Facing the slightly ajar window, the moonlight mingles with that of an oil lamp upon her desk, both sources of light casting creeping long shadows upon the walls . The call of a hunting owl and the crackling snaps of wood being consumed by the fireplace are joined by the scratching of quill to an open page within her diary. Surrounding the book, many vials, a pestle and mortar, bunches, sachets of herbs and flowers but taking the most of the work surface, a shallow round basket, finely woven with dyed reeds, within it filled glass bottles, each wax sealed and decorated with a bow of fine silk ribbon.
There, my darling, dearest Bard, I have made nice with the Captains daughter and did as you asked, sending her a very sincere..
She pauses, the quill poised over the page as a subtle smile graces her lips
..letter regarding her forthcoming celebration , its main purpose to enquire as to when it shall be. No doubt it shall be an evening to remember, for good or for bad, I cannot fathom for the moment in what way it shall turn other than it will stay in their hearts until the end of their days. Here I make no apology, for it shall be a trial if I am to attend, for both Taala and I. Also I make note of it here that my jest of infusing their kegs of ale with concentrated valerian root was merely that, a jest, though the thought still humors me so, imagine, a wedding celebration where everyone sleeps!
Laughing under her breath, she looks to the closed door of the chamber, her laughter quickly turning to a wistful sigh
Which is what you do now. Leaving me to my thoughts and to fashion a ridiculous gift for a woman who made it well known her disdain for me in the past. Why do I make such efforts? Perhaps in penance, perhaps to impress you, or perhaps as a little game. Likely the three combined. I have a difficult past, smeared with shame yet, should I not also be proud of what I have accomplished? The numbers that have fallen by my hand yet I never had to look into their eyes. I could be eating breakfast in Bree as another takes their last meal a days ride from the place. I know of the properties of every plant, animal and mineral, the harm and the good they provide. I can construct a cure and a curse, so why not be proud of such a thing?
Cursing, she realises the quills nib had become splayed with the pressure she placed upon the page, the ink pooling in a blob beneath the ruined tip. Cutting it anew and sipping from a goblet, she continues in her musings
I confess, I have considered making a little something for you, for of late I’ve felt your affections have waned, your desire has dampened. Perhaps our little game has become a bore to you, for what fun is there to play it when you have already won? Then again, it might be a more delicate matter, after all, all men are prone to these things happening. A tonic, or an ointment could be in order, to revive certain areas shall we say. Sadly, I have considered it also be you do not wish the woman I am attempting to become, for I have tried very hard to be something different to my nature. I have set aside the venom in my heart that I hold for certain individuals, I have endured, at your wish, living in these stone walls, where lives were taken brutally before our eyes. I have dedicated my studies to more, shall we say, honorable pursuits. Most people find danger alluring, perhaps it is that simple, what I am certain of though is that a woman needs to be desired, to be lusted for. Perhaps I should renew my efforts.
