38 Gryphon's Concern (I)

It isn't long before we reach the overhang he spoke of—a rocky outcropping that juts out from the side of a steep hill, creating a shallow cave-like shelter. Darius helps me inside.

Never did I think it would be useful to hold onto twigs in my inventory; today, I'm grateful for the random trash loot I can't even sell. I take them out and toss them to the ground, lighting them with a quick spell.

I sink down onto the hard ground with a groan, carefully peeling back my tattered clothes to inspect the wounds. They're still sluggishly bleeding, the surrounding flesh an angry red and swollen. A wave of dizziness washes over me, and I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting back nausea.

The crackle of the small fire distracts me from my unsettled stomach. I open my eyes to see Darius standing over me.

He meets my gaze, his expression grave. "You're going to need to let those heal properly before we move on," he says quietly. "I'll see if I can find some medicinal herbs to help with the pain and prevent infection. Once I find them, you'll have to be the one to come collect them. These are items that you don't need a crafting class to use. I can't go far, so if there's nothing in the vicinity, you're going to have to come with me."

[Your wounds are infected.]

[HP: 150/430]

I groan. Infection symptoms kick in quickly, I guess. As Darius would say, game mechanics.

I give a weak nod, too exhausted to protest. As Darius slips into the forest, I lean my head back against the cool stone and let my eyes drift shut. The events of the day have left me drained, both in body and spirit.

I pry open one eye when I hear the familiar sound of Darius' steps.

"I found some herbs that should help with the pain and infection," he says, kneeling beside me. He touches my forehead, checking my temperature. "They're not too far, but you'll need to come with me to collect them yourself."

Gritting my teeth, I nod and struggle to my feet, leaning heavily on the cave wall for support. Every movement sends sharp jolts of agony through my leg and shoulder, but I keep going.

Darius keeps a steadying hand on my elbow as we make our way through the trees. True to his word, the herbs aren't far—a small patch in the grass. I bend with a grimace, gathering up the plants and stuffing them into my pack.

[HP: 50/430]

I nibble on a few of the leaves. Almost immediately, I can feel their effects—a gentle warmth spreading through my battered body as my hit points slowly climb back up to 100. The deep ache in my wounds eases, if only by a bit.

"That should give you a bit more energy to work with," Darius says. He points at a few large branches and logs that I collect into my inventory.

Back at camp, I deposit the wood near the fire and sit with a groan. I'm thirsty.

It's easy to form a bowl made of ice. It's a little harder to form a ball of ice floating above it while simultaneously covering it in a layer of flame until water drips and fills the bowl, but I manage it without too much trouble.

Refreshingly cool water. No hours of hollowing out a stone required. I chuckle at the thought before drinking deeply, relishing the cold as it soothes my throat. Even my body temperature feels like it comes down a little.

Next, Darius instructs me to grind the remaining herbs into a paste using a flat rock. The pungent aroma stings my nostrils as I work, but I don't complain. Once it's ready, I scoop up a handful and gingerly apply it to the arrow wounds, biting back a hiss of pain.

The throbbing eases as my HP climbs to 150 and the infection status clears. Exhaustion washes over me in waves. Darius must see it in my face, because he gives me a gentle nudge toward the cave wall.

"Rest now. I'll keep watch."

I don't need to be told twice. Sinking back against the cool stone, I let my eyes drift shut.

* * *

I can't sleep. It comes in spurts, and I wake every so often from a throb of pain or the itch of healing. Sometimes, I open my eyes to check on my HP, satisfied as it continues to rise, though slowly.

Health doesn't seem easy to come by; I resolve to buy more potions when I get a chance. I can't spend an entire night healing every time I get into a nasty fight. Even small skirmishes will be able to put me down for long periods of time as the damage adds up.

Darius checks on me when I wake, but we don't share words before I fall back asleep.

My dreams are fitful and dark, but I don't remember many details. Just a feeling of despair that wants to suck me into its depths. I must be having nightmares of my death, because I've never had anything else cause such pain in my soul.

A system window dings, and I bat in its general direction in irritation, knowing it's useless but hoping the Administrator sees how irritating these damn things are when I'm tired.

I feel my hand connect, but don't think much of it. I shift my position to get comfortable, dozing off in seconds.

Then, more notifications.

There's an entire barrage of them.

I open my eyes and curse when I realize what I managed to set into affect. This is what I get for throwing a little tantrum at the Administrator while half-asleep!

[You have entered into a party with Gryphon Vale.]

[Gryphon Vale: ??? Why is your health low?]

[Gryphon Vale: Aria. Why aren't you drinking a potion?]

[Jeniss Vale: Are you okay??? Gryph is going crazy over here.]

[Jeniss Vale: It's okay if you ignore Gryph, but don't ignore me, please!!]

[Gryphon Vale: Do you need me?]

[Gryphon Vale: I'm on my way.]

[Gryphon Vale: Answer me, please.]

[Gryphon Vale: I'll be there in a few minutes.]

[Jeniss Vale: Also, Gryph told me a little bit of what happened. I'm sorry if he's scared you off. He can be single-minded when he likes something. But I promise he's a good guy… I'm on your side, though! Don't doubt my allegiance!]

[Gryphon Vale: Give me your exact location.]

[Gryphon Vale: Never mind, I can find it.]