The Withering

Wardenfall

The druids wasted no time in transporting Grim to a hidden sanctuary near Valedale. This sanctuary, known to only a select few, was a secluded place deep within the forest, designed to care for creatures touched by unusual magical ailments.

On the inside stood a modest stone structure, ancient and weathered, its walls covered in soft moss and climbing ivy. A large wooden door, intricately carved with symbols of protection and healing, marked the entrance. Inside, the air was cool and filled with a faint, soothing hum of ambient magic.

Grim was settled in a quiet corner, away from the prying eyes of others. The Druids began tending to his wounds, their hands gentle and practiced. The wounds were treated with a mix of rare herbs and subtle magic, as the druids worked to cleanse and heal the afflicted areas. The sanctuary's natural enchantments helped ease the stallion's pain, and his previously agitated state gradually calmed.

You stood at a respectful distance, observing the scene with a mix of awe and relief. The sanctuary's tranquil atmosphere had a palpable effect, not just on Grim but on everyone present. 

As you watched, your thoughts drifted to Ydris, worry gnawing at your heart. His abrupt departure and the strange look of recognition in his eyes when he saw Grim's wounds left you uneasy. You knew he wasn't aware of the illness spreading among the flora of Jorvik, so his reaction puzzled you. 

What was it that he recognized? Why did he seem so distressed?

As you stood there, a soft rustle announced the arrival of Fripp, accompanied by Alex and Lisa. 

The air seemed to grow still as Fripp stepped forward to examine Grim. Alex and Lisa followed closely, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.

Fripp approached the stallion with quiet seriousness. As he stood on a step stool, he reached out to touch the stallion's neck with his small paws. Grim, who had been resting quietly, lifted his head slightly, acknowledging the presence of the peculiar being. Fripp's eyes narrowed as he assessed the magical energy lingering around the wounds, his expression growing graver with each passing moment.

Lisa shifted uneasily on her feet.

"This is terrifying,"

Fripp looked up, meeting her gaze with a solemn nod, "Indeed. An attack on a living creature, especially one as powerful as this stallion,"

Alex, always quick to cut to the heart of the matter, crossed her arms over her chest, her expression hardening with resolve, "So, what's our next move? We can't just stand around talking about how bad it is,"

Fripp nodded, his small form pacing back and forth. 

"Our first priority is containment. The sanctuary is isolated enough to keep Grim secure, but we must prevent any further spread. The mutation suggests a highly adaptive form of magic, it's not just feeding off the environment, it's evolving with it," He spoke.

Lisa frowned, deep in thought. 

"If it's evolving, does that mean it could start affecting people next?" 

Her voice held a note of fear, a sentiment that seemed to ripple through the group. 

Fripp paused, his gaze turning thoughtful, "That is a possibility. The fact that it can manifest in such a diverse way suggests it might have a broader scope than we initially understood,"

"Maybe we can start by looking at the areas where the flora was affected, trace back the spread," Linda added.

Fripp's ears twitched, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, "That is a good starting point. If we can identify the source, we might be able to find a way to counteract it,"