Rising From the Ashes

[LadyLaurestina]

As the rays of sunlight flowed into her chambers, she could see distinct particles of dust floating on high as if they had the wings of a butterfly. As they flitted about and set their wings upon the cocoon covering her of white linen, she picked up her hand and brushed the tears from her cheek. Surly as her heart still beat, there certainly was more dust coming from the open window that looked down upon the courtyard than normal. Perhaps there had not been enough rain? Or was the dust from the activities of late that seemingly had kept her in a semi conscious state of the knowledge, that things were more chaotic here at home, than usual?

Lifting herself onto her elbows, she peered through the diamond dusting of light rays to see if there was anyone sitting yet near her in the comfortable chair. She called out, perhaps in vain; she was not sure,

“ Sir, Roland…. Are you here? Oh sweet cousin, Lucian… Where dost are thee? lady with the soft blue scarf about her head, Lady Saddie? “

Nae hearing any response she lay back down, and concentrated only upon her breathing. Feeling the vibrations of the hooves of the horses beneath her. The sounds of the guards, knights, and Lady Knight Siya? her King ? Augustin ? All sounded very agitated and demanding of tone. The meaning of urgency and strength resounding in their voices, eching within the walls of her chambers.

The sound of dainty little feet in the hallway, the scampering of Millie and Mollie as they peeked in from time to time and seen to it that she was supplied with fresh water. Daily they attended to her personal needs. Today, she would rise and walk and take her place in front of her dressing table. And bathe with rose waters, and work lavender oil into her dry cracked skin. In the midst of such thoughts she once again , dozed off.

Whence there appeared in front of her a presence, almost swan- like, as she floated into her sight. Just as if she swam upon the waters of the horizon, as ephemeral as the waving line on the horizon. Where the cool clear waters meet with the hot steamy skies. As she walked in the lighted dust, seeming floating about her with a genlte grace. The vision of a pure and gentle spirit, surely it was Rayven. Yes, she nodded softly while watching her in amazement. She laid the packet of herbs upon her chest. Little was spoke, but she knew intuitively that this was the lady who she had entrusted her life to. But where was the man? She had been waiting for them both. Listening with every flame of her spirit on fire, she heard,

“ Please get well quickly ‘Stina I can’t manage the task the princess has given me by myself, I need your guidance and your strength.”


As she watched the clean fresh spirited lady walk back through the open door to the hallway, she tried to utter her thanks, but not sure what she wished to say she could only whisper “ Rayven?”

Lifting the package to her nostrils, … the flowers of spring gladdened her heart as she inhaled their essence. Favorite of favorites, the primrose she recognized, as it was the first to appear in the spring, the simplicity of its perfect flower, and it leaves were enjoyed by worms. The cheerful, scent, the “keys of Saint Peter,” had a unique milky scent likened to a cow’s breath or to that of a new baby. Taking in a deep breath, she felt the childish delight of the sweet nectar from the flowers, filling her once again with a lilt of mirth. As a soft smile curved upon her delicate dry lips, the other smell she recognized was borage. If she had the strength she would have broken to a fit of laughter, as this was the herb most able to make men and women glad and merry, as it comforted the heart, dispelled melancholy, and gave courage to any who needed it. She was delighted that the lady who had taken up healing had found such a miracle herb. The flowers are of such a beautiful pure blue, that they were often chosen by the Artists to paint the Madonna’s robe. Flowers were embroidered on fine tapestries and on scarves of jousters. They were included in the page borders of herbals and the Books of Hours. For courage, they were floated into the stirrup-ups given to the knights at their departure. The flower was given the title as a noble herb.

(One of the qualities of borage is that it is known for its high content of calcium, potassium and mineral salts. (The seed of this flower suggests the presence of gamma-linoleic acid and Research has concluded that borage works on the adrenal gland, where courage begins.))

The other herbs used, were detected as mint and lavender, her own personal favorites. As her mind seemed to snap back into reality, she thought, if this was to heal her, wouldn’t it be best to take the packet and make it into a tea? Was it not true that healer, thy must heal thyself as well? Slowly she pushed her self up, and placing the petwer pitcher on the windowsill, where the water would heat up quickly in the heat of the late morn, she popped the sachet of healing herbs into the pitcher. * Smiling*, as now she was able to make her way to her dressing table and bathe. While she waited for the sun to make her tea, and as she applied the lavender oil, with the aide of Mollie, was able to dress in a fresh nightgown. Meanwhile, Millie changed her linens and supplied her with fresh pillows, smiling as she worked to the hum of a soft chapel-like tune. When returning to her bed and sitting upon its edge, she took the pitcher of brewed herbs, and poured the amber liquid into a wooden cup. Sip by sip she drank down the entire contents of the concoction. with each breath felt stronger and more confident. Soon, she would be back on her feet, and able to drink of the fruit wine, and dance to the Bard’s merry songs.

[roland]

As I walk into the room where she lay I hear her soft voice call out my name. All thee need do is call my name M'Lady I shall nae be far off. Thee have need of me? Is there something perhaps I can get thee? A drink, perchance something to eat? My faec seems less drawn this day and a bit more rested. Now that thee are up and about more my mind has been more at ease.

Walking over to thee a reach over and gently press my hand to thy forehead to test for fever. I look at thy face, thy eyes, thy lips and ponder what it would be like to press my lips to thine. For just a moment I let myself wonder to the desire thy lies beneath my beating heart. Then I still those thoughts just as quickly away lest thee see in my eyes the want I have for thee. No woman will hurt me again I have vowed. If there were ever to be one again in my life then she must come to me and prove herself true to me and want to embrce me fully in her heart.

The duties I must do now mean that I need a strong woman by my side to stand next to me with courage. Nae do I needs a woman who's only desire is my wealth and power but me.

Many a day in the past few weeks have I walked in the gardens below the lady's room and search for the elusive butterfly that flew by me oh so long ago. I have given much thought to my friends advice to enter the garden and wait for the butterfly to light upon my hand and dance before me showing her beauty and grace. For her to gently walk upon my arm to come closer yet still slowly advancing to get to know me to test my resovle that nae harm come to her.

Alas I dream. Am I a man watching a butterfly dance among the flowers or a butterfly thinking I am a man. Perchance to dream and be at peace to love and be loved . Tis only in these dreams do I think of such for should I do this in my waking hours surely I will be crushed among the rocks below. My sweet lady if thee were only the one to capture my heart the pain would be over. But this is nae possible for thee are lost to me I think.

[LadyLaurestina]

Startled, she thought she smelled once again the scent a man, was it Sir Roland? Surely it must be. His voice though soft and soothing, she caught a slight trembling of his tongue. There was a certain waver in his voice that she could nae quite distinguish from what he was struggling to keep from her. However, she guessed it had something to do with the state of affairs concerning the welfare of the Castle, and urgent matters that required all to arms. This was only a guess on her part, but by the sounds from outside and now within the castle proper, she could only surmise that something was definitely wrong. Opening her eyes, she searched for his, but when his eyes met hers, he turned his head away while he spoke to her. All the while looking at the walls then the ceiling, and finally to the window. She accepted his uneasiness as again, other matters were pressing upon his mind and she wished nae to give any more discomfort. She had nae checked her self in the looking glass as of late, so perhaps she was nae looking like the lady he once knew. Perhaps he could nae stand to gaze upon her face again. Perhaps an old hag, now she had become. Feeling her face, tried to pinch some color back into her lily-white cheeks.

As he spoke the words,” M'Lady I shall nae be far off. Thee have need of me? Is there something perhaps I can get thee?
A drink, perchance something to eat?

She sat up slowly listening as she rose, nae letting this chance go by. As he took his hand from her forehead and with pleading eyes and a soft whisper answered.

“ Oh aye.... Milord Roland, can you please help me down into the main hall, as I am starved for something substantial, perhaps boiled bone broth, or just a silver of fruit’?

Looking to the wooden Norse designed closet. With intricate decorations of rosmaling, she pointed to her night cloak, lined in white rabbit skin, and ivory of color…. She asked Sir Roland :

“ Might thee get my cloak that I may accompany thee to the hall, where perhaps thee can coax the cook into making me something which you think will aide in my recovery. I thank thee Sir…* bowing her head slowly, but a graceful ease, as a soft smile turned up her pale lips. *

“ Just one more request Sir, if I might ask? Can I please walk on my own accord? Tis on my own accord and strength that I wish to return to the main hall, aye?”

[LadyLaurestina]

((Okays here goes…. Roland I am going to have to force posts you, but very gently ok? …I have to get on with the show here… UFFDA! This is very taxing ya know… * Takes a very deep breath and exhales while I rub my hands together…and warm up my fingers *))


As she sat on the edge of her bed she could swear she heard wooden wheels rolling, and more pounding of horses hooves, the whinnying and the puffing nostrils of horses, and all the commotion going on beneath her window. She swore up and down that there was really something going on.

Taking a deep breath she looked to Sir Roland, but he seemed a bit perplexed to see her rise and look out of the window. She turned her head to him as she gasped, “ WHAT in heaven’s name is going on down there?” As he was turning to walk towards her and offering her his arm to steady her she took great comfort in finding that her body was really giving her more strength than she knew she had. Pointing her hand down to the carts and horses below, her words now stronger and persistent?

“ No, let me be....I will not return to that bed, can’t you see there are men and woman … all looking like they have been though a war down there… I can’t just lay here and feel sorry for myself any longer and wait… No, I am going down there and see what is going on for myself. I will walk on my own volition, and do not need any tending to."

As she picked up a cup of water she leaned over the windowsill and looked down into the courtyard. Why she could nae believe it, there were injured folk everywhere, and no one had bothered to tell her what was going on. Well, she would just have to make sure that these folks were tended to, as she looked down again her hands flew to her face as she Cried out..." NOOOOOOOO.." she thought she saw limp bodies laying in the courtyard...and that made the blood rush to her head in a red alarm.

She walked past the kind Sir who had been dong his best to care for her , And asked him politely to turn his head. While she pulled the dressing screen over to her cupboard hanging on to it for support as well. And Almost falling into the cupboard, head over heels, she clung to the wood frame while she pulled out a dress and tunic, some soft leather slippers and found her leather healers pouch hanging on a hook. . She tore off her night cloths, pulled on her dress and smoothed it out to the best of her ability, but looking down could see she was indeed a bit wrinkled of frock this day. Not bothering to even look in the glass, she pulled her hair back, and fastened it into a golden braid, not able to get it all twisted up properly, strands of golden hair fell about her face, and some seemly felt like her hair was standing up, even matted in places, but at least she was clean. . Though her hands shook, pale and thin she had become, she was not about to let her pride stop her from doing what had been her calling in life. She was on a mission, and as she slammed down another glass of water, she looked back at Sir Roland while she walked like a drunken sailor out of her chambers. She looked back at him as he walked towards her, and once again she held out her hand and said,
“ I will do this on my own, thank you… and I am very thank full to you and all who have helped me to recover, I just need to do this on my own.”

She stomped her foot down as hard as she could, and HE stopped dead in his tracks. He was so handsome it was true, and when he looked at her, his face and eyes clearly gave off the impression that he thought she had gone clean out of her head. BUT, she didn’t care what he thought, or any one else for that matter. She was strong. At least she had to keep telling herself that.


Hanging on to the railing she descended the stairs as gracefully as she could, though her intentions were good, she was certain she would be viewed upon as having had a few too many nips of wine, however, that certainly was not the case. (Not yet). As she entered the main hall, she gasped to see such a sight, why there were two men and two ladies… and a black cat.

Oh my goodness, what ever was going on? The man…..? While Bending over and almost falling on her stomach, she found a walking stick next to the wall. Even though it was at least seven foot tall and crooked as could be, at least she had something to hang on to as she steadied herself and once again peered at such a sight. The ladies she recognized, and the man? Why what on earth was wrong with them?

The one seemed to be suffering from some kind of madness, as he flailed his arms about. They both looked to be a bit out of place in their fancy cloths. However, the man with the frenzied hair, seemed to have somehow just gotten dressed and forgot to tuck his silky shirt in his pants… his sash was around his ankles, and his jewelry was skein all over the stone floor. As all was rearranged on his figure. She though to herself, Aye, this is a predicament if ever I be seeing one, Aye…? That is the French men? Aye the captain that threatened to take her aboard his ship, was it nae? Standing and swaying to and fro she watched while lady Dream, as always composed, trying her best to be the gracious lady and hostess, to these French? Men, and this cat. Lady Letha too was being extremely gracious, and as for herself, she would not be so kind to these men. She remembered then how the one had tried to get her and Lady Andrea into their grasp. There must be a reason that everyone is tiptoeing around here like they were walking on eggshells, and what of the injured folks in the courtyard? This was really a strange situation to walk up to, and heaven knew not what she would do next, but … she had to make a move soon. She was breathing harder as she tried to walk towards the main door, and get out into the courtyard, the pouch slung across her slender shoulders.

[roland]

I followed Stina dow the stairs watching her all the while. Once as she seemed to lurch forwrd I came up quickly behind her ready to catch less she fall. Just as I arrived shre regained her balance and returned to her downward desent.

M'Lady there have many things been going on since you were abed. It seems the french have landed and causing a large stir in the castle. I am here to help thee in any way I can. Perhaps if we sort things out of what is amiss here we can help. I have been accepted as apprentice Chiurgeon in the castle. Part from taking care of you and part from my knowledge before I came to Windstorm. I am much more prepared to deal with war wounds than I am taking care of a beau....a Lady who is ill.

Tell what you may require to take of the people in Windstorm and I will to my best to help. However, until we get a little strength back into you I think that here or the infirmary should be your headquarters for treatment and I should to the errands. Nes Par?