The cavern's dim light flickered, casting shadows that danced across the rocky walls. I struggled to sit up, every movement a reminder of the battle I had barely survived. My nostrils started stinging as a fiery scent slowly suffused the area.

Echoing footsteps approached, the sound coming from all around me. It was hard to tell which of the many entrances they would come through; the steps were unhurried, a slow repetitive tapping rhythm, the sign of someone who had trained to maintain a noble air.

I had no idea if this person was friend or foe, in fact I didn't even know where I was. My first instinct was to try run, that seemed an impossible task in my current state however, but after considering it more carefully I came to the conclusion that Telluric must've brought me here after my battle, how else could my transportation to this place be explained.

The resounding footsteps were getting closer, more clear. One of the many doors surrounding me swung open, a lady was pushing a cart of some kind—the hot steam and strong scent of herbs and spices made it obvious to me that she was wheeling some kind of food around.

"Ah you're awake at last, my name is Niftella. I was asked by Lord Telluric to look after you during your recovery."

"I-"

I tried to speak but my throat was on fire, a raking feeling clawing at my vocal cords, must be from not drinking anything for however long I've been out. Clearly noticing this, Niftella came over to me holding a jug full of a shimmering blue liquid, it didn't quite seem like water.

"It's a medicine made by someone very special, It will speed up your recovery."

She held the jug to my cracked lips and tilted it slightly, the cold liquid washed around the inside of my mouth, then it rushed down my dehydrated throat, the feeling was pure bliss. My pain subsided slightly, not completely of course but it felt a lot better.

"Try to speak now if you can."

I looked at her and nodded.

"Thank *cough* you"

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She smiled softly, highlighting the slight wrinkles in her face—though she didn't look or sound old. In fact, she appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Her void-black hair was tied into a bun at the back of her head, and her eyes shone like golden gemstones, contrasting strikingly against her darkish skin. She wore a tailored navy blue suit with a matching bow tie.

"I'm going to ask you a few questions, please answer them if you can."

I nodded once again.

"How long has it been since you awoke, and since that time have you felt any severe pain or discomfort."

I waved the stump where my arm once was, although it hurt it was nothing compared to the pain or cutting it off, or even the pain of cauterising it.

"I can't say how long ago I woke up exactly, but it was no more than fifteen minutes or so, as for the pain or discomfort I have some pain when moving my severed arm, and my hip itches in the spot where I was wounded."

She walked back over to her cart, the steaming food still hidden below a silver lid. She pulled a clipboard from one of the compartments and started noting down what I had said.

"Do you think you will be able to eat by your self or would it be better if I fed the food to you."

I blushed slightly at the thought of a beautiful lady spoon feeding me, I decided it was better if I fed myself anyways.

"I think I can manage, thank you."

Niftella grabbed the steaming plate and brought it over to me, there was a small bowl of herbal soup with some kind of meat chunks, there was also a loaf of freshly baked bread and even half of a small poultry of some kind.

"I will be just outside, call me if you need anything."

She placed the food onto a tray on my lap along with cutlery before leaving.

The food was still hot, first I tried the stew—it was flavourful, there was a slight spice to it but it wasn't overpowering, the chunks of meat were tender enough that they fell apart just from trying to skewer it with my fork, it tasted like beef but slightly different from the beef I was used to. The fresh bread absorbed the stew easily, soaking up all the herbs and spices along with it.

The poultry was the last thing for me to try, it had a scent reminiscent of lemons, and the flavour even more so—it must've been marinated in lemon juice along with some lemony herbs and spices.

I finished all of the stew, and all that remained of the bird was bones, however I did not finish the whole loaf of bread.

"Niftella, I have finished eating."

The well dressed lady opened the door and stepped through gracefully, she walked over to me and lifted the tray revealing many stains on the white bed sheets, and on my own bandages.

"I think I will feed you next time, without your other arm I knew it would be hard to eat without spilling."

I scratched the back of my head and gave her an embarrassed smile.