Recovery

[-Jotherian]

Soft earth and grass cushioned the Elf's collapse as he emerged from the portal. The sounds of the battle ceased to ring in his ears, only to be replaced by a mild headache. The surrounds were familiar to him. He had arrived in a forest glade, fortunate for him, this surrounding would aid his healing. He pushing hard against the moist grass and pushed himself up. His shoulder seared with pain, obviously the medics at the battle did a poor job of patching him up. He placed his left hand on his shoulder, gently soothing the pain, while supporting himself with the right. He rolled over and sat up, taking a better look at the surroundings. A girl stood there, roughly the same age as him. Her face seemed somewhat happy despite the pain the Elf was going through.
"So you're finally awake. You've been out for a while. I found you about an hour ago but couldn't wake you. You were moaning in your sleep though. Something about your Mother?" she said, softly. Jotherian couldn't remember the dreams he just had, but didn't wish to recall them if they involved his mother.
"Where am I?" he croaked. The girl giggled,
"The forest of course! The Deep to be precise. You've quite close to my Fathers hut. If you have enough strength I can take you there and heal you." she said. Jotherian nodded and picked himself up. His shoulder burned again, and he was just about to collapse when strong arms caught him.
"Easy there. Don't worry Tili, I can carry him there." the girl nodded and followed the man who carried the Elf in his arms.

Jotherian awoke again, this time his surroundings had changed. His shoulder no longer burnt, but gently tingled. His eyes focused on two bright blue eyes shining down upon him.
"Hehe! You're awake again!" said Tili enthusiastically. Jotherian sat up, his strength had returned at last. He turned to the girl,
" Who helped me? The man?" asked Jotherian. His question was already answered when a large man entered from another room. He was big, roughly six foot seven. He wore a leather tunic and gold bands upon his arms. He was obviously a soldier from some corp.
"Greetings. Im Tili's father, Haiku. You've been brought to my hut. Don't worry, no one will know you are here." he said. Jotherian was confused. Did he think Jotherian was some sort of outlaw?
"Where have you come from then, sonny?" he said, his deep voice showing signs of pleasantry. Jotherian remembered back to the battle.
"I...I was at some beach. Island...I dont know. Fighting angels. Gah. I can't remember much. I was struck in the back by one. Then I remember hauling myself into a portal and I landed here." summarized the Elf. Haiku nodded,
"I guess you're in this demon war then?" he asked. Jotherian nodded weakly. The man stood up and walked over to a tap. He filled a glass and passed it to Jotherian. The Elf had almost forgotten about his hunger and thirst. He could smell food being cooked also. These people were most generous.
"I thank you for all you are doing for me. Do you know where there is a shrine to Gaia?" he asked. Haiku and Tili shook their heads,
"We dont worship any Gods here. I have not heard of this Gaia though. Local deity?" Jotherian nodded again. Haiku sighed, "There may be one place. To the east of here is a small temple to some sort of harvest goddess. Buts its over run with creatures. Not sure why though. You can try there when you get your strength back." he said. Jotherian smiled and sat back.

[-Jotherian]

Soup had just arrived when Jotherian thought about leaving. His stomach longed for some sort of nourishment, causing the Elf to sigh. Haiku placed the bowl on the table next to Jotherian and sat down on an empty chair,
"Why do you wish to go to this temple any?" he said. Religion had always caught his attention. He never believed in the gods, just his own strength and willpower. Jotherian took some bread and dipped it into the soup and spoke,
"My mage powers, my magical strength, comes from the earth. The earth itself is a well of magical power, forever being refilled when someone casts a spell, or when a being dies. The magical energy returns to the earth. Most mages know how to cast using their magical life force as a supply of energy. My race do not believe in such things. Hence we worship Gaia, the earth Goddess for our strength." he said. Haiku nodded, as if understanding what Jotherian was saying.
"If you need help getting in there, then I will assist you." he said. Jotherian shook his head,
"No thank you. I need to do this alone if I am going to progress in my ability." he said. Haiku nodded again.