Threads of Destiny

Part 1 Eridu - Chapter 3: Charity

Celestia

Another day, another set of lessons. After a morning of self-defense maneuvers with Captain Aldrich, I'm elbow deep grinding herbs, making salves, and treating minor wounds in the castle infirmary with our staff of healers. A stiff apron covers my dress, and a nurse's hat graces my head. Lessons in the healers' wing allow me to immerse myself in the fascinating world of herbs and medicines.

My initial fascination stemmed from stories of my mother's unusual upbringing among the brutal Valorian clans. In that harsh world, she's told us, poisons play a pivotal role in the endless power struggles. Her tales of toxic lipsticks, poisoned combs, and contaminated foodstuffs paint a grim picture of suspicions and constant vigilance. Even pregnancy isn't sacrosanct - rivals can and do employ abortifacients to deny each other heirs - in fact, it happened to Mother while she was expecting me. Lucky for me, the attempt was unsuccessful. Raised amid such treachery, Mother has always insisted her children take preventative micro-doses, just in case. The Valorian's treachery extends beyond the borders of their kingdom. After all, she was here in Eridu during her pregnancy with me.

These morbid roots have blossomed over time into a vibrant curiosity about the plant world's restorative potential. Plants, flowers and herbs can be friend or foe, and with careful study I can bend them to my will. Their healing potential fascinates me just as much as their ability to harm. Inside the sunlit chamber where the castle's healers work, the rich scent of hothouse herbs envelops me. Here, away from weighty discussions of diplomacy, and the etiquette of royal duty, I find a different kind of challenge - one that engages both mind and hands. I immerse myself in these studies several mornings each week, until it's time for royal duties outside the castle grounds.

This particular morning Yosef and Johan come seeking services here after a scuffle with Laurent and Gilbert got out of hand.

"What were you thinking?" I exclaim, dabbing a thick salve on a darkening, fist shaped bruise around Yosef's right eye. He attempts to scowl as he responds but ends up wincing in pain.

"Laurent was talking trash," he begins, only to be interrupted by Johan. "You don't want to know," says the later darkly, whose cuts and scrapes I've already tended to.

"Of course I do, you idiot!" I scold him. My friends share a weighted look that only serves to annoy me. They are obviously keeping secrets.

Yosef begins again. "It's just... Laurent has been mixing with the wrong crowds lately."

Johan waves him off, interrupting with his own interpretation. "He's spending too much time in the taverns is all. He's just being momentarily stupid." He pointedly narrows his eyes at Yosef. After a tense moment Yosef concurs.

"It's probably just a phase. I'm sure he'll come around," he hedges as I step back, wiping the excess salve off my hands. "After all, we've all got history together." He finishes with a sigh.

"That's it?" I persist, hands on hips. "That's all you're going to tell me?"

"What more is there to know?" Johan says too casually. He gives me an exaggerated shrug, then reaches over to tweak my cheek. "Thanks for the patch up, tiny."

Yosef stands and tweaks my braid. "See you soon," he says as they stride away, leaving me to finish the morning's assignments here.

A few hours later, the scent of herbs still clings to my skin as I hurry from the healers' wing, the morning's lessons complete. My mind is already shifting gears. It's time for charity outings - a regular part of royal duties. As I rush to change with Deena's assistance, I can feel the day's medicinal studies fading into the background. It's time to focus on our vulnerable citizens. We will be venturing into some less savory parts of the city to aid those most in need.