Chapter 64: Healing Arts
"Now then," Elder Molric continued, already moving on to the next lesson, "let's talk about the Woodweave Seal."
His tone was light, almost casual, but something in his expression made me tense. The vine around my neck clearly sensed it too, tightening slightly in anticipation.
"The thing about healing runes," he said, raising his hand, "is that they require a very particular understanding."
"Wait!" I held up my hands, backing away slightly as I caught on to what he was planning. "I can make my own injuries for practice."
The elder's hand dropped, a frown on his face. "Oh. Well, I suppose that works too." He sighed. "Though my method would have been much more interesting..."
Ignoring that concerning statement, I pulled out a small knife I'd started carrying for rune carving practice. The vine around my neck tensed as I brought the blade to my forearm.
"It's okay," I whispered to it. "Just a small cut for training. It won't hurt much."
The vine remained skeptical but loosened its grip slightly, though it kept one tendril hovering near my arm as if ready to intervene.
With careful precision, I drew the knife across my skin, creating a shallow cut about three inches long. Blood welled up immediately, but the wound wasn't deep - just enough to practice on without risking any real damage.