There was a chill in the air as the summer came to an end. With the sun setting Richard was taking a peaceful moment to himself at the tavern. Even though he never drank alcohol he always enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of them. Well until the drunks came out but even then they were still friendly most of the time. Well not today.

Today had seen a gang of anti magic users roll in and they were a very angry bunch. No pleasantries. No niceties. They were lots and proud about how anti magic they were and they could prove it. Richard had heard stories of these people destroying mages labs and even beating them up. If you were a mage you didn't want to meet them unless you fancied a black eye.

They were singing loudly (and badly out of tune) when he noticed a dragon heading towards the forest but they were constantly looking over their shoulder. Clearly she didn't want to be followed and was up to something that could leave them or someone else in trouble. Not willing to take a chance Richard got up and followed them from a distance.

Whoever this dragon was, she was not very subtle. It was clear after only a few minutes of following them they did not know how to not draw attention to themselves. She did everything to do the opposite and didn't see Richard following her. This dragon was very nervous about walking through this forest but she obviously came here for a reason. Richard just didn't know what.

She then stopped at some mushrooms and got down to her knees. Richard hid behind a tree keeping a close eye on her. She pulled out a bag and picked up some mushrooms. She muttered a few words which then caused the mushrooms to glow for a small moment and then put them in the bag. She was a mage. No wonder she was nervous. With the gang around she was at risk of getting hurt.

Just then Richard heard some faint noise from behind and went to investigate. It was the gang. They must have gotten bored of the tavern and decided to head out but were heading straight for the mage. Without thinking twice Richard went back to the mage and placed a hand on her shoulder.

She gasped and turned sharply towards him but Richard his finger to his lips and whispered. "The gang is making its way towards us. Stay close to me". The dragon hesitated but then nodded, grabbed her bag and walked alongside Richard as they made their way back to the tavern.

It was uneventful thankfully. Richard didn't want to deal with them if he could help it as there were simply too many of them and by the time they got back to the tavern the gang was gone though they left a mess. The mage placed her bag down a table. "Thank you. I was afraid what would happen if they found me" she said.

"You should have waited until they were gone. What was so important for you to head out there alone" Richard replied with an annoyed tone.

"I'll have you know I was after medical supplies. Being a healing mage is not easy in these violent times and I needed to replenish my stock. The care of my patients comes before me" she scowled.

Richard smiled "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lecture you. I just didn't want to see mage getting hurt. Your kind do a lot of good for us. Magic is something that I am not familiar with but I understand how powerful useful it can be"

The mage smiled and opened up her hand with a green aura flowing around it. "This is a very simple healing spell. It's the first that any healing mage learns and can heal bruises and small cuts. Something that I get the feeling would be very useful to you"

Richard looked at the mage's hand fascinated. He hadn't seen this spell before and wondered why his master Chiron never told him about it but then remembered that only healing mages can use it and he was no mage. "Shame I can't perform any magic"

"Anyone can perform magic sir knight. You just have to find the right magical branch. There are dozens of them. You should try someday. It could be useful to you"

"I'm quite alright with my sword thanks. I'll leave the magic to the professionals."

The mage put her hand down stopping the spell "Shame but I must get going now. My patients are waiting" She then grabbed her bag "Oh where are my manners. My name is Yoshitoki. What's yours?"

"I'm Richard. Let's hope our next meeting is in a more welcoming surrounding"

"Agreed" She then headed outside whilst Richard went back to his table watching the stars go by.

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This is a great gift I got from the wonderful  yoshitoki92

Richard belongs to me
Yoshitoki belongs to  yoshitoki92
Art by  yoshitoki92