"Now I know that forward is the only way my heart can go.
I hear your voice calling out to me - 'You'll never be alone.'"
Eight months ago.
* * * * *
As the winter breeze threatened to tear the hood of her heavy cloak from her head, Erisande knelt near a fallen knight. With a hand extended to touch his shoulder, she tried to ignore his wince of pain as she cast the cure spell that would soothe him.
"Do not forget that the elements are there to guide you," came the voice of her teacher. "There is air all around you, and earth beneath you. They whisper their wishes as you cast. Let it in, even as you focus on the curative powers of the spell."
Eris simply nodded and continued her casting. A pale glow surrounded her hand, and after a few moments, she let out the heavy breath she had not known she was holding. As the knight's color returned, it was obvious his pain had lessened and he managed to smile at Erisande.
Erisande turned her head to smile at her teacher. The elder elezen woman only smiled back. Erisande had taken to her new tutor almost instantly. A woman from the Shroud as well, Esselle Gaulepur had been helping in Coerthas for years. With three grown children of her own, Essy enjoyed her snowy home, and especially enjoyed feeling useful even as she got older.
"This young man is healed," Esselle began, glancing from the now hale man to her pupil. "There are several others close by who might also need your assistance," she said. Erisande nodded and rose to her feet, offering the soldier a smile.
"Thank you," the knight's companions said, helping him back to his feet as well. He would still need a good bit of rest and a warm bed for a few days, but he would live.
"You are most welcome," said Eris with a nod of her head. "Be safe and well in your travels," she finished as she turned and walked away with Esselle at her side.
Though the snow was thick and the wind heavy, anyone who chose to follow would see that only one set of footprints was made in the snow.
