A letter to Lady Loxley

[Rayven]

The moon was dark in the sky again. Windstorm was covered in mist and summer fog this evening as I glanced out the huge lead paned windows that looked out into the night from the small guest study that was situated off the main hall.

Word had come down that the princess was better this evening, but even hearing that good news, I still had not been able to shake the feeling that had plagued me all day.

Still, shaking myself out of the gloomy mood that had seemed to prevail over my spirit this day, I sat down at a small desk and set about the task of addressing the findings of my cataloguing the herbs and potions in the infirmary, a task that had been assigned to me by the princess herself, but one in which she was still to ill to receive.

Dipping the quill into the ink I penned the following note to the Chatelaine of the castle, Lady Loxley:


M’Lady,

I have completed the task of cataloguing the herbs and potions in the infirmary as directed by Her Royal Highness, Princess Edfiel.

Since the dear lady still lay ill I did not wish to bother her with the findings of my task.

Please take note of the following deficiencies in the order in which they were catalogued:

Daftodi (narcissus)
Elecampane
Fox Clote
Great Mullein
John’s Wort
Monkshood
Pasque Flower
Sorrel
Vervain

With the exception of Vervain, I feel the lack of these herbs/potions will not greatly impact the care given to any here in the castle, should they require it.

Lady Laurestina is to be commended for keeping such a wonderful record of remedies as well as the painstaking task of recording each one in her own script. She made my task so much easier by her attention to detail in all matters concerning the infirmary.

If I am allowed, I know where I might be able to obtain some cuttings of Vervain to replenish the depleted supply. I feel it is imperative that we have this herb on hand to treat serious wounds should it ever become necessary to do so.

If I can be of further help to this home, please do not hesitate to call on me, at any hour.

I remain yours respectfully,

Lady Rayven O’Duilleain

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Folds and seals the parchments letting the candle wax drip slowly onto the folded edge, then directs one of the footman to see to it that Lady Loxley receives this post haste in the morning.

[Dream Loxley]

*Rubbing tired eyes she then ran a hand through her thick tousled hair....fingers plying with a matting of knots at the back. She read the note over several times...nodding to herself. She knew many of the plants and did agree the Lady Laurestina had worked very hard to collect such a vast array of healing potions and creams. Glancing to her daughter, who was content to wrap ribbons within her own hair, she sat at her desk and wrote a return letter.*

M'Lady Raven,

Windstorm is truly in ye debt for this work has indeed shown how we may improve on our ability to help those sick or ailing. Some of the plants ye do list shall of course have to wait until the new Spring to be collected, but iffn ye have access to such that ye write of, then please do so. Do nae place yeself in any danger, and our guards will be at ye disposal.

My thanks once again, on behalf of my Home and the Lady Edfeil. She does make good progress and shall be glad of ye company again I am sure.

Dream Loxley

*She folded the note, nae bothering with the Loxley seal as her hand 'twas known to all. Mollie took it with a promise it would be delivered afore she did anything else this morning.*

[Rayven]

Rising up from my bed, feet firmly planted on the cold slate floor, arms raised above my head as I stretched upward, I moved in a quick motion to answer the call at my chamber door.

Taking the note from Mollie’s hand I thank her and quietly close the door, my fingers slipping under the folds of the penned note and reading the words therein.

Letting my eyes fall from the page, a small smile forming on my lips. The day was neither chill nor warm. There was no wind. The sky was a pale blue, a smudge of thin white clouds showing, indicating a change in the weather to come. It would be a perfect day to venture out just beyond the walls of the castle where I knew the woody stalked Vervane grew in dense patches.

The plant was indigenous to this part of England and bloomed until the end of July, which was a perfect time to harvest it since it would dry quickly allowing its medicinal qualities to be on hand in a timely manner should they be needed.

Once dressed, my hair neatly plaited, I sat and penned a short note to Lady Loxley letting her know that I would be riding out this day accompanied by one of the castle guards, to gather this herb in order to replenish the depleted supply in the infirmary.

I handed the note to my chambermaid asking her to give it to Lady Loxley along with my thanks and set out on my mission.