Soleil was not sure what to expect from a place with the name House of Healing.

It had been described to her as a place to receive a variety of methods of healing skills, handle requests. It also apparently served food or offered places to rest.

Somehow, all of those descriptions suddenly seemed inadequate.

They were greeted upon entering by someone in a white robe with green trim. Water was poured and pressed into their hands if requested. Choice of food was offered, and they were quickly directed to a private table where Maeve could get off her feet. Someone else entirely even came by to ask if they needed any quick assistance while they were waiting.

Did Maeve need help removing her armor or any immediate care for her wounds? No. She was not in any short term danger and fully capable of removing the armor herself.

Would Aster like to inform her wife that she was here? No. She was not injured in any way and declined further services beyond food.

While the other two answered their questions, a fluffy animal she could not identify caught her attention from across the room. Their robed host noticed before asking Soleil to step aside to have a whispered conversation. He included the observation in the list of questions posed specifically for Soleil.

Did Soleil desire pet therapy, someone to analyze her corruption for her, and go over options for curing it? To which she replied being unsure. Her main priority was to find rooms for three to sleep and store their things while they were here.

“Of course. If you ever change your mind, just ask and we will endeavor to give you whatever support you need.”

Apparently, the Houses of Healing were a place to have a person’s every ailment seen to. Just plain being demoralized was more than enough cause to come here and relax. From there one could be connected with any further assistance they might need.

Soleil was thoroughly impressed. So much so that it felt overwhelming. Thankfully she already had a place to sit, friends, and something to drink. They had a table in a space enclosed by curtains and time to speak in private. There were even three spare chairs set aside if Veilura or Aster’s friends ever came looking for them.

Before long, a trio of forms was deposited at their table so that the three requesting accommodations could list their needs specifically. Soleil would have to save one for Veilura.

Thoroughly accommodated, Soleil engaged Aster in discussion while Maeve began the lengthy process of removing her armor.

It was not long before their requested meals arrived.

Soleil took this opportunity to raise a question. “I was told we could accept requests here. How does that process work?”

Their host gave Soleil a disapproving look for a moment, but launched into a thorough explanation.

Copies of any request on the board could be requested for discussion with a party. If a party lacked members in order to fulfill the request, they could log their interest in the request and other inquiring individuals could arrange a meeting. If details were insufficient or if those fulfilling a request wished for more information, they could write to the requester and even arrange a meeting if appropriate.

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The House of Healing was merely a go-between in all of this, but enough capable individuals operated out of Houses of Healing that it was decided they would maintain support staff specifically to handle logistical functions.

Many requests were even marked if more dangerous requests or threats were in the area of a target quest location. Soleil was gleeful once she discovered just how much she could read up on the local flora and fauna through the request system’s supportive documentation. The Guild responsible for handling requests wanted parties to succeed to the point of often employing anyone who could discover more information on requests.

They did not want anyone going into something blind and it showed. With that amount of care and thought put into this, Soleil was sure there was little to no worry about being sent out to handle anything too much for her. Of course, anything could happen while out fulfilling a request.

“What can you tell me about the Guild?”

“I can put you in touch with one of the Handlers if you want the most detailed information.”

“I would like that very much.” Soleil said.

“If anything,” Maeve said with a grin. “Having more information will likely keep her rested and recovering for longer.”

“Hey!”

Their robed host smiled. “Of course. I will see what I can arrange. If you are thinking of registering as a regular, it might be useful thinking about what you specialize in. Most parties like to have a balanced mix of capabilities and we endeavor to keep track of such things.”

Soleil wrinkled her nose at that.

“Ah, apologies. Some perception skills are more invasive than others. You will never be under the scrutiny of anything more than [Identify] unless you grant permission, or become a threat to others’ healing. Even then, we would prioritize asking you to leave and discuss care with us in an environment of your choosing.”

“Oh. Well in that case, I appreciate it. Thank you.” Soleil turned back to her friends, relaxing for what felt like the first time. It was not that she did not feel safe. This place was just a lot to take in, even if it was supposed to be a supportive environment.

“If that will be all, I will leave you all to your meal and privacy. A handler and healer will be with you shortly.”

“So.” Aster pushed her empty soup bowl away. “How long are you all going to be staying in the valley? Are you here for the winter?”

That was a good question.

Soleil looked between Maeve and Aster, as this would be news to both of them. “Veilura and I came to ensure you all were provisioned for the winter. I want to see it through, but that might just mean we leave before the snow falls.”

Maeve sat down to enjoy a plate full of fruit and bread, finally free of her cumbersome armor. “I hoped to do much the same. So that works for me.”

It was a warm relief to hear that Maeve would have willingly remained in the area with or without pledging an oath to help her protect the valley.

“Interesting.” Aster leaned forward. “My friends and I were looking for a few more to round out a party. Should I be planning a proposal to the esteemed Lady Veils? Or are you two looking to explore having some independence?”

Maeve deferred to Soleil.

“Maeve and I are kinda low level, but Veilura has given me the freedom to chart my own path. I don’t want to just grind levels. I want to spend my time helping people.”

“Well said.” Aster nodded in agreement. “Your level is of no concern to me. I am used to working with Level One Knights. Most dangerous threats were cleared out long before we put out the request for supplies.”

It was hard for Soleil to contain her excitement. She had longed for this moment, and now she was in charge. Soleil could finally plan out her own ventures with whatever party members she fancied. If Aster was a front line kind of Knight, she would have a strong line that she could build the rest of the party around.

Aster had a pair of friends on the way, and Fia might even be open to the idea. She had options. Soliel only had to speak to this handler and get an idea of what sort of work that Mender’s Crossing needed doing.