As they moved through her home, Caelum and Elara examined her living space. The room was cluttered but organized, with shelves of books, herbs, and various concoctions.
Caelum used Observe on several items:
[System Message: Herb Bundle – Common. Used for minor healing and relaxation.]
[System Message: Book of Enchantments – Old. Contains basic enchantment spells.]
[System Message: Alchemical Potion – Unstable. Ingredients not fully mixed.]
Elara looked around, her expression thoughtful. "What about your food and water? Could they be contaminated?"
Amaryllis shrugged. "I get my supplies from the same vendors for years. I didn't hear any other customer having similar problems.."
Caelum turned to observe her dining area, scanning her utensils, plates, and the remnants of her meals.
[System Message: Ceramic Bowl – Simple. No magical properties.]
[System Message: Drinking Glass – Crystalline. Slightly enchanted for purity.]
[System Message: Leftover Food – Stale. No signs of toxins.]
Nothing in the dining area indicated the presence of poison. Caelum's frustration was evident, but he continued his methodical search. They moved to inspect the water source next.
[System Message: Water Jug – Earthen. Common, no enchantments.]
The water seemed clean and untainted. Caelum sighed. "It seems we're at a dead end. The source of the toxin is not apparent."
Amaryllis's face fell, her last glimmer of hope fading. "So, what now? Am I to just accept this slow death?"
Caelum looked at her, his expression resolute. "No, we're not giving up yet. There might still be something we're missing."
Elara stepped closer to Amaryllis, her voice gentle. "We'll find a way, Mistress Amaryllis. We won't let this defeat you."
As they continued their inspection, Caelum's mind raced for solutions. 'Could it be something less tangible? An environmental factor, perhaps, or a curse disguised as an artifact?' he thought.
Amaryllis watched them, her expression a mix of gratitude and resignation. "You're kind, both of you. But I've accepted my fate."
Caelum shook his head, "We're not accepting anything yet." His determination was palpable. "Let's take a break and think this through."
They sat down, each lost in thought. Caelum's mind worked overtime, considering every possibility, no matter how remote. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were overlooking something crucial.
Caelum thought harder. What could it be? He had no idea. He thought of fiction in his own world. Tried to remember what his old mentor Shade said about fantasy novels. Perhaps a simple yet so overlooked way for her to be poisoned. His mind churned, sifting through memories and possibilities.
Elara watched him, her eyes reflecting concern and curiosity. "Caelum, what are you thinking?" she asked softly.
Caelum looked up, a faint glimmer of an idea forming. "In many stories, the most overlooked detail is often the most obvious," he mused aloud. "We've been looking at objects, but what if it's something more mundane?"
Amaryllis perked up, her interest piqued. "Go on," she urged.
Caelum stood up, pacing the room. "We've checked your food, water, and artifacts. But what about something as simple as... air? Is there a place in your home where you spend a lot of time, where the air might be different?"
Amaryllis thought for a moment. "Well, there's my private study where I spend most of my time," she said slowly. "But it's just a room."
Caelum nodded. "May we see it?" he asked.
Amaryllis led them to a small room filled with books and scrolls, a desk cluttered with papers and ink. Caelum observed the room with his System.
[System Message: Inkwell – Ancient, made from Hollowstone. Contains slight magical residue.]
Elara glanced around, noticing a plant on the windowsill. "What about this?" she asked, pointing to the plant.
Amaryllis shrugged. "Just a common fern. It's been there for years."
Caelum focused on the plant, activating Observe.
[System Message: Fern Plant – Ordinary. Slightly wilted, needs water.]
Then his gaze landed on the fireplace in the study. It was an ornate structure, with intricate carvings on the mantle. But something about it seemed amiss. The fire, burning steadily, emitted a peculiar, almost imperceptible odor.
"Has the fire always burned like this?" Caelum inquired, turning to Amaryllis.
She frowned, "Yes, that is a special firewood that has a relaxing scent? It's just an ordinary fireplace. I use it for warmth and occasionally for burning old papers."
Caelum approached the fireplace, scrutinizing the flames and the wood. He activated his Observe skill once more.
[System Message: Firewood – Treated. Contains traces of Blackroot Bark, known for its hallucinogenic and toxic properties when burned.]
"Mistress Amaryllis," Caelum said, his voice steady, "the wood you're burning. It's been treated with Blackroot Bark. When burned, it releases a toxin into the air. It's subtle, but over time, it can cause serious harm."
Amaryllis's eyes widened in shock. "Blackroot Bark? But how? I get my firewood from the same supplier for years!"
Elara chimed in, "Someone might have tampered with it before it reached you. Or the supplier himself might not be aware."
Caelum nodded, "We need to replace this immediately and air out this room. You've been inhaling this toxin for a long time."
Amaryllis, still reeling from the revelation, sat down heavily. "I... I had no idea. All this time, the cause of my ailment was right under my nose."
As Elara reached for the window, Caelum's voice halted her actions. "Stop, Elara. Blackroot Bark is hallucinogenic. It can affect passersby, and we don't want to cause hysteria." His tone was firm, echoing the seriousness of the situation. Amaryllis' level was high, but civilians with no class or stats, would be perceptible to hallucinogenic effects.
Elara froze, her hand still extended towards the window, then slowly withdrew. "Right, I hadn't thought of that," she said, her voice tinged with concern. "Let's put out the fire first, then."
Caelum nodded and approached the fireplace cautiously. He used the nearby poker to disperse the logs, extinguishing the flames. "This poison acts slowly, so Mistress Amaryllis must have been inhaling it for years," he said. "But I don't think this is an attempt at murder. More like the supplier was selling it unknowingly to increase his profit."
Amaryllis, still seated, her face a canvas of mixed emotions, looked up at Caelum. "I've trusted that supplier for years," she said, her voice quivering slightly. "How could I not have known?"
Caelum let Amaryllis release her emotions. When she had composed herself, he addressed her with a calm but firm tone. "You should report this to the authorities. I prefer to avoid drawing attention, so it would be best if you didn't involve us in this matter."
Amaryllis nodded, understanding the gravity of his words. She then stood up, her expression one of profound gratitude. "You've saved my life," she said, her voice steady but filled with emotion. She walked towards her workshop, with Caelum and Elara following close behind.