Chapter 25 - Putting Things In Order
1643 - Dunnedin, Vanders
The sun was peeking through the shutters as Starrling awoke one late spring morning. Aengus' new four-legged beastie had climbed over her growing belly and was kneading her breast. The kitten was in a state of rapture as he searched in vain for nourishment.
"Aye, ye'll not find any to sup there, wee one," she laughed at the sweet kitten and pushed him gently away from his futile quest. He had been gifted to Aengus by Mistress Spencer, a friend from the tavern. Aengus of course, went nowhere without his new friend and Starrling wondered even now how he had managed to sneak into the cottage. Pulling the blanket around her like a cloak she hurried to the cold peat fire, lighting it once again. It was
not long before a small flame reappeared.
"Thank ye kindly for the warmth, Lady Brighid," she blessed her goddess of fire. "I shall do right by thee this day."
As the fire grew in intensity Starrling shivered, her skin acknowledging the change in the cottage. The early morning frost began to thaw and she placed several small saucers of last night's cream down on the floor for Mistletoe, Dragonbreath and of course, the new kitten Icklesnitch. She chuckled as the older two jockeyed for position while the little one scrambled. She pulled one saucer nearer to her and guided the kitten to drink. Starrling
felt quite honored at the name that Aengus had chosen, for it was the very name of a mischievous elf in the stories she had told since her younger years. Aengus was her best audience by far. Starrling smiled as she thought of the devotion that one boy could feel for her and for all the creatures within their little world and she felt both honored and comforted.
Today would be Starrling's last round of deliveries for it was getting increasingly difficult to move freely about, so heavy with child was she. Aengus was prepared to take her place for as long as it took her to get back on her feet after the birth of the babe. It was with mixed feelings that she faced this day. She would miss the company of her customers, her friends at the tavern and the villagers she met so often along the well-traveled
roads. However, she felt comfort in Aengus' dedication and his ability to keep her abreast of her customers' needs, in addition to his increasing talent in creating the wares she sold. Her clientele was steady and she felt sure that Aengus would do everything within his power to keep them happy.
Reflecting on his arrival and what a blessing it had been, she thanked the goddesses for she knew indeed that they had guided him to her. Indeed, she'd accepted him as her foster son over the past months and he would make a fine big brother, too. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in, ye rascal," her voice reflected the large smile that Aengus always brought to her face. The door creaked open and the smiling boy peeked his head around trying to locate her as she was not in her bed as he'd expected.
"Mistress! Ye shall be chilled," he exclaimed when he saw her on the floor at the hearth.
"Nay, but I should be pleased if ye could keep yer beast under control for he was trying once again to appoint me as his wet nurse." She chuckled.
He pulled another blanket from her small bed and moved quickly to her by the fire, pulling the soft wool tightly around her.
"Forgive us both, Mistress. I will keep closer watch on him, forsooth."
With the two blankets and the peat fire, she was more than warm but she did not complain for his concern was a welcome intrusion. He knelt beside her and stoked the fire a bit more. She reached up and smoothed a stray lock of strawberry hair from his face and he responded with the warmest of smiles.
"Did ye rest well, Mistress?
"Aye," a distracted answer. She seemed to be lost in thought more and more as the birth of her child approached. Aengus was a bit unsettled at this as her calm was unnerving. He admired her strength and had before believed women to be weak and helpless in their final days before giving birth. This was not so and he realized that his limited previous experience was not necessarily indicative of women in general. He had quickly discovered just
how strong they were. While he was nervous and twitchy thinking about the coming child, Starrling seemed completely at peace and content to go about her normal daily tasks. Aengus was hard put to convince her to rest, but at last she agreed; she was tiring more quickly these days and would accept his offer at last.
"My Heartling, there is still bread and cheese in the basket there," she spoke gently to the boy as she pointed to the corner. "I am certain ye be hungry this morn, as every morn." He blushed when she chuckled a bit indicating his constant appetite, but still he moved directly to where she'd indicated and brought the basket to set between them. Ravenous as usual, he dug into the loaf and cut off a chunk of cheese. Starrling poured water into the
kettle near the cauldron and prepared a warm potion for them. Steeping a bit of mint, dandelion and lavender made for a sweet morning drink.
"Aengus my dear, I will need your help over the next few days," she began her daily instructions and teachings in all that she knew as they dined. "There are a few herbs and berries I will need to be sure to have on hand once the babe decides 'tis time to make her entrance." He listened intently, his jaws working over the bread and cheese and washing it down with the potion. He so loved her potions.
"I will need comfrey, violets, primrose and lavender during labor and delivery. After she is born I shall need raspberry - both the leaves and the berries, milkwort and nettle. If ye begin the gathering now we should have plenty when the time comes for need. And if ye come upon more lemon balm, I would be pleased to have some to add to my daily chamomile potion. D'ye think ye shall remember how to recognize these?"
"Aye, think that I might, but if not, I shall bring what I do think fits the list and you may correct me. 'Tis so very much to learn."
She ruffled his hair. "Aye, but ye do so well, Aengus." Her pride was obvious. "I shall be proud to entrust our business to ye, my Sweet."
This time the blush reached his ears, also. "I will do my best, Mistress."
Touching his chin, she smiled into his eyes. "Aye, and when will ye call me Starrling? Just Starrling."
He looked away, unwilling meet her eyes for fear that she would see so deeply into his soul as was her uncanny way. For what he truly wished to call her was Mum. He held fast to the dream that someday his wish would be granted.
Busying himself with tasks around the cottage the time passed quickly. Soon he was ready to accompany Starrling on her last deliveries. They had also planned to stop at the tavern on the way home so that she may have a chance to bid a temporary farewell to her friends.
They set off with Cobweb, their moods light and cheery, but with the awareness that their lives would be changing quite significantly in the next few weeks. But for this trip, they simply used the time to enjoy the green world around them.
Chapter 26
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