"The Aen Elle are not merely elves of another world. They are conquerors, masters of ancient magics that even we druids struggle to comprehend. Their influence stretches across worlds, and if a fragment of that power lingers within you… it may call to them. And if you feel that the all the tales of Wild Hunt are just some tales than you are sorely mistaken." The druid said.
"I know what they are. I know the power they posses." Liam cut him off.
"A single Aen Elle wouldn't be much of a headache. But an army of them with the support of the kingdom? Then it's a different situation." The druid said.
"What does it matter to you? It's not like they are coming after you." Liam said.
"It doesn't but the White Frost is coming. And your presence brings new factors." Cathbad said.
"Doesn't matter to me. You should leave. Our welcome has overstretched by a lot." Liam said. He didn't want to reply anymore as every words would tickle his ribs and only because of his strong pain tolerance that he had been silent without any groan. Liam then closes his eyes, refusing to engage with this old man.
Cathbad sighed and slowly walked out of the hut, followed by Triss. Cathbad and Triss walked in silence for sometime before Cathbad saying.
"I will teach what I know to the child."
This made Triss falter as she didn't expect Cathbad saying that, especially after their hospitality.
"I don't think Liam would like to learn anymore from you. Especially after what had transpired." Triss said. Cathbad shook his head and replied.
"It was my friends who did that. They wouldn't care what I do." Cathbad said.
Cathbad stopped walking and turned toward the trees, raising a hand. He whispered in elvish, his voice merging with the sounds of the forest. A few moments later, the underbrush rustled, and from the shadows emerged a small, white rabbit. Its fur was pristine, and its bright, intelligent eyes shimmered in the dim light.
Triss watched with a mixture of confusion and suspicion as Cathbad knelt, gently lifting the creature in his hands. He turned to her, extending the rabbit toward her.
"Take it," he said. "Give it to the boy."
"A rabbit? What is this supposed to mean?"
"This creature is bound to the land. Its essence carries the strength of the forests, the vitality of life itself. Its presence will aid his recovery far more than any potion you brew."
Triss hesitated but, seeing the solemnity in Cathbad's expression, she eventually took the rabbit in her arms. The small creature didn't resist; instead, it nestled against her.
"I will return in two weeks. By then, the boy will have healed." Cathbad said.
"We'll see."
With that, Cathbad turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving Triss standing there, staring down at the tiny creature in her arms. She glanced toward the hut, where Liam lay resting, and shook her head.
"Well, let's see if you're really as special as he says," she muttered before walking inside.
----
The first few days were difficult. Liam was in and out of consciousness, his body still fighting against the damage inflicted by the druids. Triss did everything she could—healing magic, potions, herbs—but the rabbit never left his side.
It nestled against his chest at night, its small body warm against him. When he stirred in pain, its tiny paws would pat his skin as if soothing him. By the fourth day, Liam was awake enough to notice.
"...What is this?" he muttered.
"A gift. From the druid you hate."
Liam stared at the rabbit, which looked up at him with unblinking eyes. He blinked back.
"You're telling me that tree-loving old man gave me a rabbit?"
"Yes."
"You didn't think to refuse?"
"He said it would help you heal. And judging by the fact that you're actually sitting up now, I'd say he wasn't wrong." Triss shrugged.
Liam scowled, but when he looked at the rabbit, his expression softened just a fraction. He reached out, brushing his fingers over its soft fur. The rabbit nuzzled into his palm, and despite himself, Liam let out a small chuckle.
"Alright, fine. But I'm not naming it."
"Sure, sure. You'll say that now." Liam scoffed but kept his hand on the rabbit, stroking its fur absentmindedly. For now Liam had abandoned the plan of going to his own world and allowing the godly abilities to heal him faster. Pain was a friend of his and thus never minded the pain.
----
Over the next two weeks, Liam's recovery was faster than either of them anticipated. His wounds closed at an unnatural rate, and his strength returned quicker than any healing magic should have allowed.
And throughout it all, the rabbit stayed by his side.
It followed him when he finally stood and took his first steps outside. It sat on his lap when he sharpened his swords. At night, it curled up next to him, a small, warm presence against his chest.
Triss found it both amusing and fascinating. Liam, despite all his stubbornness, had grown attached. He hadn't admitted it out loud, but she saw the way he absentmindedly scratched the rabbit's ears, the way he made sure it had food, the way he let it climb onto his shoulder as if it belonged there.
"You're a weird little thing, aren't you?" The rabbit wiggled its nose at him. "Yeah, yeah. I guess you can stay."
"Told you you'd name it."
"I didn't." Liam scowled.
"You call it 'weird little thing' all the time. That's a name."
"Whatever." Liam groaned. But as he scratched the rabbit's ears and it purred in contentment, Triss knew—he'd already accepted it as his own. But his resting days were soon over as Cathbad showed up as he had promised. Seeing Liam all healed up, he nodded his head, as if he had expected the results long ago. Liam didn't react badly this time as at the end of the day, this old man did help him heal. Though he hardly needed it.
"Child, are you ready to learn magic?" Cathbad said.
"Why did you change your mind?" Liam asked.
----
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