Azarinth Healer Chapter 663: A short rest

Chapter 663 A short rest

A group of unlikely companions materialized from thin air within the domain of a crystal tree. Awe filed faces looking around at the present beings.

A whole gaggle. Wonderful, the adow spoke. Im glad you made it out. Pursuers?

Just the one, Ilea said, holding up the core. Can I leave it in your care for a little while. Dont damage it too much, just get rid of the tal forming around it from ti to ti. Or you have a hostile level eight fifty machine at your hands.

What a curious find, I will take great care of it, the adow spoke, moving the core closer with its space magic.

Flexing, alright, Ilea thought. Verena, Dragonkiller, Hereven, et the adow. A good friend of mine, scholar, charismatic teacher, and protector of Hallowfort.

Calm again? Feyrair asked her. Care to tell us what happened now?

Iana and Christopher joined them too. A mind weaver? the woman asked.

Indeed yet you do not need to fear , Hereven said.

I dont, Iana said, glancing over at the adow. Whats that sphere?

She already noticed it. Noisy enchanter. They lose respect so quickly, the adow spoke.

Can you inform them about everything? Ilea asked, looking at Verena with a tired expression.

Of course, the woman said. Go take a mont.

Ilea smiled, displacing herself closer to the adow. Only Feyrair would be able to co that close but he was already listening to Verenas retelling of todays events.

That close? the adow asked when she leaned against the tree.

She sighed, summoning a al.

Youre safe here, the tree said.

She was stronger than you, Ilea sent. I dont know if Ive ever seen anything like it.

You will et more creatures like her if you continue on the path youve chosen, the adow said.

And one day I might not be able to escape, she mused. We only got out because she underestimated us, she sent and paused, eating a few bites. I know the risks Ive known them since I went back into the forest after finding Riverwatch. But if a creature I fight cos and destroys everything Ive co to love,

Not all those you et will be your enemies, the adow reminded her. You brought here, did you not? The Baron will be by your side as well, and so will the people of Hallowfort.

I know. I just need a mont to calm down, Ilea said. How do you even fight a creature like that? It just nullified my charged beam, stopped from teleporting, slowed my healing, and all that in what seed like a playful hunt.

Take all the ti you need. My eyes are open, my magic is prepared, the tree said.

She looked at the shimring silver sphere, the tal forming at a faster pace now, likely due to the high mana density close to the adow. Barriers around it prevented it from taking form.

Violence appeared nearby and floated over, glancing at her before it ca to rest on her hair.

They remained there for a few minutes, Ilea slowly finishing her plate before she stored it. She called an abomination. Because I use both ash and healing, fire and the flas of creation.

I dont see a reason why you shouldnt, the adow spoke.

Strong

Combination, Violence confird.

I hope the next dragon I et isnt that prejudiced, she mused.

A lot of power can bolster ones self image. It takes a lot of wisdom and reflection to remain grounded, and beings that remind one of their standing in the world, the adow said.

Dragon

Bitch

Ilea patted the Fae on top of her head, giggling to herself before the creature joined in.

Violence jumped down, landing in her palms before he pointed at her, still wearing his cape and armor.

Ilea

train

stronger

slap

dragon

I guess I have to, now that you asked , she said with a smile.

Not

ask

ORDER!

VIOLENCE!

Yes, sir, General Baron, Ilea replied to the giggling creature. Where did you get that armor from anyway?

Nice

Smith

Goliath, that is nice of him, she said. It looks good on you.

Everything does, to be fair, the adow said.

The Fae looked up at the tree, tilting its head to the side.

Your attempt remains ineffective, Ilea mused, sliding down a little with her back to the tree. Im glad I t you two.

The Fae appeared on her shoulder and hugged her face.

Im telling you, this tree wasnt here the last ti I ca here. How could I have missed sothing that obvious? Pierce asked.

Feyrair shrugged. Your eyes are probably not the best, being human and all. I wouldnt expect you to notice the obvious.

Shut it elf, she said as lightning flared up around her.

The adow moved them both into a do barrier, all the sound cut off as they went for it again.

Just make sure to give them so privacy once they start fucking, Ilea said, joining the group again with Violence in tow.

Ilea, good to hear that you survived. So can we look at that core? And I assu you already know whos missing? Iana asked, Christopher nodding along next to her.

Ill get Aki shortly, dont worry, Ilea said.

You recovered two additional keys, Neiphato said.

Yes. But Im not quite ready to go to Iz yet. Id like to finish up my third Class first. Maybe we can et up with Niivalyrs group and work through the Praetorian facility, she answered.

Or we could look for more of them. It will take ti either way, and Im told youve fought hundreds of Praetorians already. The experience wont be as effective, Verena said.

Ilea looked at her for a mont. Youre rather well inford, she thought and sighed. Oh well, shes seen more than even Claire by now.

Right, but I dont plan to use the taleen gates for a while. Not just because of Audur, Ilea said.

Neiphato hissed. The Pursuer.

Yeah, and there could be more traps. If they decide to send a whole army after us, it wont be quite as simple, she said. We know at least that our usage of the gates hasnt gone without notice.

We can modify the key. But there is no way to make you completely invisible. We dont control the network after all, Iana said.

I think we can just fly around for now, preferably alone. When I find sothing, we can go in together, Ilea said.

Reasonable, Verena said. Thank you, for not leaving us there.

Ilea gave her a nod.

Which ans the Krahen Isles are off limits now? Neiphato said. You think this Audur, will be able to find it?

Who knows what she can do, Ilea answered. But Im sure we can find a few more dungeons where you guys can train. Maybe even where the other keys are located.

Should we try to contact Isalthar? Or do you think its more reasonable for you to go to Iz alone? Neiphato asked.

We dont really know what will happen. Always good to have backup. I suppose you could inform him of whats been happening. Do you have a way to contact him or Seithir? Ilea asked.

Not quite as impressive as your marks, but we can leave ssages in designated dungeons within the Navali forest, Neiphato explained.

Good. You need a lift? she asked.

The elf smiled, his sharp teeth showing. The gate leading to the outskirts of Ravenhall will be fine, but if you have sothing closer to the forest, I would not say no.

Sure, I do have one. But I want to make sure I can co back here, which will take a few more hours. Ill get Aki too later on, Iana, she said, addressing the woman.

I shall train in that case, Neiphato said and walked closer to the adow, roots forming around him in a sphere like constellation.

Is this, the place you have ntioned? Hereven asked. I am inclined to offer you my services for the life you have saved and returned, though I mustnt.

How about reasonable work then? When the ti cos, you could help train so people. For fair compensation of course and only if youre interested. Ill leave the Hallowfort immigration to the adow and whoever is responsible upstairs, Ilea said.

Compensation? the demon asked.

Ilea tapped her lip. Hmm, yes. Currency or sothing else like food and a safe place to stay and to call your own. With currency you can buy most goods.

It sounds. Acceptable, Hereven said. And yet what could I offer to one such as you?

Not all humans are like , Ilea said. Very few actually. Mind Weavers are masters of Mind magic. Id love it if the Sentinels had a ntal resistance trainer.

You would have attack those that serve you? Hereven asked.

I see theres so explanation necessary, Ilea said and quickly detailed what she ant and to what extent the demon would be employed.

I will inform Hereven about other opportunities to obtain currency, and about the local laws, expectations, and societal structures, the adow inford in the end. It will be simple, with soone receptive to my speech.

Ilea couldnt quite read the demon. He had just escaped Audurs domain, and ca straight into a new place with yet another unreasonably powerful creature at its center, or so it seed.

Can you make sure she wont be able to track the demon? Ilea said to the adow.

I already checked. And the Baron has confird. None of you carry marks we may perceive, other than those given by you, the tree replied.

Ilea sighed. Sorry. Guess the experience hit harder than expected.

To have ones space magic taken away is to be blind and crippled. I understand better than you might think, the adow said.

You had sothing similar happen to you? Ilea asked, looking towards the tree.

No, but I can empathize, the tree said.

Ilea squinted at it but chose not to say anything. Just not good enough yet, eh? she thought with a smile and sat down near Neiphato, ditation fully flowing through her as she focused on everything but dragons.

The den of the adow had grown in the past months, black grass slowly spreading through the extensive cavern between Hallowfort and the Descent. Massive pillars had been erected to increase the stability of the structure sitting about two thirds down within the massive statue carved into the stone cliff below the northern stormscape.

The view wasnt quite as impressive as from Hallowfort itself, the town sitting at the very top of the cliffs and only about a hundred ters below the cavern ceiling, and still it was impressive to behold. Crystal light flowed into the large opening the adow had added, its magic perating the very walls as it slowly beca a part of this territory.

And where the place had been an empty field of black grass and pillars, it had beco quite lively. Goliath worked on his creations near one side of the den, his smithy sprawling out with new additions even compared to a few days prior. His ideas were mostly limited by concepts, space and durable stone easily provided by the ancient tree. Most of his work would likely not provide much practical use, but it seed both the adow and the Fae could appreciate sothing in his art that Ilea simply couldnt comprehend.

Perhaps she was just too human to get it, or just not old enough.

Iana and Christopher had gotten a rather extensive set of rooms with various furniture, tools, and items brought in from Ravenhall. The woman surely made use of her storage ring. Their domain was located near the wall opposite Goliaths, both still quite a ways off the center of the adow, marked by its crystal tree. The intricate designs and shapes added to the housing seed inspired by various paintings hanging on the walls inside, Ilea able to perceive them through her dominion.

There was one room she couldnt peer inside but considering the location and lack of beds in any other areas, she could imagine what was inside, and why the enchanters chose to impose so magical privacy. She didnt rember a ti when they hadnt been working, but she hoped the bedroom would get at least so use, if only for sleeping.

The barrier do with Feyrair and Pierce remained active, the adow providing a considerably large space for them to create a continuous bloodbath.

Ilea could tell Feyrair was holding back, but she wasnt sure how much help his dragon form would be against the ludicrously fast moving lightning and tal mage.

Can you make runes or enchantnts that create barriers like this? Ilea asked. She wondered if they could be used for city defense purposes much like the one she had seen in Virilya. And to a lesser degree as training areas for people at above level three hundred. The fight wouldve already severely damaged one of the underground training halls in the Sentinel Headquarters.

Not quite as durable as what I can make within my domain, but suitable perhaps for defensive purposes. Or to lock sothing inside, the adow spoke. Though because barriers are magical constructs, the power they require far exceed structural improvents to existing matter. Barrier mages are more efficient than any other mage at fueling such runes, but they seem rare, in Hallowfort at least.

Id have to check with Claire. Can you not create mana crystals or sothing that we could fuel? You certainly have the excess power, Ilea suggested. Or maybe a way to harvest the mana here in the north.

The conditions for such creations are extrely delicate. Nor would they be stable enough to provide the mana required. For offensive purposes perhaps, as a short burst of energy, but even then, they would likely be empty very quickly, the being explained. You simply need to befriend another few of my kind.

You dont suppose you know a nephew or four who live nearby, looking for a job or fifty? Ilea asked.

Let send out a few riders to the stars, Ive been aning to get in touch with them. Our family reunions can be a little awkward however, spoke the adow.

Ilea huffed with a smile.

At least we have your expertise to fall back on. Claire will want to discuss her barrier and enchantnt setup for Ravenhall too, Im sure, she mused. Dont want to overwork you either, just let know if Im asking too much.

How cute, the adow said, in the most condescending tone it could manage. Which was very condescending. Perfection really.

I feel like that warrants so ntal Resistance experience, Ilea thought, shaking her head. How could I ever question thine magnificence, oh wondrous tree of life.

You mammals forget easily, it stated.

Im sure thats the issue, Ilea mused. She was pretty sure her cooldown to return to the den of the adow was back up and ready. Ill use the gate, she said and walked over to the functional creation amidst a few new gates similar in design.

Youre much further along than I thought, Verena said as she joined her.

Ilea smiled. Yeah. Theyre working on it tirelessly.

You wont need the Taleen network, the Elder said. Where does this one lead?

Near Ravenhall, Ilea said. Though well avoid building any within actual cities.

There will have to be so, Verena said. For reinforcents in case of enemy attacks.

And if they compromise the gates? Ilea asked.

True, the woman said. It will be paramount to place them strategically.

Ilea nodded. Which is why I wont be making those decisions. Im sure the various councils will figure out where to put them.

Verena gave her a thumbs up. Smart.

And you wondered how I reached the five hundreds, she said and tapped her skull.

The Elder didnt seem entirely convinced, glancing at the literal thunder do before she joined Ilea. Pierce seems busy.

Indeed. Ah wait, Neiphato, you wanted a lift, right? Ilea asked.

If its not too much trouble, the elf said, glancing at Verena.

Well have to fly south for a few hours, she said, looking at the Elder. Or you can go ahead.

I dont mind, Verena said.

Perfect, then lets go, Ilea answered, activating her third tier transfer as she waved at the various creatures, most of them not even noticing their departure.

Safe travels, the adow sent.

Violence was nowhere to be found, the mark on it unclear.

The group appeared on a hill overlooking Riverwatch, a few birds taking flight at the sudden manifestation of magic and sound.

Ilea looked to the sky, breathing a sigh of relief when no winged being showed itself. Only a few guards and mages, she mused, looking at the busy streets in the distance.

They strengthened the walls, Verena observed.

Ilea looked at the fortifications. Did they?

A little higher maybe? she thought. They should, honestly. Riverwatch may as well be the frontier of our kind by now. Next to Dawntree.

The northern tribes deal with more monsters, Verena said. Not as dangerous as Elves, but not by much.

Neiphato looked away and sighed.

I didnt an it like that, the Elder said quickly. Few humans can fight Elves.

I understand, Neiphato said. Im sorry, for whatever its worth.

Ilea shrugged. You didnt do anything. Lets hold the people accountable that actually co and fuck with settlents. Not a species of diverse individuals.

Right, Verena said. Old prejudices. Didnt think Id ever et an Elf whos different, she added, scratching the back of her head.

I hope your optimism is founded in reality, Neiphato said and hissed, bowing to the two won. Thank you, for your trust. I will call for you when I have sent the ssage.

Or when you run into trouble, Ilea said.

The elf smiled, his sharp teeth showing. I will try to be careful, he said and turned away, leaving a mont later.

Ilea glanced at Verena and smiled.

The Elder still gazed at the elfs back until she noticed Ileas stare. What?