Rising From the Ashes

[LadyLaurestina]

((*She had drank the wood ashes mixed with the ground up pomice stone, and strong spirits, just as she had used to heal Lady Letha*))

Resting in her bed of down and lace, her body lifeless. Trying to open her matted long eyelashes from her pale cheeks, only to behold blurry, distorted images within the confines of her chambers. Raising her hand to touch her face, aware only barely make out the delicate small fingers. The hands that she had used to heal many. Lying silently for quite some time, after giving herself the same cure she had given lady Letha, found she was unable to help herself. Too weak to even sit up, she lay quietly waiting for sleep to consume her once again. The passage of time was inconceivable to her, all she knew was it seemed like months since she last seen any glimpse of any human. Realizing she had not let her condition be known to any, she needed to find a way to seek some help. How could she? If she did not rise and enter the main hall? Touching her lips, now so dry that they could not be parted, reached over to her nightstand. Her hand clasped on a pewter vase witch contained the remains of an schriveled dried rose … pulling the vase to her parched lips…drank the vile contents of the liquid remaining in the vase…. Unaware that the roses thorn had pieced her delicate upper lip. Devoid of any sensation or awareness of pain, only weakness and fatigue had enveloped her. Dehydrated, she was not even aware of the taste of the green scummy water that ran down her throat. Her stomach rebelled, as she leaned her head over the side of the bed, only to empty her stomach of the contents that she just ingested. Wiping her mouth with her night chemise, once again she tired to focus her energies on rising, from the deathbed of white.

Pushing herself up with her elbows, steadying herself, the room swilled in colors of the rainbow about her. Remembering the peace and calm of death as it has moved in to hold her in its embrace; she tried to fight the urge to let her take her once more. Even though it seemed to be the only peaceful answer to her now, she knew that she was needed. That gave her the strength now to slowly swing her legs to the side of the bed. And like a newborn colt, her legs wobbled as she tired to stand. All her body wished to do was collapse back upon the cloud of feather, but fighting back the urge, she once more stood. While her eyes adjusted to the sunlight streaming in from the open window, and seeing her writing desk, she focused on the globe of molten glass filled with the colors of the rainbow. The glass paperweight now brought back the memory of a time when she had been in the best of health, a gift from Tyrun, and that night she had danced around with glee holding that rainbow orb. Her thoughts now swirling about, remembering all the faces she loved and cared for, gave her the strength to forge on. Trying to walk, found she could not get her feet to move, so instead, she fell to the floor and crawled to the door…. Reaching for the latch, realized it was still not repaired, let out a deep sigh of relief, as she placed her finger in the crack of the doorframe and inching the door open, placed her hand into the hallway. Pulling her body though the small opening into the hall…called out in breathless whispers….

”Mollie? Millie? Someone? Please help….? Rosewater please…? I be needings ta bathe and dress………….p,,,l,,,ea,,,seeeeeeeeeee”

[Dream Loxley]

((Splendid post! Welcome back......*Mumbles about my housekeeping skills to have left you rotting away there* ))

[Millie and Mollie]

*Both girls helped the Lady back to her chambers.....mumbling about her being stubborn and all. Millie changed the bedding once again and then took away the chamber pot from the side of the bed....they had been doing this daily whilst the poor lady had laid in a fitful slumber broken only by her wretching.

Mollie helped the lady to wash herself then...and slipped a clean chemise over her frail body.....then she helped her to move towards the clean bed.*

"Milady...yers dun wants ta be movins about now.....we 'as bin caring fer yas all tha while....iffen yas 'ad looked...there be water a fresh in tha jug. Now.....yers wants ta rest or whats Milady?"

*The question remained.....was the Lady indeed ready to seek the company of others in the Hall....or content to stay within the confines of her chambers.*

((Sorry *S* couldn't have had you there all alone and not tended to))

[roland]

Seeing both Mollie and Millie scurry down the hal towards a room that appeared to have long been without life I went to investigate the reason for the excitment of the the twin maids. As I entered the room my heart began to beat quickly first from seeing her again the from the paleness of her face. What is amiss here Mille? Where, what, why is this happening? *Thinking to myself could this really be her? I had to clear my mind and believe she was really here.* Stina I whispered is it really you? What ails thee? Oh my poor sweet....*I must not say the words in my heart* Lady thee does have need of medical Help. *Holding your hand I lean over to look into your eyes and rbush your forehead with my hand our lips coming ever so close but to be denied* Thee have a fever. Mollie run and fetch cool water and a clean cloth. Mille help me to remove these covers and get her out of these heavy gowns.

[Halethala]

((*A wave of dizziness and sereve nausea envelopes Letha at the very MENTION of that vile vile potion . .

Goodness, 'Stina! No one can paint descriptives quite like YOU . . ooof . . *HUUUGS* glad to see you back, though I am going to petition the King to declare that treatment of yours OUTLAWED from these lands, I think . . ;D))

[Rayven]

((OOC...hugs and welcomes you back. Gosh, I've missed not seeing you! When your character is better, Rayven would like to meet with her to discuss some things. *S))

[LadyLaurestina]

Being pulled gently by two sets of loving arms, but non the less she knew she was almost dragged back into her chambers and she was not pleased to be in this position. However, the disquiet ness of her soul soon found repose once inside her chambers again.

The smell of fresh linins gave her that immediate rush of fresh tranquility and a newfound hope that she may yet be able to survive her malady. Feeling the gentle hands cleanse her, and take away the stench that had impetrated her very essence, she welcomed the help as she whipped the warm rose petal water, splashing it upon her body with soaked linen cloth. Putting her arms up, the white pure, clean chemise slipped over her drenched wet hair, now also smelling of lavender and rose. As she tried to comb her hair of the snags and matted snare’s, she resisted when one of the lovely lasses took the bone comb and genteelly caressed her though her locks of flaxen tress. She reeled to the side and to and fro often, as her loss of balance stuck her like a mighty wind, as she bent over and tried to hold herself steady.
When the lasses, had finished cleaning her up, once again helping her to the bed of purest white, now she remembered the snow… the night she had made snow angels in it. Taking a deep breath, felt her being gently lay down slowly by the strong but gentle arms. Feeling the soft caress of the sheets and quilts being pulled up over her. Gently laying back her head into the feather pillow she was filled with such joy white she pressed the top sheet over her face and inhaled deeply. The air-cleaned sheets smelled of wildflower, pines and water falls, she closed her eyes and whispered “Thank you.” To the young lasses who stood over her, their faces seemed a bit agape, but she was not sure why. Opening her eyes just long enough to see them then move about and fill a fresh basin of water. The other, a small jug next to her bed with a goblet filled to brim with sparkling clear water. She found the strength to smile faintly, weakly, but gratefully to the lasses.

Realizing that the figures she had seen come to and fro in her chambers had been them, replenishing the water, but to her she had thought of the figures as ghostlike presences, that were here to take her into God’s embrace. Now, it became clearer, she had been thoroughly and inevitably been gone to the world for some time.

As the lasses were just about to leave she heard the strides of booted feet, a lords walk she thought coming up the hall. She tired to open her eyes to looking towards the doorway, but only through thin slits of soft blue could she make out a tall lean figure. Again her senses were alerted, she could smell something very comforting. Leather, and a musky outdoor odor, of one that had been in nature for a long time, it was definitely a masculine form but she knew not who or why he was there. As he came closer, she took a shallow breath, and tired to savor the fragrance as she heard soft words, her name being called? Stina, was that her name? When softly and ever so delicately her forehead was being laid with a soft warm hand. His hand seemed to emanate a healing radiating presence as his fingers Melted into her face. It felt like the warm, soothing, flowing of smooth warm wax. , She did not flitch or try to pull away, for it was someone she knew, and he had the healers touch, it was as clear as a diamonds ray, clearing her hazy, foggy vision. She felt his breath not far from her nose, and again took in the aroma, of yes a man, who was not a smoker, nor heavy into the use of Meade nor wine. He smelled of herbs and spices, and his breath warmed her cold face, his hand upon her forehead slowly warmed her whole body, inch by inch…. Creeping down her neck, into her shouldered, down her spine, into her hips and then her legs. A soft tingling spinning it's way down to her very toes. Trying to decipher his words, she opened her eyes enough to see a handsome concerned face glowing like as if he had a halo about his face. He was right up close and personal in front of her, her eyes now opening wider, completely captivated, and drawn to his nurturing composure.

What did he say? She couldn’t quite understand what was happening, and why a Lord would be in her chambers, perhaps it was a priest and she really was dying. The thought eluded her and she let it pass, as if it were to be such, she would welcome it with open arms. Death would be a welcome repose to what her body desired now. Her mind wouldn’t let go though; she could hear him say… or was it just his gentle loving hand on her brow saying such?

“Stina is it really you?”

Her eyes flew open to the sound of her name, the softness, the clarity of the words resounded in her head…. * she looked into his eyes, so close, so soft, and so very concerned. In that split second, she nodded and whispered so that the soft rush of air escaped from her parted lips brushed against his…. “Ayyye…tis I…Stina. ”

And yet another phrase of words that ringed melodically into her very soul….

“What ails thee?”
But she could nae respond, but only starred straight at his lips now, watching his mouth move, feeling his warm breath, memorized by his touch, her voice and her smell. Now almost lost in the nearness of slumber, or death, either way it felt like she was being invited into a grand hall filled with white clouds of flowers and cascading water falls. It was becoming increasing difficult to stay with him, to listen. She wanted to just drift away, and very soon now she knew she would be gone. She shook with a startle, as Again words….

“Lady thee does have need of medical help?”

Now the clouds of peace had moved in as she was drifting right straight into them, she head herself whisper in a soft breathless voice. “Aye mi…Lord…………..needs help………… aye… please?”

Just before the angels of slumber really took their hold and flew her away, she reached out her hand and touched the Lord’s cheek and once more tired to speak…” the garden…. please…ohh please…”

[LadyLaurestina]

((ooc thank YOu for the welcome back notes Dream, Edfeil, Augustin, Rayven and last but never least dear Letha... ah yes, this is quite the cure isn't it? Almost killing me let me tell ya, yes we need a verdict to outlaw the treatment, and yes Rayven I look forward to speaking with thee soon, and please feel free to join in as Roland is making his healing debut.....and Dream Thank thee for not leaving me all alone in that room...*laughs* See you all soon! As soon as I can escape * EG*))

[LadyLaurestina]

((ooc....I am terribly sorry...I forgot yet one who is ver special, known for hid grasp of the written word , but thank you as well Lord Abiyo, as from you the compliment was most appreciated , I thank you for your kind words and reaffirmations.... Thank you kind Sir))

[roland]

*Mollie and Millie had told me that they indeed had helped the Lady with her cleansing and had brought clean sheets and liad her to rest*.
*My eyes filled with tears at the words spoken by her, The garden oh please oh please*. M'Lady the garden awaits thee when thee are well enough to walk. Thee needs rest now. *taking my hand and touching her wrist I check for the pulse...nae string but there and nae problems to concern.* Looking down at her face I want so to touch her lips to, feel her close to me, to hold her in my arms but it is nae for me she has chose another.

Mollie bring a large chair for me I just stay here until she has fully recovered. You and your sister are to take turns sleeping for at any hour I may call upon thee for help. make sure no one is to disturb her. When she does awake enough you are nae to say I have been here. She must nae know this for she ..........just never speak of this to her please. My hand softly slips into hers as I sit upon the floor to await the chair to be brought. *Mollie and Millie have brought a guard with them to carry the chair into the room. before he leaves I tell him not to speak of my being here to no one*. * set upon the chair that has been brought over next to her bed and after some time I fall to sleep dreaming of a butterfly.*

[lordAbiyownah]

((I must truly applaud Lady Laurestina on moving my heart to tears for such descriptive writing...and welcome back to your home...I look forward to the continuence of this thread))

[Sadhbh the Dove]

(Welcome back Laurestina, it is good to see you again. I would write to this string yet my time is short afore I become an inconsistant creature again *smiles* see you on the other side *W*)

[sadhbh]

*The day had been bright and Sadhbh had busied herself with her herb gathering, herb drying and the preparation of ointments, lotions and medicines for what ailments she could recall. Her hand of late had come used to writing down all the cures and remedies her Mother had passed down to her. She had even drew another parchment to write down what new and foreign cures she had encountered. She missed Lady Laurestina and hoped somehow to see her soon. It was said that she wished for few visitors. It amused her for what was it said about the healer..they were always the worst patients. So, that evening the woman in blue cast a shawl about her golden locks and set out to the chapel to pray for her health.

Time passed before her resolve grew and she approached the goodly Ladys door. Her knocks were soft in case she were sleeping, in a way she hoped that she was asleep; it was oft the best remedy of all. Concern creased her brow at the plight of the Ladys who lived here. Who was next?....what was this strange affliction. Surely the Good Lord did not mean such maladys to plague the House of Windstorm... She looked about.. Mollie and Millie seemed abuzz with activity. It seemed that they always held a smile for all and their hands were forever busy in their work. Sadhbh thought them loyal servants, ones surely would not dishonour any House they served.
She looked away, back to the door awaiting an answer if there would be any. Her visit would be brief if needed and not too tiring. Within she prayed that the Ladys health was improving...*

(*SS* I thought...ta heck with it *G*)

[Sinold Bragasson]

(Welcome back, Laurestina!)

[LadyLaurestina]

The candles were lit and in the breeze their flames danced brazenly as the flickering light left shadows upon the stone walls. The smell of beeswax filled the room with it delicate aroma.

Waking to the smell, she thought perhaps she was in a chapel, was she laying in rest? * alsmost cries that sheis still alive.* Looks about, and upon furture investigation seen that she was indeed still in what appeared to be her own chambers. The flames mesmerized her, and though her eyesight was less than clear, her memory seemed to wane and ebb, her senses however remained keener than ever.

She heard a soft knocking, and wondered if indeed the winds had picked up and the old willow tree had decided to play her drumming composition. Wondering turned her head to left to look at her door, indeed the source of where the sound softly resounded. So, dry her mouth that she felt like not a word could she utter, she managed to squeak out, “ please enter…” Looking again to the left she thought she could see a figure sitting very still, but she was again not sure if her mind was playing ticks on her. Could it be that someone else was sitting in her chambers, listening again, heard the door squeak open, and looking into the dark recesses of the room heard instead the sounds of soft, regular breathing, as if someone were lost in slumber. * Placing her hands on her throbbing forehead… . The headache and stiff neck were becoming increasing more intense, and she waited once again for the angels of mercy to take her back into the folds of unconscious dreams.

The even turbulent waves of nausea contiued to toss her stomach around with vile pain, that left her completely disorientated and unable to focus or see anything clearly. Once again she felt so very cold, and wondered what it felt like to be dead, would it be this cold? Lying in a pool of drenched sweat, she could only imagine how she smelled.

Placing her hand to her side and then on her stomach, she longed to get into something dry and warm.

Looking to her small hearth she remembered now that two Lords had been here, but when? She remembered one to be massive in muscle mass and the other seems like a priest, she vaguely remembered them, as she looked to the smoldering fire. Was she indeed in the garden, or was it another dream, like all the other visions that danced like wisps of clouds through her mind. Didn't she hear what she thought were words from yet another Lord, that ....said to her ever so softly and with such a sorrowfull tone....

* M'Lady the garden awaits thee when thee are well enough to walk. Thee needs rest now.*

She could not bring herself to hold her hands up without feeling the tremulous shaking that forced to let each hand now rest one at her side and the upon her stomach. Not able to speak more than a few words at a time, she wondered what had become of her gift of gab? Words did not come easy now, and were not free to escape her parched lips. The taste of something terribly bitter filled her mouth with distain, she made a face, trying not to made her head move for fear of either having to turn her head as her stomach would revolt again or her head would explode....

Gently and slowly, now turning her head to the door once more. There stood the the most beautiful lady she had ever seen, radiantly she was cast with a blue halo about her head… now this is the angel of death? ahhhh..... yes! Was the figure in the chair a priest? She closed her eyes and waited for the sweet bliss of deaths embrace.