Areallya C3.3

Elowen stayed true to her word, and put them all straight to work.

She sorted everyone based on their abilities. Some went to the front lines to assist those keeping a perimeter. Others were assigned cots in the medical tents to check routinely. Areallya remained with Illiana, who continued to speak with Elowen about the situation. 

“It’s contained, but what we’ve learned is about the same as our last correspondence,” she said.

“We can halt the spread of diseases, as long as it hasn’t attached to a vital organ. Limb contamination has the best success rate.” The high mage nodded at her words.

“Well, progress is something, however little it may be,” Illiana tried to end their little briefing on a positive note. 

“Let’s take a look at the ones currently being treated, and see what assistance we can offer.” Elowen led them to a separate tent. They covered themselves for protection before entering. The occupants lay on cots in varying states of illness. A few healers were already rotating between the patients, pursuing any kind of aid. After checking in with the overseer, the trio approached an unattended cot and introduced themselves. The middle-aged man sat up and greeted them. Elowen began to ask him some questions, while Illiana reviewed all the notes taken about his condition. Areallya quietly observed, as she’d been told to do. By now, a pencil scribbled in a notebook she took from her satchel. The high mage put down the notes.

“May I?” she asked. The man nodded. He carefully removed the bandage from his hand, and revealed the petrified flesh. From just below the shoulder, gray scab-like patches covered his arm. His hand appeared completely encased, rendering it useless. Illiana inspected the arm closely. Areallya watched, saddened by his situation. She glanced around, noticing everyone with a part of their body tightly wrapped. The high mage began her healing. The man’s arm glowed with energy as she worked. He squirmed a few times in discomfort. Areallya observed in focused amazement, her notes stopping mid sentence. The scaly gray scabs close to the man’s shoulder started to shrink. They shriveled until Elowen could take them off with a pair of tweezers. After about 20 minutes of work, the patient had most of his arm back. Instead of dull cracked skin, pink blistering flesh was now treated and re-bandaged.

“Oh, thank you!” The man exclaimed while Elowen finished wrapping. Illiana smiled gently.

“I’m glad I can be of service. Rest now. Hopefully, we can restore your hand’s ability soon.” He nodded, and cradled his newly dressed arm. The high mage repeated her healing spell four more times. She cleared the petrified infection bit by bit. Elowen continued to mend the fresh wounds left from her work. Together, they eased the suffering of a few critical patients.

Updates on Illiana! Pretty locked in design at this point

Afterwards, the trio retired to one of the food tents. Over their meal, Illiana spoke to Areallya in depth about healing wizardry’s capabilities. Areallya wouldn’t be accomplishing the high mage’s feat during this quest. Instead, she would start with the less complicated skills needed to mend physical injuries. Mages typically start here, as regenerating physical injuries is considered the most basic healing art. Knowledge about this topic is vast and accessible. 

“Your healing ability is also only as strong as your mana. Don’t over stress yourself when healing someone,” Elowen also offered her advice. Areallya nodded at her elders’ words. A familiar unrestful excitement fluttered within her. Once again, practices she’d only read about and studied would now be actions.

After their lunch, Illiana asked where she could find the regular infirmary tent. Her and Elowen parted ways for the day. 

“Now, let’s go aid some others before nightfall,” the high mage said after seeing her friend off.

“Yes ma’am,” Areallya agreed. They headed down one of the makeshift paths through the camp. Another tent, marked with the healer’s insignia, awaited them at the end. Inside, many more people sat and lay in cots even closer together. 

“These patients have regular injuries that need to be attended to. I’ll instruct you through your first healings,” Illiana said when they entered. Areallya took a deep breath as the high mage spoke with the nurse. When called over, she was introduced to her first patient. The small woman sat on a cot with a bandaged arm and shoulder. She smiled as best she could when Areallya bowed politely. Illiana stood by with instruction, and her student began to heal the  second degree burn wounds under the bandage. A wave of empathy overcame the new mage. These people lost their homes and families. She couldn’t imagine being in their predicaments. Areallya put all her focus into the injury; if this is all she could do, this woman would get nothing less than her best. She listened to Illiana’s guidance, and the burn area slowly shimmered. Her mana drained, but she pressed further, until the worst parts of the injury lessened. When Areallya finished, only a first degree burn remained. The high mage took over in re-dressing.

“Great work!” Illiana looked over her work, fairly impressed. The woman graciously thanked them for the relief. Now, she would likely make a full recovery with minimal scarring. 

“That’s all for your first day. Your first heal has depleted your mana, but this is normal,” Illiana explained after they finished. Areallya felt exhausted. She’d output more mana than her mage trial. After being dismissed, she went straight to her tent, and collapsed in her own cot. Despite the fatigue, Areallya felt jubilant about her first quest. She prayed for the strength to continue on as she slipped away into sleep.