“This is not your fault,” Josh said, kneeling next to her, “but it does seem you’ve uncovered another talent. You’re a healer, Amari.”

“Whoa,” Jake breathed, laying back down, “I feel better but… it’s like you sucked all the energy out of me.”

“She likely had to use some of your own life force to heal you,” Josh said, “you’ll need to get to bed and rest.” He offered the half elf a hand and pulled him to his feet. Jake wobbled slightly but nodded.

“Thanks, Amari… that was pretty impressive.” Jake said. “Maybe you could become one of the Ai’Brone monks or something.” He rubbed his ribs where the bruises had receded so rapidly. “I’m going to follow Breaker’s advice. I’ll see you at the inn.” He picked up his tonfa from where it had fallen nearby and staggered off like a walking corpse.

“Well,” Josh said as Jake faded into the darkness, “that was impressive. Are you alright, Amari?”

Amari was still, her jaw clenched and she was shaking. She looked to be in pain. “Y-yeh...I...that hurt…”

“Interesting,” Josh mused, “you may have taken the pain of his injuries upon yourself.” He took her hand and helped her to her feet. “Do you need some rest as well? The thing I wanted to show you can wait.”

Amari shook her head, “No. I’m ok.” She was a little shaky to stand on her feet, and her face was flushed but she was determined. “I want to see now.”

“Well then,” Breaker smiled, “follow me.” Like a pair of moonshadows they flitted through the night, between buildings and over winter walkways and past homes with smoke billowing from chimneys. “I don’t spend much time here,” Josh explained as they rounded a corner and approached a squat building with a glass roof. “But it is one of Underwood’s many gems. I think you’ll like it.”

As they entered the greenhouse the smell of vibrant plant life enveloped them. Plants of all origins and colors grew from planter boxes filled with soil. Some sat on the ground, while others covered tables in long, haphazard rows. A lone lantern flickered at the back of the building, and the shape of a slight woman materialized as she approached from its radiance.

“Josh, is that you?” She called.

“Hello Helen,” Breaker smiled. “I figured you’d be burning the midnight oil. I brought a new friend. This is Amari. Amari, meet Helen, the greenhouse keeper.”

Amari stepped away from Breaker and approached the woman, offering her a small curtsey. It was clear she still clung to her noble upbringing and mannerisms. “It is a pleasure, Helen.” She said before lifting her head and turning her attention to the nearest planter box. She reached out to it and the lilac coloured flowers turned toward her. Amari quickly pulled her hand away and kept it hard to her sides biting her lower lip.

“Amari has something of a talent when it comes to plant life, and natural things.” Breaker smiled, giving her an encouraging nod. “Could you use an extra pair of hands around here, Helen? Someone to share some of your knowledge with?”

“Certainly,” the brunette woman replied kindly. She appeared fascinated by the way the flowers had reacted to Amari. “How did you do that?” She inquired.

“I….don’t….know I just....” Amari reached out to the flowers again and gently grazed one. The specific one she touched flourished, growing larger and its petals bloomed out wide. Amari went to pull her hand away but Joshua stepped in beside her and gently kept her hand there. “I have...vague memories doing similar things as a child but I was beaten for it. Magic is not allowed where I am from. I am a child of sin and ill fortune so…” She trailed off.

“Well, perhaps you can bring some good fortune to Underwood. Follow me.” Helen led them both to the rear of the building where she’d been working. The lantern there illuminated a trio of wilting cactus plants in pots. “These cacti are used to create medicines that treat congestion and fever. With winter approaching, we will be in great need of them soon. But they are dying… no matter what I try, I can’t reproduce the conditions they’re used to growing in. Please… if you would.”