The Bree-land Free RP

The fair valley of Rivendell, upon whose house the stars of heaven most brightly shone.
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"Bree was the chief village of the Bree-land, a small inhabited region, like an island in the
empty lands round about. Besides Bree itself, there was Staddle on the other side of the hill,
Combe in a deep valley a little further eastward, and Archet on the edge of the Chetwood.
Lying round Bree-hill and the villages was a small country of fields and tamed woodland only a few miles broad.

"The Men of Bree were cheerful and independent: they belonged to nobody but themselves;
but they were more friendly and familiar with Hobbits, Dwarves, and Elves, and other inhabitants
of the world about them than was (or is) usual with Big People. According to their own tales
they were original inhabitants and were the descendants of the first Men
that ever wandered into the West of the middle-world."


- Narrator, from The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring - At the Sign of the Prancing Pony

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Bree-town: Bree is the largest of the four villages of the Bree-land and mainly home to Men but there are Hobbits, the Little Folk, who they live in perpetual harmony with; the halflings dwell on the higher slopes of the Hill above the some hundred stone houses of the Big Folk. Bree is found at the junction of the Great East Road and the Greenway and so is a popular stopping place for travelers. Ruffians and burglars from the South have wormed their way inside.

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Staddle: Staddle is the town on the other side of the gentle slopes of the Hill and is home to a greater Hobbit population. This is a farming community where halflings till the earth outside their Hobbit-holes, producing crops and pipeweed although a different sort than that grown in the Shire.
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Combe: Combe is an agricultural community people by Men and Hobbits working the arable land. It's located in a deep valley nearby the Bree hill to the east between Archet to the north and Staddle to the south. Combe sits on the border of Chetwood, the great forest that lay between Bree-land and the Midgewater Marshes. Farmers, ranchers, vintners, and brewers can be found here. Weary vagabonds can relax at the Comb and Wattle Inn, one of the places Bilbo rested in during his adventure, owned by Lisbeth Honeymeade (Aigronding). There are a few castles of the ancient Cardolan monarchy here either in ruins or wholly intact
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Archet: Archet is the most northerly part of Bree-land and lays nestled amidst the eaves of Chetwood.
Here are the homes of the hunters and the woodcutters and the foresters who protect the Chetwood.


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Chetwood: The last remnant of the ancient woodland of Eriador which Sauron's minions didn't burn. It takes three days to journey through this paradise of bright leaves and blissful serenity. Foresters can often be seen caring for both the wildlife and the growth of plants; these woodwards are responsible for stopping poachers and searching for outlaws hiding in the woods escaping pursuit from their crimes in the Bree-land. There are some towers here, ruined or unbroken, which belonged to nobles of the Cardolan royalty in bygone days
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Rules:
This is a Free RP, a thread where you write your own stories
within the Bree-land and without GM direction.
All are welcome.
The year is TA 3014 but "Flashback RP'ing", writing in the past, is permissable.
You may write alone and mark your post(s) as private or you may team up with a member.
The Rivendell Activities OOC can be used for out of character posts and plotting viewtopic.php?f=10&t=34 .
Last edited by Eriol on Tue Sep 15, 2020 5:02 am, edited 9 times in total.

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Arden Redbrush
Sheepshade Farm, Combe

Outside her window, a gentle snow was falling. Arden muttered under her breath at the sight of it as she slid out of bed. Outside of her covers, the air was laced with cold, and she shivered but fought the desire to crawl back in. Instead, she crept over to the window and pressed her nose against the glass. When Thorley woke up, he’d be ecstatic to see the snow. It had been a fairly warm winter and none had fallen yet. Over the past few days, winds from the north had brought a chill, and now they were bringing these flakes. She was pleased to see that it didn’t seem to be sticking—yet. That meant she had time to take the sheep out to pasture to get some grazing done. If the snow did settle in she’d have to take them back to the lean-to, where they could subsist on hay until the storm had passed. She didn’t like to keep them cooped up, though. She peeled her nose away from the window and hastened to get dressed. She made sure to put on enough layers to keep her warm for a few hours out in the fields. She put on long underwear, thick woolen trousers, a woolen blouse, a fleece-lined vest, and a large, knee-length woolen coat that had leather panels on the outside. Then she tugged on her old, mud-encrusted boots and added a lush green scarf that her ma used to wear. Last but not least was a cream-colored hat that almost covered up her eyes and kept her ears nice and toasty.

She was careful not to make any of the floorboards creak as she sneaked down the hall past her father’s bedroom, and then past her brother Thorley’s. Usually she didn’t get up too much earlier than her father Langdon, as he had his own duties around the farm to take care of, mainly to do with the horses. But she was up a bit earlier than usual, to get a head start on grazing, and wanted to let him get as much sleep as he possibly could. He was always overworked, since he had to take care of her and Thorley without help from anyone else. Their ma died eight years ago, right after giving birth to Arden’s little brother. She didn’t blame him for her death, and was mostly just sad that he never got to know her. Her absence made things harder on her father, but now that Arden was older and no longer in school, she had some independence to help where she could. Still, the days ran him ragged, and the more sleep he could catch, the better.

The steps whined a little under her boots but she managed to make it downstairs without making too much of a racket. Arden heard the jingle of the collar-bell on her dog Twiglet stirring from his bed. The border collie padded up sleepily, wagging his tail nonetheless. She scratched him behind his ears and whispered good morning. It was even colder down here, and she poked at the embers in the hearth, watching sparks putter in the coals. They made a little hissing sound in the flat silence of the house. It was not always this quiet. Once Thorley awoke he would fill it with sound, his boyish laughter and running footsteps. But she would be gone when he arose, and he would be at school when she returned, so she would just have to imagine his little chaos. Arden went to the larder and rummaged around for some foodstuffs to take out with her. She wouldn’t waste time on eating breakfast here, but could eat once the sheep were out and feasting as well. She wrapped up a few pieces of bread with beans cooked into the dough, grabbed a large yellow apple, and a few strips of jerky. That would tide her over until later. She tucked them away into her small leather knapsack and slung it over her shoulder. All the while Twiglet watched her expectantly, knowing exactly what this routine of hers meant.

Her staff leaned on the wall next to the back door, and she took it in her hands, feeling the familiar smooth touch of the wood against her skin. Over the years the staff had worn away under her palm, and there was now a perfect groove where she grasped it. It was made of cherry, though its reddish-brown color had faded under influence of all kinds of weather. The bottom was covered in dirt and grass and a bit of sheep’s wool. Those were, after all, the three ingredients that went into the making of a shepherdess, Arden thought with a sly smile. She tugged her hat farther down around her ears and opened the door. Twiglet snaked out in front of her, racing down the steps before she went out.

The pastures of Sheepshade Farm glided out before her, their gentle inverted curves shaped by the valley in which Combe lay. It was a modest farm, but she loved it more than she could say. There were two main pastures; the one nearest the house was for the horses, and contained their stable, painted a peeling blue and white. Beyond that lay the sheep corral, where she could see the sheep huddled together near their three-sided lean-to. They blended well with the snow, except for their black faces and feet. Twiglet was already running up and down the length of their fence. She felt a twinge of affection for them, and started down the stairs. She looped around the horse pasture, which was empty, its usual inhabitants still inside keeping warm. Twiglet met her by the small gate on the side. The sheep baaed when they heard her let herself into their corral; some of the younger ones came toddling over to greet her, then instantly got distracted and went away again. Arden laughed. She loved her sheep, but the creatures were never very smart. On instinct Twiglet went after them, rounding them back up into a neat little pile again.

Arden clucked to them, well, mostly to Twiglet, and he brought them over to the gate at the end of the pasture, which was large enough to fit about five sheep abreast at once. She unlatched the gate and pushed it open, allowing the dog to hustle the herd through before she closed it behind them. Humming to herself, she followed. Her job wasn’t very difficult, not with Twiglet around. She loved the collie dearly. She had given him that silly name when she was ten, but it suited him. He was intelligent enough to mind the herd, but had a touch of dopeyness that made him adorable. She whistled to him and he moved the sheep to the right.

Together they struck out into the countryside of Combe, where she had lived all her life. It was a beautiful valley south of Archet and not far from Bree-town itself, though it had none of the hubbub, of which she was glad. She loved her peaceful little life with her family and her sheep, and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even in the snow, she loved it. She admitted that the weather was beautiful, as they made their way out into the best fields. It made it a little harder to see the sheep ahead of her, but as long as she kept near, as she always did, it wasn’t a problem. They bleated a little more than usual in complaint, but they still had all their wool, so she knew they were fine. She called to Twiglet to stop when they reached good grazing ground, and he herded the sheep to a stop. They were in a wide swath of field near a small hill. On the hill grew a stand of trees—good, solid trees that were green the whole year round. Arden made sure that the sheep were happy and already grazing before she trekked up the hill and made herself comfortable with her back against the trunk of a pine. She settled in between the roots to watch the sheep. Eventually Twiglet might come and lie next to her, but he was still too full of energy, and was running around the sheep to make sure they were still in line, even though they seemed to have no interest in anything but grass at the moment.

Arden reached into her pack and took out her food and a book she’d brought along. She’d been reading it for a long time. She was a bit of a slow reader, especially since she was usually distracted, having to keep an eye on the sheep and whatnot. The book was about the origin of the town of Combe as well as Archet in the north. It was an interesting read, if not very fast-paced. She unwrapped a slice of bean-bread and began to read, the boughs of the tree shielding the book from the snow.

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A Mole Story: The Tale of Astaro


- Private, Only for Now -



Author's Note:

This is the Third Part of Astaro's journey to Rhûn on the errand of Hatholdir
and to unexpectedly reunite with the love of his life, his king's daughter who is working with the Eastern Rebels.
The novella will take place over multiple threads in the Imladris Forum in epic fashion
because the Mole will have quite a few slight detours along the way. The first portion
is not written yet but will take place on Tol Noldarë, the Island of the Moles,
in the Ever On: The World Beyond thread. The second part was his introduction
in The Inn of the Prancing Pony thread. This segment's starts from the point my
post ended with Edward Sugarplum speaking of trouble in the Chetwood. I originally
intended to leave this passage there but decided moments ago that
it would clutter the activity with my own characters talking back and forth. A few locations mentioned
here are of my own creation but there are some I've taken from LOTRO and adapting for my own use
and to be referenced in other threads like Osdolen and The Hill Watch for the benefit of RPers.



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What's this about disappearances?" Astaro asked, idly rolling a thumb along the glass of Linyamaril brandy. He was a Mole which meant he was not just a miner or smith but a warrior as well and one of the toughest Edward knew.

Edward sighed. "Twelve dozen loggers haven't returned to the lumber mill in Combe Valley nor their homes in the villages of the Bree-land," Edward explained. He was talkative as all bartenders are but he knew Astaro didn't mind. The Pony was a good place for news, whether it be local or tidings brought from afar. "I've had good friends among the shantyboys and lumberjills working in the great forest of Chetwood. Some of those I haven't seen in a month. Families are worrying that they've been killed by Orcs raiding Trestlebridge or captured by the Blackwolds. Sherriff Miles Brackenbrook has assured the public the Hill Watch will be investigating with the Rangers of the North."


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"I'm sorry to hear of the late unplesantness."
Astaro was quiet for a moment, sitting grimly. "There shouldn't be Orcs terrorizing Eriador this far west," he stated with a firm voice. "Not unless -"

"They are coming from then North," interjected the red-haired Dwarf in the black coat whom Edward had given an inky King Henry ale. He stroked his bushy beard thoughtfully. "Not from the East where the Mordagnirs maintain their sleepless watch."

"Are you suggesting these Orcs attacking Trestlebridge are from Carn Dûm?"
Astaro wondered, lifting an eyebrow sharply. "Angmar was so utterly defeated that not a man nor an Orc of that realm remained west of the Mountains."

The Dwarf gazed at Astaro with his steely blue eyes as he downed his hoppy beverage and swept the foam off his ginger bread. "We shouldn't continue this conversation here, Sir Elf. Do you have plans tomorrow?"

"I leave for The Last Homely House in the morning once after I see a friend of mine in Archet,"
answered Astaro, "but I don't mind postponing my journey east a few hours, Master Dwarf."

"Call me Thalrak-"

"Ah!"
Astaro exclaimed merrily, clasping the Dwarf's brawny forearm. "I've heard of you from a fellow Mole, Oron Raumor!"

"He's been the captain of Lin Giliath's guards for six months and eager to return home to his wife," Thalrek affirmed gaily. "The Moles of that mining camp are friends of the Dwarven wardens of Othrikar. You will see him tomorrow at Adamant if you wish to meet him and I with our Ranger contact, Helchon. Do you know the place?"

"The ruins of Virgilia's castle, yes,"
answered Astaro, nodding. The last queen of Cardolan ruled from the citadel on King Harry's Ridge which divided North Chetwood from South Chetwood in the royal days of Cardolan. The stony remains of the stronghold served as an outpost of the Rangers and Ann Snapdragon's children often played among the ivied halls with friends. "I'll be there."
"Eriol... 'One who dreams alone.' ” - Tolkien, The Book of Lost Tales I

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Arnora, Human
Bree town center


Arnora sat on the corner of a half-wall jutted out from a small house, hiding behind it a small garden. The garden was tiny enough to know the woman tending it needed every last crop she could harvest from it. In her youth, Arnora may not have cared enough to not steal from this woman, but she was now a formidable woman, thief, and valued member to her family.

Her target was a rich traveller who, while drinking to excess, flaunted his wealth in a very poorly played game of cards. Liberating him of just a portion of his wealth would be beneficial to Arnora and for those whom Arnora protected. Though Arnora now did not need the money to clothe and feed herself, she served the greater good by looking after those who needed a helping hand the most. She pulled out a small silver coin from her pocket, and flipped it behind her into the soil bed closest to the kitchen door. The woman would find it, and maybe she will be able to buy that flour for which she was saving.

She prided herself to be as soundless as an elf as she leapt down from the wall and landed softly. She could not hear the treading of her own steps as she followed the traveller down towards the marketplace.

Perfect, she thought. A large crowd, a moment to lift, and easy enough distraction to return a purse full of shiny coins proved profitable for Arnora, walking away with a tidy little sum. She spotted a young boy, maybe the age of ten. "Hey, you. Come here! I've got a task for you!" The demand was quiet and hushed, but confident and cool. She pulled out two shiny coins and flashed them before the boy's eyes. "You see that gentleman over there, with the brightly colored robe?" Arnora nodded her head to the left darted her eyes towards the rich traveller. The boy quickly shifted his eyes and back to her, nodding. "Make sure you tell him there's a special game tonight at the Rosemont House. Have him ask for Bearic."

The boy tried to snatch the coins out of Arnora's hands, but she was too quick for him. "What's the message?"
The boy sighed, "Special game tonight at Rosemont House. Ask for Bearic." This was not his first street mission obviously. Arnora looked him over. He was three meals shy of starving, but he was bright and cool. She was going to have to keep an eye on him.
"What's your name, boy?" The boy eyed her cautiously, seemingly unsure whether to trust Arnora. "Garth."

"Nice to meet you, Garth. Arnora." The boy laughed, but quickly stifled it. "Arnora? really? Have a twin sister named Gondora?" Garth beamed an innocent smile. Arnora was used to people making fun of her name. After all it took a real genius of a father to fail to come up with anything else.

"Get. Make sure he gets the message. There's an extra coin in it for you if he shows up tonight." She saw Garth's eyes open wide and a hopeful, hungry look overtook him as he snatched the two proffered coins. Hunger was a powerful motivator on the streets. Arnora made a wager with herself. If the rich traveller made it to Rosemont House tonight, she'd find Garth and give him a more permanent job.

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Mother Czarine Taiah
Rosemont House
Bree


The card tables were full tonight; word had gotten out of last night's surprise winner, taking the house for a tidy sum. She gave a coy smile as she looked over the open hall from a second floor balcony. The prospect of taking winnings from the house always brings in a crowd for the next few days. The income more than made up for the winnings given out, and her establishment was quickly earning a reputation of being fair and competitive for those who enjoyed a wager or a game of chance.

She spied from above for an additional half-hour. Four croupiers had been hired three months ago, and under the strict training of her head croupier brought in from Dale, Holstein, all four had seemingly picked up the trade nicely. All four played straight tables, they were not under orders to skew a game one way or another. They had not yet been trusted with deeper workings of a gambling house. They hadn't earned Mother Czarine's trust yet. But she paid them well, they kept their mouths shut, and they discreetly advertized the nightly games to patrons who could afford to lose a little.

Holstein was standing along the far wall, and he subtly looked up at Mother Czarine looking at him. He gave a gentle bow and nodded. It was all she needed to know before she could settle in to the back rooms for the night. Holstein just informed her he didn't foresee any problems for the night and he had the authority to handle customer complaints with discretion.

As Mother Czarine closed the door to the master suite, she took a look around. She missed her compound at Dale; She had brought only a few members of the family with her to Bree, and she was still mourning the loss of her underboss, Victor Alphonse. She needed a new right hand man; she needed several really. Dale would hold up for a while, but the vacuum of upper family leadership will eventually sour the situation there.

This was not her spatial master suite in Dale, but it had come together nicely, with rich wood beams and floors; soft woolen rugs, and several custom furniture pieces from a woodworker out of the Shire by the name of Fosco Bracegirdle. She sat in one of his custom leather upholstered chairs, sinking into the deep seat and high arms. Almost as if waiting for Czarine to sit, a sharp knock on the door interrupted the silence. "Enter, Myrtie."

Myrtle Gardner entered with a tray with a teapot and service for two. "M'am. I see the house is full tonight, and yet you retired early. I hope all is well?" The aging hobbit approached and set the service down on a table between Czarine's chair and an empty twin chair. Myrtie began to pour the hot water into Czarine's teacup as Czarine responded. "Leadership is about delegating responsibility to responsible people. Holstein has control of the floor for the night. But, come, take a seat Myrtie. I would like to talk to you about your future here with me. You must know I've come to treasure your service here."

Mother Czarine waived her hand to the empty chair and bade Myrtie to sit. Czarine stood and fixed Myrtie a steaming cup of tea and handed it to the sitting hobbit before taking a seat and taking up her cup to enjoy.

Myrtie was visibly nervous. Czarine had always been kind to the older hobbit, and Myrtle enjoyed a casual comradery with Czarine, but she had never been served tea or asked to sit as one of Czarine's "family" members. There were rumors of those who displeased Mother Czarine, and Myrtie took those to heart and acted with extreme caution and discretion while in Czarine's service.

"Relax, Myrtie. I know you have heard about my organization, and you've served me well anyways. I have a reputation that may not generally compatible with the general hobbit demeanor, especially out in the Shire. But you are shrewd; you calculate your responses and consider the consequences before making decisions or speaking out. I suspect you will keep a secret to your grave, if you accepted it. I see a lot of me in you. I need people close to me I can trust. Can I trust you?"

Myrtie sat there silent, staring back at Czarine. "You've done right by me so far, M'am. I'm grateful for the work, and your people show me the respect I've earned. Can you trust me? You can trust I will do what I think is right, and that is all I can promise you. I do know your reputation, but you've not asked me to do something I won't do, and as long as we stay that way, then M'am, I think we will be just fine."

Mother Czarine stared back at the hobbit. She was impressed; Myrtie stood her ground and was blunt and honest with her. She could work with that.

"Myrtie, you have my word, I will never ask you to intentionally do something you feel is against your conscience, but there are people in this family, me included, who have done, and will continue to do things you may find distasteful. I need you to know that if you stay with us, you will eventually find out more than you may want to know. I expect continued loyalty, and in return you will gain status within this household. If you want out, you just say the word. You have my guarantee of safety."

Myrtie pondered the statement for a moment. "M'am, what exactly are you asking of me?"

Czarine flashed a faint smile. "Myrtie, I will not be staying at Rosemont House permanently. Over the next few months I mean to establish a permanent family house, likely in Combe. I need someone to run the Combe compound. I think you are the right person for the job. If I'm going to succeed in Bree, I also need insight into the Hobbit community. You will also act as an emissary of the Taiah Family to the Bree and Buckland hobbit communities. I will ask for your counsel, and I will expect you to find and manage the domestic servants in any property the family has here in Bree. You are an upstanding citizen of the city, and I use that to my advantage; your presence and employment add to my credibility and to the credibility and legitimacy of my businesses."

Myrtle nodded in understanding. "And in return?"

Czarine knew she was already going to say yes to her proposal, but Czarine was known to be fair and generous with her employees, and as such, she needed a fair and generous offer. "You will be well compensated. You will have a private suite of rooms in the new compound, and all living expenses will be covered by the household. You will have authority of the household staff, both men and hobbitfolk. You will officially be a member of the Taiah Family, and as such accorded a protected status. You may ask Holstein about your counterpart at Lake Town, Toki. He has been in his position for several years and is well regarded among the family out there. All who come here will show you respect as a family member."

Myrtle sat there quietly for several moments, visibly churning the information she just received. "What concerns you, Myrtie?"

"You promise I will never have to do anything that goes against my principles?"

Czarine smiled to assure Myrtie. "I promise. But you must keep an open mind when it comes to the people in my employ and family. We don't all hold the same principles you do, and I live by my own set of rules and principles. I expect not to be judged or criticized, especially in front of others. If you have an issue or concern, you have my express permission to come to me privately with those concerns. I take your counsel and will take from it what I will. Can you live with that?"

The two ladies stared at each other and silence increased the tension. Czarine laid everything out on the table and she was now feeling a bit vulnerable.

"M'am. I don't have much family left. My children are grown and settled with their own families across Buckland and the Shire. As long as I can still see my grandchildren when they come this way and can take time to visit them from time to time, I think I mean to take you up on your offer. I don't know if I can live up to all you expect, but I will tell you if I don't think I can do it. I will also be honest with you, and I think you will appreciate that more than most. I've only got another 30 years in me, and finding a place to settle doesn't sound like a bad idea at all."

"Myrtie, I think you'll find the Taiah Family will welcome you with open arms. We will meet tomorrow in the daylight, and we will start drawing out our transition to the Combe compound. I will need you every step of the way as I still need to recruit my middle-management here in Bree. It's going to be a very busy autumn. Drink up, and then go get some rest. We will start early."

The two women sat in silence, each nursing their cup of tea and thinking about the new alliance they just formed. Just as silently, Myrtie collected the teacups and took the tea service with her. "Goodnight, M'am." "Good night, Myrtie," Czarine responded. Once again alone, she retired for the night.

@Aigronding Mordagnir (OOC: This is the start of the Taiah Family posts! I'm finally writing Aig-size posts!)

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Dessy Hart and Gwandhyra Harion
Dogwood Residence
Bree, 3014 TA

There was a crazy comfort to be found in gazing out upon the frozen world, captivated by the clutch of winter, from the relative sanctuary of indoors. Dessy's window afforded her a none too glamorous view over the rooftops of other quite similarly huddled houses, all decked out along the crooked streets like old men, shuffled deep within their clothes to ward off the worst of the brutal weather. Inside offered the advantage of shelter if not the glowing touch of heat. Some might view the sight of uneven roofslate, wearing ice as though a beard across the line of their ramshackle expanse, as a poor means to conjure up any manner of relief. Yet there were things that might rouse even the most determined sleeper from the throes of eagerly forgetting all their conscious woes. Things outside that made a person shiver, against all want, and accept their fortune in being inside.

The figure that slunk through the street made the girl worry if they might survive until dawn. They battled against the harsh elements, devoutly seeking for something, might be somebody. Dessy hugged the edge of her carefully parted drapes, and raked her gaze over the street beyond. Whatever or whoever was moving there, about the frosted scene, the bracing freeze had not stalled them nor sent them scurrying for refuge. They were for certain tenacious in their efforts. They were dragging something of great bulk and heft behind them, to the point of noticeable effort. Tawny brown eyes strained to better see what it might be ...

Moments later the girl wiped the window pane of warm breath she had spent upon the ungracious glass, by loitering in her intrigue. And as though he caught the motion of her swift waving hand, the hooded stranger raised what must have been an arm in her direction and acknowledgement.

A gasp escaped her as he turned with growing speed toward her hiding place, towing his considerable sled behind him, with dogged enthusiasm. Falling back upon the bed, Dessy startled at the cold from the forsaken covers, bracing as though someone had thrown icy water over it for spite, or jest. She rose with equal speed and slunk around the wooden door that creaked. She had no want to waken Prue and Mossy.

Passing their room, the girl had a care to edge a glimpse within. She found them interlocked in immersing their body heat, smothered in what blankets they possessed so that the rising of day would seem all the more cold when they were forced to depart their makeshift cocoon. The elderly couple slept on, enveloped in dreams of warmth and solace. Dessy persevered with as great an urgency as she dared, given the circumstances. There was yet another obstacle between her and the front door.

Clay had not complained when the family's latest refugee had unwillingly usurped his bedroom. Dessy had been more than willing for the two of them to share the chamber, but Prue lived up to her name and claimed it would not be decent. So the young man spent most nights he did not sleep at Cole's, haphazardly sprawled about his father's ancient armchair. The antique was so well used that it almost bent out straight and induced a pleasant incline for any who languished in it's charms.

Clay was of a habit lately to come in late, given his more wild ventures with the farmer's son that kept him out all hours or, as was the case on this occasion, absolute exhaustion after volunteering to aid Cole herd the driving force of cows from Finch Farm. Primarily a dairy source the number of animals rather dwarfed the small establishment. But Farmer Finch was both a dreamer and a practical entrepreneur. His daughter, Amber and her mother were the resident milking experts, and took great delight in decorating the manes of their meagre numbered horses with fair ribbons. Chasing a bull about a field, on the other hand, without losing your nerve, was rather more a 'Man's role. Or so the men would have folk to believe.

Clay had demonstrably earned a full bottle of prime milk and a wedge of cheese for his recent hard labour, for the humble reward yet held pride of place about the scored wooden table. The hearth remained as empty as it had been since food began to take precedence of need, so there was no fear that the cold goods would spoil overnight. As it was, Conkers the cat was snugly nestled about his master's unprotesting stomach, serving rather ably as a living source of warmth.

As she passed her foster brother, Dessy might have sworn that she even observed some beads of not unpleasant sweat upon Clay's brow. So was he shielded from all danger of freezing to death within the largest, and thus coldest room in all the homestead. A draught whistled through the narrow but clearly existent gap beneath the meagre door. Dessy heard the crunch of a firm tread beyond the unconvincing barrier, and swallowed the eruption of adrenalin that coursed the climb of her throat.


Fingerless gloves yet lined her pale hands against the extremes of sheer temperature, but the touch of the cold steel lock did little to dissuade her. Flinging back the door upon it's screaming hinges, she faced the most unexpected caller. Her father unloaded a mountain of furs that utterly swamped her best efforts. She struggled to raise one finger to her lips in warning, and gestured precariously toward the work-weary young BreeMan at hand. Gwandhyra indicated the sled of piled firewood he had brought there with purpose, and together they bore the load to new storage beside the begotten stone grate.

Their errand thus accomplished, the Ranger consumed his only child in the folds of his great cloak. Dessy sank into his familiar scent and the security of his embrace, and lingered there some happy time.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

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Amos ‘Mossy’ and Prudence ‘Prue’ Dogwood
Their son Clayton, and lodger, Dessy Hart

Dogwood Residence, Breetown


A crack and sputter encouraged one brown eye to dare spy it’s source. The warmth and comfort rousing the young Breeman in a dilemma of irony, for there was only one means to so heat the modest room. There was only one fireplace and it had been quite bereft of wood when Clay had set to sleep. The absence had been so noted that it was the last thought which his conscious mind had managed. In the morrow, he would have to go and gather firewood. And yet .. caught in the bleary realm that exists atween sleep and wake, Clayton Dogwood rubbed his eyes to better judge the mystery. An elderly man was stoking at the humble blaze with a sense of calm satisfaction.

You didn’t go out in this weather and fetch up them logs,” The question was directed as a disappointment, evident in the youth’s tone. His father carefully withdrew from where he’d balanced now a kettle over the hot flower.

I didn’t, at that,” Mossy Dogwood agreed, which did not seem to have the desired effect.

Ah good. Wait now. What ?!Clay edged out of his blanket and righted the old chair he’d slept on. His mother chuckled like an amused hen as she patted the youth’s arm.

As if I’d let him,” Prue kissed her husband on his brow, and shook her head at her two favourite men. Her grey curls bounced like a blanket of sausages about her rosy face. “We had a visitor last night,” she clarified, indicating the young girl who was tying the laces of her boots.

Your mysterious pa,Clay guessed, even as Dessy ducked her head and hid a small smile. “How long’s he staying this time ?”

“He’s already gone
,” the girl mentioned, with a slight drop of her shoulders. Hastily she found distraction, gathering up four mugs from a low dresser.

Leave mine,” she was bid, as Clay raced haphazard between the washbowl and the closets. Half dressed by this point in some fresh laundry he had swiped straight from the chair, the young man heaved a heavy fawn shirt down over his head, and shook his hair into some sort of place. “I’ve to fix that leak at the house by noon.

You’ll take some vittles with you,” his mother fussed, and received a swift squeeze in embrace for her concerns. “Clay !

You think I’d let little Maggy starve ?” a laugh discouraged any such suspicions. For as sure as he had been fixing up the house for him and Amber to reside in, after the wedding, little Maggy Winters had been coming out and helping him wherever she was able. And he had been rewarding the young thing with whatever he could afford to, whenever he was able.. “I’ll see to it,” he waved off his mother’s stern look, and fell through the front door. Dessy glanced up in concern even as the Dogwoods clasped each other and admired their legacy, setting off into the cold white ice.


*******


He ought to have took some vittles’,” Prue sighed, for at least the fifth time over her porridge. Dessy and Mossy knew better than to argue and had run out of ways to console the woman since her son went out to work.

He’ll be saving room for that delicious pumpkin pie you gone and promised him, for supper,Mossy wiped his silvery moustache for any errant porridge he had missed, and dropped where he sat to spit and polish up his boots. The women cleared the table, each falling to their daily routine. “He’ll be missing that one when he’m wed.

Well, he’ll just have to come by and visit, to make sure he don’t forget how well his mother bakes then, won’t he ?” Prue outlined her master plan absentmindedly.

You could share the recipe with Berry,” Dessy failed to observe the look of horror upon Mrs Dogwood’s face until it was too late to retract the suggestion. “I only meant ..”

“That young gel’s gonna have both hands full with her young ‘un, if I know a thing about it
,” the old woman sniffed. “Don’t you go getting shoe scuff all over my table, neither, Amos Dogwood !


The sentiment was not cruelly made, and indeed a cover for old Mrs Dogwood’s emotion. Her only son leaving home was a heartbreak that she took one tiny realisation at a time. The fact that Clay had been doing up the tenant home two doors away was little comfort. Even pointing out that a young baby crying all the night was something no old couple ought wish for their home did not comfort Prue. She had already warned them that they’d sure hear the infant mewling all up the street. But thankfully the babe was not due until the same time as summer. There was much to occupy them all until then and keeping busy had never seemed so appealing, and necessary.

None’s gonna buy shoes from a man as hasn’t got the best shoes to be seen,Mossy recited his mantra, and the two women near joined in, so often did he tell them so. In response to his wife’s warning, every and each morning in fact. There was a pattern to things in the Dogwood house, and Dessy had become slowly accustomed to their ways. You could almost tell time by their morning routine.

Blow me down, he’s gone and forgotten his vittles now as well !” Prue lamented, but minutes after she had kissed her husband off at the door. “What am I to do with these men ?!” she laughed nervously, caressing the little basket she had lovingly prepared.

Allow me,Dessy offered, responding to her now assumed prompt. “I can fetch a pumpkin on my way back for that pie.”

“You’re a blessing,
” she was informed, and still smiling opened the door.

And you’ve company ..” the girl declared, spying Lauryl Woods heading up from down the road of them.

Leaving Prue to greet her friend, Dessy clutched the basket of lunch for the cobbler, ducked her head in a polite passing to the Farmer’s wife, and headed into town.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

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Dessy Hart and Gwandhyra Harion
Time to say goodbye
Breeland, 3014 TA


Day was ever more apparent, though the pale sun which stretched across the whitewashed sky gave up small warmth to those below. So it was that most remained defiantly beneath their bed covers, when they ought be abroad. The streets were thus yet lonely when the tall girl and her father departed their simple but beloved sanctuary. They walked for a time as a two-headed, four-footed monster, wrapped both close and huddled in the Man’s vast weathered cloak. That comfort of his hand in hers recalled such feelings of safety that Dessy was sorry to find the massive Bree Gate rearing up before them. Part of her already expected he would be gone when she turned back to say goodbye.

I will see you again.” The sentence was now so familiar, she was unsure if he had spoken it aloud, or if memory had managed it for him. The emphasis about each syllable was the same. Always the same.

You could see me more often if you chose.” She trained her every ounce into hope. Subconscious, she rose upon her tiptoes.

I must be away so that my return will come all the more soon,” he clarified, or tried his utmost, without telling all he now must do. Separating them in a flawless move which turned her right around, a slight frown had found her face when they returned to face.

If I went with you though ?” She started but saw the sense in not finishing. Dropping her brown eyes, Dessy blew on cold fingers, and shifted her weight on her two feet.

One day ..” he promised. As always. Another well-rehearsed phrase.

One day maybe I will not be here, waiting for you like a .. oh !” the girl’s defiance broke off, as her father seized her fast and hugged her tight against him. The warmth returned, suffocating doubts and protests.

At least tell me where you are going,” she resigned herself to compromises, that were not forthcoming.

I shall tell you all about it,” Gwandhyra held her now at arm’s length, “when I return.


She stared into the cobbled street, refusing to look up refusing to watch him walk away. She didn’t see the way he turned back, yearning to embrace her, twice, never quite taking more than a single step to do so, before duty compelled him and he hastened to accomplish what he must, so that he could return.


The town was still, smothered by a silence. He left the town behind him. The massive wooden gate swang shut, a border between he and she, between all that he wished for, and all that he must instead be. The town was still, the gatekeeper stared. The Ranger turned, he took the first step, the very hardest of steps. Another. It got marginally easier with each. Soon he had a stride about his progress. Soon, if he looked back, he could not even see the gate. The paths and non-paths of the lone lands lay in wait.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

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Open RP!



Serenity "Seri" Moss with Hwinia
Chetwood forest - Late Spring (undetermined year)

There were certain times of the year when it was best to gather certain plants, and Horsetail, Nettle, Mullien, and Yarrow were among those. Seri frequently made trips out into the woods to gather what she needed. She wasn't always successful in what she was searching for, but she rarely went home without at least something which could be useful. Especially since Hwinia had joined her. The dog was especially good at sniffing out some of the elusive plants which the woman needed, and so she was extra grateful to have her around. Emma had been thinking primarily of giving her mother a protector, but she'd given her far more than that.

Thinking of Emma made Seri miss the days when her daughter was still a child, living at home. She used to go out and gather many herbs for Seri, in those days, though Seri still did a lot of foraging herself. Sighing, she stopped her hike and looked down at the white-and-red spotted dog. "Well, girl.. what do you think? Anything around here?" She wondered, taking a look herself. She pulled out a dried nettle and let Hwinia sniff at it. The dog took her time familiarizing herself with the scene before going to investigate around the base of a tree before moving on, finding nothing of interest. As her companion moved along, searching for that which she'd been tasked to find.

While Hwinia searched for nettle, Seri moved along in search of some of the others she was on the lookout for. "It's a nice day for a little adventure, isn't it girl?" Seri smiled, used to talking to the dog now, as she had few others to talk to on a regular basis. She laughed softly to herself, thinking how it might look to anyone else, her always talking to the dog as if it might answer her. "Oh well, let them think whatever they want." She murmured, kneeling to examine a yarrow plant she'd come across. "Yes, this'll do nicely." She smiled and began harvesting the useful parts of it, carefully packing those parts away into her bag, wrapped in a cloth to protect them.

After a moment, she heard Hwinia's baying, indicating she'd found what she was searching for. "Good girl!" Seri hurried to find her dog, and rubbed around her ears affectionately as she saw the dog pointing steadily toward the patch of nettles. "Very good," She smiled and carefully worked to harvest what she needed of those. "Now, see if you can find some of this," She offered her a leaf of mullien, and watched the dog take off, smiling. "We may come home with quite a lot of fresh supplies." Seri commented to herself, pleased.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:58 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Amber (“Berry”) and Aster Finch
The Farmhouse, Finch Dairy Farm, Combe


It had started very small, and with the count of days, of weeks, had gathered size. Now the basket threatened to spill sweet, soft baby clothes and blankets all across the bed. Already the expectant mother had begun to spill tears from her brimming eyes. One hand brushed gently over the curved fall of her dress, which had also started very small, and gathered size. She also. It felt that there was no baby at all readying to come unto the world, but merely a ball of bursting emotion so strong she could not tell if it were sorrow or were joy.

Aster glanced into the quiet of her daughter's room and caught the scene which played upon her heartstrings. Silently she patted the pile of laundry down on the bed, and took Berry into an embrace. "I love you so much." The words had often been repeated. Whether days were glad or sad. Whether there was fear or hope. There was always pride and love and happiness. "Come now," the farmer's wife choked back emotion all her own and caught her daughter's golden hair up in both hands. "How are you going to have your hair ?"

There was no need to add onto the sentence .. 'for your wedding day'. That had been the unspoken cause of every which conversation that came of the house for months. Times it seemed that the entire family was caught up in a whirl of planning, testing cakes and choosing flowers. The dress that the bride would wear had been a focus of obsession, as had many baby clothes that both Berry and her mother, and the local sewing circle had all contributed to. But the dress was all her own work, a clandestine project. The bride was so awfully afraid that anyone would say that she looked less than perfect, she had not shown anybody.

It was conceived of a dream she had loved as a little girl, a dream she had clasped and coveted forever since. The milkmaid had been darning her socks and mending her clothes as long as she could remember. Often 'mending' meant 'maintaining standards' for she always had ideas that far outreached her mother's practical designs. Aster had shown patience and a wisdom that only a mother could, in allowing her Berry to work on her 'little projects'. It leant motivation for the girl to practice and perfect the art of dressmaking, which was nothing to say that it taught her that you get what you work for, a motto her parents strongly believed in. So her little dolls throughout the years sat a parade of growing skill along the daughter's bed. Each improved, each more extravagant. But nothing would compare with the dress which the bride had devoted such time to.

It was a shame she could now not wear it. Like the basket of baby belongings, so had the girl's stomach grown. It had started, when she'd started working, oh so very small, but then with the count of days, of weeks, had gathered size. Now the beautiful dress would not fit her. And time was short, too short to start over.

"Not a single person will be looking at my hair," she bemoaned. "All eyes will be on the bride too fat to fit into her dress !" And with that the highly emotional young dressmaker let her fair hair tumble against her mother for comfort. For perhaps the last time she imagined that she might, before she too became a mother. And what wonderful magic that came with that miracle of life, Berry hoped she would too gain the insight of always knowing quite what to do or say. Or at least how to fix this latest problem.


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Caldwell and Coleman Finch
Outside, Finch Dairy Farm, Combe


Hands took Cole by both his shoulders and steered the young man out of the house. Cal didn't answer when his son started to ask "What ? Where are we going ?" The farmer held onto his words until they had made their flight and escaped far across the yard.

"Didn't want to be going in there," Mr Finch declared, sagely. "Trust that."

With a shrug, the youth joined his parent in leaning upon the fence. If he was extremely truthful, he had no clue what to say to his sister anyway, or whether he ought to say a thing upon the matter. There was no doubt that he ought not tell his father though. And so Cole took what solace he could from at least one certainty of conscience. "She's getting wed," he recollected. As though anyone on the farm had chance to forget such a thing. With a blink, the farmer's son sought to shake some sense into the world and found he could not. Caldwell Finch dug out his pipe and pipeweed from a pail that seemed strange to be set out there. "Pa !" his son admonished, albeit halfheartedly.

"What your Ma don't know, won't hurt her," Cal munched into his forbidden habit. Not that he was not allowed to partake but that he knew Aster couldn't abide the smell. The thing with his line of work though, he could like as not concoct some errand which would douse the smell of weed with the smell of some other stronger scent. Strange enough, his wife was more like to embrace him then, believing the image of him hard-work worn.

The image of Berry crying, distracted Cole from keeping up his rebuke. He had worried, that somehow his sister had found out. About what happened in the Prancing Pony not some nights ago now. About her prospective husband being so well drunk that he had mistaken another pretty blonde girl named Amber, for his wife-to-be. It had been a mistake to have taken Clay there, his best friend now knew, belatedly. But he'd not expected for the pending groom to spy Bryony Spruce and get so het up over that 'carriage of injustice'. No, that wasn't right. 'Miscarriage of justice' …. He heard Dessy in his head, correcting him, as she so often did. And was it any wonder then that she told him he did not make with words enough. More of a wonder was that he was thinking of her, when it had become abundantly clear that she did not think of him. At least beyond thinking him rather stupid, or too shy.


"How old were you and Ma when you were wed ?" Cole could not have said later whether he had meant to ask it quite out loud. Still it was done, and he given an answer before he could worry to regret the matter.

"Same age you are now, I reckon. More or less." Cal took a time out from indulging in his private pastime, and turned to his son.

"So, the same age as Clay is too ?" the questions, spurred on by success, kept right on coming. A nod of assent from his father led on to a further "Was Ma as old as Berry ?"

Berry. It was what the family called ‘their’ Amber; had done since she was a little girl and declared she would only eat strawberries. The recollection seemed to catch her father now in a daydream. "Yes'm I figure she must have been not too far apart in age than your sister is now. Difference of course is .. well,"

"Ma wasn't .. ?
" Cole did not have to breathe the word .. Pregnant …

"No she was damn well not !"


Silence reigned a time then, as the two men struggled to settle with the fact of the matter. That 'Berry' of course, very much was …


Cole sighed. "S'funny is all. That she's getting wed. I mean, my little sister," Cal turned where he stood, took out a long drag of reflection and sought to read of his child's mind.

"You thought you ought be set up first, that so ?" the murk of the matter began to clear, more so with each moment that Cole felt some slight amusement in his father's tone. Saving himself, he hoped, from further embarrassment, the youth adopted his parent's own failsafe, and shrugged, nonchalant.

If he was the type of young man who could speak quite openly about his feelings, he might confessed all to his patriarch, his role model. He might have admitted that, yes, he’d been thinking that he ought to have been wed before his little sister. Of course to accomplish that, he ought be able to speak proper sentences to a girl, or to anyone in fact. Truth was when you have a best friend who never stops talking, and who all the girls in town want to talk to, when you have a little sister who all of the guys in town want to talk to … when .. Oh when was he to ever get a chance ?! It seemed to Cole that he had spent his life listening to other's speaking and saying apparent nothing that when he found his chance to speak, he could not think of a thing to say.

It had been his idea to go to the Prancing Pony on the night in question, in some desperation in fact, for he had heard it said that a girl there would kiss you or be kind to you, if you asked. Maybe she would even agree to attend his little sister's wedding with him, to be seen in public with him. Having witnessed all too soon though, exactly what the rumours had been hinting at, the truth of this 'sure bet' had unnerved him more than the prospect of ever simply speaking to a girl. It had been as much annoyance at his own stupidity, his abject naivety, and still evident failure, that he had become so cross at Clay for drunkenly laying a kiss upon that self same girl ! He might argue that he was concerned as Berry's brother, for his best friend's antics, but the truth went much further than that. He was annoyed at his own apparent uselessness.

He'd believed until a certain point that he would simply attend the wedding with Dessy, given that he was the groom's best friend, and she the bride's. But he had embarrassed himself by trying to speak with her so many times now, that he felt it might be better spending time with a girl who wanted him to speak, rather than confusing him every time she spoke ... Or at least with a girl who would not immediately tell his sister in some horrified reaction if he ever tried to put his lips to the back of her hand.


Somewhere outside the workings of the troubled young man's imaginings, Cal Finch was recounting how he'd known Cole's mother some good score of years before he ever dared speak out to her. Then one year they had sat next to one another on the annual wagon ride through pumpkin patch for Harvest's Fayre … and it occurred to Cole. That he had sat next to Liana Woods on the back of the wagon's ride through pumpkin patch last Harvest Fayre. Conjuring an image up of the sheep farmer's daughter, he could count the number of times that he'd seen her smile and laugh, and the way her curls fell prettily around her face.

"Don't let Ma catch you out smoking," he advised, and caused premature ending to his father's romantic account of wooing a young Aster Bay. Cole headed back toward the house, full of thoughts, leaving his father to chew on his own thoughts, and on his pipe with a slow contended grin.
All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not touched by the frost.

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Serenity "Seri" Moss with Hwinia
Chetwood forest/Bree town - Sometime in winter


The blanket of white was, for much of the trip, broken only by the army of dark trunks and drooping boughs, weighed down by the glistening snow. And then, with great excitement, Hwinia rushed forward in hot pursuit of a squirrel, until Seri called her back with a little laugh. The red and white dog returned to her side, leaping joyfully through the snowdrifts as she roamed the woods, never straying too far from Seri. Clouds of steam puffed out from the horse beside her, as Seri led the mare through the woods, with the occasional jingle coming from the pack saddle on her back. It was a lovely day for a walk in the woods, despite the cold.

Swinging her basket gently in her mittened hand, the woman smiled at the peaceful beauty around her and felt just like a young girl trekking through the woods on some afternoon adventure. She used to imagine going for walks with her father when she was a child, and used to have all sorts of pretend conversations with him, in those days. Though she never met him, she had been told he was a ranger, and had fantasized many romanticized dreams of what he must have been like. Perhaps that was what had drawn her to Galanir, though that seemed so long ago now.

Eventually, the forest path gave way to the first few structures of the town. She strolled past these, her steps taking her toward a specific destination. As she approached one of the grocery shops in town, it was with mild surprised that Seri saw a wagon parked outside, laden with trunks, furniture, and other belongings. Someone was moving to Bree? It was gradually becoming more and more common to find folks moving there, although where they were coming from, she couldn’t say. Giving a thoughtful look at the pair of horses pulling the wagon as she tied her own horse to the hitching post, Seri felt sure she had seen them somewhere before, but couldn't place where. “Hwinia, stay with the horse, please.” She instructed her companion, pleased to see the dog sit down near the door to wait. With a final curious glance at the horses, Seri stepped inside, glad for the warmth filling the room.

“…so we snapped up the offer quick as we could, before he changed his mind!” A woman’s voice was speaking excitedly to the man behind the counter. “It’ll be wonderful to settle here, among other folk at last.”

“I don’t blame you one bit, Mrs. Greylake!” The shopkeeper nodded approvingly.

Seri smiled at the two little boys running around, playing hide and seek among the store’s shelves, as she approached behind the lady who was already standing there. Pulling off her mittens as she waited her turn, Seri glanced at the lady curiously. Greylake, that was the folks who ran the Forsaken Inn, last she heard. She’d met them a few times. That explained why the horses seemed familiar.

“Oh, hello there, Ms. Seri,” The grocer smiled. “I’ll be with you in just a moment.”
“No problem,” Seri answered. “How are you, Mrs. Greylake? Did I hear correctly? You’ve sold the inn, and are coming to live here in town?” She inquired, somewhat surprised.

“That’s right! I’m so excited, and relieved to finally be among other folks again. Decent folks, that is!” The woman sighed happily. “My husband found us a house already, and everything. He’s been fixing up a few things while we stay at the inn, but he says we can move in this afternoon, so we stopped to pick up a few supplies here, and then we’re heading out to the new house!”

“I wish you much happiness, then.” Seri answered, though she couldn’t help wondering, what about the inn? But then, she had spoken as if they sold it. She wondered, to whom? And then she wondered about the young lady who had worked for the Greylakes. “Has Attubel come with you?” She inquired, curiously.

“No, no, the silly girl decided to stay behind in the hopes of working for the new owner.” Mrs. Greylake rolled her eyes. “Oh, but that does remind me of something,” She frowned. “She was making a big fuss about someone coming to fetch you, only a day or two before we left.”

“To get me? Why? Is she sick? Hurt?” Seri suddenly grew a little worried.

“Oh no, nothing like that. It’s just a couple of… drifters, you might say. She’s all caught up with one of them, and he’s hurt himself.” She rolled her eyes dramatically. “Just some no-good troublemaker, if you ask me. I wouldn’t trouble yourself over the likes of him, really. I just, well, I told her I’d mention it to you if I saw you. So now I have.” She seemed satisfied with having accomplished her duty.

“Drifters...” Seri frowned thoughtfully, tilting her head. “How badly is he injured? What sort of injury?”

Mrs. Greylake paused, then shrugged. “I really don’t know a whole lot about it.” She admitted. “There was some blood, and..well, I stayed well clear of all that.” She shivered. “I don’t like blood.”

Seri frowned deeper. Blood? That didn't tell her much... it could mean he was gravely injured, or it could mean only a minor injury. But if Bel was making a big fuss about getting a healer... “Is he at the inn?" She inquired, disregarding the woman's dismissive attitude. "How much blood? Has anyone bandaged his wounds?” She asked, worrying that the matter might be urgent.

“I.. I don’t know,” The woman frowned, looking uncomfortable. “He was still there when we left, but honestly, I tried to keep clear of him. I don’t like his sort. But Bel bandaged him up, so I’m sure there’s nothing really to worry about.” She sniffed in disapproval, then hastily prevented her youngest son from knocking over a bag of beans. “Don’t touch that,” She scolded him, giving the boy a nudge toward his brother.

Seri exhaled slowly. “Thank you for letting me know, at least.” She answered curtly. Shallow people made her feel rather frustrated, and sometimes it was a struggle to remember to be polite to some folks. Yet now, she knew there was an injured person at the inn, and his injuries involved blood, though how much..she couldn’t be sure. She had met Bel, and was sure that she would have done her best to treat the wounds, but the girl was no healer. If it was severe, she might not know what to do. The fact she had asked for Seri to be told about this… and had made a fuss about it... that led her to suspect it might be severe. She’d better get out there quick.

“I’ll come back for my supplies later,” The healer called out to the shopkeeper. “Good day, Mrs. Greylake.” She then turned and hurried outside again, pulling her thick woolen cloak around herself. “Come, Hwinia,” The healer’s voice had a sense of urgency to it now, as she freed her horse from the hitching post. With Hwinia bouncing along at her side looking ready for any sort of adventure, Seri headed swiftly for the stables. She would need to trade the pack saddle for a riding saddle. “It looks like we’ll be going to the Forsaken inn, and we need to get there swiftly.” She explained with a sigh, as if the dog could understand. “I only hope the road isn’t beset with bandits…”
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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@Pele Alarion
|
Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss and Hwinia
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest
Later the same winter as previous post


The cabin wasn't very large, but it was cozy and warm. Though she had to procure the wood herself, Seri always kept plenty of firewood on hand. It helped having trees all around as far as she could see, for it enabled her to pick up fallen branches and keep quite a stock of wood throughout the year. And, often, the folks didn't have the coin to pay for medicine or treatment, so she would work it out with them however worked best, and sometimes just chopping some firewood for her was enough to satisfy her. At the moment, she had plenty, so she needn't worry about gathering more for some time. Which meant she could focus on gathering supplies for her patients, instead.

She had lived alone for the past few years, since Emma left out on her own, and had gotten a bit accustomed to the quiet loneliness of living by herself. Having recently offered a place in her home to a young girl without one, Seri realized it would take some getting used to, having her daughter's empty room now occupied. But it would be a good change, and she hoped, a good match for them both. She could get some help in her work while helping someone who needed somewhere to go.

It was still early, and there were many tinctures and salves to be made. She had all the supplies ready, and now she intended to teach Aislin something about them and how to make them into something useful. They would get started on it soon. Seri had just finished washing up the dishes from breakfast and now went to get the supplies ready so she would have things ready once Aislin had came back in from giving Hwinia some exercise.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

Aislin still could not quite believe that she finally had a place to stay, sufficient warmth, and nutritious food. She did not even remember when she had last had such luxuries, it had been such a long time of simply trying to survive. Who knew if winter weather would not eventually claim her.

With these thoughts constantly in her mind, the girl did not allow herself the joys of rolling in the snow along with Hwinia - she had to keep her clothes as dry as possible after all. But at any rate she ran and jumped, and threw a stick as hard as she could so the dog could run after it. And so it was that Aislin came right after Hwinia with her inner layer of clothes drenched with sweat even though she had been careful to keep the outer clothes dry.

"Ah, it is so nice outside!" she announced joyfully, eyes sparkling with happiness and a bright smile on her face. "We also saw a pair of squirrels chasing each other up and down the trees. Hwinia wanted to catch them, but the little critters only teased her."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss and Hwinia
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Seri looked up from setting down a case of empty jars, and smiled. "Is it?" She asked in reply to Aislin's comment. "Well, perhaps we'll have to go for a little walk later, after lunch." She decided, thinking that might be nice. "Did you two have a nice time out there?" She asked, a bit surprised the girl's clothes didn't look the least bit wet. Emma would have come in with her skirts half-drenched in wetness that would have since frozen onto her clothes.

"I've got some tea going if you'd like something warm to drink," Seri added, assuming the girl might have gotten cold out there. "And I was just getting the supplies ready for us to work. Whenever you're warm enough, we'll get started. And you," She turned to Hwinia. "No slinging water all over the place, you hear?" She went to get a towel and spread it out before the fireplace, attempting to direct the dog to lie on that instead of running around tracking mud around. "There, good girl." She scratched between her ears and then left the dog to curl up by the fire.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:03 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"We ran around a good deal, and it was fun, Ms Seri," Aislin confirmed, as she removed her jacket. Now that she was left only in her sweaty tunic, the girl felt a bit cold and shivered. "Didn't think it was cold outside, but now it is. Tea would be very nice, thank you."

Drawn by the warmth emanating from the fireplace, Aislin turned her back to it as she knelt by Hwinia and petted the dog's head, while her eyes wandered towards the supplies Seri had already set out.

"Is being a healer very difficult?" she wanted to know.
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss and Hwinia
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


"Ah, Hwinia's favorite activity." Seri smiled. "She loves running around and chasing her tail and doing all sorts of silly things." She went to the cabinet and got two mugs, and filled them with tea. She set one on an end table by Aislin and kept the other in her hands. It seemed a little too hot still to sip, but it was nice to hold in her hands.

The question made her pause to think about the best way to answer it. "Well, for the most part it isn't difficult, exactly.. though there is a lot of pressure to know what you're doing, I suppose. If you get poison hemlock mixed up with queens lace, for example, you'd end up killing your patients instead of healing them. Or if you misdiagnose an ailment you might give the wrong treatment, and so on. But so long as you know what you're doing, it can be very rewarding when you see positive results from what you've done to help a patient."

"I taught all of this to my daughter when she was growing up, but she didn't want to be a healer." Seri mentioned with a little shrug. "She wanted to be a ranger, and so that's what she became. Perhaps you'll meet her someday." She smiled at that thought, hoping Emma might come visit eventually, although Seri knew she was busy with her own life.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

Aislin was running her hand over Hwinia's slightly damp fur, while she enjoyed the pleasant warmth from the fire on her back. Even though she had shivered slightly before, now she was comfortable and contented, and looked at the tea deciding that she would wait a little to avoid burning her tongue.

"Healing is a very serious business then," she concluded after having listened to Seri's explanations. "I thought it was picking flowers and binding up scratches. Well, maybe not exactly that but something like that still."

Observing Seri holding the cup in her hands, the girl also reached for hers, carefully positioning it on her knees as she sat more comfortably by the fire.

"Ah! Your daughter is a ranger? That is cool!" Aislin exclaimed, and then noted right after: "But I guess very dangerous..." After a brief pause, she probed uncertainly, though rather unrelated to the previous subjects: "May I call you Aunt Seri, please?"
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss and Hwinia
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Taking a cautious sip of her tea, Seri nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, quite serious," She agreed. "But rewarding, I think. It does take a passion for it, of course. Not everyone is cut out for this sort of work. But it's good to know how to take care of injuries, even if you don't wish to be a healer for a profession." She shrugged and set her cup down on the table, and smiled. "There is a lot of picking flowers, but there is also a lot of knowing which flowers to pick and when, and how to preserve them, and what to use them for..." She shrugged. "It's a lot to remember." She smiled. "Hwinia helps me find the plants, you know. But we have to wait for spring before many are in bloom. You'll see how good she is at finding me what I need, then."

The inquiry about her daughter brought another kind of smile to Seri's face. She couldn't help being proud of her daughter. "Yes, she is.." She answered with slight hesitation. "She claims that she retired from that life when she married, but," Seri shrugged. "I know she isn't fully done. She's too young and restless to be completely done with adventure and excitement." She laughed softly. "I think she just doesn't want me or her husband to worry about her."

Then, Seri was quite surprised when the girl asked whether she could call her Aunt Seri. She blinked, then smiled. "Of course," She answered in pleased surprise. "That would be nice, if that's what you'd like." She had never had a niece, or none that she knew of, and she had no objection to that at all.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislin

Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"But... it doesn't have to be remembered like... all at once, yes?" Aislin wanted to know. She was curious and willing to learn, yet it seemed like a whole lot and she felt somewhat overwhelmed. She had not even known that dogs can help with finding plants. One of her hands still gently ran through Hwinia's fur while her other hand held tight the cup of tea.

"Is it true, Aunt Seri?" she used the chosen address for her benefactor to ascertain her hopes. "I really may stay that long? Even until spring comes?" It was still such an unexpected happiness to have what she could almost call a home, or at least it was a proper place to stay and feel welcomed, that Aislin did not tire of making sure of it every once in a while just in case she had misunderstood something.

Then she pondered over the whole adventure thing while taking a hold of the cup with both hands to take a slow sip of tea. Didn't being a ranger mean wandering around this way and that? She had been doing that, cold and hungry, and just trying to survive, so it did not even seem like an enticing adventure to her. Now, for her, being able to run around and play with a dog, and then warm up by a fire seemed more desirable than anything.

"I'm not sure I'd like that sort of adventures..." she said thoughtfully. "But I do hope your daughter comes by at some point; I'd like to meet her."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss and Hwinia
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Seri smiled, somewhat amused by the question whether it must all be remembered at once, but she didn't laugh. "Oh, no, definitely not all at once." She assured the girl. "It took me many years to get to the point that I remember as much as I do. And there are still things that I don't remember right away. That's why I keep things written down, in case I need to refer back to something." She explained.

When Aislin then asked whether she could really stay as long as spring, Seri was somewhat surprised that she would ask. "Yes, of course, you can stay as long as you like." She insisted. "I really meant it when I said you could stay with me. That extra bedroom is just sitting around collecting dust, and I rarely have any patients who stay overnight." She smiled. "Besides, it's nice having you around, Aislin. I've missed having my daughter around." She admitted.

It was nice, too, to hear Aislin saying she hoped Seri's daughter would come to visit. "I do, too." She agreed. "You know, she's the one who brought Hwinia to me." She mentioned, reaching down to scratch around the dog's ears. "Emma and her husband found her, and thought I might like to have someone around who could protect me if needed. But she's really been quite a good helper, too." Hwinia's tail wagged slightly as if she sensed that Seri was talking about her.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"Ah, then there's hope," Aislin looked up at Seri when she explained the extent of memory necessary to start learning. "New things scare me a bit."

The girl did not quite know how to express her gratitude besides saying thank you a hundred times over which she did not really want to do lest it would annoy Seri. The assurance brought her a sense of quiet peace and belonging, and her feelings found the way out in her reaching over to kiss Hwinia's nose.

"I miss my family too," she then said quietly. "And almost everyone else kept chasing me off. I'm happy to be here. So - so - sooooooo," she stretched the small word out as long as she could. "Lots."

Taking a good long sip of her tea, she then stood and curiously inspected the table.

"I hope I can help you with some things," she stated with a fair amount of determination.
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


A smile greeted Aislin's comment about 'then there's hope'. "There is always hope," She answered confidently. "No matter what, you must never give up on hope. Even for something as simple as being able to learn a new skill." She shrugged, and gave a little nod when Aislin admitted that new things frightened her. "I think a lot of people are frightened by new things, or changes. But the important thing is to give things a chance, don't you think? Even if you are afraid." She took a small sip of her tea, watching while Aislin kissed the dog's nose. Seri watched with a little smile, for it reminded her of when Emma was younger.

The smile faded somewhat when the girl mentioned how others had chased her off. It upset her to hear of it, and couldn't help being reminded of how some people around here could be so.. uncharitable. She let out a soft sigh. "I'm sorry to hear that." She didn't need Aislin to tell her how grateful she was; it was quite obvious in how she kept asking if she was sure, and looking awed that Seri had opened her home up to her. "Some people really ought to spend a day in another's shoes, and then see if they feel the same..." She grumbled this part under her breath, but it was still audible. Setting her cup down, she sighed. "That is one of the biggest challenges I deal with, to be honest." She admitted. "Some of the folks around here.. honestly.. it's a trial at times not to attempt to smack sense into them." She shook her head as if in despair.

"Are you read then?" She asked, when Aislin mentioned hoping that she could be helpful. "If you're warmed up enough, we can get started." She motioned to the jars and supplies she had laid out on the table, which Aislin was already looking at. "I've got several things I want to get done before the day is done."
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

It didn't hurt to learn things, suppose, and Aislin stood ready by the table, cup still in hand. She took another good drink of tea and then placed the cup precariously close to the table's edge where it could easily be pushed off by the smallest careless movement. She imagined the burly tanner, that evil brute of the man, being chased by Seri with a wet towel in hand when the healer spoke of wanting to smack some people living round about here. A grin spread on Aislin's face, and as she was about to reach for one of the jars to explore it, her elbow came dangerously close to her tea cup.

"Oops..." she realised the situation, and pulled her hand back as carefully as she could to move the cup further away from the edge. She really did not want to upset Seri in any way, not by breaking a cup and spilling the tea over the floor, if she could help it.

Her eyes studied Seri's face for a few moments, before she looked back at the supplies and queried: "How do we start?"
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Finding a spot to rest her cup while she moved on to other things, Seri reached to pick up a bundle of dried herbs, and missed when Aislin nearly knocked over her cup. But, seeing her move it, she gave a tiny, approving nod of encouragement to see the girl find a safer spot for it, and made no comment.

"So, there's a few things I want to get made, because I like to have things ready for when people need them, rather than making them after someone comes to me, needing these things." She explained. "And, I've recently used a few supplies, so I want to replenish those. I'm going to start with a tea," She mentioned, remembering something she had given to Aislin's friend not long ago.

She showed Aislin a few different bundles of dried flowers and herbs and things she had gotten out for this purpose, and explained what each was, and how it was used. "We combine these into a specific blend of tea, to create a tea that is useful to help with breathing problems." She explained. "But, first they need to be prepared, so I'll show you how to do that, and with us working together, we should have the jar filled in no time."

She smiled as she selected what she felt was the correct amount of each type of flower. "We want to make sure we have just the right amount of each herb, so that it's properly effective. It wouldn't be as useful if we had too much of one thing, and not enough of another, you know?" Once she thought she had enough, she set the bundle aside. "Eventually, if you keep learning, you should be able to gauge just the right amount of everything that should go into it, yourself, and also be able to instruct the patient how to use it. But for now, just focus on preparing these for the jar." She said, taking a seat at the table to get started on the same task.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"Ah," Aislin murmured as she listened to Seri's explanations and took time to examine each of the presented flowers and herbs. She reached out to run her fingers over the plants gently trying not to make them crumble into bits and pieces, breathing in the scent of each, though she figured that the living plants probably looked a bit different.

"You don't count each flower to determine how many you need, right?" the girl asked while she observed Seri quickly setting aside the amount of each type of plant without much thinking. With practiced ease. "And would it be harmful if something was too much or not enough? Or rather only not useful?" she wanted to know.

Aislin did not hurry with the task though, and observed Seri closely to see how the preparation should be done properly. She did not want to do it the way that would cause the healer to go over the same task yet again, and probably earn her some scolding for careless work.
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Tilting her head thoughtfully, Seri considered Aislin's questions. "Well, it depends on the flower or herb," She answered both at once. "Some, you can count each one. Others you might just go by the portion size." She explained. "As for harmfulness, the same answer applies there; some are fine in small amounts, others could be harmful if there's too much of it. This one for example," She showed her a jar she had set out, which was full of something. "This is licorice root. I've already chopped it up into tiny pieces. I'll only add a little bit into this jar, because while it can treat a variety of things, too much can cause some unwanted effects that might cause the patient some issues." She explained. "And we don't want that. The rest, I'll keep in the jar until we're ready to mix up something else."

Considering the other half of her question, Seri set the jar down. "Hmm, adding too little of something is usually not that much of a problem. Most often, it would only make the mixture less effective at treating what it's meant to treat." She answered. "However, there are instances where that could be a problem in itself." She tried to give Aislin an idea of what she meant. "Say we have a patient with a breathing problem." She mentioned, thinking of the girl to whom she had given some tea which they were now mixing up a replacement for. "Her respiratory passages sometimes suddenly start to tense up and close, so that she finds it difficult to breathe."

"When she makes a cup of tea of this blend, inhaling the aroma should relax those passages, so that she can breathe again. Then, drinking the tea will give her the rest of the benefits from the plants in it so that the problem will hopefully be less likely to happen in the future. But, if we haven't mixed it up properly, and left something important out, or didn't add enough of something, then the blend may not be as effective for her. And if she's unable to breathe because of that, well..." She looked at Aislin to see if she understood. "Don't worry, I won't be putting such a weight on your shoulders until I think you're ready for it." She added with a reassuring smile.

She pointed out the pile of leaves she had put near of Aislin. "This should be just about the right amount, but we'll see when they've been crushed up. If you would do that, please? Just like this," She demonstrated how it should be done, and once she had one dried leaf crumbled into small pieces, she carefully poured the little pieces onto a clean sheet of paper that was on the table. "Once the pile is the right size, I'll add it this mixing bowl. It's easier to blend the herbs together in a nice open bowl like this than after it's in the jar," She explained with a knowing grin. "I learned that from experience."
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"Oh..." Aislin listened to the explanations Seri was providing, and the practical and quite recent example made things even clearer to her. While she had usually had no issues with simply plucking plants as she went about only to discard them later, she now began to see how important each one might be. "I wonder," she thought out loud. "If all those little flowers I used to play with in summer might also prove to be quite useful. Can all plants be used to heal something?"

Watching Seri turn a leaf into lots of tiny bits, Aislin thought that it was easy enough, so she immediately followed suit and happily took to making sure the dried plants were turned into as small pieces as her nimble fingers could manage to make.

"Wonder if many people would need this before it gets warm again," she said thoughtfully. While the cabin was not right in the middle of a busy town, perhaps there were people who would still get cold somewhere and need a good tea to help them breathe.
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Seri smiled at Aislin's comment about the flowers. "It's very possible. I always loved flowers, but until I began to learn about healing, it never really occurred to me how useful they could be. The dandelion, for instance.. who would've thought it could be used for so many ailments? Or even that it was edible." She laughed lightly. "It's quite fascinating, really, some of the ways plants can be used to treat things. I'm sure there are many things I don't even know about," She added, somewhat regretfully. "It would be interesting, I think, to travel to distant places and learn about their healing techniques. New plants, new ideas to treat health problems.." She shrugged slightly, figuring it was unlikely that she would ever be able to make such a trip. But it was nice to think about, for 'someday'.

After a little while, she switched them to working on some other sort of leaves, and then some flowers, so that the dried petals were crumbled into small pieces. "Actually, I have a different blend for colds, and a few additional ways to help someone recover from those." She explained. "This is more for a specific breathing problem, which I don't see very often. Which I believe your friend has, unfortunately. I was thinking, since it's been a couple of weeks since you, her, and Clay Dogwood showed up here.. well, I thought one of us might go and check how they're both doing." She mentioned with a little glance toward Aislin to see what she thought of the idea. "I also should pick up a few groceries, I suppose. I normally make more frequent trips into town, but it's just been so cold and snowy lately.." She shrugged, figuring it was unnecessary to further explain why she had not ventured out of her cozy home.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest; winter

"My mother used to make dandelion syrup which was very delicious," Aislin added thoughtfully, stricken by longing for her home and family. "But I never learned how to do it. All I know is how to make a wreath from dandelions." She had been surviving off some plants and leaves which she knew were not harmful, at those times when she had ended up with nothing else to eat. But winter did make things that much more difficult, and she felt grateful once more that she now was in a warm place and had food.

"But... if you were to travel far, you would be gone for a long time. What would people do without you if they needed you suddenly?" she asked in a very serious grown-up way. After all, who knew how things had turned if all of them had come here and found the cabin locked. She did not mention it though, and paid attention to the plants her fingers nimbly worked on.

When Seri mentioned one of them going to visit Brooke and Clay, Aislin looked up and mumbled: "I don't even know where either of them lives... only wandered in here recently, and got into trouble right away."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


"Mmm, yes, dandelion syrup is very good," Seri agreed. "A nice, Spring-like taste, I've always thought." She smiled. "I use it for a few different things in my work, so I like to keep some on hand. Of course, to make more, we'll have to wait for spring, when they blossom again. But I could teach you how to make it, if you'd like?" She offered. "You can use the leaves in a salad, too. And the roots are good in certain teas.. and the flowers are good for still other things..." She thoughtfully worked on her current task as she considered what all things that she could teach the girl. "There are plenty of things to eat in nature, if you know how to find them." She smiled a little sadly. "My late husband, Emma's father, he taught me many things like that. He was a ranger," She explained. "so, he was very good at living off the land, and that sort of thing."

She was thoughtful as she returned her attention toward making the tea blend, but her thoughts were not lingering on him, as they might once have done. Rather, she couldn't help her thoughts drifting toward another ranger who had entered her life recently, and wondered when she might see him again. Aislin's next question caught her by surprise, then, as she blinked and looked up again. "Well, that is a bit part of the reason why I have not gone anywhere," She explained. "I haven't really got anyone who could fill in for me if I did go away for an extended length of time. There's too many people around here who might need me." She shrugged. Perhaps, someday. But not until she felt sure that she wouldn't be leaving the people without a healer. "The furthest I've ever been from here is the Forsaken inn.. that's about a day's ride away. And the longest I've ever been away, was when I spent a few weeks there, because there was a young man there who was gravely injured, and he couldn't really be moved. I had to stay and keep a close watch on his wounds to be sure they wouldn't get infected." She mentioned, frowning slightly at the memory of his condition when she arrived. Hopefully, he was doing better now. She would need to go and check on him again before long, actually.

As Aislin then mentioned that she didn't know where either Clay or Brooke lived, Seri was slightly disappointed to hear that, because she didn't know where the latter lived, either. She had hoped that Aislin might know. Looking down with a little sigh, she tried not to show how disappointed she was by this, because that meant she couldn't check how the girl was doing. "Well," She mentioned thoughtfully. "I know where we might find Clay, or at least his family. Perhaps he has some idea of where Brooke lives, though it's a bit of a long shot." She thought it couldn't hurt to at least ask, though she realized that there was an equally good chance that he also wouldn't know.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

"I would love to learn how to make dandelion syrup!" Aislin exclaimed enthusiastically. "And all else dandelions can be used for. Though they are lovely in the field even without other use, like... hundreds of little suns. I love them a lot, even to look at."

Her hands continuously busy, Aislin looked at Seri curiously. "Oh. Which know more of how to use plants and things - healers or rangers?" she wanted to know. Somehow she had thought that rangers were all into chasing bad people with swords and not that much into knowledge about all sorts of herbs. But suppose they did have to feed off something while chasing baddies around.

"Ah, if I could learn quickly so that you can travel a bit," she thought out loud, realising the scope of Seri's commitment to locals, "But I don't think I can get all of that into my head right away."

She was quiet for a moment, thinking, and even her hands stilled, and then she spoke again: "I wonder... perhaps that wonderful Hobbit shopkeeper would know where to find Brooke. We went into his shop so she could get a little bit of food. It would be good to see her. And Clay too, to see if he's all right."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest


Seri smiled at Aislin's enthusiasm, as well as her comment about dandelions looking like tiny little suns. "They do, don't they?" She laughed. "Though, some people.. mostly gardeners, tend to think of them as a nuisance. They call them weeds, and pull them out. I wish I could get more of those people to bring the discarded 'weed' to me, so I could make use of it." She sighed softly. "I suppose they do like to take over, and choke out all the other plants, though."

Aislin's question was not one she had ever quite thought about before. She paused, tilting her head slightly in thought. "Well, I suppose that mostly depends on the person." She decided. "A big part of a healer's job is to know about what plants are used for what. Which ones heal, which ones harm, and how to use the parts of the plants which can help heal people. But there are some rangers who know these things, too." She explained. "My daughter, for instance. I wouldn't say she knows all that I know, but she has learned a great deal from me. She could be a healer, if she wanted." She paused. "I think she knows more about herbs and healing now than I did when I was her age." She smiled slightly at Aislin. "And she's in her twenties, if that tells you anything." She added.

"However.. most of the rangers spend a lot of time out in the wilds, so they must learn how to survive from what they can find in the wild. Sometimes they may not be able to carry enough supplies to last them, or they might run out. So, they need to be able to find food, elsewhere. I don't know everything about them, of course." She added. "But those whom I have met, often tend to be knowledgeable about how to find edible things in the woods. Some know healing herbs, and some do not." She tried to explain, unsure if that made proper sense to the girl. "Galanir and I, we learned from each other." She added with a soft smile. "I taught him how to use some plants in medicinal ways that he did not know, and he taught me some things about foraging for food, which I had never heard of before. And, after he died, I passed that knowledge on to our daughter, since he never had the chance."

As she returned to working on the plants, she was slightly caught by surprise by Aislin's next comment. She looked up again. "Oh, no, I wasn't trying to say that you should learn all of this so I can go on a journey." She smiled. "And I wouldn't think of leaving you alone for that long of a time, just so I can travel around, at least not until you'd had several years of learning. And that's even if you choose to stay for that long." She shook her head slightly, but did grow thoughtful for a moment after. She held off from mentioning what had come to her mind though, as Aislin brought up the hobbit shopkeeper. "There, perhaps you can find her after all." She smiled. "Good. Perhaps, between this shopkeeper, and Clay, we can find Brooke after all. Perhaps we can check on them tomorrow?" She thought it might be nice for Aislin to try and find Brooke, while Seri could check on Clay.

"There is something else which I need to figure out, though." She mentioned, going back to the travel thing. "While I don't plan on going on any lengthy journeys anytime soon," She began, "I will need to go and check on my patients at the Forsaken Inn, before too long." She was unsure how to handle that, now that she had Aislin to think of. She glanced at her, thoughtful. "I'd be gone for a few days, perhaps, but not likely much longer. In good weather, in the summer, it's only about a day's ride there, and another day back. But it's winter, so, the days are much shorter, and there's snow and ice to account for..." She sighed. "So, I can't be certain the exact length that I would be gone, but I want to be sure that the young men are healing well, and that their wounds are not getting infected.." She explained.

"Also.. there may be bandits about on the road. So, I would feel much better if you stayed here and kept indoors..." She hesitated. "I think you'd be safer here, but I do hate to leave you all alone." She didn't mention the concern that Mr Spruce might cause trouble. "I could leave Hwinia with you," She added thoughtfully, halfway thinking out loud, at this point. But she was also hoping for a little input from Aislin, to know what her preference would be. "I intend to ask Gwandhyra to escort me there and back," She added, so that Aislin would know she wasn't meaning to go and risk facing bandits all by herself. He had said he owed her, after all, and that was one of the best ways that he could repay her, by helping her get to the inn and back. The patients were friends of his, after all, so she figured he wasn't likely to refuse, unless he had some very important business to attend to that couldn't wait.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

"I guess... dandelions are good or evil depending on how one sees them, eh," Aislin mused and wished she had some dandelions at hand, and even not to use them but to enjoy the sight. But none would grow in the midst of winter, so she had to wait a long time.

When Seri began to explain the differences and common knowledge of healers and rangers, the girl listened with great interest and even forgot to do her work for a while, resting her hands in the lap. "Ohhh..." she said thoughtfully. And then she was glad that she did not have to decide right away what she wanted to do with her life and simply enjoy being. In a safe place. Clothed. Fed. With people around her who liked her.

"Several years of learning. If I choose to stay?" she repeated. Years seemed like a very long time, and yet Aislin could not imagine going anywhere else, not yet. "I would definitely like to stay and learn, if I may!"

But then it seemed that Seri did think of travel after all, though it would not be across half the Middle Earth. "I think I would be just fine," she said. The fears caused by the tanner had long been forgotten, and she did not think he, or any bandits for the matter would come here. Or, if they would, she'd know how to handle them. Especially if Hwinia was here with her, though it would make staying indoors more difficult.

"And if Gwandhyra would go with you, I would not worry of you too much either. He is strong like a bull!" Aislin said happily, thinking back to how he had moved that huge rock to get Clay out. And then she responded to even shorter travel option - tomorrow. "Well, someone has to know where Brooke lives," she said with a slight shrug. "I'm sure... Mr. Tunnelly! That his name was!" the girl suddenly remembered. "I can definitely ask him."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Nodding at the comment about Dandelions, Seri thoughtfully added some herbs into the bowl. Then looked to see how Aislin's were coming along. She had a fair amount already prepared, so Seri quietly indicated that she ought to add those into the blend. That way she could clear her workspace to start on something else.

"Of course, you can stay as long as you like." Seri assured her with a smile. "Though, I suspect eventually, you might get bored of all the herbs and medicines, and want to strike out on your own." She added, though not entirely serious. Her brown eyes held a little sparkle of teasing as she glanced across the table at her. "That's what Emeralda always wanted to do, ever since she learned to walk." While Seri had always assumed that Emma had gotten that from her father, after recalling what she had been saying just a little while ago, about how she'd like to go traveling, she had to laugh a little and wonder if maybe that had come from both of them.

She was glad to hear that Aislin did not sound afraid to be left alone, though. "Good. I wouldn't actually go at all, with all the snow and ice and everything... except I need to make sure that his wounds are healing properly, and not getting infected." She explained. While she suspected that Bel would have found a way to send for help if there were any problems like that, she also knew the young lady might not know how to recognize the early signs of infections. "It's just.. the healer in me, needing to check on my patient, I suppose," She added aloud.

A little laugh escaped, then, when Aislin proclaimed Gwandhyra to be 'strong as a bull'. "Determined as one too, I think." She added with slight amusement. "Which is good, when fighting enemies, and keeping our homes safe." She looked at Aislin with a smile. "I'm glad that he was in the right place to help you and the others, that day." It had been a bit of a bonus for Seri to get to see him again, too. Not to mention that she had met Aislin, when otherwise she would not have.

She picked up the bowl and sifted through the collection of herbs, to inspect it and gauge whether it had enough of everything, or needed more of this or that. "I believe this one is finished," She decided with a little nod. She mixed up the blend as well as she could in the large bowl, then held it out to Aislin. "Would you divide this between a few jars, please?" She asked, figuring the mixture ought to fill up at least half a dozen small jars. While her student was doing that, Seri would assess her stock and figure out what else she needed to replenish.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Aislin took care adding what she had so that nothing would fall to the ground. Perhaps she had not managed a whole lot of work, yet she had done the best she could.

"Maybe. Eventually," the girl could not wholly deny the idea that she would leave. Perhaps when she was older and knew what she wanted to do with her life other than simply exist. "I'm just so glad to have a place to stay and someone who likes me," she said again, beaming a hearty smile at Seri.

"Right!" Aislin accepted the bowl and holding it in the the crook of her hand lined up the jars with the other. "I will guard the house all right so you can see the patient," she looked up. "The healer in you? But you are a healer, Aunt Seri. Are you not?" Pouring the herbal mix into jars took a lengthy time but the girl thought that it was best to do it slower and not lose one little bit.
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Seri laughed. "Indeed, you're right. The healer is deeply ingrained in me. It is who I am, more than what I am." She shrugged slightly and began looking through her stash of medicines and dried herbs. "It looks like we'll need to get some more wax by spring," She mentioned, after inspecting her supply of beeswax. "We use that for making salves and balms," She added in explanation. Anticipating some of the questions which Aislin might ask, she added, "Salves have a thin, creamy sort of texture, which you can rub onto your skin easily. And balms are a thicker consistency, almost solid. Which means that balms use more wax to help them keep that consistency." She explained.

"I think we do have enough here to make some salve, and maybe some balm as well. What kinds would you recommend?" She asked, curious what Aislin might pick to try making. "Making these is a bit more fun than that," She added, with a motion to the jars of tea blends. She smiled and set out some pots and things that they would use when making these things.
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Aislin observed Seri for a few moments and then ventured a question: "But how do you find out who you are, or what you should do in life? I don't even know that about myself." She wondered if that was something to be learned when one was older, but it seemed not quite it should be for her since she was on her own and should really know her own way.

"Do you keep bees somewhere, Aunt Seri?" she then wondered, imagining a whole city of bees surrounding the cabin. "Or just buy beeswax from people somewhere in town?"

She considered the choice between salves and balms then, and eventually decided and made her choice known along with more questions: "Balms, perhaps? But how do you get other ingredients not to be chunky in the wax? Like, keep grinding herbs until they are powdery? And how long does that take?"
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

"You're not very old yet, Aislin," Seri replied to the girl's question with a kind smile. "You have plenty of time to find what you enjoy doing. Some people make up their minds early, others take a little longer to find the thing they want to do in life." She shrugged. "Emma, for instance, she knew from the time she was very little that she wanted to be a ranger, just like her daddy. And that's all she ever wanted to be, all her life." She laughed softly. "Then, she was a ranger for a couple of years, and realized that actually, she was in love with her best friend and missed him far more than she had realized she would. So, she married him, and she doesn't really do much ranger work anymore."

She sat down across from Aislin. "Me, on the other hand," She smiled faintly. "I fell in love when I was about your age, and I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, other than marry Galanir." She smiled softly, with a sort of sad look to it. "But my grandparents didn't approve of him, and they said no. Then my grandfather became ill, and I helped my grandmother tend to him as well as I could. But all I could do was follow the healer's instructions, and hope for the best." She sighed softly. "When he died, my grandmother.. did not take the grief very well. And so, I began to tend to her next. Trying to help her recover from her grief.. to draw her out of her depression." She shrugged. "I began to see some progress, after many months. And that made me feel very hopeful, and glad." She explained.

"At some point," She sat back, thinking. "Galanir got injured." She smiled slightly. "We had continued to see each other in secret." She admitted, without much shame. "Anyway, I had spent a fair amount of time, by then, asking the local healer a lot of questions, trying to learn how to help my grandmother, so.. I had learned enough to be able to bandage him up and ensure that he survived long enough for me to get him to the healer. And, then I hung around, assisting the healer while Galanir recovered.." She shrugged. "And before long, I had begun helping him with some of his other patients, because I'd been learning how to do those things.. and I realized how much I enjoyed helping people when they're sick or hurt." She smiled. "By the time Galanir was well enough to leave the healer, I had decided to become an apprentice to the healer." She thought for a moment. "I was about seventeen or so, I think, at that time."

She looked at Aislin. "Anyway, each person is different. There's really no set time in your life when you're supposed to have figured out what to do with your life. Just figure out what makes you happy. If helping people heal from injuries or sickness is what makes you happy, then pursue that. If you'd rather.. make shoes," She listed the first thing that came to mind, "then you can go and ask Mr. Dogwood to teach you that," She laughed. "There's no need to decide who you want to be, or what you want to do, right away." She assured her.

When asked about the bees, Seri grinned. "Not me, no." She shook her head. "There's a very nice old lady who lives out on the edge of Combe. Ms. Fae, and her granddaughter, Ellie. She's a bit younger than you, but I think you'd like her." She added. "They keep bees, and they sell the wax and the honey. And they also make candles and balms and things like that. So, I'm not the only one around here who makes such things. When spring comes, you can come with me and meet them." She smiled.

Standing up again, she returned to the business of making a balm. "Well, the herbs themselves aren't going into the balm," She explained, in answer to the question. "First, we infuse the herbs into an oil, and then the oil goes into the wax, which will be melted until it's smooth. From there, we can stir the oil in and make sure everything blends properly before pouring it into containers to cool and set up." She smiled. "Would you like to try making an infusion first, or shall we use one that I already have prepared? It can take a while to do an infusion," She added as a warning, so she would know what she was getting into if she chose that option. "But to use one that's already ready, we can make the balm right away."
Last edited by Rillewen on Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

"Ohhhhh," Aislin responded, while she listened to Seri's stories eagerly and both finding out more about her benefactor and her family, as well as becoming more comfortable with the fact that she was still unsure of what she should become and what she should do.

"Then... I will understand my way at some point without trying hard to figure it out now, yes?" she sought to make sure. "And I am happy now. Simply to be here. Help you. Play with Hwinia. And just..." The girl was not sure how to express what the comfortable feeling within her was like, so she only shrugged her shoulders lightly. "Suppose I can simply try out everything that seems interesting, right?"

Finding out that there might be a possibility of going to see the lady who was keeping bees and her granddaughter, Aislin smiled happily. "It would be lovely, once the spring comes!"

Returning back to the task at hand, she rubbed her chin with the index finger thoughtfully. "I would want to see how infusion is made, but then again if it takes a lot of time... I'd rather just see the balm making first. If that can be done? It sound more difficult to me."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Smiling as Aislin said that she was happy to just be here, Seri then gave a little nod when she mentioned trying out anything that seemed interesting to her. "Absolutely." She confirmed. She remembered her tea, and took a small sip. "I usually go visit Ms. Fae now and then," She added, after Aislin expressed interest in going to see them. "Sometimes to get wax and honey, other times we trade salves and things like that." She smiled and lowered her voice as if sharing a secret, though no one was there but the two of them, "And she makes the best pies."

When Aislin decided to stick with making a balm first, Seri nodded, though was slightly amused that the girl asked 'if it can be done'. "Of course it can," She assured her. She went and got a jar containing some infusion. "We'll use this one." She decided, setting the jar down. "This is for muscle aches, and it can be used as is, but sometimes it can be more useful if it's mixed into a balm form." She got out two pots, one slightly bigger than the other, and showed Aislin how they could put one inside the other, put water in the lower one, and use the inner pot to heat the wax.

"Once it's melted completely, we'll add a certain amount of this oil, which is already infused with all the herbs and ingredients that we need for this. I want you to stir slowly until it's fully blended together with the wax, alright?" She checked that Aislin would be willing to do this. "In case you're wondering," She added, anticipating the question, "this has four different ingredients in it." She held up the jar of infused oil. "The oil, of course. A plant known as Arnica, another plant called Calendula, and a special kind of pepper which comes from far away lands. It's rather costly to get, but it has many medicinal uses, unfortunately." She sighed softly, wishing it could be easier to acquire.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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Aislin
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

"Oh, that is a lot of skills!" Aislin wondered when Seri spoke some more of Ms. Fae, "Beekeeping and everything related to handling honey and wax; making balms; and then pies. Quite cool!"

She thought it would be nice to learn many things as well, but perhaps not all at once. At the moment, she had to focus on balm-making, and so she nearly put her nose into the jar of infused oil to see if it had any particular scent.

"Aha, but why can't only one pot be used? Why two?" she asked, thinking that it was excessive use of pots just to melt a bit of wax. However, she did not hesitate to take on the stirring duty. "Calendula... is that marigold, or not really? I think I remember hearing something somewhere that made me think they were the same, just that calendula was... a more fancy name for the flower."
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Healer Serenity "Seri" Moss
Seri's cabin in the Chetwood forest

Seri laughed softly. "Well, she is quite old, I suppose she's had a lot of years to learn all of those skills." She explained. "I'm not even entirely sure how old the lady is, but.. you'll see when you meet her." She smiled. "Her granddaughter is just a bit younger than you are, though. I think you would like Ellie, she's a very friendly girl."

As she waited for the wax to melt, she listened to Aislin's questions. Very understandable questions, of course. "Well, it's called a 'double boiler'. You have the first pot, in which you heat boiling water. Then the inner pot holds whatever you want to melt. The reason for doing it that way is that it heats the ingredients more gently than if it were directly on the stove. It's useful in cooking things too, like melting chocolate, or heating milk or cream. It's so that you can more easily prevent burning or scorching ingredients, especially delicate things. It's easier to maintain temperatures, especially if you need them to heat for a longer period." She explained.

"With this, we need the wax to stay on the heat until it's completely liquid, and then we will be adding some of the infused oil, and we'll keep it on the heat while we stir and make sure that it's all thoroughly blended together. We wouldn't want the wax to get to hot and start to burn while we're trying to mix the oil in, which can happen too easily if it's sitting directly on the heat." She moved the stirrer through the wax which was beginning to melt a bit. "See how it's melting sort of gradually? That way it isn't as likely to burn. Would you like to stir it?" She offered the stirrer to her with an encouraging smile.
"I don't know half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve."

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