Spring 27, 1388

  FIELDS

  81 Strawberries — 22/36 Days (Masterwork) (1x1) — 81 tiles.

  81 Potatoes — 2/20 Days (Masterwork) (1x2) — 162 tiles

  81 Peas — 22/23 Days (Masterwork) (1x2 — Trellis) — 162 tiles

  GREENHOUSE NOT USED

  SEED MAKERS NOT USED

  Current Finances: 150 (-1000 (Bought the Farm), 44 Gold (Girls Night Out)) Gold Pieces (Clean), 265 Unlaundered Gold Pieces (-5 Candy Shop), 84 Golds Escrow (-100 for Stew)

  Warm beds and soft pillows were any girl's best friend, but having a rabbit sleeping on your face and threatening to suffocate you was not ideal. Mirchie must have figured that was appropriate as revenge for the hugging in the night, since I woke up several times to her having fallen asleep atop my face.

  Amaril’s Gaze rose above the Horizon, the burning radiance spreading its warmth over my fields. In one more day the peas would be grown, and it was the last thing I was looking forward to before leaving for Flowers-By-The-River. Like any good [Farm Girl], as soon as the light poured in from my windows, I was up!

  Pa’s Hovel – My Hovel – only had two windows. One was where the old workbench was, and the second by the hearth in case there was too much smoke.

  My room had a window. The golden lights of dawn creeping over the floorboards – not just haphazardly placed logs – was a treat. And a wardrobe filled with dresses!

  I needed to find something to wear that suited working at the Cockatrice, but the clothing I had was…

  Honestly, far pricier than anything I used to own. The work clothes, Mrs. Bellamine’s Christmas dress, and then all the clothing Ophelia had acquired for me. Dr. Anise wore a white coat with form-fitting clothes underneath. Melissa could probably make something like that for me if I gave her the designs… but the Crow Suit was far too cumbersome and way too worrying to wear.

  I took the white dress I wore at Noel’s place a few days ago, and then wore matching white flats. I turned towards the window, but my eyes caught sight of the newly placed mirror. Even with actual furniture, everything in my head kept thinking I lived in a hovel.

  I wrapped the silk scarf around my neck, gently draping it over my shoulders. It didn’t chaff over my skin; the bruises and wounds I sported fading away to nothing. I put the white gloves on next, and began to leave my bedroom.

  The Abyssal Dagger appeared in my hand when I crossed the threshold. The black blade drank in the morning light, absorbing it all to give it a matted look, not something that shined like polished metal. I looked it over, and then returned it back to my storage chest.

  It appeared in my hand again as I crossed the threshold. I scowled, and then placed it atop my desk.

  It happened again, and I knew enough about magical artifacts and fae curses and rituals about the rule of three. I had tried twice, and now If I left, it would be the third attempt and it’d seal my fate. I wouldn’t be able to leave it.

  Unless…

  I walked back to my study and towards the Black Table Rhyvesta had gifted to me. I opened one of the locked drawers and placed the obvious artifact inside, and then took the Libre Sanitas and placed it atop it. For good measure, I also put Amaril’s Word and Nyla’s Blessings atop THAT and then closed the table. I then realized it was again, three books, and grabbed a blank notebook and put that atop the three.

  I walked out, and the dagger did not return. I am sure it was meant to be stored there and not haphazardly, but I personally believed that as a Scholar, I broke the cursed rule.

  I stepped downstairs to my kitchen, but for the first time in my life, I had the opposite problem. Rather than having too little and trying to make a meagre meal, my pantry was stocked, and I had spare food to last me for days. My stomach didn’t twist or knot, and the very concept of eating right now felt wrong.

  I’d see if I could convince Ophelia to come eat breakfast with me in the Gryphon instead.

  I stepped outside, and Amaril’s warmth seeped into my skin. It didn’t burn or hurt this time!

  I inhaled, taking in the smell of dirt, grass, water… and disgusting bat-fur. There was blood and grit in the air, and I quickly turned to my side to see Laertes.

  “Morning, Ash–Lady Hart.”

  “Morning. You can call me Ashley if you want, or Ashy. What are you doing here?”

  “I will not,” Laertes said, though all of his words sounded like a permanent growl. “Lady Hawthorne Meeting.”

  He gestured towards the gazebo where Ophelia was sitting with four other people. “Vampires?” I asked.

  Laertes nodded, and continued leaning on my house wall.

  “Okay, so what are you doing then?” I asked, glancing between him and Ophelia. I wanted to just walk towards Ophelia, but I created Laertes and figured I owed him my attention.

  “Guarding.”

  “Ophelia?”

  He snorted and shook his head. “You. Your home.”

  My eyes shot open, and my face must have scrunched up since Laertes caught my confusion. “I know plan. No need to tell again. They need purpose.”

  “Interesting. So, if you’re guarding me, can I ask you to do something?”

  Laertes shifted, and his head quickly turned away. “...Yes. Though, Ophelia directs?” he tried to reason.

  I crossed my arms. “Wait, do you serve Ophelia or me?”

  Laertes froze, the muscles in his body tensing and his chest not raising or falling. Actually, I don’t think he ever did that, being a living corpse. But he was still frozen. He opened his mouth and then closed it.

  He tried once more, before looking at the ground. “Serve you. Ophelia is annoyed. At me. Not you. Said to be tasked. Not to offer first. Unsure of proper answer. You are creator. She is sire.”

  “Wait, why is Ophelia annoyed?”

  Laertes said nothing, but stared into the forest. “Wizex and I. Nearly killed you?”

  I looked at his face while trying to think that through. “You did? What, when?”

  The silence was thick, and Laertes did not move. He didn’t say anything, but I could see his throat tense and his lips practising words.

  “Lyric Bay.”

  Oh. My arms uncrossed, but my body shook. I closed my eyes, forcing thoughts of that night out of my head.

  “That… was not your fault. You did what I asked.” I slowly stated, and paused. “Instead of that… fine, let’s go ask Ophelia.”

  Laertes nodded, pushing himself off my wall.

  As soon as we both approached, Ophelia and her four guests rose from their seats. I recalled seeing something similar when I was at the tavern, and I still did not enjoy it. I looked at Ophelia.

  “Lady Hart! Good to see you up and early. I see you and Laertes have come together,” she paused. I waited for her to continue. The five faces stared expectantly at me, so I stared expectantly back at Ophelia. Her lips curved into a smile and she rolled her eyes. “Is there something you wished to say?”

  “Yes!” I beamed. “I wanted to ask how the body acquisition was going?”

  The four vampires near Ophelia stood around awkwardly, and Ophelia turned to them. She held up a finger, then turned to me. “Lady Hart, a quick statement on protocol. When a superior approaches her followers, they will stand up as a sign of respect. The first thing you should state is for them to be at ease, to take a seat, or call the specific person you wish to speak to.”

  I stared at her. That was a lot of words, and a lot of things I didn’t want to remember. “No, I’m not going to do that, and I don’t want to remember this. You can do it for me, Lady Hawthorne.”

  She shook her head, but a small chuckle escaped her lips. “As you wish, Lady Hart. Please be seated. Body Acquisition, Mistress?”

  Right, when work was talked about, the vampires really went creepy about the hierarchy. It worked, and they didn’t expect much from me except what I needed done.

  “I only have five workers for my fields, and after I made Laertes, I think the five I started with – Wait a momen’!” I shouted. Ophelia braced herself, and the seated vampires looked around.

  “I can [Advance] two more min–”

  “Lady Hart, be silent.” Ophelia immediately cut me off. “Laertes is already my peer, and something like that would be best kept a secret.”

  I looked at Ophelia and then at her siblings. I could make two of them [Advance] to Ophelia’s level as well. I tilted my head at her, and she softly shook her own. I guess Ophelia had a reason not to tell them I could?

  “How are you doing though, Ophelia? I never got a chance to bath–”

  “Lady Hart!” Ophelia shouted, but Laertes was already laughing. The vampires behind her looked awkwardly about, anywhere but at her and I. Ophelia raised a sharp finger at Laertes, who just waved her off.

  The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Come on, sis. Not my fault. Mistress is mistress. However, Body Acquisition?”

  I turned to Laertes as he spoke. “I know I made you for Ophelia, but siblings?”

  Ophelia sighed and grit her teeth. “He and I are linked to you, Lady Hart. All of our quests for advancement are currently ‘[Strengthen your Priestess]’. He, like I, and like you, are all just third level.”

  “Does that mean Rattlejack and the Zombie Boys are level… eight?”

  “I do not kno–” Ophelia began.

  “Yes, they are.” Laertes interrupted. “Five though. Capped. Badly made.”

  Ophelia glared at Laertes, but I couldn’t help laugh. “That’s pretty right, Laertes! I don’t like how bad they are. Levan told me to remake them and do better now. But I don’t have bodies or souls. I needed you to acquire some for me, even if Lyrelle Forest is emptied out. Wizex said he was searching for them?”

  Laertes grinned. “He was. He has. Lady Hawthorne, may I?”

  She looked between Laertes and me and rubbed her temple. “You may. I appreciate you both coming to me first.”

  “I’d always come to you first, Ophelia,” I responded. Ophelia looked down, but a small blush formed on her cheeks. She quickly dismissed it. “Could you get an area set up for me to make a laboratory? I was thinking of putting it in the basement, but I realized I’d basically kill myself with the fumes.”

  “I can do so, Mistress. However, none of us can make a laboratory. That is not in our skillset.”

  I waved her off. “I can, when I get back. I was thinking of working with wood vinegar and seeing if that could work. Levan’s notes says it’s a type of formalin or a methanal. It might have some interesting uses for –” I stopped talking when I saw the blank expressions on their faces.

  “I apologize, Lady Hart. Your realm is… unknown to me. Like how high society means not much to you.” Ophelia apologized.

  “You’re fine. How long is the meeting you’re planning to have? You could go ins–”

  “Lady Hart,” Ophelia interrupted. “I am aware Laertes and I are allowed indoors for meetings.”

  “Oh. Well, if you’re finishing up soon, do you want to come to the Gryphon with me for breakfast?”

  “...Have you not eaten, Lady Hart? I can get you something made, or cook for yo–”

  “No, I’d like to go into town with you before we open The Cockatrice, but if you’re busy…”

  “Not at all. Laertes, you know the plan for Hawthorne Manor?”

  “Yes, Sis.”

  “Lady Hawthorne in front of the staff, please.” Ophelia corrected, but Laertes didn’t apologize nor move. She shook it off. “Please guide them and tell them what needs to be done. Then, take as many as you need to find the Goblin and begin body acquisition."

  “Oh! I’ll also need animals for their [Animus]. But that can be done later. You should take Snowball with you!”

  Ophelia grinned. “Yes, ‘brother’, take my flying horse.”

  “It’s a NightMare, Ophelia.”

  “I am aware of what it is, Lady Hart. Laertes would snap her spine in two.”

  “I want a bear. A NightBear. Or NightWolf.” Laertes added.

  “Find me one and it's yours.” I said.

  Ophelia raised her hand. “That is a project for after our Lady returns from Flowers-By-The-River.”

  She then offered me her hand, and I placed my fingers against hers. Laertes turned to the vampires. “So, Lair in Basement…” He began.

  I gripped Ophelia’s hand and tugged her along.

  The Gryphon was filled with working folks in the morning. Frumenty was a well-loved morning dish, where baked grains were served with fresh milk from Laura - and the other ranchers - farms.

  I had told Pa that I had wanted Nana Marlow to make some for us with the wheat we grew once, but Pa was already making corn by that point. And imagine eating dried up pieces of corn with milk for breakfast!

  I adored wheat and grains, but Mrs. Marlow would bake it slowly with nutmeg and allspice, and let the milk seep into the wheat. She’d then mix in a dollop of Wild Honey with a hardboiled egg on the side!

  Ophelia and I were at the booth in the back, and I already knew what I had wanted before Mary came to our table.

  “Mornin’ Lady Hart, Mornin’ Lady Hawthorne. What can I getcha?”

  “My usual, dear.” Ophelia said, and Mary scribbled something down.

  I stared suspiciously at Ophelia, puffing out my cheeks before turning to Mary. “Ale and Frumenty, please!”

  She nodded and wrote it down, before leaving. I immediately turned to Ophelia. “Your usual? You’ve been going here without me?”

  “...Yes? You spend most of your time at your farm, Lady Hart. My home is still being reconstructed, and I am a social creature. I have discerned of all the middling places you commoners might have a meal, The Gryphon is my favourite.”

  “You don’t like Geralt’s Candy Emporium?”

  “Do I look like a woman who eats sweets, Lady Hart?”

  “You don’t eat anything, Ophelia.”

  She opened her mouth but quickly closed it, and shook her head. “A Candy Store is the least important thing to try. Real cuisine is well made and does not rely on sugar. Quality of ingredients matters far - “

  “You sound exactly like a noble,” I cut her off, but Mary had already returned.

  Nana Marlow’s Frumenty smelled divine, with the milk seeping into the grains to create a delicious slurry. I could smell the nutmeg and honey in the steam, and the soft-boiled egg bobbed invitingly. Mary placed some weak ale beside me, also made of grains. The foamy top popped as I leaned into the bowl.

  Ophelia’s finger met my forehead, as she gently pushed me up. “If you must breathe in, Lady Hart, take an amount on your spoon and bring it up to your face.”

  I scowled at her, and picked up my spoon. My sleeves were hanging off, and before Ophelia could correct me, I rolled it up enough that it wouldn’t get in the way.

  Mary returned a moment later with stale bread – a trencher – with a warm serving of yesterday’s roast, beans, and runny eggs. She then placed a porcelain cup with tea leaves in, and poured hot water.

  Mary, however, did not leave. She stood around awkwardly, looking at me. I tried to ignore her, but she wouldn’t go!

  Ophelia sighed again. “Thank you, dear. Was there something you needed from Lady Hart?”

  Mary nodded so fast her brown hair splayed across her face. “I know you ain’t set up the clinic yet, Ashl– Lady Hart, but I was hopin’ you’d be able to give me advice real quick?”

  I turned my head towards her, and then looked at Ophelia. She gave me a quick nod to go ahead, so I turned to Mary.

  “Yeah? Also, call me Ashy, Mary. Youse known me since we was kids. Callin’ me Lady Hart feels weird, y’know?”

  She snickered. “You and Addy… two peas in a pod. Shame you two ain’t gettin’ hitched.” I glared at her, and she rightly stopped talking. “I was actually meanin’ to ask for some… doctor advice, if you can?”

  I turned to Ophelia proper now, and stared at her. She looked down at her trencher and meal, and placed her spoon back on the plate. “I will pay for our meal early. Please call me when you are done.”

  Mary watched Ophelia get up and walk to the counter, and awkwardly sat down in front of me.

  I changed my role to [Chirurgeon]. Even looking through [Clinical Eye], she seemed… normal. So I said nothing.

  Mary stared at her hands for a moment, before talkin’ at once. “Mark an’ I have been… getting mighty well together…”

  I nodded. They were getting mighty well together.

  “...and, uh… we’ve been wantin’ to move it to the next step. But uh…”

  She said nothing, but looked expectantly at me. I didn’t know what to say, since this wasn’t medical so far. “I… see? I ai–” I caught myself. She needed a [Chirurgeon], not a [Farm Girl]. “I see. I’m not exactly sure what that has to do with me?”

  Mary’s face became a deep pink. “Y’know, Ashy… the next step? Like uh…”

  “I’m a doctor, Mary. I can’t wed you, you’d have to ask Mark’s Father. Actually, I think I might be a priestess too. If you want it bonded through uh… Nyla, I can?”

  I kind of hope she didn’t. I don’t think performing a marriage ceremony as a priestess of Rhyvesta would work. I also don’t think Levan would approve of me doing that, or promising that as a doctor. Though, Rhyvesta was the nursemaid of the gods…

  “What?! No! Not that Ashy. I mean uh…” she frowned. “...You know?”

  I continued to look at her face. Mary’s expression shifted from embarrassment to a sense of panic. She lowered her voice. “...sex.”

  Huh. “What about it?” I asked.

  “Uh… how do I… make it safe, so it… you know… doesn’t hurt?”

  I blinked at her.

  I then blinked at her again.

  “OH!” I almost shouted out, but controlled myself. “Wait, are you asking me how you do it or –”

  “Ashley! I am asking a doctor on how to make it safe!” Mary said.

  “Well,” I closed my eyes and went back to Levan's Journal. There were three options really. Queen Anne’s Lace (a wild carrot!), Silphium, or Pennyroyal. I removed Pennyroyal immediately since that was basically poison.

  Silphium was extinct. I opened my eyes and opened up the seeds I could plant as a [Venefician].

  Silphium was there! And… I technically had access to a market place that dealt in dead things. I could bring that back, but it wouldn’t grow right now, or solve the problem immediately. Also, if I did bring that back, it would be helpful.

  That led to Queen Anne’s Lace. A specific breed of wild carrot that grew around and could be bought from a [Forager]. Chewing on the seeds after intercourse acted as an inhibitor.

  Silphium could be a longer term project for me. It would be nice to give something into the community, but I’d have to research that line a bit more.

  I opened my eyes.

  “For the… ‘safety’ part, you can chew on wild carrot seeds - specifically Queen Anne’s Lace. Do it the morning after. Per the other, I can’t really advise you. I don’t really know what it’s like, and this may be a conversation to have with your mother?”

  “I can’t!” Mary hush-yelled.

  “Then ask Jasmine. Ask a woman you trust. Melissa?”

  Mary’s fingers interlaced with each other. “Well, does it hurt?”

  All of my medical notes said no. I had as much knowledge on practicality as I did on Wild Carrots, so… “It shouldn’t. If anything happens, let me know, and I’ll fix it up. It’ll be between you and me.”

  Mary happily nodded and got up. She leaned over the table to embrace me and I immediately froze. “Thanks Ashy! You’re the best! I am so glad you’re around again, and I know so many people are waitin’ to ask you for advice.”

  My face remained motionless, until I raised my hand and slowly peeled her off. I nodded at Mary and then waved over Ophelia.

  Mary walked out of the store, hopefully to buy the seeds, and Ophelia glanced at me. “What was that about?”

  “Can’t tell you. By the way, do you know if people want to buy Silphium?”

  “...You know, if you say “I can not tell you” and then immediately ask about “Silphium”, anyone with a brain could realize you were talking about birth control?” Ophelia chided, and I froze in panic.

  I looked at my hands, waiting for them to fall off. I had just broken my oath!

  Ophelia sipped her tea. “Silphium was extinct, even before I was born. The fact you know about it is intriguing. Regardless, I do not imagine you broke your oath when you’re asking about a herb. Though, you might wish to be careful about talking about medicine and medications with people.”

  I still stared at my fingers. “Ophelia, do you know what this means?”

  She said nothing, but I could see her biting her tongue and tensing her body. It looked like she was bracing herself.

  “I can tell you things! I didn’t break the oath!”

  She lowered the teacup. “Lady Hart, you made the oath to yourself. Of course you can not actually break it. Just please – “

  “I made the Oath to Le– my teacher! My hands are supposed to fail now! I broke the sacred trust!”

  She pointedly ignored me for a moment, taking her spoon and taking some of the beans to mix in egg yolk. She chewed on it gingerly, savouring the bite, and then swallowing. She used her silk handkerchief on her face and patted her lips clean.

  “You are an idiot, Lady Hart. Firstly, you swore an oath to yourself or your teacher, not a God. Second, You did not break the medical trust, you asked about medication. It was incredibly clumsy and lacking tact. As a doctor, however, you must realize you can not ask that to most people. I, your most devoted follower, am safe harbor, but for your sake…”

  “Fine!” I muttered, but leaned down to eat my frumenty. “You wanna help Jasmine and I clean The Cockatrice? I want to open it tomorrow after I pick the peas.”

  “Of course, Lady Hart. Now eat your meal. It’s still morning, and it may be part of your last days here.”