The Growing of Healers

Tall grass brushed Hebeny’s legs as she made her way through a large field. Bright afternoon sun shone down on the land and the wind blew as a subtle breeze that tickled her chiseled features. Bright greens, blues, and gold dazzled the surroundings. All morning the young healer walked. Then all afternoon. Small beads of sweat appeared at the girl’s brow and traced their way slowly down her ruddy cheeks. Her body cried out for a stop to rest but the girl knew better. If she did not reach the gate by dinner time, her party would leave without her. This time was no longer her training days in the healing academy where the teachers were strict yet merciful. She had come of age. She was officially a healer now, and she had a mission to fulfill which involved reaching the gate - soon.
Hebeny sighed, relieved as she was nearing the top of another hill. She was certain that this time, she would certainly be able to see the wall and gate in the distance. She cursed aloud in frustration as she stood at the top, one hand on her waist, the other used to wipe her brow. Her body ached. At last she gave in, took a seat on the hill, and gazed out at the flat grassy plains that stretched as far as her eyes could see. The healer squinted her sparkling green orbs and thought to herself ‘where in Valindir is the gate?’
The exhausted girl sighed and placed her face in her hands. “What am I ever to do with myself, oh?” she said aloud. To her surprise, from a few feet away, came a response in the form of a noisy and belligerent snort.