The spires of Camelot pierced the horizon, shining like gold in the morning sun. Feylin's eyes widened as he gazed upon the city, his exhaustion forgotten. The knights rode in silence, their faces relaxed now that they were almost at their destination.
As they approached the gates, Feylin saw people moving about, bustling with activity. Merchants hawking their wares, guards standing at attention, and the sound of hammering on metal echoed through the air.
Sir Thane led them through the gates, nodding to the guards as they passed. The smell of fresh bread and roasting meats filled Feylin's nostrils, making his stomach rumble.
Inside the city, the streets were lined with stone buildings, their facades adorned with intricate carvings. Feylin stared in awe, taking it all in. He'd never seen anything like it.
They rode through the winding streets, finally stopping in front of a grand castle. The flag of Camelot fluttered above the towers, its golden lion emblazoned on a crimson background.
Sir Thane dismounted, helping Feylin down from the horse. "Welcome to Camelot, kid. You'll be safe here."
Feylin nodded, his eyes fixed on the castle doors. They swung open, revealing a group of people waiting to greet them.
A regal woman with piercing blue eyes stepped forward. "Sir Thane, welcome back. And who is this young man?"
Sir Thane bowed. "Your Majesty, this is Feylin. He's been through a lot. Needs the healer's attention, if you permit.
The woman nodded, her gaze warm. "Of course. Bring him inside."
The queen, a vision of elegance, led Feylin to a cozy room. Her jet-black hair cascaded down her back like a midnight river, and her majestic blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in the morning light. Her beauty was the kind that left you breathless, like a fairy tale come to life. She moved with a regal poise, her presence commanding attention.
As they entered the room, a woman lying on the bed amidst a mountain of papers woke up with a start. She rubbed her eyes, looking ragged and sleep-deprived. Feylin thought to himself, "Is this the person who's gonna heal me? I might be better off dead he thought to himself."
The queen's voice was firm. "Maxine, get to work."
Maxine nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Right away, Your Majesty."
The queen walked out, followed by Sir Thane, leaving Feylin alone with Maxine. She looked up at him, a glint in her eye.
"Hi, . I'm Maxine, the healer. Don't worry, I won't bite... much ."
Feylin raised an eyebrow, unsure what to make of her.
Maxine chuckled. "Let's take a look at that wound, shall we?"
She gestured to a chair, and Feylin sat down, still skeptical. Maxine began to unwrap the bandages, her hands moving with a practiced ease.
As she revealed the wound, Maxine's expression turned shocked. "What... how did you survive this?" she breathed.
Feylin raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Maxine's gaze met his, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "This wound should've been fatal. You should've bled out hours ago. It's a miracle you're alive."
Feylin's eyes widened. "Miracle? I thought I was just... lucky, I guess."
Maxine chuckled. "Lucky? You're the most unlikely person I've ever met, Feylin. This kind of wound... it's like you defied death itself."
Maxine pressed her palm, marked with a Healer's Mark, to Feylin's wound. He felt a warm tingling sensation as the wound began to close.
As she worked, Feylin asked, "What's Aether energy? You said something about it..."
Maxine's expression turned thoughtful. "Aether is... the fabric of reality, I suppose. The energy that powers everything in this world. Healers like me can tap into it to mend wounds and cure diseases."
Feylin's eyes lit up. "So, it's like... magic?"
Maxine smiled. "Some people call it that. But it's not magic, Feylin. It's science... or at least, it's based on principles we don't fully understand yet."
As she finished up, Maxine patted Feylin's arm. "You're a mystery, kid. But for now, you need rest. We'll figure out what's going on with you later."
Feylin nodded, feeling the exhaustion wash over him. He lay back on the bed, his eyes drifting shut.