Chapter 10: Recovery

The morning sun filtered through the cabin's windows, casting a golden hue over the room. Our

makeshift dining table was adorned with small roasted birds, their aroma mingling with the scent

of fresh pine from the cabin's interior. Despite our grim circumstances, this modest breakfast

offered a semblance of comfort and normalcy in our lives.

We sat around the table, our expressions a mix of exhaustion and resolve. Silvia, her eyes red

from recent tears, kept a watchful eye on her injured sister, Sylas. Bandages concealed her

wounds, particularly on her face, where the Bunyip's vicious attacks had left their mark.

Drury, who had confessed his feelings to me not long ago, appeared deep in thought, his brow

furrowed as he toyed with his food. His revelation had added an unexpected layer of complexity

to our group dynamic, and it weighed heavily on his mind.

I couldn't help but contemplate the events that had brought us here. The struggle to survive

against the Bunyips, the confession of love, and the pain in Sylas's eyes were all etched into my

memory. I had been healing Sylas as best I could, but I knew her recovery would be a slow and

painful process.

The fire crackled softly in the background, creating a soothing backdrop to our shared breakfast.

While conversation was sparse, our eyes spoke volumes. We were a group bound not only by our

quest but also by the deep friendships that had developed over our journey.

The room fell silent as Sylas, with a determined yet cautious demeanor, began to remove her

bandages. Her hands moved methodically, unwrapping the protective layers that concealed her

injuries. The rest of us sat on the edge of our seats, our eyes fixed on her, our breaths held in

anticipation.

As the last strip of cloth fell away, Sylas's injuries were laid bare. The prominent scar stretched

from her top left eye down to her right cheek, a grim testament to the brutality of the Bunyip

attack. Despite the severity of her injuries, she displayed remarkable courage, her gaze fixed on

each of us in turn, waiting for our reactions.

Silvia, her sister, watched with a mixture of concern and hope, her eyes brimming with unshed

tears. Sylas turned to me, her expression searching for my thoughts. I offered her a reassuring

smile, my admiration for her resilience clear. Drury, who had been there for her throughout her

recovery, sat nearby, his expression filled with empathy and support.

I, too, felt a surge of emotions. Sylas had become an integral part of our group, and her strength

had inspired us all. Her recovery was a symbol of our shared determination to overcome the

trials that the Veilstrike Abyss had thrown our way.

After what felt like an eternity, Sylas finally spoke, her voice steady and resolute. "I've faced

worse odds," she said, her gaze unwavering. "We have a mission to complete, and I won't let this

setback stop us."

Her words resonated with all of us, reaffirming our commitment to our quest and to each other.

We were a team, bound by unbreakable bonds of friendship and purpose, and together, we would

face whatever challenges lay ahead

Drury, ever the pragmatic one, didn't waste any time. Without hesitation, he retrieved the book of

Forbidden Arcana and turned to the index. It struck me that he had been carrying the book as if

he had been waiting for the right moment to delve into its forbidden knowledge, even in the

midst of Sylas's ongoing recovery. His commitment to our quest and the exploration of these

mystic arts was unwavering and concerning.

Drury, his finger hovering over the index, looked around the room as if to ensure that we were all

ready for what was to come. He then focused on the book and whispered, "Time." As if

responding to his voice, the index shifted, and the entry for "The Time Mage" materialized

before us.

It was a moment of tense anticipation, knowing that the secrets of time manipulation were within

our grasp, waiting to be unveiled. We braced ourselves for the revelations that were about to

unfold.

Drury turned to the page that detailed the story of the Time Mage, his voice steady and clear as

he began to read aloud:

"The Time Mage, a rare and enigmatic practitioner of forbidden magic, possesses the

extraordinary ability to manipulate time itself. This unique magical discipline is often

misunderstood and feared, for it allows the Time Mage to alter the flow of time in various ways,

ranging from minor temporal shifts to more profound alterations of history.

The Time Mages are believed to have originated from a long-forgotten civilization, where they

were revered as guardians of temporal knowledge. Over the centuries, however, their power

became a source of great temptation and potential chaos, leading to their eventual persecution

and the prohibition of their craft.

To become a Time Mage is a journey fraught with danger and moral dilemmas. The practitioner

must master the intricacies of temporal magic, which involves altering the past, present, or

future. This mastery comes at a great cost, for every change made to the timeline carries

unforeseen consequences.

Most Time Mages use their abilities with caution, utilizing their powers to preserve the balance

of time and rectify injustices. However, there have been instances where individuals with more

sinister motives have harnessed this magic to pursue selfish ambitions, creating rifts in the fabric

of existence itself.

Becoming a Time Mage demands not only a deep understanding of time but also a profound

sense of responsibility. The journey to acquire this forbidden knowledge is perilous, and those

who tread this path must be prepared to face the moral quandaries and repercussions that

accompany their power."

Drury's frustration was palpable as he closed the book, his eyes narrowing at its pages. "It's

infuriating," he muttered, his voice tinged with irritation. "All we get is this vague history and a

few warnings about the consequences of messing with time. No techniques, no spells, nothing

practical."

Sylas nodded in agreement; her brow furrowed. "It's like they want to keep this knowledge

locked away, even from those who might use it responsibly."

Silvia chimed in; her voice tinged with curiosity. "But we have this book, right? We can figure it

out together."

Drury, ever the optimist, added, "Maybe it's not just about spells and techniques. Maybe it's

about understanding the principles behind it, the philosophy of manipulating time."

I looked at Drury, understanding his frustration but also seeing the potential in what we had.

"Perhaps it's a test of our judgment. To see if we can wield this power responsibly. We have to

tread carefully."

Drury sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're right. We can't rush into this blindly. We

need to be cautious and considerate of the consequences."

As we contemplated our next steps, the mysteries of the Time Mage's chapter loomed large, and

the weight of the knowledge we sought pressed upon us, demanding both caution and respect.

I chime in “I know a story. I always thought it was just a romantic story. But maybe it’s true.” As

the group gathered around, their faces reflecting curiosity and anticipation, I prepared to share

the tale of the Time Mage.

“Long ago, in a mystical realm veiled by the sands of time, there lived a remarkable woman

named Seraphina. She was known far and wide as the village's most gifted time mage. Seraphina

possessed an innate connection to the flow of time, a rare gift passed down through generations

of her family.

Her life was filled with love and joy until tragedy struck one fateful day. Seraphina's beloved

husband, Lucius, was taken from her in a tragic accident. Consumed by grief and longing to turn

back the clock, she delved deep into her magical studies, determined to reunite with her lost love.

As the years passed, Seraphina's obsession with time grew. She spent countless nights pouring

over ancient texts, seeking forbidden knowledge that promised to reverse the irreversible.

Eventually, she uncovered a hidden spell, a fragment of forgotten magic that could momentarily

rewind time within small patches.

Desperate to test her newfound power, Seraphina created a small device to amplify her abilities.

With each use, her command over time expanded, allowing her to revisit cherished moments

with Lucius. Yet, every journey into the past left her with a deeper emptiness, as her husband

remained out of reach.

One fateful night, Seraphina decided to use the device one final time, pouring all her energy into

it. The temporal fabric trembled, and for a fleeting moment, she glimpsed Lucius in the past,

smiling and reaching out to her. But as the device's energy reached its peak, it shattered,

engulfing Seraphina in a blinding light.

When the light subsided, Seraphina was gone. She had disappeared from the realm of time,

leaving behind only the echo of her desperate love. The villagers searched for her in vain, but

Seraphina was never heard from again. Some say she became a timeless guardian, watching over

the flow of time. Others believed she had sacrificed herself to be with Lucius in a realm beyond

time's grasp.

The legend of Seraphina, the time mage who gave everything to reunite with her lost love, lived

on through the ages, a testament to the power of love and the mysteries of time.”

Drury sighed. “Maybe love is the key. The passion behind it can somehow push.”

“The story said it was from a family line. Maybe only they can do it.” Sylas chimed in.

“I can’t believe that.” Drury snarled. “There must be a way. You know, we could unlock the

secrets of time magic. Just think of the possibilities! We could rewrite history, change the

outcome of battles, or even prevent tragedies."

I chimed in with a note of caution, "But tampering with time could have unforeseen

consequences. It might lead to catastrophic changes that we can't predict or control."

Sylas nodded in agreement. "Our own magic is already powerful. Why risk delving into

something as unpredictable as time magic?"

Drury leaned forward, determination in his voice. "Because it's the unknown that makes it

intriguing. And with our combined skills, we might be able to harness it safely."

As we continued to discuss the potential risks and rewards of pursuing time magic, I couldn't

help but notice the frustration building in Drury. His usual enthusiasm was replaced with a

furrowed brow and an air of discontent.

I watched him closely, wondering why this particular branch of magic meant so much to him.

Did he have a personal reason for wanting to unravel its secrets? Was there something in his past

that he longed to change, a regret or a loss that drove his obsession?

Drury had always been enigmatic about his own history, and this new focus on time magic raised

even more questions. But for now, I kept my thoughts to myself, respecting his need for privacy,

and continued to weigh the potential risks and benefits of our next magical pursuit.

The discussion about magic and the potential consequences of delving into time manipulation

had reached an impasse. Drury's fervent interest clashed with the team's reluctance to cross that

particular boundary. We were all well aware of the dangers that meddling with time could bring,

but Drury's borderline obsession with the subject was hard to ignore.

Silvia voiced her concerns. "I understand your curiosity, Drury, but we already have our own

forms of magic. Isn't there a line we shouldn't cross?"

Sylas nodded in agreement. "And what if it's something only those with a specific lineage can

master? We might be chasing something unattainable."

Drury grew increasingly frustrated with our hesitance. "But think of the possibilities! Time

magic could be the key to understanding our own abilities better, unlocking new potential!"

I decided to share my thoughts. "It's not just about the abilities, but the consequences. We've

seen how magic can be a double-edged sword. We need to be cautious."

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Drury, now deeply conflicted, ran his fingers through his hair. "I just can't help feeling that

there's something incredible waiting to be discovered."

Our conversation went in circles, and despite the bond we shared, we couldn't find common

ground on the matter.

Later, in the bedroom, as Sylas and I prepared for the healing session, I reflected on the

differences in our viewpoints. It was a moment of vulnerability and trust, knowing that what I

was about to do could have a lasting impact.

I began the healing process by placing my hands gently on Sylas's injuries. My soul's energy

flowed from me to her, like a warm, soothing river. I could feel the extent of her wounds, the

torn and damaged tissues, as I concentrated on mending them.

The healing was a gradual process, and I could sense Sylas's body responding to the energy. Her

breathing grew steadier, and the wounds started to close, leaving behind only faint scars. It was

an intimate connection, a shared moment of healing and recovery.

As time passed, I continued to pour my soul's energy into her, mending each injury meticulously

until her body was completely restored. Finally, I withdrew my hands, feeling the weight of

exhaustion from channeling such potent magic.

Sylas opened her eyes, her face filled with relief and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered.

I nodded; my heart filled with a sense of fulfillment. The healing session had not only mended

Sylas's wounds but also strengthened our bond, reminding us of the power we held, individually

and as a team, in our magical journey.

Feeling weary but content after the healing session with Sylas, I retreated to my room and lay

down on the bed, allowing the exhaustion to catch up with me. The day's discussions and the

exertion of using my soul's magic had taken their toll, and I closed my eyes, prepared to rest.

However, I was soon interrupted when Drury entered the room and asked if he could join me.

There was a vulnerability in his voice, a yearning for connection that was hard to ignore. We had

shared so much, been through countless challenges together, and now the tension surrounding

time magic had created a rift between us.

Without a word, I shifted to make room for him on the bed. The bond we shared ran deep, and it

was only natural that we sought comfort in each other's presence during moments of uncertainty.

As Drury settled beside me, I could feel the warmth of his body and the weight of his concerns

pressing against mine.

In the quiet of the room, we lay side by side, not needing words to bridge the gap that had

formed between us. Our breathing gradually synchronized, and the tension that had hung in the

air began to dissipate. We were a team, bound not only by our magical abilities but also by the

unspoken understanding that we were there for each other, no matter the challenges that lay

ahead.

Emerging from the warmth of Drury's embrace, I found myself in his arms with my head nestled

against his chest. He was fast asleep, his rhythmic breathing serving as a comforting backdrop.

Carefully extricating myself from his grasp, I silently made my way out to the main room,

leaving him undisturbed in his slumber.

In the main room, I found Sylas and Silvia seated at the table. Sylas played the part of someone

who had seen nothing, her expression remaining neutral. On the other hand, Silvia, with a

mischievous glint in her eye, wiggled her eyebrows at me and broke into a playful smile. It was

clear that she had sensed the connection between Drury and me, and she wasn't about to let it go

unnoticed.

Silvia, perpetually driven by her insatiable appetite, piped up with a question that shifted the tone

of our conversation. "So, what's for dinner? I'm starved!"

I couldn't help but smile at her voracious appetite, which seemed undeterred even by our recent

trials. "Well," I replied, "we might need to check our supplies. We've been resting for quite a

while, and I'm not sure how much we have left."

Silvia's expression turned from hungry anticipation to mild disappointment. "Oh, you're right. I

guess I'll have to ration my appetite for now."

Sylas chimed in, her voice carrying a teasing note. "Don't worry, Silvia. I'm sure there's

something in the pantry to satisfy your cravings, even if it's just a few crackers."

Silvia dramatically clutched her heart in faux despair. "Crackers? Oh, the horror!"

We all shared a light-hearted chuckle. Drury, emerging from the room, interjected with a grin,

"Well, while we're on the topic of food, maybe we should start thinking about what we'll need

for the next leg of our journey. Supplies, rations, and all that."

Silvia perked up immediately. "Yes! Let's talk about food! I've been dreaming of a feast. A

whole roast boar, perhaps?"

Sylas sighed playfully. "Silvia, you have an uncanny ability to turn any conversation into one

about food."

I joined in the playful banter. "It's a talent, really."

As we continued our conversation about supplies and our journey ahead, Drury brought up a

valid point. "Whoever used the cabin had to have a steady supply of food somehow. They

couldn't survive on just rabbits, and there was no garden outside."

The mention of food again sparked Silvia's interest. "Maybe they had some secret stash of

delicious treats hidden away! A pantry filled with mouthwatering surprises!"

Sylas, ever the practical thinker, chimed in, "It's possible. But we can't rely on someone else's

hidden stash. We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario."

Drury nodded in agreement. "Right. We should gather what we can from the cabin and see if

there are any clues about how the previous occupants sustained themselves. It might give us

some ideas."

With our priorities clear, we decided to investigate the cabin more thoroughly, hoping to uncover

any hidden supplies and gain insights into how we could sustain ourselves in this mysterious

place.

As we continued our exploration of the cabin, our curiosity led us to the enigmatic basement

hidden beneath the deer fur rug. Drury, known for his adventurous spirit, took the lead once

more. He grabbed a nearby torch and ignited it with a flick of his fingers before proceeding down

the rickety wooden stairs into the subterranean darkness.

We descended into the mysterious basement, the torchlight casting eerie shadows as Drury led

the way. The room below held our attention captive as we stared at the central figure—a large

cabinet that seemed unassuming at first glance.

Drury stepped closer and tentatively tugged on the cabinet's handle. The doors creaked open to

reveal shelves stacked high with all manner of food: fresh fruits, cured meats, bread, and even

exotic dishes we had never seen before. It was as if an entire market had been magically

condensed into this hidden chamber.

Silvia's eyes widened in amazement. "Is this... real?"

Drury reached in and pulled out an apple. He examined it closely, then took a bite, savoring the

taste. "It's real, alright. This is no illusion."

Sylas, always the cautious one, voiced her concerns. "This is incredible, but we need to be

careful. Magic like this often comes with consequences. We should figure out how it works

before we get carried away."

Silvia, her curiosity getting the best of her, had already grabbed a piece of bread and a wedge of

cheese. "Who cares about consequences when there's delicious food? I'm digging in!"

Drury nodded in agreement with Sylas's sentiment and closed the cabinet doors. When Silvia

reopened them, to our astonishment, the apple, bread and Cheese were all back on the shelf.

Even with Silvia still holding the original stuff.

I reached for a plum and tasted its sweet juiciness. Drury closed and reopened the cabinet again.

The Plum was back. "It's replenishing itself. Like it never runs out."

Drury, analytical as always, noted, "Yes, it seems to reset when the doors are closed. This is

extraordinary magic."

Silvia chuckled as she tried a bite of some exotic fruit. "Well, one thing's for sure—we won't be

going hungry in this cabin."

As we continued to explore the cabinet's magical properties, our initial caution gave way to

amazement and a touch of whimsy. The endless supply of food was a boon, and we couldn't help

but indulge in its tantalizing offerings, each bite confirming the reality of this incredible

discovery.

Sitting around the cabinet, savoring our freshly discovered feast, our conversation turned to the

strange and wondrous properties of this magical cabin. It was clear that the cabinet shared a

connection with the cabin's time-bending magic.

Drury, ever the scholar, spoke up first. "This cabinet seems to be intricately tied to the cabin's

temporal enchantment. It's as if the entire space exists in a state of suspended animation, with the

contents of the cabinet resetting whenever the doors are closed."

Silvia nodded, a piece of cheese in her hand. "So, it's like this place is in its own little bubble of

time. I wonder who set it up like this?"

Sylas, her curiosity piqued, offered a theory. "Perhaps it was created by a skilled mage who

wanted to preserve this place, making it an oasis in the Veilstrike Abyss."

Silvia chimed in between bites of an exotic fruit. "Well, they did a pretty good job of it. I've

never seen magic like this before."

I leaned back, still savoring the taste of the food. "It's certainly unique. But we should be

cautious. Such powerful magic often comes with unintended consequences. We need to

understand it better."

Drury nodded in agreement. "Agreed. Let's not lose ourselves in this bounty without considering

the ramifications. We should explore this cabin further and see if there are any clues about its

creator or purpose."

Silvia was the first to speak up, her voice filled with excitement. "I think it was the time mage

from the story."

Drury, ever the voice of reason, couldn't help but raise a practical concern. "But if it is the same

mage from the story, they'd have to be incredibly old by now. Can someone truly live that long?"

I considered the idea for a moment, pondering the unique circumstances we found ourselves in.

"Time magic is different. If the cabin exists in its own temporal bubble, as we suspect, it's

possible that the mage who created it could have slowed their own aging. After all, if they could

manipulate time to this extent, they might have found a way to extend their own lifespan."

Sylas, always analytical, added, "It's also possible that they have descendants who've inherited

this magical talent. Perhaps they've been passing down the knowledge for generations."

Silvia, never one to shy away from a mystery, chimed in. "Or maybe they're just some sort of

magical guardian, tasked with protecting this place."

As we combed through the cabin's hidden rooms and secrets, we stumbled upon an intricately

carved wooden compass. This compass wasn't like any we'd seen before; its face was adorned

with a mesmerizing celestial map of the Veilstrike Abyss.

Drury, his eyes bright with curiosity, gingerly picked up the compass and began to examine it.

As he turned the compass over in his hands, he discovered that it had a removable lid. Inside,

nestled snugly, was a small, perfectly preserved rose petal. This petal was unlike any ordinary

flower—it shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence.

We discussed the significance of the rose petal, remembering the tales of the Veilrose—a

legendary flower said to bloom only in the heart of the Veilstrike Abyss. It was rumored to

possess the power to reveal hidden paths within the Abyss.

With this newfound artifact, we felt compelled to embark on a quest to locate the elusive

Veilrose. The compass seemed to be attuned to its presence, as its needle pointed unerringly in

the direction of our next destination within the Abyss.

After much deliberation, we decided to set out on our new adventure in the morning. Excitement

and anticipation filled the room as we discussed our plans, feeling the weight of the mysteries

and potential wonders that awaited us in the depths of the Abyss.