D&D Way to Sword Coast

Chapter 12: Healer

Cloth rustled as a still drowsy Tiefling stepped out into the cool air. Red hair stuck out in every direction as tiny hands rubbed at drooping eyelids. Other than her yawn the soft burbling of flowing water permeated the fading gloom. A light breeze tossed red curls they now reached to her shoulders.

"It...still nighttime?" she asked pulling her cloak tight about her.

From his post near the tent, Alidorim shook his head before nodding towards the distant mountains. Yulia turned just in time to watch as purple clouds brightened to pink. The first golden rays swelled over the peaks until they lanced across the sky. Yulia sighed as the new dawn warmed her pale skin.

It was time to begin the day.

A few days after leaving Triboar the pair had discovered a secluded clearing near a free-flowing creek. With the weather remaining agreeable they decided to take a long rest. Once he'd built a proper shelter Alidorim constructed a fish trap in the creek and by morning had caught four decent sized trout.

Using the skills Alidorim had taught her, Yulia was able to pull a fish out of the trap. He then showed her how to start a cooking fire. Soon they had a blaze with Yulia looking thoroughly impressed. She wanted to make an attempt but Alidorim shook his head. For now, they would gather plants along the creek until the flames stabilized. Yulia pouted at first but quickly took to her task with gusto.

Once the fish was cooked Yulia took a bite but quickly jerked her mouth back when it scalded her lips. She blew on it several times before going in for a larger chomp. Alidorim warned her to be careful. "Na, na. It too good to go slow." The Dragonborn sighed again. He found himself doing that a lot recently. The girl simply hadn't the sense to be cautious.

They ate their breakfast in silence listening to the sounds of the stream and the winds in the trees. A rustle in the bushes immediately drew their attention. Alidorim's hand went to his hip, but it quickly fell away when a saw a wild rabbit eyeing them. Yulia started to say something but Olkith hushed her. "It was probably drawn out by the smell of our meal." Slowly he pulled a bit of the wild veggies they'd found and tossed them towards the rabbit. It approached cautiously before snatching up the food. Yulia smiled as her father tossed a second piece and then a third, steadily drawing the creature closer until it finally stood within arm's reach. After placing some food in Yulia's hand he eased her arm out. The rabbit contemplated it for a moment before hopping forward. The Tiefling's look was ecstatic. She gingerly pets the creature as it nibbles out of her palm.

Alidorim was so distracted by the scene he didn't notice the second rabbit sneaking up. It snags an elongated mushroom from their basket and eloped out of arms reach. "That my honey mushroom!" Alidorim couldn't help but chuckle at Yulia's exclamation of outrage. The rabbit took off with its prize, Yulia in hot pursuit. "Give back thief!" The critter easily outpaced her, but he had to credit the girl for trying. Alidorim was about to caution her of running on the uneven ground when her foot caught on a stone. She went down with a soft 'oomph'. Another sigh of exasperation.

By the time he'd risen and gone to her, Yulia had gotten to her feet. He asked if she was hurt. Though looking embarrassed she shook her head. I wasn't until they both noticed the red stain spreading across her knee that she reacted. Her eyes squeezed shut and her tiny hands clenched shakily.

Alidorim scooped up the girl and sat her next to the fire. Easing up the trouser leg he was able to inspect the injury. After dousing it with cold water he pressed a clean rag to it.

"Father?" Yulia mumbled, "It...hurt." Her eyes were filled to the brim with tears and every word quivered in tandem with her chin. "Iz wfvvyldh...it hurt a lot."

He swallowed a nervous lump when he realized the pressure wasn't stopping the bleeding. He had no herbs to heal it, only alleviate discomfort. He'd used the last of there medicines to treat a fever she'd developed after leaving Triboar. It had abated quickly but not before depleting most of their supplies. Alidorim mentally visualized the map and knew of no towns or settlements within walking distance.

Worry crept into his mind as he continued to cover the wound. Glancing at the still crackling fire, he knew of one way to stop the bleeding... His anxiety doubled at imagining Yulia's agonized expression, but what other choice did he have?

"'Ello the camp!" a voice called out. Alidorim pivoted on his knee drawing his knife, while also placing himself between Yulia and the...

...Old woman? Alidorim blinked several times. "Where did you come from?" he demanded. Elderly or not the Dragonborn wasn't about to underestimate her, especially not after Triboar. After all, what would an old woman be doing in the forest all alone? She could be a hag in disguise or a decoy for bandits, yet Alidorim sensed no malice or ill intent. Interestingly the new arrival didn't seem distressed by his weapon. She gave it no more concern then if he were waving a flower.

The woman held up open palms. "I noticed your camp smoke," she explained with a pleasant smile, "I was trying to pass by unnoticed when I overheard the child get hurt." With that, she approached and held out her hand. Up close Alidorim realized that while possessing greying hair and wrinkled skin, she had the physicality of someone much younger. "I am Gwynn Adabra," she said.

Perceiving no hostility from her Olkith lowered his knife and took the offered hand. She didn't flinch. He introduced himself and Yulia who was trying to hide her tears from the stranger. The woman, Adabra noticed the girl's discomfort and hastily moved to inspect. She started to reach for the bandage when she paused and looked a question at Alidorim. Reluctantly the Dragonborn nodded. After slowly removing the bandage she said in a soft voice, "That looks painful." After a closer examination, she added, "Let's see...It's not too bad, so," she reached into her pack and pulled out a vial filled with a green liquid, "This should do the trick."

Catching her arm, he glared at the contents. "What is that?" he asked sharply.

"Ointment." She stated a bit perturbed, but her expression quickly softened. "Leave this to me, dear. I'm a local midwife and an acolyte of Chauntae." She smiled at him earnestly. "Making medicine from nature is what I do." Slowly he released her but kept a close watch. Though his instincts said she could be trusted, he allowed himself a small amount of skepticism.

Adabra upended the bottle over a fresh bandage until it was reasonably damp. "This'll sting a little," she cooed, "Can you be strong for me?" Yulia nodded, and the woman rubbed her cheek tenderly. "That's a brave girl." She pressed the doused fabric to the injury. Yulia flinched but didn't pull away, barely managing to stifle a whine. As Gwynn expertly wrapped the leg she asked, "You're a Tiefling eh?" Yulia nodded again. "A Dragonborn with a Tiefling kid. What a funny combination!" She actually looked like the notion did indeed amuse her. What an odd woman.

"There," she said tying off the bandage, "all done." Yulia still looked pained but at least the bleeding had stopped. After giving her some capsaicin leaf to chew on for the pain, Adabra looked up at the Dragonborn. "You'll want to get it properly looked. I have more supplies at my lodgings. It's not far." She pointed westward.

Alidorim considered her offer. While he was far from trusting the stranger, she hadn't done anything to earn his ire. While Yulia was young and would heal quickly, the pain was something she shouldn't have to bear. There was no guarantee the wound would stay closed, and even with the pain reliever, Yulia couldn't put weight on her leg. Another consideration was that the woman's camp was in the same general direction as their destination. He finally acquiesced, nodding his appreciation.

"Hmm," Adabra was eyeing the Dragonborn up and down. The level of scrutiny was enough to make him feel self-conscious. "While we're there I'd like to get a good look at you." At his eyebrow arched, she added, "We don't see many of your kind around here."

The woman's request was odd. Aside from the injury sustained back in Evermoor he hadn't any wounds that required tending. Leary but curious, he nodded again.