.