Kaelen’s eyes fluttered open to a scene that felt almost surreal. Warm sunlight filtered through swaying palm fronds, casting dappled patterns across the smooth, stone walls of what appeared to be an open-air oasis. The soft sound of trickling water reached his ears, accompanied by the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds. He lay on a low, cushioned cot shaded by a canopy of woven reeds, the cool stone beneath him providing a stark contrast to the dry, warm air.


    His head throbbed faintly, and his limbs felt heavy, as though they’d been weighed down by invisible anchors. The scent of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the faintly sweet aroma of ripened fruit nearby. Blinking, he took in the surroundings—a simple but inviting space where jars of glowing liquid sat on a wooden table, and a clay pitcher of water rested on a nearby stool.


    “Ah, you’re finally up.”


    The voice was light, cheerful, and laced with a hint of teasing. Kaelen turned his head slowly, and there, leaning lazily against a pillar, was a nurse—or at least that’s what he assumed. She wore loose, flowing robes that seemed more suited to lounging by the oasis than tending to patients, and her hair was tied back in a messy knot, strands falling into her face. A long, thin reed hung from the corner of her mouth, and she gave him an easy smile.


    “Thought you’d sleep through the whole thing,” she said, strolling over and plopping down on a stool next to him. She leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees, as if they were old friends catching up. “You’ve been out for a bit, though not long enough to miss the good stuff.”The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kaelen blinked at her, his mouth dry. “Where… am I?”


    “Somewhere safe,” she replied with a shrug, gesturing vaguely to the oasis. “You burned yourself out pretty bad. That kind of magic? Phew, it’ll wipe you clean if you’re not careful.” She leaned back and stretched, her tone casual as though they were discussing the weather. “But hey, you’re here now. That’s what matters, right?”


    He frowned, the dryness of his well gnawing at the edges of his awareness. “The trial gate…”


    “You’ll get there,” she interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “No use worrying about what you missed. You’ll catch up. First, let’s get you patched up.” She reached for the pitcher of water, pouring a stream into a clay cup and offering it to him. “Drink. You look like you’ve been wandering the desert for days.”


    Kaelen took the cup hesitantly, the cool water soothing his parched throat as he drank. “Thank you,” he murmured.


    The nurse grinned, the reed shifting between her teeth. “Don’t thank me yet. You’ve still got to convince your well to play nice, and that’s no easy feat. But you? I think you’ve got a knack for stubborn survival.” She patted his arm with an exaggerated wink. “Now, rest up. Big things are coming, and you’re gonna want to be at your best for them.”


    Kaelen managed a faint smile, her laid-back demeanor easing some of the tension in his chest. As he lay back against the cushions, the soothing sounds of the oasis surrounding him, he let his thoughts drift. He’d made it this far, and somehow, that felt like enough for now.