Here's a character idea.

A wise hermit who lived on her own, whose job is to travel around nearby villages to sell medicinal herbs and potions as well as curing any sickness that popped out. With her skill, she could nurse him back to health physically, but mentally? It wouldn't be that simple.

She told him she could use an assistant, which, why reluctant at first, he accepted. She told him he could leave anytime he wanted after all.