Hearts Gather...

[Kalestiya]

Kalestiya unfolded the delicate parchment, its texture worn from its journey. The ornate script leapt off the page, conveying Nosdyn's plea. As her eyes traced the words, she felt a mix of emotions—concern for her friend, a sense of duty, an unfamiliar excitement... and fear. The journey ahead was uncertain, but she couldn't turn away from the call for help.

Nosdyn... facing a formidable enemy. The undead shackled by a dark force. A chance to bring light to the shadows.

She took a deep breath, the crisp air of the grassy plains filling her lungs. The vast expanse stretched before her, a path of green leading to the distant silhouette of Ettermire. With the letter tucked in her bag, she began her journey, her white dress brushing against the tall blades of grass.

What have I agreed to? A battle against a powerful foe, a task beyond the realm of healing. But Nosdyn believes in this plan. He believes in me.

Kalestiya's thoughts danced between the anticipation of reunion and the ominous responsibility she had accepted. Her heart beat along with the rhythm of her footsteps, each one bringing her closer to the city.

The Undead... twisted under the influence of N'Jal. Can my healing touch unravel the dark threads that bind them? Will my light be enough to dispel the shadows?

The sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink as it began to descent. Kalestiya quickened her pace, her determination growing with every step. The wind stirred her hair as she walked.

Kindness is my strongest weapon, and I am not afraid to use it.

The words echoed in her mind, bolstering her resolve. She envisioned the faces of those she might save, the lives that could be touched by her abilities. But a lingering doubt crept into her thoughts—was she ready for a confrontation where kindness might not be enough?

Nosdyn believes in me and trusts in the plan. I must believe in myself!

As the city's towers grew on the horizon, Kalestiya's mind filled with trepidation, but also hope. What fate would await her? What weight would be placed upon her shoulders? Her doubts grew, but her sense of duty pushed her forward.

I must not yield to doubt, this is for my friend. I will not falter.

And so, the young healer continued her journey, her white dress a beacon of purity against the backdrop of the grassy plains, ready to accept the quest that awaited her in Ettermire.

Ettermire

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the cobbled streets of Ettermire as Kalestiya approached the city gates. The air was filled with the faint scent of evening blossoms, and the distant murmur of the city's activities reached her ears. A sense unease enveloped her as she stepped through the imposing archway that marked the entrance.

"Back in Ettermire," Kalestiya whispered to herself with a brief smile on her lips. She didn't think she would return to the city so soon. A lot had happened in the brief time between her departure and her return. She tried to dismiss the events that attempted to replay in her head and focussed on the task at hand.

The streets were adorned with flickering lanterns, their warm glow guiding her path through the alleys. As she walked, glances from the locals greeted her. Kalestiya's presence, though unfamiliar, seemed to invoke a sense of calm in those who crossed her path.

She navigated the city, guided by the directions in Nosdyn's letter. Ettermire was a tapestry of architectural wonders, each building telling a tale of the city's rich history

What challenges does Nosdyn face? What can I do? Why me?

Finally, after winding through the streets, Kalestiya stood before the grand entrance of Nosdyn's home.

This is where Nosdyn's plea led me.

Her heart pounded with trepidation as she reached for the ornate knocker. The metal made a resounding sound, echoing through the quiet night. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit corridor.

The figure that greeted her was Ealladra, Nosdyn's wife, wearing a warm smile that held a glimmer of relief. "Oh hello, Kalestiya. Nosdyn has been waiting for you. Please, come in."

Kalestiya curtsied gracefully and entered the house, leaving the city's buzz behind. The door closed behind her. The path to confront the shadows that loomed over Nosdyn and his people lay ahead, and Kalestiya was ready to face whatever awaited her.