**Chapter 20 - Recovery**
215 Words
Eira gently set Vale and Arlo down atop a black sand dune far from the volcano's molten depths once its glowing ruby core was secured. Both companions sank down exhausted, skin an angry red from the searing exposure during their heist.
"Stay still," Eira urged, rushing to gather ingredients for a soothing salve. Returning, she gently applied the botanical balm to their burns, whispering healing incantations passed down from Caelum's Windwalker elders.
As the redness gradually faded from their skin, Eira sighed with relief. "We shall rest here until you recover before venturing onwards."
Arlo managed a pained chuckle. "I suppose endure was too generous a word. But the core is ours." He gestured where it smoldered hot in the sand nearby.
"It was incredible fortune none of us burned alive down there," Vale said severely.
Eira gazed west to the sea and beyond where their next destined trial awaited. "The elements bless our quest thus far. But blood and fire yet await if we are to reforge the world anew."
She helped Vale and Arlo erect shelter and start a small cook fire as the sun set blood red on the horizon, painting Pyra's sands in hues of what already had been sacrificed. They would need rest to face what was yet to come...
- Writer
