Jacob simply watched the hustle and bustle around the underground bunker while he waited for the medicine. He had his doubts about what the healer said, though he still planned on consuming whatever medication the man brought. What choice did he really have? It was either feel completely drained and frustrated with everything or try out a cure.
He was still amazed with watching the people around him turning into flame covered birds of prey. It was their humanoid forms that he had trouble with. Some had bird feet for legs, others had wings instead of hands, and the avain faces really threw him for a loop. No matter how hard he tried, he just could not look them completely in the eye when speaking to them. Jacob knew he was being rude and he felt really guilty about it.
This feeling could not be from his illness. He was positive about that. Dwarves and Elves still looked mostly human to him, so he had no qualms with treating them as such. Even though there were many in both races who would take great offence at Jacob if they knew he considered them to be human. The point is that he always strived to treat them with respect. Jacob thought his belief that everyone deserved to be treated well until they prove undeserving of such was solid. It confused and shamed him when he could not offer the same courtesy to the people currently around him. Jacob was lost in his own thoughts when the healer came back.
" Here, drink all of this potion. I have already told the cooks about your special dietary needs for the time being. Once you are finished with this, I will go tend to the others."
Jacob grasped the purple vail and tried to down it's contents in one gulp. Unfortunately, he could not help but gag at the taste and as such it took two swallows to get the bitter concoction down. At least he didn't spit any on the potion out. True to his word, the healer left with the empty vail and started helping the injured again. An hour later Jacob fell into a deep sleep.
Jacob stood on a small knoll full of wildflowers. The soft breeze brought the flowers sweet fragrance and he couldn't help closing his eyes and inhaling the amazing scent. He felt free here. There was nothing here besides the earth, sky, and the wind. He loved it here. No pressure to succeed at anything. No demands made could be placed on him.
Life is never just these things.
Jacob frowned at the strange voice.
You must eat and drink to live. You can not just live on the breath of the wind. The earth can grow what you need in time and with great care, however you can not eat the dirt to live. The sky can bring you water, however it's a fickle mistress and will not cater to your needs. Therefore it is unwise to rely solely on it. You need more than what you see here.
"Who are you?"
Laughter met his question and nothing more. Soon the view around him melted away and he was back within his castle home. I am dreaming. This is not real. Well at least it doesn't seem like a nightmare.
Jacob moved through the familiar corridors with ease. He frowned when he saw nobody here.
Why do you need people if just the earth, sky and wind are enough for you?
Jacob cursed. " Who are you?"
Everything and nothing
" You can not be everything and nothing at the same time."
Rich laughter echoed through his dream.
When you are ready, you will understand.
The castle disappeared around him and was replaced with nothing. Jacob grumbled to himself and within minutes he woke up.
Jacob's eyes scanned the area while he sighed. That dream may not have been a nightmare, but it was certainly strange. He decided to forget about the dream for now. Jacob jumped out of bed, feeling energized, which was a feeling he hadn't had in a long time. He smiled as he did some light stretches and then went to get his food.
After eating the soup the chef gave him, he felt amazing. Jacob was wondering how long this feeling would last. The healer said it would take time to completely heal him and yet he felt like himself now. Jacob knew that it was only a temporary thing. He was not fully healed. However, the fact that he would be soon filled him with joy.
He decided to try and help around until he felt tired again.
" Is there any work that I could do here in the kitchen?"
" No, I got more than enough young bloods helping me as it is. I heard that the leather workers and blacksmiths are looking for more help. The healers are always short on extra hands as well."
" I see, thank you for your advice."
Jacob thought about the options. He wasn't keen on trying to patch up people, so he decided not to help the healers. Blacksmithing could be interesting, however he doubted that anyone could teach him that during war time. This left leather working. That was just placing two pieces of leather together with a needle and thread, right? Shouldn't be too hard. So he headed over to the leather workers.
Five hours later, Jacob didn't think leather working was easy any more. His knuckles and wrists ached. His back felt like needles were constantly pricking it and worst of all was his teacher. Right behind him, sat a bird with crimson feathers and bright blue eyes. Jacob was told to call her Master May.
Master May had only guided his hands once with magic when he said he wanted to learn. After that, she verbally corrected him many times. She wasn't really mean about it, however Jacob felt tons of pressure just from her watching him work.
" Master May, I am getting tired. May I leave."
" Of course child. Come back tomorrow and I will show you how to properly treat the leather and explain more about the designs."
Jacob happily placed his work down and left. Master May watched him go with couriousty shining in her eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if the lad would come back tomorrow.