The Crimson Legacy (In Progress)

Chapter 10: The Storm after the Calm

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The road stretched out before them, winding through the quiet countryside as Clara and Zephyr followed its worn trail, the forest and lake now far behind. The air was cooler, and a faint breeze tugged at the edges of their cloaks. They walked in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, the only sound the steady rhythm of their footsteps on the dirt path.

Zephyr's eyes caught a glimpse of a wooden signpost up ahead. As they approached, he squinted at the faded letters and read aloud, "Aragon Town, 500 meters."

Clara gave him a sidelong glance. "You recognize it?"

Zephyr nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "I do. I know the best doctor in town—Marsh. We'll be able to get your injuries properly treated."

They continued down the road, the idea of respite bringing a slight ease to the tension that had lingered between them. When the rooftops of Aragon Town finally appeared in the distance, Zephyr picked up his pace, eager to reach the clinic.

The town itself was modest, its streets bustling with traders and townsfolk going about their daily routines. Clara stayed quiet, her eyes scanning the surroundings as they made their way through the narrow streets.

They eventually reached the small clinic tucked away at the corner of the town square, a simple building with a wooden sign hanging above the door.

Zephyr's face lit up when he saw a familiar figure standing at the clinic's entrance. A petite woman with brown hair tied back in a neat bun, her green eyes gleaming with warmth and confidence. She was dressed in a simple white robe, her demeanor calm and welcoming.

"Marsh!" Zephyr called out, his voice filled with genuine affection.

Marsh turned, her face breaking into a wide smile.

"Zephyr!" she exclaimed, rushing toward him. The two embraced like old friends, laughter bubbling between them.

"It's been ages," Marsh said, her eyes sparkling as she glanced from Zephyr to Clara. "What brings you here?"

Zephyr motioned toward Clara, who stood behind him with her usual stoic expression. "Marsh, this is... well." Zephyr hesitates to continue, his voice lowered into a whisper. "Marsh, trust me on this one she's in need of your help. She's been badly injured." 

Marsh's eyes enlarged as she glanced on Clara's face under her hood, her sinister scarlet eyes sent fear down to her spine. "N-no way... she's the My—" Zephyr cut him off as he quickly covers her mouth with his hands.

"You know me Marsh, just.. trust me on this one."

Marsh regained composure and tried to be professional, she turned to Clara. "Alright, come inside."

After a while of convincing, Marsh finally gave in.

They entered the clinic, the soft scent of herbs and healing balms filling the air. Clara didn't say a word as Marsh motioned her to lay down on a simple bed in the corner of the room. Zephyr stood off to the side, watching intently as Marsh began to examine Clara's injuries.

As Marsh peeled back the bandages and inspected the deep wounds, her eyes widened in shock. "Oh my! These injuries... you have lost so much blood and the state of your body, you should've been dead days ago."

Clara remained silent, her eyes staring at the ceiling.

Marsh closed her eyes, focusing her energy. Her hands began to glow with a soft, green aura, and as she placed them over Clara's wounds, the magic flowed through her. The green light enveloped Clara's body, and slowly, the open cuts and bruises began to heal, the pain ebbing away as Marsh worked her magic.