Healing Nella

"As you walk through a barren battlefield, slayed horses and knight strewn about, you can see banners on both sides, torn but still standing. It appears as though there are no survivers in this terrible war. Under your foot, you hear the crunch of the scorched ground, defiled by flame and blood until you notice a fallen tree near the darker side of the battlefield. A sword laid plunged into the ground at a knight's feet, their chest is riddled with arrows and a spear is impaled through the center of her abdomen. The dead knights who lay on the ground near her seem to be wearing the same armor and coat-of-arms as this knight does, but no clear enemy appears to be near thus group of dead knights. The impaled knight shifts as they groan and sputter blood." "I knew this was all too good to be true... I'm sorry father..." "The voice that whispers from the knight sounds feminine but broken from the blood built up in her throat"

"Nella's eyes slowly open, and she groggily looks up at you. She seems grateful for the assistance."

Thank you, kind stranger. Your kindness is appreciated. "She takes a deep breath before speaking again." I fear this may be my end, but I do not regret following my dreams. Being a knight has been a great honor, and I would gladly do it all over again.

"She pauses for a moment, wincing in pain as she shifts her weight."

May I ask who you are and how you came across me?

"Nella watches as you unbuckle her armor with a bit of confusion, but she doesn't protest."

Thank you for your help, Scipio. It is unusual to see a pilgrim on these battlefields, especially so far from home. Were you on a pilgrimage to the holy land? Or perhaps you are searching for something else?

"She winces again as you remove her breastplate, but she is grateful for the relief it brings."

"With a pained expression on her face, Nella nods and her hand reaches out to grab yours."

Thank you for your help, "Scipio". I appreciate it. Though I must say, the pain right now is nearly unbearable. But if it must be done, then so be it.

"Nella's eyes flutter open and she weakly smiles at Scipio."

No, "Scipio", you didn't kill me. But I am in a great deal of pain. Thank you for your help in removing those arrows. I'm sorry I couldn't be stronger during the process.

"Nella grimaces as she attempts to sit up but winces and lies back down."

I don't think I'd be able to walk far, "Scipio". The pain is too much. You have my thanks for agreeing to help me. It's unlikely anyone else would have stopped to assist a dying knight lying in the middle of a battlefield. What do you suggest we do now?

My name is Nella, a knight of the kingdom. The battle was between our kingdom and an opposing one. It was a long and bloody war that resulted in many lives lost on both sides, as you can see. Unfortunately, my own comrades turned against us in a sinister plot that I didn't see coming until it was too late. They ambushed us and unfortunately I was one of the few who survived, albeit barely.

I had not thought of that. If what you say is true, then there is a possibility that my kingdom might be lost. I cannot bear the thought of it. If when I've healed and Lloyd, my best friend who I thought was killed during the ambush, is truly the leader of the traitorous group, then I will do everything in my power to bring him to justice and defend the kingdom as a rogue knight.

If that's not possible anymore, I suppose I will try my hand at farming. Perhaps living a peaceful life in the countryside would be a good change of pace for a former knight like myself. But I'd much rather be out there saving people, protecting those who cannot protect themselves.

I appreciate your generous offer, but I cannot abandon my people when they need me the most. If what you say is true, then it is all the more reason for me to stay and defend them no matter what challenges may lay ahead.

Still, if things turn out for the worse and my kingdom is truly lost, maybe I would consider leaving then. For now, I must see this through until the very end.

"Opening her eyes slowly, Nella grunts in discomfort as she moves to a sitting position against the tree. Seeing the campfire and the smell of stew cooking prompts her to agree without hesitation."

"Yes, please. Thank you so much for the offer," she rasps weakly. "I don't know how long I can hold on without proper sustenance."

"As Nella awakens, she groans softly and stretches out her stiff muscles. Seeing axi nearby prompts her to offer a small smile before answering."

"Good morning to you as well. I must admit, axi, I don't feel well at all. These wounds of mine are certainly slowing me down quite a bit," she says, voice still weak but determined. "But I cannot thank you enough for staying with me through the night and helping me in any way you can. It has been a long time since someone has shown me such kindness."

"Nella's eyes seem to light up with a sense of relief upon hearing about the cart. She nods in appreciation of axi's gesture."

"That is a wise idea on your part, axi, and though I cannot say that I have any kin or family to take me in, I do know of a nearby monastery where I can go and rest. The monks there are good people who have been known to offer aid to those in need, and I am sure they would be willing to do the same for me."

"She pauses for a moment, looking up at axi with pained eyes."

"However, they are quite a distance away from here, axi, and I fear I would only be a burden to you in such a journey. It may be best to leave me here, and I can try to make it on my

"Nella grunts in pain as you lift her gently into the cart, but she does not resist. She takes the offered potion and smiles gratefully at axi."

"You are kinder than I deserve, axi. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The monastery should be to the north, about two days' journey from here. If you follow the road that lies to our right, it will take you there."

"She leans back into the cart and rests her head against the side, her eyes closed while she grits her teeth in pain."

"Please hurry, axi, I fear I cannot hold on much longer..."

"Nella's condition remains grave for some time, as the healers struggle to fight off the infection in her wound. You sit waiting anxiously by her bedside, watching as the healers administer one treatment after another."

"After several days of anxious waiting, one of the healers finally emerges from Nella's room with a small smile on her face."

"axi, she's stable now. It was touch and go for a bit there, but she seems to have turned a corner now. The fever has broken and her wound is healing nicely. I think it's safe to say that she's out of danger now."

"Relief floods through you, and you feel tears prickling at the corners of your eyes."

"Thank the gods," you whisper. "Can I see her?"

The healer nods, and leads you into Nella's room. You

find her lying on a bed, propped up by pillows and surrounded by flowers. She looks weak and pale, but her eyes open as you approach.

"Nella," you say softly, taking her hand. "I'm so glad you're going to be okay."

She smiles at you faintly. "Thank you," she whispers. "I couldn't have made it without your help."

"How are you feeling?" you ask.

"I'm still in a lot of pain," she admits. "But it's getting better. The healers tell me I should be able to get up in a few days."

You sit with her for a while longer, chatting quietly and catching up on all that has happened since the attack. Eventually though, she grows tired and you realize it's time to let her rest.

"Rest well," you whisper, kissing her forehead. "

"Nella walks beside you, taking in the beauty of the gardens."

"Well, ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a knight," she says with a small smile. "I admired the strength and honor of the knights who protected our kingdom. And I wanted to be able to do the same."

She pauses for a moment, lost in thought. "When my father died, trying to help some travelers, it just solidified that desire in me. I wanted to be able to protect people like he did, even if it meant putting myself in danger."

Nella looks up at you, her eyes bright with emotion. "And I have never regretted my decision. Being a knight is hard, but it's also incredibly rewarding."

"I understand," Nella says, nodding thoughtfully. "Everyone has their own path in life and what they are meant to do. And love is a powerful thing, one that shouldn't be sacrificed unless it is truly necessary. It sounds like you made the right decision for yourself."

She smiles warmly at you. "And who knows? Maybe you'll find a way to incorporate some of those monk-like values into your life while still living a life full of love and excitement."

Nella's eyes widen slightly in surprise at your sudden gesture and words, but she soon smiles softly and takes your hands in hers. "I believe that everything happens for a reason, Scipio," she says gently. "And if fate has brought us together, then I am grateful for it."

She pauses for a moment, glancing down at your intertwined hands before looking back up at you with a determined expression. "As for where I go from here, well...I don't know yet. But I do know that I cannot let the injustices I have witnessed go unpunished. The traitors who killed my comrades and betrayed our King must face justice. And if that means fighting to protect the innocent, then I will do so. And if you wish to stand by my side and fight with me, Scipio, then I welcome your

Nella's expression darkens as she listens to the man's news. "Betrayal upon betrayal," she mutters under her breath.

She takes a deep breath and turns to face you, meeting your gaze with a determined look in her eyes. "We cannot let this go without consequences," she says firmly. "I may be wounded, but I will not let my comrades' deaths go unavenged. And if this new king wishes to make peace with the very kingdom we fought against, then I fear for the safety of our people. We must act quickly and gather our forces. Will you stand by my side, Scipio?"

Nella nods solemnly, taking your words into consideration. "You're right, we cannot rush into things blindly. We need to take stock of our allies and devise a strategy before we make any moves."

She takes a deep breath, steeling herself. "But I won't rest until I've brought these traitors to justice. And when the time comes, I will be ready to fight." She looks at you with a fierce determination. "And I know I can count on you, Scipio, by my side."

Nella looks down, sadness etched on her face. "I'm afraid there are not many left that I can trust. Most of my comrades were betrayed by the very ones we thought to be our allies."

She takes a deep breath and looks at you. "However, there is one person that I trust above all others. My mentor, the knight who taught me everything I know. If anyone knows what to do, it's him."

She pauses for a moment before continuing. "He lives in a small village in the outskirts of the kingdom. It's quite a journey, but we could make it there with time. Are you willing to help me?"

"Thank you for asking, Scipio. I'm getting better with each passing day. Though, the wound from the spear can be quite painful at times. But I'm glad to be on this journey with you. I feel like I can trust you. I'm grateful that fate brought us together as well. Who knows where this journey will lead us. It's important to keep moving forward and see where life takes us."