Ereollynda S2.1

This would be where I would give a possible update/ other insight on what this content is about. -xx/xx/xx

Without much conversation, Ereollynda guided the mysterious woman back into the Oliva Foothills.

She thought it might be difficult to find Nelius again, but their newfound connection seemed to guide her through the rockiness. Soon Ereollynda found herself at the beginning of the journey from this morning. Nelius retreated into the brush sensing the stranger approaching with her. 

“Nelius, it's okay she’s here with me to help,” she had found his red eyes in the darkness. 

“It’s only natural to be cautious when injured. For now, could you describe his injury to me?” The woman asked. Ereollynda began to describe the oddly marked piece of wood that stuck out of Nelius’ leg. 

“The wound looks at least four days old. I’m most worried about infection,” she explained as Nelius watched them from his bush. The woman nodded in agreement as she thought. 

“My guess: his most recent adventure got him injured somewhere in the Bree Tree Ruins. There’s a strange magic in those woods, and the markings you specify sound similar to what’s been found there.” The woman started to open her waistpack. A thick piece of fragrant jerky had Nelius’ ears perked. 

“Call him again,” Ereollynda called out to Nelius promising everything would be fine, and this time, he slowly limped forward. The woman offered up the dried meat to the hungry heilang. 

“I see why you are concerned. You’re right, this wound is probably four or five days old,” she observed the heilang as he munched the jerky. Ereollynda patted Neluis’ head supportively as the woman took a closer look. She cautiously knelt closer to the injured leg to study the markings.

“Mmm… yes I believe this is probably from the Bree Tree Ruins. Whatever curse is attached to this wood is preventing regeneration,” she concluded. 

“I can remove the wood and prevent the bleeding, but we’ll need to see a witch or priest in town to cleanse the wound. Otherwise, he won’t heal,” the woman began to call forth her power. A familiar black magic engulfed her hands. Neilus jerked, but Ereollynda quickly began to calm him.

“It has to come out, Nelius. Didn’t you hear what she said?” She hugged his head.

“You’ll feel much better I promise.” Nelius gave in and surrendered whatever struggle he’d planned. The silver-haired woman gripped the piece of wood with her magical powers, and the wood appeared to come to life. The markings began to glow as it resisted its dislocation. However, the imbued power was no match for the woman and she cleanly yanked the wood from the heilang’s leg. Nelius yelped in pain, Ereollynda clutched him tightly sharing the quick twinge. Relief flooded her senses and she lightened her grip. She looked around his mane to see the bloody piece of wood lying in the grass. The markings appeared burnt out. The hole in Nelius’ leg stayed surrounded by black energy, keeping the wound from bleeding.

“We should hurry into Oliva. I’m sure the alchemist is awake by now,” the woman said. The task appeared to have been simple for her to accomplish, she showed no sign of fatigue. Ereollynda nodded and got to her feet. With the log dislodged, Nelius could put weight on his leg. The trio slowly made their way to town, Nelius and Ereollynda following this mysterious lookalike woman. Naturally, she had questions: were they related? What did she know about the black energy? Why had Nelius called to her…? For now, Ereollynda just quietly followed. Seeing to her heilang’s wound took precedence over any curiosities she had.

Once they reached the stables again, the woman halted.

“He can wait and rest here. We’ll go ahead and find Axel, one of the alchemists in town,” she spoke to Ereollynda before turning to the stable master and explaining the situation. Nelius could lie in one of the stables and wait for their return.

“Now that your heilang is taken care of, everyone calls me Lynne” the woman began to speak as they walked through town.

“I’m sure you have questions for me, and we can talk in-depth once we track down Axel. I’ll answer your obvious question right now: while we probably aren’t directly related, we likely share an ancestor.” 

“I’m Ereollynda. And thank you for helping me with Nelius,” she responded. While she appreciated the answer it only gave her more questions, but she remained patient. Lynne continued to search for the alchemist. After a search of a few small gardens, the pair came across a demihuman collecting plants in a basket.

“Ah, Lynne, you’re up early today,” the antlered woman chuckled and straightened up. Lynne laughed lightly along with her.

“Oh stop. Don’t make it seem like I’m lazy,” she responded jokingly. 

“What can I do for you?” Axel asked, covering the freshly picked plants.

“I have a favor to ask. I was hoping you’d cleanse the wound of a heilang. It looks like he got caught up in the Bree Tree Ruins,” Lynne explained. 

“I see. Those runes can do nasty work,” Axel nodded her head. 

“Let me get my staff,” she started towards the nearest road.

“You must be who the heilang called to yes?” she questioned Ereollynda who walked with them

“Yes,” she introduced herself again as they arrived at Axel’s storefront. The demihuman disappeared into her store, reappearing with a wooden staff instead of her basket. 

“The stable,” Lynne directed. They walked the short distance back down the road.