Deadlands

Chapter 12 - Hidden Farm

Meridale ran back off into the woods in the direction of the camp. I sat down next to Aehrith who didn't move what so ever since Merrie' left. I watched her as she laid still yet comfortable as the calm breeze blew her hair on her soft face.

"Always this with you," I said to her unresponsive body. "I wish you'd be able to do this stuff without passing out.. It would be amazing.., and way more convenient."

She seemed to jump and started to breathe somewhat heavily, yet in a calm manner. I jumped back, shocked by this sudden movement. Seconds later after seeing if she'd hopefully just wake up I see Meridale with Benson, Colin, Emalia, and a few of the other members of the Creed exit the forest into the small clearing. Meridale ran over and grabbed me. We then took off with the backpack and went back into the forest in search of Posinnlu.

"This plant," Meridale started, "looks quite normal from, say, a few feet. But getting closer you'll notice that it's greenish grey leaves, that look like backwards tear drops and appear sharp or pointy almost, have a small purple dots on the leaf by the stem. Thankfully for us, these four foot high shrubs are the few of it's kind here. Sadly the same plant makes 'mock' versions of itself, due to their ability. Many call this plant the 'healer's plant' for it's healing powers. Others, those like Aehrith; some mages, some sages, call this plant Essence, as it regains their own magical ability."

"What about you? Aren't you a mage?"

"An apprentice, Dear. I only deal with powders, rather than Essence; anyone can use powders. See, I'd like to remain basic. If not, I'd have to undergo some dark things to be able to use said Essence."

"So.., when Aehrith was cursed, she gained that ability?"

"Yes." She laughed, "She even calls having this power a curse sometimes, even though it can be really helpful at times. Especially what you saw there. Whatever she did there was the most intense, most powerful magic I've witnessed so far... But it seems weird that she'd suddenly produce such a thing seeing as she's only been able to create what she exclaims to be the 'little things'. I'd even go as far to say that it was an impulse to save us, but then it made her faint from the energy she had to use there."

"That was incredible, from what I saw. The blinding light, that.., healings pass.., it's truly wonderful.. and crazy." I mentioned.

"Look! Over there!" She interrupted.

We looked over and saw many Possinlinten plants in a clearing beyond a fence just through the forest. When we got up towards the fence we heard bickering in the small farm we could now clearly see. Meridale put on her mask again and went around to another side. After following her I saw the person, a woman, who stood in a long brown robe with odd markings on the ends of the sleeves. She with short brown hair seemed to be looking for the same thing we were, but she seemed to be in a hurry.

"Who could that be..?" Meridale whispered to herself. I kept watching as she climbed the fence silently. Meridale walked up slowly and hid behind one of the rows of plants. She listened for the woman who was still rushing around the dense field of rowed bush, looking for the 'right' leaf. Meridale snuck around the end when the woman moved rows. I moved over, around a tree, still in the bushes behind the fence to get a better view. The woman started to show signs of restlessness and almost a calm rage and stomped on the ground a few times when she saw that there was no purple dot on the leaves. Worried, I watched as Meridale snuck up behind the woman with a dagger. The woman quickly turned around and launched Meridale back with what I assumed was her powers. I jumped the fence and went to stop her but I suddenly stopped moving forwards and was floating above the ground, running on the air.

The woman suddenly drops down and I land on my feet. I stay where I fell and she gets back up slowly, holding her head. I, feeling pity for her, walk slowly up to her. She sees me coming closer and tries to launch me back but can't. She falls to her knees, obviously weak. Meridale stands up and we both go towards her. Meridale crouches down to the woman's level and I stand and watch.