𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓣𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓭 𝓢𝓸𝓷

Chapter 42 Lady Seraphina Elaryn

Lady Seraphina Elaryn was born into a world where nature and knowledge intertwined like the vines that grew over the walls of her family's ancestral seat. House Elaryn, though lesser in power compared to the great houses of the Reach, had a reputation for their unparalleled connection to the earth.

Their lands were lush with gardens where rare and exotic plants flourished, tended to by skilled herbalists who passed down their secrets through generations. Seraphina, from a young age, had shown an innate affinity for these ancient arts, learning the properties of every herb, root, and flower under the tutelage of her mother, Lady Cressida.

The Elaryn family estate was a peaceful retreat hidden away among gentle hills and thick woods. Seraphina grew up exploring the gardens, discovering how to recognize different plants by their smell, feel, and flavor.

She was especially intrigued by the medicinal qualities of the herbs, often spending long hours in the family's apothecary, creating potions and ointments that could heal cuts, reduce fevers, and relieve pain. By the time she reached adulthood, Seraphina had become the best healer in her family, her skills surpassing even those of people much older than her.

However, despite the peace and beauty of her home, Seraphina's heart yearned for something more. The quiet life in the Reach, surrounded by the same faces and the same routine, began to feel stifling.

CHILDHOOD

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden light over the lush gardens of House Elaryn. Birds chirped melodiously, and the scent of blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the earthy fragrance of herbs growing in neat rows. The gardens were vast, a testament to the Elaryn family's deep connection with nature, a tradition that had been passed down through generations.

In the heart of the garden, a small girl of about eight years knelt beside a bed of lavender, her tiny fingers carefully plucking the delicate purple blossoms. Her dark hair was tied back with a ribbon, and her green eyes sparkled with curiosity and joy. This was Seraphina, the youngest daughter of Lord Eamon and Lady Alysanne Elaryn.

Beside her stood Lady Alysanne, a tall, graceful woman with the same green eyes as her daughter. She watched Seraphina's careful work with a gentle smile, her heart swelling with pride. Alysanne was renowned throughout the Reach for her skills as a healer, a gift she was now passing on to her daughter.

"You're doing well, Seraphina," Alysanne said, her voice soft and encouraging. "Remember, when harvesting lavender, you want to pick it just before the flowers are fully open. That's when the oils are strongest."

Seraphina looked up at her mother, her eyes wide with wonder. "Why do we need the oils, Mama?"

Alysanne knelt down beside her daughter, brushing a stray lock of hair from Seraphina's face. "The oils are where the plant's healing properties lie. Lavender is special—it can calm the mind and heal wounds. We use it to make soothing balms and teas. Would you like to learn how to make some?"

Seraphina nodded eagerly, her excitement bubbling over. "Yes, please, Mama! I want to help people like you do."

Alysanne chuckled softly, her heart warmed by her daughter's enthusiasm. She took Seraphina's small hand in hers and led her to a nearby table, where various herbs, mortars, and pestles were laid out. "First, we'll start by drying the lavender," Alysanne explained, showing Seraphina how to carefully spread the blossoms on a tray. "Once it's dry, we can use it in many different ways. But for today, we'll make a simple balm."

Seraphina watched with rapt attention as her mother demonstrated the process, her movements precise and practiced. Alysanne took a small amount of beeswax, melting it in a pot over a low flame. She then added a few drops of lavender oil, stirring the mixture until it was smooth and fragrant.