Echoes of Tera

Chapter 41: Time To Go

Morning came to Dryndraurt with a gentle shift in the bioluminescent light, the crystalline formations glowing more intensely to simulate dawn. The light filtered through the intricate patterns carved into the ceiling of the Healing House, casting kaleidoscopic shadows across the sleeping forms of Aero and his companions. After a night of restless sleep filled with disturbing dreams and half-formed memories, Aero woke to find the others already stirring, their faces marked by the same weariness that plagued him.

The tremors that had shaken Dryndraurt the previous day had subsided, but an unmistakable tension remained in the air. The Ishran moved with heightened alertness, their normally serene expressions now tinged with worry as they tended to their patients and reinforced damaged structures.

Aero joined Kairon, Valencia, and Katima in a small chamber adjacent to the main healing area, where a table had been fashioned from a single piece of polished crystal. Maps of Tera were etched into its surface, glowing faintly from within.

"We need to return to Newmia," Kairon declared, his massive frame looming over the table as he traced a path along the map with one thick finger. His voice left no room for debate, the command of a warrior accustomed to being obeyed. "The boundary disturbances are worsening. We must warn the council and prepare our defenses."

Valencia nodded in agreement. "The sooner we leave, the better. If what we experienced yesterday is happening throughout Tera, Newmia will need every able defender."

Katima remained silent, standing slightly apart from the others. Though she had proven herself by helping save Emily, the tension between her and the Xalrith was palpable. Her Vesperon markings—so different from their own—seemed to glow more prominently in the dim light, a constant reminder of her origins.

Their planning was interrupted by Nicholas, who entered with a troubled expression. "How's Emily?" Aero asked immediately, noting his friend's disheveled appearance.

"The same," Nicholas replied, running a hand through his unkempt hair. "Still unconscious, but the healers say her vital signs are improving."

They made their way to Emily's bedside, where she lay peacefully on a raised platform cushioned with what looked like living moss. Her breathing was regular, and the blue tinge had completely vanished from her skin, leaving her complexion pale but healthy. Various energy webs still pulsed around her body, maintained by the Ishran healers who moved between patients with graceful efficiency.

"I can't leave her," Nicholas said firmly, standing protectively beside Emily's bed. His hand rested lightly on hers, his thumb absently tracing circles on her palm. "Not when she's like this. I won't risk losing her again."

The lead Ishran healer, an elderly woman with intricate markings that flowed like water down her arms, approached them. Her silver hair was elaborately braided with tiny crystals that caught the light, and her eyes—a striking violet color unusual even among Terans—held both wisdom and kindness.

"We would be honored to care for your friend until she recovers," she assured them, her voice melodic and soothing. "She is responding well to our treatments. The poison is nearly purged from her system, but the body needs time to heal from such an ordeal."

The healer gestured to the energy webs. "These will continue to draw out any remaining toxins while strengthening her natural recovery processes. In my estimation, she will need at least another week of treatment and rest before she can safely travel."

After some discussion, they decided that Emily would remain in Dryndraurt under the Ishran's care, with Nicholas staying to watch over her. Once she was well enough to travel, they would follow the others to Newmia.