Dawn of Adventure {Book One of The Paths We've Traveled}

Chapter Twelve: Evia

Evia had worked at Grimstone Manor for the past twenty years of her life, and in that time, she had developed a routine. Wake up in the morning, go to the infirmary, help useless nobles who had pounding headaches from drinking too much, and then go to bed, spending what little time she had left embroidering whatever tapestry she was working on at the moment. It was monotonous and slow, but it paid well to be the only healer in the entire mansion, and she had grandchildren to think about. So she stayed, taking each day with a smile and sending all her money to the several children she had scattered throughout the barren country, helping them survive when there was little they could earn themselves.

When she had started at Grimstone, she had been in her prime, recovering from the sudden death of her husband. With no one else to provide for her or her growing family, she had jumped into the work. The years had been kind to her, even if the decades spent here had become obvious. Her once beautiful black hair was now gray and cut short against her shoulders, her pale skin wrinkled from the years smiling and crying. The only thing that had remained unchanged were her vibrant green eyes. Those were what she stared at now, trying to remember the woman she used to be with her lovely husband by her side.

Evia sighed, turning from the mirror and continuing to fold the linens scattered across the cot beside her. She'd stay until the laundry was done, and then she was going to bed, drunk nobles be damned. It had been harder and harder to stay up as late as she had to, especially since she rose with the sun every morning. But it was what the job required, so she continued to do it, no matter how much her joints ached and complained every time she stood.

A hesitant knock at the door broke through her thoughts. She placed the bandage in her hands down, calling out in her surprisingly steady voice, "Come in." She frowned slightly, knowing that this wasn't some noble; they never had the decency to knock first.

She was correct. Stepping through the door was a young maid she hadn't seen before. A long blonde braid hung over her shoulder and brushed her waist where the apron met her bodice. Her uniform differed from those of the manor, leading Evia to assume that this girl must have come with the new nobles who had arrived a week ago. Again, she was correct.

"Are you Evia?" The newcomer's accent was strange, lilting and yet strong, so very unlike the harsher tones she was accustomed to. Nevertheless, Evia nodded, pushing herself to her feet to shake the girl's hand. "I'm Ashley Alberona. Mrs. Mava said you were the doctor here."

Evia smiled. "I am the healer here at Grimstone. Not quite a doctor. But what can I do for you dear? Tonic for a headache? Rub for sore muscles?"

Ashley shifted slightly, not quite looking Evia in the eyes which was a shame since the elderly woman hated when the servants in this manor acted like she was someone to be afraid of. "Actually, ma'am, it's my mistress, Mistress Shelia. We came to Grimstone about a week ago because she's been really sick lately, and it's gotten past the point where I can care for her. I asked Mrs. Mava about a doctor and she sent me here to you. Should I bring my mistress here tomorrow?"

Evia stopped her cleanup for the night, taking in the girl fully for the first time. Her uniform looked neat from a distance, but this close the state of disarray was obvious. Exhaustion lined her face, and Evia wondered how hard the manor was working her if she had been here for a week and she was so worn out already. Adding all of this to Ashley's words about her sick mistress, Evia made a decision.

"It's still early now. Let me gather up a few supplies and I'll come with you dearie." Ashley's face broke into a grateful smile, and Evia finally saw the soft brown eyes the girl had been hiding. Then she got her features back under control, dipping slightly in a curtsy and lowering her gaze once more. That was enough of that. "Come on now dear. You don't have to treat me like one of your masters. I'll just be a friend, hmm? Besides, you could be one of my grandchildren. I won't have you curtsying and scraping after everything I do. So smile, and show me your eyes. I'm not going to do anything." Her words were met with exactly the reaction she was looking for. Ashley raised her head, a ghost of her earlier beam breaking across her face. "Very good. Now can you carry these bags for me? I'm not quite as strong as I used to be."