After three days of relative peace, Isolde began to feel her anxiety ease. The absence of Elynor and the apparent retreat of Malphus allowed her to immerse herself in her studies and experiments with renewed focus. She spent long hours in the royal infirmary, working alongside Mage Natalia to perfect her healing techniques. The ancient tomes and scrolls in the infirmary's library proved invaluable, each page revealing new secrets about the art of raising and controlling the dead.
One particularly productive day, Isolde succeeded in healing a small forest animal - a fox - for a few minutes before releasing it back into the wild.
"Wonderful work!" Natalia patted Isolde's back, "You're improving, Isolde." Isolde smiled, pride evident on her face. "Thank you, Mage Natalia. I couldn't have done it without your guidance." Natalia's lined face creased with a warm smile.
