Rivers Washed

Prologue

    In what used to be the center of town there is a statue of four women. The first women hold out a lantern for light, the second one offers herbs for medicine, the third's arms are full of blankets and cloaks, and the last one has food and water for others to eat.

          The tale of this statue is all but forgotten, a true story that became only a legend. The women were real people that saved so many people and dedicated their lives to helping the ones shunned, beaten, outcast, and the mythical beings that existed and still do.

It all started years ago during Medieval times, four women plagued by the ridiculous beliefs of their town ran away into the forest. They became witches, learning healing potions and about nature. Their life long mission began when they went back to the town one day to get some supplies they couldn't get from the forests.

Covered in shawls and veils the women entered the town they had left before.

"I'll get the thread and clothes." said one of the women, named Anera, and they planned to spread out to finish quicker.

"And I the sugar and wheat." added another, who was called Bencia.

"I'm sure spices are needed, and while getting that I'll get salt as well." called out the one named Navra.

The last woman, named Esalia, spoke up before they parted, "I will get the rest of what we need, and we should meet back here when the sun is setting."

They all agreed then parted ways. Esalia grabbed her basket then began walking to the market. Her head was held up high as she walked to the market.

Esalia walked over to the booth selling seeds. "I am in need of potato seeds please."

She pulled out a small bag full of gold, silver, and bronze coins. Esalia handed the man 5 silver pieces and 7 bronze ones and he handed her a bag of potato seeds. They parted ways with a nod and Esalia went to finish finding what they needed.

As the sun was close to setting Esalia left the market and set out walking to the meeting place. As she walked past one of the houses she heard a scream. Esalia ran in the direction of the scream, when she got to the scene she was horrified by what she saw.

Esalia stopped in her tracks as she witnessed a small girl about 10 years old being beaten by a tall man. She came to her senses quickly as the girl screamed again and sobbed as the man grabbed her by the hair and slapped her across the face. Esalia's eyes were full of hate and rage as she saw what the man was doing, she grabbed the powdered Valerian Root from one of her pockets and ran up behind the man.

Her hands, still full of the powdered Valerian Root, wrapped around his face. He breathed in the powder while struggling against Esalia's strong grip then suddenly he went limp. She let go of the man, breathed a sigh of relief, then turned her attention to the small girl covered in bruises and cuts that was curling up on herself and sobbing.

"I'm not gonna hurt you," whispered Esalia, her voice gentle and soft, "you're safe now."

Esalia started to reach out to the child but stopped herself, "Can I touch you?"

The girl nodded and Esalia put a hand on her back to let her get used to a hand that wasn't beating her. As the girl began to calm down Esalia wrapped her arms around the girl. She whispered reassurances and stroked the girl's red hair, not caring that her dress was getting dirty from sitting on the ground.

"My name is Esalia, what's your name?" asked Esalia once the girl had stopped shaking.

"My name's Meddra." her voice barely a whisper.