"STOP FUSSING… I'm weak, not dead," Elinor chided her husband as he tried once more to offer her anything she might need.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiilNxQK9VR
"A drink is here if you need it. Are you sure you're not hungry? I can get them to bring food."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNfnyo6KFH
He was stressed with grief, not able to help her. She gently stroked his cheek, tears long dried from crying. She was grateful he loved her so much.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAcduAUNVA
"Dear, trust the gods. They did not curse me. It is just something that happens. Even if we can't get a cure, I can slowly build my magic and recover. Beastkin do it all the time."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH031xdtAv4
He was not sure about her faith—not in the gods, he trusted those—but about the recovery. It was extremely rare humans did.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6zGBUjiDR
And the only known alchemist had been known to not care about making the potion, no matter the money. The rumor was he auctioned it off once a month, but that was a year ago. He had since found better ways to profit.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAEbyYJbhN
"I asked Nebo to travel to the city and send a letter petitioning the alchemist. It's a long shot, but maybe if we pay double or… more, he will help."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8N0EFgLnB
She sighed, leaning back in the bed. It was a nice day. Birds chirping. She was just tired.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUe71Tyn4lF
"It's fine. There are things I will miss doing, but the girls tend to help me so much, so we usually just gossip. I will be fine, love. Please rest. I know you have been up late in the night."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLdv2zVooX
Bishop Light entered at that moment with a solemn look. "I'm sorry to interrupt. I wish to offer you privacy. But I know this is just the start, and there will be others. We tend to house many here, so space is limited. I don't want to sound callous, but I fear others will get the weakening and have no family to offer them safety."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfPdRi9SJI
Justin looked at his wife. He knew the priest was right. He just was afraid to move her. He saw his wife smiling at him even with his fears.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWw9laGftOn
"I can walk at least a little, and worst case, you can carry me away. It would be nice like old times."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72jjVDyfUQ
He blushed at that, remembering their younger days and how he always carried her around for fun. Now it was because he had to.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pOJKD2w8s
"Don't give that look. The kids will fear the worst, and they don't know I'm okay."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprBcaaA4ZS
He nodded at that. "Ok, let me carry you for a bit, then when we're sure it's an open space, we can try walking a bit or resting till later."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMWnoUspPF
A new voice spoke in the distance. "Don't tell me what to do. I'm here to see my family. Business can wait. My secretary runs things just fine. One more day won't change anything!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT4M4QI2vh
Around the corner into the room, the little gnome entered, bags under his eyes as he looked at Elinor.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6pFjzNLbA
"Goodness, child, you gave us a scare. Are you ok?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvTm4OPlmw
He ran up to her with the power of the wind pushing him to her side ever faster as he took her hand. She squeezed it while smiling.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKPIlHbqAL
"You both look horrible, and I'm the one that's sick!" She was amused and happy to be so loved. "I promise this is just a minor setback. Don't let the village fall for my sake."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE4rxlqaXR
"Bah, they like to complain for their own interests. But you, child, are worth that waiting. We all knew this day could come. Just tried to avoid it."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAtSmEkxdf
She nodded at that while her husband still looked lost.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4crUnRiqC
"We need to see the children. I don't like leaving them alone. It has been at least a day, no?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnEGo1VbvwP
She wondered now, having time to think.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNPQM6P1I1
"It's been three, I think," Bishop Light interjected.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDK3v7MjgP
Both her husband and the mayor glared at him. He pulled his hands up in defense. "I'm not judging, just answering a question asked. If I could, I would gladly heal everyone and more. I lack that power. All I can do is house and love them till they find peace."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QtIYmVvHi
She forced herself to move. Why did her body feel so weak just trying to move and stand?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ang0OQsm
"It's fine, Light. Thank you for housing us."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tCBfP1L5B
Her husband and the mayor, both feeling abashed, agreed and thanked him. The trip back home was a struggle, and she needed to be carried over halfway.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmjAhy1REN
What surprised her more was the need to sleep while being carried. Why did it drain her so much?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwqpR34AQ3
Nearing the house, they saw Nina hanging laundry. She saw them coming and went into shock for a moment, then shouted.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXEq4zECFg
"WOLF, LEENIA, IT'S MOM. SHE'S BACK!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UFfgshoYf
The door swung open like it had been struck by a bolt, and out ran her kids. All of them rushed to see her. Dad warned them to be gentle, but she was in no mood to have more pity. She was too weak to move, not to touch. And she loved all their embraces.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66Hm2193iU
Even as they sobbed their fears, she assured them everything was okay. She was home.
The day passed into the night with everyone telling their side of events.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjDhG01GYE
The mayor was tired and defeated. He said it would be a few days taking care of the events that would come, but he wished he could stay. Dad and Mom eventually rested. Wolf, Nina, and Leenia were all comforted, at least for now, that their mom was okay. Even though they still had things they wanted to do, for now, it would have to wait for another day.
He was still tired. Even after a few days since his mom came home and things settled down, things had been a struggle.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5ZeMhF2Ln
He reviewed Herbert's notes. There was so much to learn, but nothing to solve the need for a cure. And both his sisters had been doing better, focusing on work in the shop and at home. Mom was overjoyed at all the attention but kept chiding them to live. She would rest and recover. It was not the end of the world. It just felt like it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7y8vPtSaM
He knew it would take time, but everything felt unfulfilled, so he focused on getting herbs and making new potions just like Herbert. He would make it work.
Arlin awoke to another day. Things were better now than years past. All the dungeon runs with near-death barely avoided to reach this point.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N90oSkb5i
He looked at his hand. Easily able to shift to darkness and back. He'd mastered the skill long ago. He opened the door with the darkness and left for the day.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM9ZQLc4aE
He'd already wished Terry well for the years he had been his friend. Rosa, it seemed, would be traveling with them. She had family in that new town, so she put in a transfer.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltEX3G5p4j
He was heading to the church to say his goodbyes. He visited them at least once a month when he could, but it was always a strain. Rock felt distant, yet Ziala was always happy to see him, so it kept encouraging him to come back.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xzj9xQPbr
It was easy to hide among the crowd of grey robes. Even though his clothes stood out being light-colored, he always seemed to blend in their shadows, surprising the priests, which happened repeatedly. They would try harder to look at him in plain sight. While amusing, he was just here for the kids.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmeB2PmfYO
Well, teens now, but still kids to him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz0wL0OPqj
He found Rock first, in a grey robe, playing his flute. He was really good now and even had a crowd admiring his music.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeckVayaerv
"ROCK! It's been too long," he yelled and waved to get his attention.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjr6uj3zJym
Like a flock of birds, it spooked the crowd, and they scattered.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTOvtC6ISR
Rock was not amused. He was yelling in church.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfHb8i5z9E
"Sorry, I missed you. Is your sister near? I just wanted to say goodbye. Even though things did not work out, I still see you both as family," he said with a smile.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzea54QdN07
"Ziala is here, though I wish she would reconsider. The church is our home."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3KgKnIvsh
Arlin was confused about what he meant by that. He knew the church was their home, so why did he make that statement?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rctEp9bqs
"Is everything okay? They're not causing issues for you guys, right?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgs3CpFRk6S
Rock sighed and looked in the distance at their bunk room, where the door was ajar, but he couldn't see inside. Was that where she was?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GmziJUVS9
"Will you take care of her?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzVeYlcJkL
The question was out of the blue and threw him off, but he responded all the same.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPoAShOaOH
"Yes?" He wasn't sure where this was going. This was a weird goodbye.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqOkPG40pv
He knew he was a little distant. He blamed his mother's way of raising him. And all the dungeon battles kind of made him at peace with how things were now. He was, in a way… happy.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dG4qFJi2Y
That was when he saw her. She looked stunning. She was wearing the same dress he'd bought her years ago. Now it looked almost like a skirt. She looked healthy and happy, and when she noticed him, she beamed and rushed to him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKklKELijx
He grabbed her and twirled her a bit in the air, and she laughed.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhZiPfxHxo
"You're looking well and in a better mood than your brother."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRU6uuBRcM4
Rock was not amused.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgcZIaGD9G
Ziala stepped away with joy and announced a shocking truth. "I'm going with you!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDchulfvXS
"Um… what?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQMlB7oUtr
Arlin wasn't sure what she meant. He knew he'd said years ago they would always be together, but that was a dream. And when he one day got a home, maybe… He'd never thought about it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLv3VqmR1wt
"Are you sure?" He finally said after a moment of shock.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW1hiHsgSt
She looked hurt, and Rock spoke first. "Told you he forgot. He made that promise on a whim. The church never left us…"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8TyY75MiY
It hurt him to hear Rock saying that, but it was kind of true.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvF5AlDmGk
Ziala stared at him, confused. "But I already cleared it with the church and your mother?" She was puzzled. "Did she not tell you? I was going to work in the new guild so I could be with you?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkcnmzRyFe
He wasn't sure what to say to that. He loved his mom, but she was… slow with details unless she wanted to tell it, and she relied on Terry and Rosa too much for details. He sighed.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijRTTAKL2n
"Is Rock coming too? Will you still be in the new church, you live in?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK5XTc0ECI
He had more questions but at least needed some answers first.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKsssqPzqo
"No to both," Rock said, always passive, Arlin thought. "She planned to live with you. The other church won't have a room with a new outbreak of weakness in the area."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFinpMuCA9M
"I can speak for myself," Ziala spoke up, tired of being sidelined. "I have been mailing letters for a few months, setting things up, since I knew you had been leaving. I was trying to make sure we could go at the same time. It was a lot of work, but I did it. I got a job, and securing a place with you. Isn't that great!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KNRYQ9zTe
He wasn't sure how she did that, but he guessed he was happy she was there. He was used to being alone, so this was different.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQtqYjgq0s
She saw he wasn't sharing her joy and got sad. "So it's true. You never wanted to be a family?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXjsrUbwHY
"No!" he panicked. "It was just a shock. A surprise. I thought I was coming to say goodbye, not bringing you with me. I am happy, I swear!"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ikD1zoARn
He was happy. It just was throwing him for a loop, this change.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Vo5r9KCB1
She hugged him, happy things were working out. They both said goodbye to Rock. He had already made his peace with this long ago, it seemed, as well as his sister planned to be with him.
A few days passed before they got their wagon, transporting them to the new place. Rosa, with part of another caravan group, since it required a few workers and supplies.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpnuGwWemF
His mom, Ziala, and he shared a coach. He wanted to ask sooner, but everyone was busy. Now they were stuck in one spot. He had time to ask for details.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRov1oJHId
"So when were you going to tell me?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NdXDrqAy9
His mother drew a pipe and was smoking again, a habit she never stopped.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoZWziqiXM
"What do you mean, son? You knew we were coming here for a while. This is nothing new?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDU2JJUPdu
She played coy. Ziala looked concerned but just watched as he sighed, knowing she wanted to force him to be blunt.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xzOCqOuFp
"I'm happy my adopted sister loves me and wants to join me on my new adventure, but she spoke as if you knew and never told me. Why?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTnqUF7kVf
She blew the smoke out the window, slowly watching the trees go by. She sighed and pouted.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MqzIU8B5u
"You kids were always trouble. I did try to get Rock to join too. He wanted nothing to do with us. He preferred to repay his debt to the church, he said. Ziala, though, was more than happy for a chance to be part of the family. Why is that a bad thing?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TE6WicEpN
"No issues," Arlin said, forcing a smile, patting her leg. "Just the dungeons will keep me busy, and I won't have time to watch over you."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2d7XDmClHg
"HAH, please," Ziala said in a retort. "No offense, but you have not been there for a while." That hurt more than he thought it would, even if true. "But," she went on, "that's okay. This… is family. Rock knew it too."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogFRrAhdJC
She got a sad look at that, and Mom brushed her fur gently while looking out the window, slowly blowing smoke. It seemed they talked more than he knew.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMWMprjJX2
"I want to work, and I want to help you, so this is how I can do both. And still be close. It was worth it to me. We will see Rock again, I know it," as she watched in the distance.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3pncgIISG
"Ok…" he said, smiling.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAqP6jZUaY
The rest of the trip was uneventful. There was a lot of tedious work getting everything settled, but it was easy once everything was settled. He worried about the dungeons later. Now they had time to enjoy their new freedom.
Nebo was exhausted from the trips and letters to the city that were only dead ends for weeks.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOvEpxxuPz
He finally got an official meeting with the head alchemist. They'd met before, but it seems over the years he'd distanced himself more and refused most direct business.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGv71BMv1W
Out front, there were thugs, for lack of better words, guarding the place. He even had to wait to be let in, though not surprising to him. It still was annoying.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaflk82qMt
After a long, drawn-out process, he finally was able to see him again. He looked the same. Maybe slightly aged and tired, but that was only if you knew him well. Anyone else would say he was the same.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7heaRd7MGB
"It's been too long, Master Tommy, sir."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD116CDIT2
Nebo started trying to be formal, but Tommy just looked indifferent and then spoke.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjo7AeEWSUF
"Tommy is fine, and it has… I vaguely remember you. You're always trying to sell cheap alternatives to alchemy and poor man's ideas."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNKILt4g93
Nebo did not like how he downplayed Wolf's work, but it was true that he tried to sell cheaper things.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1gQoS3Pyo
"While true, that's not why I'm here. You know we need a weakness potion, right? We tried many times to bid for one."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmXF658Vwx
He was hopeful he was just busy and not indifferent to their plight.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzedP023beR
Tommy sighed. "I stopped making those years ago. Too unstable, not worth the cost. Personally, the only reason I'm even giving you the time of day is I heard you made a cheaper mana potion."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBz7cwwCXl
Nebo wasn't sure how he knew about that and frowned.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hn7AkqdWA
"Oh, please, don't act so shocked. People talk. Word got around: Someone can make a cheaper product and mass-produce it for a fraction of the cost? Well… now I'm listening."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRMOvOByXe
Nebo did not like where this was going.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8E6PZsXBIO
"I don't mind working out a deal, but the potion?" Nebo wondered.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSUHiiTi9G
"No. I told you it's not worth the effort. Now if gold is the issue, name your price. I want the mana potion…"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6RUzN86Jo
Nebo wasn't sure how to handle this. He knew Wolf would give it free. But would he still if he knew this man refused to help his mom? He was conflicted.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFE8L9ZZ0Lc
"It seems we are at an impasse, Mr.?" Tommy wondered.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOMZoHKYvM
"Nebo," he said in a low voice.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrRnPXKEyte
"Well… Nebo. We both have something the other wants and won't budge. How can we work something else out?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWI7PBXOga
He knew it wasn't what Wolf would want, but he figured at the very least, more herbs could work.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyKJAbdzOB
"Supply us with more herbs and let us purchase more to search for a cure."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdLXVYopZN
"Tch, your kind sure get persistent trying to save the poor. It's a waste, but I'll allow it. In exchange for a copy of the recipe."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dfU0XHOay
Nebo wasn't happy, but the world was full of compromise versus our desires. He left to work out the details.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOXnQmqLN3
Tommy watched him go. A thug walked in after he left, making sure everything was okay.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2AkIPEEBM
"Are you good, boss?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGOtX5TuzM
"Fine."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2FCtrkU9A
"Ok, boss," he turned to leave.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fHdr33Oq4
"Before you go, what is the most important thing?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubbQTA3taj
"Um, money, boss?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0i5UuK6t8
He smiled hearing those words. "Thank you. Take the rest of the day off. Treat your men to food and drinks. You know what matters in life, and you all deserve a treat for being smart."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3LsIF2Ugm
The thug wasn't sure why this turn of events happened but nodded his head, happy all the same.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNAApjyACMG
"Thanks, boss!" and left before he could change his mind.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzEzggVREz
Tommy sat in thought about how sad it was the poor and weak begged those in power for more. He took a sip of his drink, savoring the expensive vintage. Outside his window, the city sprawled—thousands of people struggling, scraping by, desperate for help he could easily give but chose not to.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGp5Nd1jaG
If they had money, they wouldn't need to beg. They could do whatever they wanted, just… like… me.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP2k5N3iRD
He smiled to himself and returned to his ledgers. Business was good.
He pored over his new notes, trying to find something, but everything was failing.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkZiHJo9My
The mixture doesn't matter; the magic effect distills to water if there are too many effects or not enough magic in the brew. It requires more mana to counter and will make more potent effects. Side effects are still based on the herbs used, if any exist.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN3spxe3G9
Many versions of healing, mana, or buffs can be made regardless of the mix; an antidote almost always works but also can destabilize depending on the herb mix.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOo2IfNFhd
Dungeon crystals are a catalyst that makes many potions easier with the same effects and even removes side effects from herbs. No cures so far.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv1zSAmqKq
He was tired, but he kept trying. It was odd. He was so sure the god of balance forced a balance like the books said, but he kept finding new ways to make healing and mana potions or even variations of antidotes, but nothing new.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49q4uWSoZM
He found notes from Herbert for buffing potions, but he ignored those. That would not lead to a cure. Herbert had looked till exhausted down that path. He was sure of it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcW1M37YtcL
The biggest surprise was the mana crystals. The stronger ones you used, the more it shifted effects. Regardless of the herbs used, though he theorized intent mattered, which was odd. Why would that change things unless…351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMtpDMcJs6
He started a new healing potion, one of the first he'd made, and tried willing it to mana using the feeling of magic. The feeling in his hand returned. He even saw the red brew starting to turn blue, then gray.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2YRbWsmOC
He failed? No…351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWZVTg69zs
This can work, he thought. I can do what no one else could! I can shift mana!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3lyMLc3t1
He wasn't sure what grey was, or if it was even safe, but for now it was a start. If he kept doing this, he would make something, he knew.
Days passed. He visited his mom when he could, when she was awake, to tell her he was close. And his sisters encouraged him as best they could, not trying to give him false hope. Even Nebo brought him more herbs.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvm4uIs7pY
This will work.
A few more days passed. No closer to a breakthrough, and the herbs were gone.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACVA5Bx73G
He had many concoctions he'd set aside to test based on color but was worried he couldn't recreate them without hurting others, not knowing their effects. So it was more of a test sample to keep.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAlB0tIOsM
Nina started visiting the dungeon, bringing him herbs. The moss was very helpful and was the closest to a new type, maybe even a cure!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWvBDqsAv3
She even brought him random dungeon crystals, which helped him understand his magic more versus potions. When he compared their effects, it was helping him narrow things down. But she was busy, and he was desperate for more samples.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C6g03ANqx
Maybe he could go to the dungeon. If his sister could handle it, he could. True, she had power, but he could run if it was bad. And he could find a strong staff-like stick to knock them back while he ran if it was bad.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbgBxRCHUe
He knew it wasn't wise, but he hated seeing his mom suffer, so he went.
When he found the dungeon, it was near the lake. He was surprised everything seemed so calm. Nobody was around. He thought there would be people everywhere. It was odd, but maybe they were inside?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YqaeLBayu
He gripped his stick tighter. No answers were out here, and he wanted to find this cure and did not want to wait for more herbs, so he pushed inside.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4MrGyAMFc
It was odd. Even inside, everything was calm. He wasn't sure what he thought. He found it was just a long, deep cave. As he went deeper, he saw a few side tunnels but was worried he'd get lost, so he stayed in the main walkway.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtevFLN2X3
He was pleasantly surprised that he could smell the grave moss! It was right on the edge of a corner and went deeper. In there were many patches of it just growing away.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqR8NHnlPb
He was so happy. This was what he needed!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡll0hbAn6iG
He quickly started grabbing as much as he could, ignoring his surroundings. He did not notice the skeleton standing in the same hall he was now picking from, but it sensed him and started to move.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwp5Kay3Wp
Lost in thought about how close he was to a new breakthrough, grabbing as much as he could, he did not hear the slow steps getting closer.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WJhdI9heC
It was only after it was less than a foot away he sensed its presence.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0L4FmFyC8
He turned to look and was shocked to see a five-foot skeleton with eyes like the abyss staring down at him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oFnn3Qxl8
By the time he acknowledged it, it had raised its fist and smashed the side of his face. He skidded slightly in the dirt, shocked at the pain. His vision swam. Blood filled his mouth, copper and salt.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4zq2quk1J
They were supposed to be weak?!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu37aHKNYW
He tried to focus, feeling disoriented. When he looked, he saw the weapon he'd dropped in his haste for herbs. And once more, he froze, unsure what to do. Unable to think. Lost. His hands wouldn't stop shaking.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwtTGU2U6O
But the skeleton wasn't.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vJ9CHhC94
It slowly bent down and grabbed the weapon. The wooden staff that was meant to protect him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOXxtke4EY
Then slowly moved to face him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkKbclu4Z2
Slowly raised the weapon.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyrO7ICvhl
Before shattering his leg, and he screamed.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xSr1BF63C
The sound that tore from his throat didn't sound human. Even as the pain consumed him, he was forced to stay awake and watch as it lifted the weapon slowly once more with indifference. To finish what it had started.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTIT4NUpj0
With his last thoughts, he wanted to curse the gods. He just wanted to save his mother, even the people. And he was to die with a power that armies would fear that let a skeleton kill him with indifference.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMe71JawKw
Before the final blow was struck, a blur smashed it like it was nothing. The only thing keeping him watching versus passing out was the force they used to strike shook the ground, causing tremor pains that kept him lucid.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn9likz4mUz
It was then he saw her.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiYrJrxIiB
"Sister?" as it all faded to black.
Nina was depressed. She wanted to help her brother. She hated seeing him suffer. He was so full of hope. Now it just was lost to him trying to make new potions, not out of love of the craft but a desperate bid to help his mom. Our mom.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLa0or0xHH
She asked at home where he was since he wasn't crafting. Leenia heard him saying he was going to the lake, but she wasn't sure. He was in a hurry when he left.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1ue85rjMr
Nina wasn't worried. He'd always explored there in the past. Maybe he needed a break. But just to be safe, she wanted to check on him. She missed his smile.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1ZCo45YoE
The lake was clear. It was a sunny day, and the wind blew slightly. It was a good day, so why did it feel off?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDpuPsjKMG
Was it because she did not see her brother?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgym0td9Coz
That had to be it. He would not lie, so where was he?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J0zl93wRr
She looked around and remembered the dungeon, and her blood went cold.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5f9iqR7gj
No… he wouldn't.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk6H2sIdi9C
Then she remembered she loved saying how easy the dungeon was and being able to get him herbs. Then did he take her words to heart? She wasn't sure what to think.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiJnpaUFZc
She started to make her way there when she heard the scream, and her mind went blank.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPIrd0xHjH
The sound cut through her like a knife. She knew that voice.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLhUxlUuR9
It was an unconscious act, but she formed rocks under her feet to push her forward. Each step was a leap forward, and before she even really landed, she thrust forward once more, rocks aiding her glide. The world blurred. Her heart hammered so hard it hurt.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3UGONcIeJ
The walls of the cave passed in a blur, and she saw him.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lk6S4i4ou
Her heart skipped a beat. A skeleton was above him, holding a weapon and raising it to smash him again. Blood pooled beneath him. His leg bent wrong.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNEDl8l5Dy
AGAIN?!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsBAz0sLKu
She screamed as rocks formed in her fist, and she smashed it with ease.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSiMFU7NSI
TOO EASY.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXT7THHvM1
It was too easy to break.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoj6JwcaH5
She wanted it to hurt like her brother. She wanted it to suffer, but it was already fading. So she smashed the fragments that were left. Again. And again. Until there was nothing but dust and her own ragged breathing.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxcnMPHDMa
A low voice wept from her side. "Sister?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFejDSlIDxQ
She froze. She wasn't sure what she thought. She only knew the truth now—that he could have died—finally set in. She was just desperate to save him. She did not know it was him that screamed, but when she did know… she lost it.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqrJGI3FSO
She gently lifted him. He was heavy, but she used the stone to reinforce her body and to balance the extra weight.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSykpXacUin
She would get him to the church. They would make this all better.
Arlin was chatting with his stepsister. This wasn't a bad place. It was nice.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZNsin4Gic
They'd been enjoying the shade near the front of the church, and the bishop was explaining how the weakness curse was coming, causing issues.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcHeJDrpVXb
He felt bad knowing he'd taken two potions that would change others' lives, even though he didn't regret it. Ziala, too, was shamed knowing beastkin recovered within a year versus a human. It made sense why Rock felt a need to atone.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk2N64j743
Arlin swore to himself he would hunt the dungeons and help too.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQsaxHKT62
A loud thump was sounding in the distance, followed by tremors. Something heavy was hitting the ground and shaking the earth. A monster? Here, now?!351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cMOrCoFYr
He wanted his sister and the bishop to get to safety. He was used to fighting alone, and they would just be casualties.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xeQj6SqRP
When he turned, he saw something impossible. A foxkin girl, but her body wasn't right—stone flowed over her skin like living armor, cracking and reforming with each thunderous step. She was carrying a young man, blood staining his clothes, his leg bent at a sickening angle. Each impact of her earth-enhanced stride shook the ground, desperate and graceless.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6XXXWaW7J
He was shocked and speechless till she spoke.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyGzkV6jh6
"Please," she begged, "save my brother."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotF1ClEmDQ
The rock fell like rain around her body, clattering on the stone steps, and she collapsed near the door. Unable to move, the overuse of her mana was catching up with her. Her breathing came in ragged gasps.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJgtRMrltK
Arlin turned into a shadow and gently lifted the boy.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsVZsoYKbv
"It's okay. We got him. It's okay. Do you know what happened?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkKcV8GRp7
"I dunno," she said with tears. "He was in the dungeon. I think… it was a skeleton that got him."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iOldlGbPR
Arlin flinched at that. He knew the pain from underestimating them. He'd had a few broken bones from them. If not for his mother, he would be in the same situation or worse.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47aj0wHzdx
Bishop Light started healing him, but his healing was weak. He removed the worst of it, but the boy needed rest, so they found a spot for him inside while other grey robes helped the fox girl.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn23kdwLNOa
Nina wasn't sure about the events that followed. It was a bit of a blur. She was offered a drink and helped by a young wolf girl who stayed with her and offered comfort.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLopR7hdrUC
The man made of shadows helped her brother. She knew she needed to tell her sister. She would demand to know. But with Mom being sick, did they need this added on too? Did she have a choice?351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtzBy6ciHmY
She sighed, unsure what to do when the wolf girl spoke up from her side.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fgio62frk
"You okay? Want to talk about it?" She gently reached out her hand, taking Nina's in her own.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqBnT9tXlW
"He was trying to find a way to make a cure for Mom." She looked over at the bed he was resting in. He looked peaceful, like he used to when she sneaked in to check on him and find him asleep. But the vision of him bleeding with a monster above him was still too fresh.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN09juHfHf
"Does she have a weakness curse?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2IdpphYcs
"Yeah, it happened recently. He's an alchemist trying to find a cure but with no luck. So he risked going to a dungeon for more herbs…"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NpDGGlVU1
"My brother cured me and my other brother too. Sorry it got wasted on us."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXTzNeQM9T
Nina was confused. Why would a cure be a waste? "What do you mean?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVNj218dfb
The wolf girl was unsure. "If it saves you grief? It's not a waste. You owe us nothing."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgPtNIB8zV
As she saw the despair in the foxkin who was offering her peace, she knew this wasn't a time for self-pity, but she felt they'd added to others' suffering all the same. It was why she was so proud of her stepbrother for not stopping trying to pay back the debt of those potions.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvWPafBBvg
"My name is Ziala. What's yours?"351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUWYucMjDI
"Nina, and this is my brother Wolf. They let me join their family, and I have been happy with them since. I have a brother named Nebo too. He's working now. And I have to tell his… real sister. She won't be happy. But Mom is sick, and I don't want to leave him."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxh34yZf7h
As she said that, tears flowed freely once more from her eyes.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoBd2IjyZA
Ziala moved closer to hold her, letting her know she wasn't alone.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQdhhWD1qy
Arlin entered with a grim look. "I tried to get hold of my mom. The weaker potion won't work. He will need top-tier stuff for smashed bones. I know from experience. If the bishop wasn't strong enough to heal him, nothing less than a high-quality potion will work. The good news is that given enough time, he will heal naturally."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TMyTRzSDi
"If money is an issue, I will try, and I'll help with a potion."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4fkYyex2k
He looked at both the girls. They were listening, but neither seemed to be hopeful. This was a sour first day. He hoped it wasn't the start of more people getting hurt or, worse, killed.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYNMdbjIDk
"I haven't had a chance to introduce myself. I'm Arlin, and she's my stepsister, Ziala. We just got here today."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkuPnq6hFi
"Nina," she said in a low voice. "That's her brother Wolf. He was trying to cure his mom. She has the weakness," his sister chimed in.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOkT5xxgeU
"Aha, that's… bad."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhgwAB3Z3wZ
Arlin wasn't sure what to say. He knew how it felt to be powerless to the point he'd made bad deals. It seems this guy did the same, but he didn't have Arlin's power to fight.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Hci6KhEt
"We can watch him if there's anything you need to do, or I can leave if you want space."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6T4z1OXdy
He'd never been in a situation like this and was having trouble reading the room.351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxmYvnetNJ
He heard her sigh. "I got to let his sister know. Please keep him safe."351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4cY3NDx47
She slowly left. They weren't sure how to handle this, but they stayed with the boy while the priests went about their day helping not only this boy but whoever they could.
351Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFquB7q7IL
and then Add to home screen.