The Chronicles of a Scalebound Sage: Wandmaker Vol.2

WM [52] Explosive Magical Stew

Jakob was the healer assigned to making the potions with Tanisha. She didn't know what to make of the man at first. He had a sharp no nonsense and clinical gaze. Obviously he understood the seriousness of the situation they were in and was quick to judge Tanisha's expertise. Alchemists and herbalists worked closely together on many projects at Tanisha's school although they had the edge in terms of natural healing techniques.

His mood lightened up once Tanisha explained her plan in the potions she wanted to make. Seeing her logic he offered insight into the plants she wanted to use and offered alternatives that could have the effect without causing everyone to throw-up. He was a one of the Royal Knight healers and his knowledge far outstript hers on the subject flora and what it would do to people's bodies.

Jakob was a tall, nighthand wendigo with dark gray skin that almost blended in with the shadow in the fort. He wasn't as tall as Tanisha herself who had grown thanks to her transformation. His antlers were adorned with dull silver bands and Tanisha found herself looking at his crown longer than what was considered socially acceptable.

Tanisha turned her gaze away when she realized that he noticed her staring. His armor is sleek and functional, the royal knight insignia etched onto the breastplate, but it's lighter than most, designed for mobility rather than combat. His gauntlets and helmet are off, revealing the dexterous hands of a healer, stained with herbs and salves instead of blood.

Identify
Name: Jakob Thinne
Species: Wendigo
Level: 65
Vocation: Nature Mage

The border fort had a medical ward and a rudimentary lab which Tanisha and Jakob quickly set up in. Joha and Bjorn joined them but just to observe and not get in the way of the two. Tanisha found working with Jakob refreshing as he was extremely knowledgeable in his field. Normally she worked alone although more recently she had been teaching Adelheid. It was her first time since she left the Lavi that she could work with a peer.

Tanisha's fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the flame beneath the cauldron, the bubbling liquid inside slowly turning a deep shade of indigo. The scent of herbs—earthy and sharp—filled the air, mingling with the tang of smoke from the smoldering brazier nearby. Jakob worked preparing other ingredients; his movements were confident, precise, and efficient, something that Tanisha hoped she emulated in some capacity.

"Careful with the Yvenroot," Jakob said, his voice calm but firm. "It... is quite volatile and can react violently if the temperature shifts too fast."

"I know," Tanisha said, more to herself than to Jakob. "The alkaloids in Yvenroot enhance the absorption of the other ingredients. It's just... tricky to balance." She turned to her familiar. "Bjorn, don't breathe this in, okay, Big Man?"

Bjorn nodded his heads adorably, so she carefully measured the shredded pieces of the Yvenroot before tossing them into the mix. Jakob grunted in approval, his gaze shifting to Joha, who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching them with a bemused expression. Tanisha knew he joined them out of curiosity, but she couldn't lie to herself that she was enjoying seeing him so out of his depth.

During training he was the master and I am the one that is always painfully far behind, but here it is my domain and I can do something Father can't.

"Father?" Tanisha said silently to herself, eyes opened slightly wider at the admission. "What am I thinking?"

She looked up at Joha for a second. He was still standing there watching, but now she was feeling the pressure of that gaze. He had told her he was proud of her, what if she messed up? She can't go around just calling him dad just because he took her in and is training her, and teaching her how to be a merchant and fighting with and for her and...