I woke up early to get ready for the long journey ahead of me. I stood in front of the carriage watching a drowsy Lylah and Dax stumble down the stairs.
"Aunt," Lylah called rubbing her eyes. "You'll come see us again, right?" she asked.
"Yes," I said and she smiled hugging me. The gesture surprised me but still made a small smile crawl up my face.
After bidding everyone bye I finally got in and we set out for the capital. I did the advisable thing and slept for most of the journey, my body was already weakened.
The journey took a long time but we arrived as scheduled. We didn't stop by at the mansion but went straight to the academy.
I walked up the stairs and to my room the moment we got there. It was already dark and I didn't have energy for anything else. I took a quick bath and went to bed immediately.
I woke up with a sharp pain to my chest and a headache but I endured it and got ready for the day, I didn't have time for bed rest. I dragged myself out planning on stopping at the Principal's office first before going to my lab.
"Good morning, Miss Alden, I haven't seen you in a while," Principal's secretary greeted.
"Good morning," I said weakly.
"You can go in," she said and I nodded walking inside.
"Faina, you're back finally," Principal said and I nodded walking inside.
"Yes, I got here yesterday," I said.
"Are you here to talk about your job status?" he asked. Not that again, I'm still thinking of how I want to deal with poison when I'm this sick. "The large order that came means you're going to be very busy so I'd let you be for now," he said.
"Thank you," I said.
"How was your trip?" he asked gesturing at the chair.
"Enlightening," I said seating down.
"That's good to hear. Does that mean you'd soon complete your project?" he asked.
"I hope," I replied and I meant it. Completing it means I live, not completing it means I die, it's the only possible outcome.
"Same here, I need you to be done with it so you can work full time," he said smiling. This man don't know when to stop, he's the better version of Keith. "I told you we'd sort out your apprenticeship situation when you return," he said.
"Oh, that's right," I said. I had forgotten about Gordon, I should see him before I lock myself in.
"So, will you be taking an apprentice?" he asked.
"I'd think about it," I replied.
"Just say yes if it's yes and no if it's no," he said.
"I… I don't know yet," I said and he sighed.
"Okay." Do I need an apprentice? I could use one now that I'm too weak to do much but I don't know if I want an apprentice.
After talking to Principal a bit, I went to the library to spend my day and wait for Gordon. I read more books on Drityl to spend the time. The plant was neglected a lot just because of the poisonous part.
"Professor?" I heard and looked up. I was gone for a few months and forgot what Gordon looked like but he looked taller to me.
"Gordon, it's been a while," I said once he was seated.
"When did you get back?" he asked.
"Yesterday," I replied.
"I'm so glad to see you again," he said smiling. "I practiced hard so that once you get back I'd be able to learn advanced healing," he said.
"And?" I inquired.
"I feel like I've improved a lot," he said.
"Heal me then," I said. I'm sorry but I'm going to use you.
"Heal you?" he asked and I nodded.
"I'm feeling fatigued from my travels," I said and he nodded. He gulped and raised his shaky hand to my head but brought it down immediately.
"I can't," he said. "I'm really nervous I can't concentrate," he said. "I'll try to focus," he said raising his hands again.
Just as he said he had really improved, he did what I asked without any stress.
"You've improved a lot," I commended.
"Thank you," he said rubbing the back of his head. "So… will you continue teaching me?" he asked.
"Uh… I don't know," I said. "I have to continue my work so I don't know about that," I said and he nodded.
"If you need an apprentice to help out I'm here," he offered and I nodded. "I'll think about it," I said. "I have to go, it was nice seeing you again," I said standing up.
"Okay"
I went home, grabbed my notes, and then walked to my lab. Upon entering, I noticed that the Drityl was now secured inside a fenced area. It looked rather enchanting despite its dangerous nature. The vibrant hues of its petals were a stark contrast to its poisonous reputation.
I began by adjusting the dosage for the medicine based on my references. Each calculation and measurement required intense concentration, and I could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on me. My heavy eyes were a constant challenge, blurring my vision and making it difficult to focus on the delicate work at hand.
As I carefully worked with the Drityl, I had to be vigilant with every step. The plant's toxic properties meant that even a minor mistake could have serious consequences. The precision required for the extraction and preparation was crucial, and my fatigue was making every task more challenging.
Despite my best efforts, I found myself struggling to maintain the necessary level of attention. My hands trembled slightly, a side effect of both the strain and my weakened state. Each movement felt like a deliberate act of willpower, pushing through the fog of weariness to complete the task.
The hours passed slowly, and the lab was illuminated only by the dim light of a single lamp. The silence of the room was occasionally interrupted by the soft rustling of papers and the clinking of glassware. I was acutely aware of the ticking clock, each second reminding me of the urgency to complete the work before my strength waned further.
Even though the process was painstakingly slow, I knew that completing this work was crucial for both my research and my health. Each step taken, every adjustment made, was a small victory in the ongoing battle against time and exhaustion.