The two women sat beside the hearthside. One golden haired, tall and perfectly groomed, the other brunette, small, and in clothes covered with paint, clay and the like. They had already spoken for some time, the news of a wedding, the talk of a break up. Though the conversation spiraled into all too familiar territory.
Men can be callous, vindictive and a pity to those who desire their company. They hold no shame, no sense of right or wrong. Their words will be forked like a slithering snakes to achieve their goal, and their pathetic followers will believe their words, sweet honeyed words laced with venom, jealousy, anger and deceit.
Jackilyn sat in stunned silence as the vitriolic tirade came from a face so beautiful that it seemed alien.
...but you are marrying one?
I am
I don't understand, why if you hate them so much?
It isn't just the men, those that listen to them to further their own gains are just as bad, those who listen to their lies without second thought. Those who are blind. Yet, not all are crafted this way. It has taken a long, long while to find one suitable. Even I am vulnerable to their ways. Show me your hand again.
Jackilyn presented her palm to the woman, the blister a bubble of pain that made it hard to open her hand fully, around it, the skin tender and inflamed.
..and he saw this?
Aye but he said it was fine.
It might have been fine when he saw it, but even an idiot knows they hurt, and this is now infected. Why did you not insist on something to aid it?
I didn't think I needed it, I trust him, I got distracted, we got to talking. It was a good talk, in a way.
Talking will not aid this hand.
No, but I got an answer that I needed, and now a clear path.
Why are you doing the work of men anyway? Are there not more capable people for the task? A woman your size should not be moving barrels.
I don't move the huge ones, and they can be rolled for the most part.
The healer got to her feet, filled a shallow, ceramic bowl with warm water from a kettle and swirled in a spoonful of salt, the crystals gradually melting. Carrying it over to Jackilyn, she rested the bowl upon the womans lap, carefully Jackilyn lowered her hand in it so as not to displace the water all over herself.
..and what is this path?
I've spoken to Pa, he is going to place the care of the brewery under someone else, I'm going back to the farm, for good.
May I ask why?
I'm not wanted here, I can help Ma, focus on the books just as easily as I can here.
The blonde scoffed.
It is because of him?
Jackilyn looked at her pruney fingertips beneath the surface of the water, refusing eye contact.
A bit, I'm tired, tired of trying. Everything has been a waste of effort. Them I cared about are gone, I've got nothing worth staying for. It's time.
A pity...You'll miss the wedding.
I know.
Dernwynn lifted the womans hand from the bowl and rested the back of it upon a soft cloth, lightly drying it but avoiding the most tender of parts.
What will you do with the house?
It'll be kept in the family still, Pa said he'll find a tenant quick enough.
A jar of ointment was then opened, sharp to the nose in scent, and ever so gently applied.
Your Pa sounds a good man, a fine head for business, but cares for you more than his work. A healer tends to deal with all facets of a person, the body and the spirit. Will you listen to my advice?
The girl nodded, the skin around the blister glistening now with the greasy ointment. The healer continued..
Trust your instincts, do what your heart tells you, you will very rarely be wrong. When do you leave?
Tomorrow.
