Chapter 58: The Herbalist's Hut
POV: Adam
The hut emerged from forest shadows like memory made manifest, timber walls weathered by decades of exposure while herb gardens created geometric patterns that spoke of knowledge accumulated through patient observation rather than formal education. Smoke rising from the chimney carried scents that reminded Adam of Helga's cottage—medicinal plants and careful preparation mixed with the particular comfort that came from sanctuary maintained by someone who understood healing.
Isolated by choice. She chose this isolation from civilization.
Tomira appeared in her doorway before they announced their presence, weathered hands wiping soil from fingers while her eyes studied their approach with evaluation that spoke of someone whose survival depended on accurate assessment of visitor intentions.
Knows Geralt. Past history between them.
"White Wolf," she said, her voice carrying recognition mixed with concern that suggested their arrival indicated problems beyond routine social visit. "Been some time. These are the ones causing all the commotion?"
Without questions. Offering sanctuary without demanding explanations.
The interior revealed workshop that rivaled professional alchemical laboratories—rare plants suspended for drying, distillation equipment that spoke of serious chemical knowledge, reference texts that covered subjects most healers learned through apprenticeship rather than scholarship.
Proper healing. Finally, proper medical attention in controlled environment.
[Relationship Established: Tomira 30/100 - Respected teacher/student]
The medical exchange that followed provided education that formal training couldn't match, Tomira's decades of practical experience merging with Adam's supernatural abilities to create knowledge synthesis that benefited both participants.
Mutual education. Both learning from each other.
"Your healing works through water manipulation," Tomira observed as she watched Adam address wounds that conventional medicine would require weeks to treat. "Fascinating application. Show me the precise technique."
Week-long apprenticeship. Condensing years of knowledge into intensive training.
The instruction covered plant identification that could mean difference between healing and poisoning, extraction methods that preserved active compounds while eliminating toxic elements, compound preparation that combined ingredients for synergistic effects that exceeded individual components.
Portable alchemy kit. Creating equipment I can carry.
The apparatus she assembled for his continued use represented compromise between functionality and portability—essential tools and concentrated materials that would allow potion creation without requiring permanent laboratory access.
Knowledge trade. Teaching her waterbending enhancement techniques.
Adam's demonstration of how magical healing could amplify natural medicine revealed possibilities that traditional alchemy couldn't achieve independently, supernatural restoration working through principles that conventional understanding couldn't adequately map.
[Skills Gained: Alchemy (Basic), Herbalism (Intermediate)]
[Items Gained: Portable Alchemy Kit, Rare Herb Collection]
The warning that Tomira provided carried weight that came from observing environmental changes through perspective that spanned decades of careful attention to natural rhythms and seasonal patterns.
Ancient knowledge. She possesses knowledge from old legends.
"Frost in spring," she said, her voice carrying concern that went beyond simple weather observation. "Temperature anomalies, spectral riders reported across multiple kingdoms. Wild Hunt has returned."
Hunting her family line for generations. Elder Blood targeted across multiple generations.
The explanation that followed painted picture of pursuit that transcended individual lifetime, interdimensional hunters whose interest in Ciri's bloodline represented strategic objective rather than personal vendetta.
Weaponize her power. They want to use Elder Blood to conquer dimensions.
"Not possession," Tomira continued, her weathered hands grinding herbs with movements that spoke of someone processing terrible knowledge through familiar actions. "Weaponization. Her power could open permanent portals between worlds."
True purpose. First clear explanation of Hunt's ultimate goals.
The implications sent cold calculation racing through Adam's mind as he processed scope of forces that viewed Ciri not as person to be captured but as instrument to be claimed for purposes that threatened reality's fundamental structure.
Dimensional barriers. Need magical instruction specifically for dimensional protection.
[Experience Gained: 300 XP]
[Level Progress: 27 (95% toward 28)]
Their departure from the hut carried more than improved health and expanded knowledge—understanding that their situation required solutions extending beyond individual capability while time constraints made comprehensive preparation impossible.
Doesn't expect to see us again. Her expression suggests she expects us to die.
Tomira's farewell carried weight that spoke of someone who'd given them everything her knowledge could provide while understanding that such assistance probably wouldn't prove sufficient against forces whose capabilities transcended mortal comprehension.
Knowledge that might help. Given us tools that might help but probably won't be enough.
The path ahead wound through forest that felt less threatening after week of sanctuary, but carried them toward challenges that required innovation rather than application of existing techniques.
Together. Facing impossible odds together.
Looking at Ciri's profile as morning light painted her features with hope that their brief respite had allowed, Adam understood that some education came through discovering how much remained unknown despite apparent progress.
Ready. More ready than before, but still insufficient.
The road stretched toward whatever answers magical community might provide, leading away from sanctuary that had restored their bodies while revealing scope of problems that individual courage couldn't solve through determination alone.
Ancient forces. We're fighting ancient forces with modern hearts.
Some battles required weapons that existed only in legend.
+1 CHAPTER AFTER EVERY 4 REVIEWS
MORE POWER STONES == MORE CHAPTERS
To supporting Me in Pateron .
Love [ In The Witcher With Avatar Powers ]? Unlock More Chapters and Support the Story!
Dive deeper into the world of [ In The Witcher With Avatar Powers ] with exclusive access to 40+ min chapters (up to chapter 60 for other tiers+ 5 chapters every week ) on my Patreon, plus new fanfic every week! Your support starting at just $5/month helps me keep crafting the stories you love across epic universes like [ Game Of Throne ,MCU and Arrowverse, Breaking Bad , The Walking dead ,The Hobbit,Wednesday].
By joining, you're not just getting more chapters—you're helping me bring new worlds, twists, and adventures to life. Every pledge makes a huge difference!
👉 Join now at patreon.com/TheFinex5 and start reading today!