Chapter 10.1. The Healer.

Two and half month later, after grueling journey through forests and treacherous mountain passes, which separated Mor-Mojek from Lucifer’s empire, merchant leader decided to give his men some rest and stay for a while in Tuatha Dé Danann village. The small settlement nestled between towering peaks, seemed like an oasis of welcome, after so long on road. Village was the first they saw, it was small, but people in there seemed friendly and welcoming.

– We’ll rest here a few days, – the merchant leader announced, voice rough from weeks spent shouting over wind and rain: – The folk seem friendly enough, and our goods could use mending, before heading deeper into these lands.

Lilith nodded agreement, sore muscles aching for respite.

– It’s smaller than I remember, – murmured Cian, dark eyes roaming over familiar sights, made foreign by time and distance: – But…it feels right.

– Been here before? – asked Sharr, overhearing his words.

– I was born here.

The villagers gathered to greet them, friendly smiles and curious gazes alike turned towards newcomers.

– Welcome travelers! – called one, a grizzled man with kindly eyes: – You’ve come far on road. Rest here as long as need be!

– Thank you, – replied merchant who led them, blue gaze warm, despite fatigue etched into delicate features: – We mean no trouble. Just seeking passage through lands.

Cian stepped forward then, heart pounding as he took in faces before him – some familiar from childhood memories, now tattered by years away.

– It…it’s good to be home, – he managed softly, voice rough with emotion barely contained: – Though much has changed since last I was here.

The villagers exchanged glances, murmurs rippling through crowd like whispers on wind. One stepped forward, an elderly woman, with silver hair braided back from weathered face.

– You’re Cian de Danann, – she said knowingly, eyes crinkling at corners as smile spread across lips: – Son of Maeve and Aodh, who gave lives to save these very walls!

Cian nodded, throat tight with unshed tears, as he remembered parents’ sacrifice…and reason for return now before him.

– Yes, – he said finally.

– It has been long time, – answered woman: – But welcome home, Cian.

The villagers murmured approval, some reaching out hands in support, even as others turned curious eyes upon Lilith and Sharr, standing behind their companion.

– Welcome home, indeed, – said grizzled man: – Are you planning to stay?

– No, just passing by. Guarding the caravan.

Lilith stepped forward then, her eyes warm yet guarded, as she regarded the villagers before them.

– We appreciate your hospitality, – she said, voice soft but carrying over murmurs of crowd: – But alas, we cannot stay long.

The grizzled man nodded understandingly, weathered face etched with wisdom beyond years.

– Ah, a traveling life is no easy thing, – he remarked philosophically, gaze turning distant as if remembering adventures past: – Still…if ever need shelter or aid upon this path? Know you are always welcome here!

Lilith smiled gratefully at offer. Villagers showed them a place where they could camp.

The villagers were generous in their hospitality, leading them to a suitable campsite on outskirts of settlement. Some even brought provisions, trading them for goods from merchant caravan.

As night fell, fire crackled merrily before tent, where companions gathered – mindful conversations mixing with sounds of crickets chirping in fields beyond.

– It feels good to be home, – Cian admitted softly, dark eyes gleaming by flickering light, as memories washed over him: – Even if only for short while.

Lilith nodded understandingly, her gaze warm, despite exhaustion etched into delicate features.

– Family is important, – she murmured thoughtfully, voice barely audible above crackle of flames, consuming dry wood: – No matter how much time passes between visits.

They fell silent then, each lost in thoughts of kin long gone. Sharr shifted, snakelike eyes reflecting firelight, as he turned towards companions.

– What say we rest? – he suggested, tail flicking lazily behind him: – Tomorrow’s journey will be long.

– Indeed, – Lilith agreed, stifling yawn with back of hand, as fatigue began claim body, weary from day spent traveling: – Keep watch tonight.

– I’ll take first shift, – Cian offered quickly, dark hair falling into eyes as he stood up, to stretch sore muscles.

Lilith smiled gratefully at offer.

– Goodnight, – she murmured, voice already heavy with sleep: – And thank you.

The fire crackled merrily before them, casting flickering shadows over faces etched with weariness and determination alike. For now at least, they had shelter and safety.

Lilith suddenly woke up and looked around. Something was wrong. Then she realized, that no one was standing watch. She looked around. Everyone was here, except Cian. She casted View Air spell and located leaving life force, moving away from the camp. She silently got up and followed. Soon she found Cian, but decided to find out, where he was going.

Lilith followed Cian silently through the dark, her eyes narrowed with suspicion, as she tracked his movements. Her instincts screamed that something was amiss, and she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease, settling in her gut like a lead weight.

Cian moved with determination, straight ahead. Three hours later he reached some abandoned buildings. The ruins loomed ahead – ancient stones, glistening under moonlight’s pale glow.

Cian knelt before a tumbledown archway, his head bowed in reverence, as he whispered softly to himself. Lilith ducked behind a nearby tree, heart pounding against her ribs, as she strained to hear what he was saying.

– Father… Mother…, – Cian murmured, his rough voice breaking on the familiar words.

Lilith’s breath caught in her throat, a sudden chill racing down her spine. She had never seen this side of him before, this raw vulnerability that seemed to strip away all pretense and leave only a broken soul, yearning for lost family.

And then. A shadow moved within the darkness beyond the archway, snakelike eyes glinting cruelly in moonlight’s cold embrace. Lilith froze, her body tense with anticipation, as she watched the figure emerge from the gloom.