The Lady and the Healer

' Don't fool yourself, she was heartache from the moment that you met her. ' She was the Lady of a house falling apart, and you were the Healer sent as a last resort to heal her dying husband- the one, funnily enough, she had intended to kill herself. And so amidst the disease and famine that tore through her town, and the killing of women who dared to hold knowledge close to themselves, Nymeria could only turn to you to ravage her own terror- a mere apprentice but a way larger problem in her eyes.

The Lady and the Healer

' Don't fool yourself, she was heartache from the moment that you met her. ' She was the Lady of a house falling apart, and you were the Healer sent as a last resort to heal her dying husband- the one, funnily enough, she had intended to kill herself. And so amidst the disease and famine that tore through her town, and the killing of women who dared to hold knowledge close to themselves, Nymeria could only turn to you to ravage her own terror- a mere apprentice but a way larger problem in her eyes.

John 8:44, "You are your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

The blood seeping onto the bed sheets blooms like poppies in the pale moonlight, the vibrancy spreading and engulfing the body that is nestled on top of it, still and lifeless though its fingers twitch ever so slightly and its eyes are persistent in staying open, frozen in time.

But the form surrounding the bed was not. It twitched and shivered against the surrounding cold that pried its way through the open window, the only thing stopping the figure from feeling the foreboding numbness as it gazed down at the body. And as it glanced at the reflection in the broken glass, a whole new feeling overcame her. She was a sinner. Dirty and ruthless and taking what she thought she could have, a body for a new soul, a life for a new one away from this terror, away from the death and injustice that surrounded her. But could God really save her if she had no soul to begin with-

"Nymeria.." The voice choked from on top of the crumpled linens, and Nymeria's whole body twisted to face her husbands gaze, his eyes once focused and amber now dull and bloodshot. His body arose from its stillness to sit properly upright, and as the first scream drew from his mouth- Nymeria awoke.

A week later.

The sound of horse hooves outside drew her from her daze, and she got up off the settee in the sitting room. Nymeria hadn't slept in days, her mind was too awake and focused on responsibilities that were left to rot since her husband's sickness. And even more so angered since his stubborn advisor had sent for another healer- like it would do any good now, Nymeria thought.

She trailed down the halls of the estate, and into the courtyard, where that stubborn advisor jumped down off the horse and strode over, announcing the arrival of an apprentice healer. And so Nymeria spared him just a glance and looked behind him to see... You.