Bridget had finally finished the garden outside her cottage - not that a garden was ever truly finished - but she was quite pleased with what she'd accomplished on her own. She'd dug out a small vegetable patch and a much larger area devoted to herbs, all surrounded by flowers of every colour. Wildflowers mostly - she liked the untamed, disorderly look they lent to the picture. With this garden she would now be able to mostly fend for herself - just as it had always been.
Bridget was used to being alone. She'd been on her own since her teens when her parents had disowned her. Disowned was an understatement really; they had burned all her things - her clothes, books, everything – and sent her away. She could still clearly see her mother's tears as her father gripped a holy book in one hand, a sharp dagger in the other, and told her to go. Bridget had pleaded with her mother, to no avail. The woman just cowered behind her husband, praying quietly through her tears. The thing that haunted Bridget most of that day (and the weeks preceding it) was not the tears, but the fear in her mother's eyes.
[RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
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[RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
Last edited by Bridget on Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:09 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wild Flower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
Bridget used to pride herself on her ability to avoid: avoid people, involvement, affection. My, how things have changed. First she was approached to be mentor. Mentor! What made people think that she could help? Or that she'd even want to? And what made people trust her? She wasn't used to being trusted. Or even noticed, really. But Bridget swallowed her pride and stepped up.
Of course in doing so, things at the cottage were neglected. Her garden was over-run with weeds and there was a layer of dust gathering over her books. As Bridget crouched over her sorely-neglected herbs, her mind began to wander. There was one place it kept wandering to. One person actually. She felt her cheeks flushing as thoughts of him entered her mind. "Silly girl", she chided herself. He probably didn't even know she existed. And if he did, why would she think he could possibly care about her?
Of course in doing so, things at the cottage were neglected. Her garden was over-run with weeds and there was a layer of dust gathering over her books. As Bridget crouched over her sorely-neglected herbs, her mind began to wander. There was one place it kept wandering to. One person actually. She felt her cheeks flushing as thoughts of him entered her mind. "Silly girl", she chided herself. He probably didn't even know she existed. And if he did, why would she think he could possibly care about her?
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wild Flower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
Bridget had a skip in her step today. As she headed into town, her arms full of flowers and herbs - she'd harvested much more than she could possibly use on her own - she even found herself humming. Out loud! For all to hear! She garnered a few odd looks from the peasants, but Bridget paid no mind.
Today was a good day. In fact, most days had been since she emerged from her self-imposed isolation. Bridget was floored by how well things were going in her life at the moment. She didn't even have her usual weariness – pessimism, you could call it – that this feeling would not last. Her mother always snapped at her as a child, made her believe that she wasn’t deserving of anything, let alone a little bit of joy.
But joy was what she was feeling right now. It was like some butterflies had hatched eggs in her stomach and it was the most wonderful feeling she'd ever experienced. So, with a beaming smile, she made her way into the town hall and began her work for the day.
Today was a good day. In fact, most days had been since she emerged from her self-imposed isolation. Bridget was floored by how well things were going in her life at the moment. She didn't even have her usual weariness – pessimism, you could call it – that this feeling would not last. Her mother always snapped at her as a child, made her believe that she wasn’t deserving of anything, let alone a little bit of joy.
But joy was what she was feeling right now. It was like some butterflies had hatched eggs in her stomach and it was the most wonderful feeling she'd ever experienced. So, with a beaming smile, she made her way into the town hall and began her work for the day.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wild Flower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
With the current unrest and potential peasant uprising in town, Bridget decided to spend the night at her office. She told everyone it was in case the town hall needed defending, but in reality, Bridget was just too nervous to make her way through the crowds outside. She wasn't one for crowds.
She'd heard a few other council members would also be spending the night, perhaps they could make a fun evening of it. Bridget wandered through the empty corridors looking for signs of life. She poked her head into a couple of dark offices, but didn't find another soul. She made her way back to her office and sat down at her desk.
Bridget closed her eyes and put head on her hands. The noise from the mob had died down somewhat. Hopefully a spring breeze would blow in soon and take away some of the heat. Heat always made people do stupid things. Bridget began drifting…
Anger. A flash of flames. The child was screaming. And then it stopped.
She jerked awake. Her heart was racing. Bridget took a deep breath and slid out from behind her desk. Pouring herself a cup of mint tea, she slumped down in the corner. It was going to be a long night.
She'd heard a few other council members would also be spending the night, perhaps they could make a fun evening of it. Bridget wandered through the empty corridors looking for signs of life. She poked her head into a couple of dark offices, but didn't find another soul. She made her way back to her office and sat down at her desk.
Bridget closed her eyes and put head on her hands. The noise from the mob had died down somewhat. Hopefully a spring breeze would blow in soon and take away some of the heat. Heat always made people do stupid things. Bridget began drifting…
Anger. A flash of flames. The child was screaming. And then it stopped.
She jerked awake. Her heart was racing. Bridget took a deep breath and slid out from behind her desk. Pouring herself a cup of mint tea, she slumped down in the corner. It was going to be a long night.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wild Flower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
It had been a long couple of days. Bridget had stayed in town during the civil unrest to be on hand if needed. She'd spent many hours in the tavern, slowly getting to know the other creatures in Widu; and for the most part, this new social experiment was good. She had encountered a few people though that she hoped to never see again. She'd worked much too hard to get where she was, she didn't need any negative energy undoing all she'd accomplished. But now, now she yearned to be home.
The moment Bridget walked through the door of her cottage she was hit with an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. Her body hurt after two nights of sleeping in a chair, to say nothing of the thorough thrashing she'd taken in the arena or the dreams that had been haunting her sleep. Any organization or preparation for the days ahead would have to wait.
As she settled herself into her bed, her mind began to wander. The spot on the back of her hand still tingled where his lips had touched her skin. She ran her fingers over it and a silly smile played on her lips before Bridget scolded herself for acting like a child. She would try her best not to read too much into things – that was always her problem. Right now there were other things to focus on, like this frustrating business with the golems. But first sleep – nothing would be solved without resting her tired head. Bridget drifted off, hopeful for a dream-free slumber.
The moment Bridget walked through the door of her cottage she was hit with an overwhelming wave of exhaustion. Her body hurt after two nights of sleeping in a chair, to say nothing of the thorough thrashing she'd taken in the arena or the dreams that had been haunting her sleep. Any organization or preparation for the days ahead would have to wait.
As she settled herself into her bed, her mind began to wander. The spot on the back of her hand still tingled where his lips had touched her skin. She ran her fingers over it and a silly smile played on her lips before Bridget scolded herself for acting like a child. She would try her best not to read too much into things – that was always her problem. Right now there were other things to focus on, like this frustrating business with the golems. But first sleep – nothing would be solved without resting her tired head. Bridget drifted off, hopeful for a dream-free slumber.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wild Flower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
After a full day and night of locking herself in her home, Bridget was finally feeling herself again. She wasn't quite ready to get back to work though. Another day or two of quiet contemplation and she'd be ready to face the world again.
Bridget had prepared a pot of chicken stew that sat simmering over the fire. In retrospect, it was probably not the best time to prepare comfort food what with the weather still somewhat stifling. Since it was far too warm inside the cottage, Bridget grabbed a book she had borrowed from the university and brought it out to the yard. She found a spot amidst the wild flowers and sat cross-legged in the dirt and rocks. The unseasonable weather had really made everything come to life. Bridget surveyed the bright colours around her and smiled contentedly.
When she was a child, her grandmother had always called her Wild Flower. Finally one day while Bridget followed the old woman about in her garden, she had asked why. Her grandmother, the one person in her life who she could always count on, reached over and plucked a bright yellow flower from its stem. She tucked the bud behind Bridget's ear and ran her hand down the child's cheek. Lifting Bridget's chin, she spoke softly and clearly, "My girl, wild flowers are often unintentional – some think they’re invasive. Though you are wild and uncultivated, you are beautiful and you belong here. Someday the rest of this town, the rest of this family, is going to see that, I promise you." Bridget didn't really understand what she had meant then. She did know one thing today though – her family never did see what her grandmother had promised.
Bridget had prepared a pot of chicken stew that sat simmering over the fire. In retrospect, it was probably not the best time to prepare comfort food what with the weather still somewhat stifling. Since it was far too warm inside the cottage, Bridget grabbed a book she had borrowed from the university and brought it out to the yard. She found a spot amidst the wild flowers and sat cross-legged in the dirt and rocks. The unseasonable weather had really made everything come to life. Bridget surveyed the bright colours around her and smiled contentedly.
When she was a child, her grandmother had always called her Wild Flower. Finally one day while Bridget followed the old woman about in her garden, she had asked why. Her grandmother, the one person in her life who she could always count on, reached over and plucked a bright yellow flower from its stem. She tucked the bud behind Bridget's ear and ran her hand down the child's cheek. Lifting Bridget's chin, she spoke softly and clearly, "My girl, wild flowers are often unintentional – some think they’re invasive. Though you are wild and uncultivated, you are beautiful and you belong here. Someday the rest of this town, the rest of this family, is going to see that, I promise you." Bridget didn't really understand what she had meant then. She did know one thing today though – her family never did see what her grandmother had promised.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
It had been a beautiful week. Not only was Bridget well rested, she’d also caught up on most of her work and had the chance to spend some time in the tavern. The highlight of the week though had been the evening she’d spent at the waterfall with Nahren. Watching the lights that he’d created dance around in the pool, she’d felt a peace and calmness that she’d never before experienced.
It had taken Bridget a long time to come to terms with her gift – and she knew now that it was in fact a gift – and to learn to control it. Bridget was ready to tell him her secret. She needed to. It could all be too much and it would be better to lose him now… before she even had him. But she’d have to find the right moment. A crowded tavern might not be the best venue. Safety in numbers was one thing, but what she feared most was another public shaming. She’d come too far to have to start all over again.
It had taken Bridget a long time to come to terms with her gift – and she knew now that it was in fact a gift – and to learn to control it. Bridget was ready to tell him her secret. She needed to. It could all be too much and it would be better to lose him now… before she even had him. But she’d have to find the right moment. A crowded tavern might not be the best venue. Safety in numbers was one thing, but what she feared most was another public shaming. She’d come too far to have to start all over again.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
It started with the click of the lock on the door and then he was coming toward her; sneering, greasy. The scream was guttural and intense. It seemed distant at first but then it filled the room. She didn’t realize the sound was coming from her own lips until it was suddenly muffled by the rough, callused hand clasped over her mouth. The smell of tobacco and tar and alcohol filled her nostrils as she gasped for breath.
Bridget woke with a start. She was damp with sweat and chilled right down to her bones. She got out of bed, stripped off her shirt and she slipped on a clean, dry one. She glanced out the window. The stars were bright in the sky; it was still many hours till dawn. The dark was not her friend these days. She went to the hearth and lit a new fire. Even though the weather was still unseasonably warm, she was so chilled this night. She grabbed a wool blanket and wrapped it about her shoulders and sunk down on the floor directly in front of the fire.
The dreams had been haunting her fairly frequently lately. She wondered what had brought them to the forefront of her mind now. She wiped her hand across her tear-stained cheeks and leaned in closer to the fire. She watched the flames twirl and dance, listened to the crackling and snapping of the wood, mesmerized. She drifted back to sleep, there at the hearth, the heat searing her skin.
Bridget woke with a start. She was damp with sweat and chilled right down to her bones. She got out of bed, stripped off her shirt and she slipped on a clean, dry one. She glanced out the window. The stars were bright in the sky; it was still many hours till dawn. The dark was not her friend these days. She went to the hearth and lit a new fire. Even though the weather was still unseasonably warm, she was so chilled this night. She grabbed a wool blanket and wrapped it about her shoulders and sunk down on the floor directly in front of the fire.
The dreams had been haunting her fairly frequently lately. She wondered what had brought them to the forefront of her mind now. She wiped her hand across her tear-stained cheeks and leaned in closer to the fire. She watched the flames twirl and dance, listened to the crackling and snapping of the wood, mesmerized. She drifted back to sleep, there at the hearth, the heat searing her skin.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
In the years preceding Bridget’s arrival in Widu, she had earned her living selling potions and curatives at merchant fairs. In the mild weather, this was easy – Bridget mostly camped out under the stars. Winters, on the other hand, were much harder. She spent much of the cold months with various caravans travelling the countryside. Over time, Bridget had built up a reputation for herself. There was always a small group of clients awaiting her arrival in every town she crossed.
Love potions were her most sought-after products. They were not love potions really – Bridget would never mess with something as complicated and precious as someone’s heart. Lust potions were really what the buyer wanted anyway. It was rare that anyone wanted to take the time for love. What most people wanted was immediate gratification, immediate satiation. Lust potions were simple – it was the curing of heartache that was much more complex. The key there was getting people to forget – the hurt, the pain – everything that tags along with love. With much practice Bridget actually became quite good at this. Too bad her own potions didn’t work for her. There was a lot she wanted to forget, and more still she wanted to experience.
Bridget had been thoughtful the past few days. When Nahren had asked to court her, she felt her heart leap to her throat. She never considered herself deserving of affection. And to by chance meet someone who seemed to want to be with her as much as she did with him? He had mentioned his fear of starting down this road. Bridget was scared too – her only experience of affection was far from positive.
Love potions were her most sought-after products. They were not love potions really – Bridget would never mess with something as complicated and precious as someone’s heart. Lust potions were really what the buyer wanted anyway. It was rare that anyone wanted to take the time for love. What most people wanted was immediate gratification, immediate satiation. Lust potions were simple – it was the curing of heartache that was much more complex. The key there was getting people to forget – the hurt, the pain – everything that tags along with love. With much practice Bridget actually became quite good at this. Too bad her own potions didn’t work for her. There was a lot she wanted to forget, and more still she wanted to experience.
Bridget had been thoughtful the past few days. When Nahren had asked to court her, she felt her heart leap to her throat. She never considered herself deserving of affection. And to by chance meet someone who seemed to want to be with her as much as she did with him? He had mentioned his fear of starting down this road. Bridget was scared too – her only experience of affection was far from positive.
Thank you, Aishe!
Re: [RP] Wildflower (Bridget's Cottage in the Woods)
Bridget was feeling run off her feet these days. She had been warned not to work so hard or to take on so much: “You’ll burn out,” or “You’ll become bitter,” they’d said. At first she just shrugged it off, but now after days and days of struggling to maintain some balance in her life she began to see the truth in their warnings.
Bridget had spent much of the evening and well into the night in the tavern. She didn’t want to go home. The last thing she wanted was to be alone and be forced to finally close her eyes. Scarlet had sent her home one day with tea to help with the stress. And help it did… for a few nights. Now the dreams had returned and Bridget was feeling antsy again.
She slid off the bar stool and made her way out the door into the night. She walked and walked, following her feet away from her home, away from Widu. Bridget wasn’t fond of the dark, but tonight the forest was brightened by a full moon. Her feet strayed off the path; she clambered over rocks and fallen trees. She didn’t know where her feet were taking her, but she followed. The last time she wandered this purposefully, through the dark of night, was her trek towards Widu. This time she was moving away.
That journey, she was alone and scared. Tonight, though still alone, her mind was clear; there was no fear, no pain this time. Bridget ended up at a fast moving stream. She removed her sandals and her shawl and stepped into the cold water. She waded in up to her hips, her feet quickly becoming numb. She stood still for a moment and closed her eyes before slowly lowering herself completely into the icy water. Her hands felt along the bottom of the stream, her fingers gripping a thick root. Bridget took a breath and leaned her head back, letting the water flow over her. She lay like that until her lungs burned, the cold water washing over her face, her hair spread out above her head like fire.
Sufficiently chilled, Bridget pushed herself up out of the water. She knew now what needed to be done. She wrapped her shawl about her shoulders and began her long trek home.
Bridget had spent much of the evening and well into the night in the tavern. She didn’t want to go home. The last thing she wanted was to be alone and be forced to finally close her eyes. Scarlet had sent her home one day with tea to help with the stress. And help it did… for a few nights. Now the dreams had returned and Bridget was feeling antsy again.
She slid off the bar stool and made her way out the door into the night. She walked and walked, following her feet away from her home, away from Widu. Bridget wasn’t fond of the dark, but tonight the forest was brightened by a full moon. Her feet strayed off the path; she clambered over rocks and fallen trees. She didn’t know where her feet were taking her, but she followed. The last time she wandered this purposefully, through the dark of night, was her trek towards Widu. This time she was moving away.
That journey, she was alone and scared. Tonight, though still alone, her mind was clear; there was no fear, no pain this time. Bridget ended up at a fast moving stream. She removed her sandals and her shawl and stepped into the cold water. She waded in up to her hips, her feet quickly becoming numb. She stood still for a moment and closed her eyes before slowly lowering herself completely into the icy water. Her hands felt along the bottom of the stream, her fingers gripping a thick root. Bridget took a breath and leaned her head back, letting the water flow over her. She lay like that until her lungs burned, the cold water washing over her face, her hair spread out above her head like fire.
Sufficiently chilled, Bridget pushed herself up out of the water. She knew now what needed to be done. She wrapped her shawl about her shoulders and began her long trek home.
Thank you, Aishe!