I don't expect Edan to wake so soon after Isolde leaves. The morning still feels fresh, the faint scent of salt and fish drifting through the wooden shutters of our warehouse, mixing oddly with the remnants of Isolde's earlier breakfast. I'm tidying away bowls when I hear a soft groan. Turning, I see Edan's eyes flutter open, his gaze hazy but undeniably awake. A wave of relief rushes through me—he seems more alert than during his previous fits of half-consciousness.
"Edan?" I say quietly, setting the dishes aside. Elias stands by the makeshift cot, brow knitted with concern. We both watch as Edan pushes himself upright, wincing at the obvious tenderness in his ribs. The bandages across his side shift slightly, but at least there's no fresh bleeding.
"Mm," Edan manages, rubbing his temple. "Velia?"
"Yes." Elias glances at me. "You remember being moved here, don't you?"
Edan breathes in slowly, as though testing how much his body tolerates. "A little. Everything's been… fragments. Dreamt of noise and… that wretched fight." His face twists for a moment, an echo of pain in his eyes that isn't purely physical. "But you two—" He gives us a faint, grateful nod. "You pulled me out. Thank you."
——
I fetch a small cup of water, guiding it to Edan's lips. He drinks, wincing at the taste. "We've more than water," I say, recalling the lovely broth and bread Isolde left for later. "Isolde just brought supplies. You've missed her by mere minutes."
Edan's expression lightens slightly. "Isolde… that's the woman you mentioned? The one who's been helping around here?"
Elias nods. "She's a friend. Made sure we have enough to eat and somewhere to keep you without crowding the main infirmary." He gestures around at the clean floors and neatly stacked crates. "Ume tidied this place before we left Velia last time—turns out that was a good idea."
I offer Edan a reassuring smile. "We can't give you the same care a real physician might, but we're doing our best."
He grimaces, an attempt at a chuckle. "Any care is better than none. And from the feel of it, your best is keeping me alive." Then, seriousness creeps back. "What about the others? The wounded?"
My heart tightens. "Most are under watch in Velia's main storehouse. Some, well… they might not make it." I pause, forcing a steady breath. "This village is no grand city. We have an alchemist—Alustin—but he's overwhelmed."
Edan nods, weariness clouding his features. "I need to speak to him once I can walk properly. Maybe I can share some knowledge about field remedies or… something that might help. If the local approach is limited, we have to be resourceful."
——
Just then, as if summoned by the topic, the door creaks open and Isolde reappears, carrying another basket laden with fresh fruit and a jar of soup. The sunlight catches in her auburn hair, framing her in a soft glow. At the sight of Edan upright, her face brightens.
"Look who's awake," she says, setting the basket down near the cot. "Feeling better, I hope?"
Edan musters a faint smile. "Better than I have any right to be, thanks to all of you."
Isolde nods approvingly. "You're in Velia now, and we look out for each other here." She glances between Elias and me. "I thought you two might be hungry again—busy morning, no doubt." Her eyes settle on Edan. "And you, my friend, need nourishment if you plan on standing without keeling over."
Elias grins. "You read my mind. I'm absolutely starving."
She hands him a small loaf and gestures for me to pass the soup to Edan. "Careful, it's still hot. Slow sips, or you'll scald your throat."
Edan hesitates, clearly touched by her warmth. I tilt the bowl gently against his lips, letting him sip the fragrant broth. He coughs once, then murmurs, "That's good. Thank you, Isolde."
——
We gather around the meagre table for a few minutes, sharing small talk while Edan drinks. Isolde mentions how the villagers continue to host the wounded, and how Igor Bartali hopes to rally more supplies from Olvia soon. She also updates us on Alustin's struggles: the alchemist works day and night brewing potions, but the raw ingredients dwindle fast.
"If only more folks were trained like him," she says with a sigh. "He and his apprentices—Eileen and Clorince—do their best, but they can't conjure herbs from thin air."
Elias, biting into a piece of fresh peach, glances at me. "Herbs. Perhaps we could gather some. A few days ago, we heard talk about collecting local plants from Balenos hillsides."
Isolde brightens. "Exactly what Alustin was hoping for. If you're up to it, you'd be doing Velia a great favour—wounded soldiers need all the help they can get."
I nod quickly. "Of course. I'll go, if Elias is willing." I catch Edan's eye. "But you need rest, so stay. We'll handle it."
Edan doesn't protest, though I see a flicker of frustration in his gaze—he's never liked being sidelined. "All right," he mutters. "I'll speak to Alustin for any specifics about which herbs are crucial. Then I'll rest. Promise."
Isolde laughs softly. "You'd better. I'm heading to the docks soon—Igor asked me to manage a shipment. When you're done with Alustin, come find me if you need anything else." She sets the remaining fruit on the table, then pats Edan's shoulder gently. "We want you on your feet, but not at the cost of reopening your wounds. Understood?"
He manages a more genuine smile. "Understood."
With that, she bids us farewell, slipping out into the sunlit street, leaving a faint trace of perfume—a mix of sea breeze and rosemary, I think.
——
"Right," Elias declares, finishing his peach. "Shall we head to Alustin's then, get our instructions?"
I glance at Edan. "Will you manage on your own for a bit?"
He waves me off, a wry twist to his lips. "I'm hardly running a marathon. I'll just… nap if I feel faint. At least I can stand now, if absolutely necessary."
I offer him the bowl of soup once more. "Eat a bit more, then rest properly. We won't be long."
He chuckles, sipping again. "Yes, mother."
Elias snorts, and we both roll our eyes good-naturedly. Then we gather our gear—my light blade, Elias's polearm—and step into Velia's bustling morning.
——
Outside, the village basks in warm sunshine. The stone pathways, slightly damp from the previous day's dew, reflect golden flecks where the sun hits at an angle. Fishermen holler from the wharf, hauling in nets with silver-scaled fish that glint like scattered jewels. Children dart around with small baskets, giggling and chasing gulls that swoop overhead. If not for the knowledge of war and wounded men in the storehouse, this scene could pass for an ordinary, peaceful day.
We head toward the cluster of shops near Velia's northern end, where wooden signboards swing gently in the breeze. Alustin's place stands out with jars and peculiar flasks displayed in a modest window. The door is open, letting out a faint herbal aroma—warm, slightly bitter.
Inside, we find Alustin bent over a small worktable, carefully measuring powders into a mortar. His robe, worn at the sleeves, suggests he hasn't changed clothes in days. Nearby, Eileen and Clorince shuffle between shelves stacked with labelled vials, each looking just as exhausted.
"Ah, you're here," Alustin says, not looking up from his task. "Isolde mentioned you might come."
Elias nods. "We want to help gather herbs. Heard you're running short."
Alustin straightens, exhaling. "Running short is an understatement. We're near out of Rosebay Leaves, Witchgrass, and half a dozen other crucial plants. Not to mention the oceanic corals we use for advanced potions—but that's a separate matter." He gestures to the side, where Eileen is painstakingly sorting dried sprigs into pouches. "We have a map that marks a few spots in Balenos where these plants grow, but with the recent chaos, no one's had time to harvest them."
I glance at the scribbled notes pinned to the wall. "We can go," I say, though a flicker of nerves stirs in my chest. The thought of leaving Velia after all that's happened is unsettling, but if it helps…
Clorince, balancing an armful of tiny bottles, speaks up softly. "Just be careful. Some of those areas are near forest groves that haven't been patrolled lately. We don't know what lurks there."
Elias runs a hand over his stubble, nodding. "We'll manage. Ume and I have seen our share of trouble." He glances at me, and I give a small, firm nod in return.
Alustin hands us a short list of plants: Rosebay Leaves, Honeyberry Blossoms, Witchgrass Stems, plus anything else that looks promising. "Bring what you can, and hurry back. The soldiers and villagers rely on these."
He rummages in a dusty chest, pulling out a couple of small cloth pouches and a battered satchel. "Use these. Keep them dry and separate—no mixing, or you'll ruin the lot."
We thank him, briefly discussing possible routes. Then we step outside, blinking at the bright day. The sense of purpose steadies me. This is something tangible we can do.
——
Back at the warehouse, we pop in to check on Edan. He's dozing again, more peacefully than before. Good. Isolde's soup must be helping. A gentle breeze drifts through the open windows, stirring the air with the promise of summer.
I set the satchel where Edan can see it once he wakes, alongside Alustin's list. We leave him a note, scribbled on a scrap of parchment: Gone for herbs. Rest. Don't wander off.
Elias laughs under his breath. "He'll definitely scoff at that. But better than him fretting about where we've gone."
I gently press the back of my hand to Edan's forehead—cool, thank goodness—then stand. "Let's go before midday heat sets in."
We secure our cloaks, check our weapons, and step out into the sunshine. The day is bright, almost cheerful if I let my guard down. Villagers wave as we pass, some curious, others merely preoccupied with their own tasks. And behind us, the warehouse remains a quiet sanctuary for a recovering scholar who holds knowledge beyond this humble village's wildest imagination.
We walk side by side, our footsteps echoing against cobblestones warmed by the morning sun. All around, the day promises small miracles: fresh air, fresh hope, and the chance to gather what might save lives. In this world battered by war, such miracles are precious indeed.