A Helping Hand [Elenora | Caitrin]

[Lady Elenora]

Lady Elenora can not remember the last time she had ridden so fast. Not since she was teenager having races against her sister (which her sister always won). God, Anne! Oh how she missed her. Yet now was not the time to be thinking of her beloved sister for she had a rather important and urgent matter on her mind.

Her father is dying. And while she has tried to live in denial of her father's condition and failed, she can not bear to lose yet another person close to her heart. First her mother, then her sister. It would surely crush her spirit if she were to lose her father. She was barely hanging by a thread when her sister passed away and the only thing that kept her going was the fact that she needed to be strong for her father knowing that her father wasn't able to bear the grief. Now he's edging closer to death's gate, and her strength and resolve was leaving her.

But she knew one person who could help her. She remembered her father talking about a noblewomen who was very knowledgeable in herbalism. This could be her miracle. Her last chance to save her father.

Finally she arrived at the De Archer's Estate and was shown to the parlor. She felt very guilty whilst waiting for Lady Caitrin knowing she had only given birth to twins not that long ago. But if there was a chance that Caitrin could save her father from this mysterious illness then she was willing to take it.

Caitrin finally entered the parlor looking quite remarkable, especially since she only delivered twins several weeks earlier. Lady Elenora couldn't help but smile at Caitrin, even though the reason for her visit was serious. "Sorry for interrupting you, Lady Caitrin. I hope you and the babies are well," Elenora greeted a little nervously trying to not sound so desperate.

Tag: Caitrin De Archer
Timeline: A few weeks after Gwen's coronation.
Time of Day: Mid-afternoon at the De Archer's Estate.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was having quite a good few couple of days. The twins had slept right through the night two nights in a row, so she had finally been getting enough sleep, which she was more than glad of. Sighing softly to herself, she looked down at her children, who were laid out on a rug at the moment, surrounded by various soft toys. Some of which Arthur had given her not long after the birth of her twins. She loved them both, and her husband adored them too. They did make quite the family after all. Caitrin picked up one of the toys, and began to mimic a small voice for it, for Esmae’s amusement. The child squealed loudly in glee, and her arms grabbed for the said toy, and began to throw it around. Arthur just stared on at his twin with an air of wonder.

Smiling sweetly at both her children, Caitrin’s little moment with them was slightly ruined as one of the maids rushed in to say she had a visitor. Caitrin paused, and before leaving instructed the maid to stay with her children until she returned. She couldn’t really think who would be visiting her. If it was Lucan or Camila then they would just come straight up to her, without bothering with the formalities. She knew them well enough without having to worry about any of that. Hitching her skirts as she made her way downstairs, she pinched her cheeks to bring colour to them before gracefully entering the solar. She remembered seeing this woman, Lady Elenora, around the courts in Camelot, after all, Caitrin had lived there for some time now so she was used to some of the faces. Caitrin curtseyed towards the woman with a smile, “It is good to see you again my Lady Elenora.” She greeted gently, and inclined her head towards her. The girl seemed quite nervous, but in a jumpy sort of way. There weren’t many years separating the two, but Caitrin felt quite a lot older than the lady stood in front of her. Perhaps that was because they were both at very different points in their lives. “Myself and the twins are fine thank you.” Curiosity was tugging at Caitrin’s lips, “To what do I owe this honour my Lady?”

[Lady Elenora]

Elenora thought she had gotten away with not appearing so nervous until she remembered she forgot to curtsy. Luckily she remembered in time and mimicked the curtsy given to her by Caitrin. "To what do I owe this honour my Lady?” Caitrin asked her, eyes filled with curiosity.

"I'm sorry to be intruding on you and your family, but it's a urgent matter I wish to ask for your help and assistance with..." Elenora's voice faded as she tried to compose herself, but was failing miserably at. She did not want to appear so weak and vulnerable in front of Lady Caitrin, but the tears wouldn't stop filling her eyes. Which Caitrin must have noticed has she walked closer to her, eyes now filled with concern.

Elenora could not help feeling guilty as she saw the look on her face. She knew that she is taking a great risk coming here to ask for Caitrin's help, especially since Caitrin's abilities were not very well known (which Elenora suspects is because those practices are consider bordering on sorcery). Elenora hoped that she would not say no or worse be offended and send her away. Deep down Elenora knew that was unlikely yet she could not help but think it.

[Caitrin de Archer]

It worried Caitrin slightly at how nervous the young lady in front of her appeared in general. Forgetting formalities was usually a sign because it wasn’t something a young Lady just forgot was it? Especially in front of company that wasn’t particularly intimate. Caitrin’s concern only increased as the young Lady just went on to say that she needed her help. After all, no one had really sought Caitrin out before for any help of any sorts. It wasn’t well known that she was well versed in herbalism, but still.

“What do you need assistance with my Lady?” Her answer was so formal it was probably hard to pick up on the genuine concern in Caitrin’s voice. She was concerned though, as the Lady in front of her was usually so composed in court, it was quit strange now to have her in front of her in such a state. She bit her lip slightly, “Come, take a seat.” She directed gently, and sat down beside Elenora with a smile. She was about to go on and ask whether she wanted a drink or something to eat, when the solar door was opened. It was the maid Caitrin had left with the children, and she was holding her son, Arthur, in her arms who was red faced and giving out gentle cries,

“I’m so sorry to disturb you Lady Caitrin, but I can’t get him to stop.” Caitrin had already stood up and had taken Arthur from the woman’s arms before she could continue. The maid curtseyed and went back upstairs to keep an eye on Esmae. Arthur didn’t take long to settle in his mothers eyes, and his cries were born of nothing but wanting some attention. She turned back to Elenora with a smile and bit her lip,

“I’m sorry, he can be a bit vocal sometimes.” She said softly, and held her son close to her chest as she took up her seat beside Elenora once more. “Would you like something to drink? Or eat?” She offered gently, “Just while I get him settled once more.”

[Lady Elenora]

“What do you need assistance with my Lady?” Caitrin asked her formally, yet with a strong hint of genuine concern in her voice Elenora knew that her and Caitrin were not that close, which made her feel worse for the position she was about to put her in.

"It's... my... father..." Elenora muttered out slowly as she struggled against the well of tears forming in her eyes. She had a feeling that Caitrin found it strange that she was not quite composed as she normally was in court. Yet Elenora appreciated her kindness when she gently asked her to to come and take a seat. They had both sat down when a maid interrupted them with Caitrin's crying son, Arthur. He had a red face that perfectly matched his red hair, Elenora couldn't help but slightly smile at. He was definitely Caitrin's son.

Caitrin carefully took her wailing son from the maid and came back to sit next to her, holding her son close to her heart. "I’m sorry, he can be a bit vocal sometimes.” "That's alright, I don't mind," Elenora pointed out before she smiled at the little boy and touched his hand gently, which he didn't seem to mind as he grabbed her finger tightly. He settled quite quickly being in his mother's embrace. No doubt he just wanted some affection from his mother.“Would you like something to drink? Or eat?” Caitrin generously offered before adding, "Just while I get him settled once more.”

"Yes, I would not mind a glass of water. If that's alright," Elenora answered, grateful for the distraction. Maybe a glass of water would help her calm down so she can say what she needed to.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin was still slightly confused to why Elenora had sought her out. After all, she wasn’t the best known herbalist in Camelot, if anyone was it was Gaius, but she supposed he was often busy with his work. She didn’t like using her knowledge that much, as she wasn’t sure how much of it was bordering on sorcery, so usually she didn’t make it an incredibly public thing. However, when there was a genuine cause, of course Caitrin would leap to their aid to the best of her ability. Even if she could just help until someone more skilled could be found then she would offer what skills she had.

She had a feeling it would be her father, from the little she knew about the woman, she knew she lived with her father. Caitrin bit her lip, from the woman’s tone this wasn’t going to be good news. “What is wrong with him?” She asked gently as she shifted Arthur in her arms. She smiled as Elenora reached out to touch her sons hand. Arthur grabbed onto Elenora’s finger rather forcefully, as his cries began to quieten. She smiled down at the little boy, who was just holding the strangers finger thoughtfully. He put his spare hand in his mouth and began to suck it thoughtfully. Caitrin rolled her eyes, Arthur didn’t have it in him to cry for that long. Esmae could keep going for hours, Arthur was just happy when he got some affection or attention. “I think he likes you.” Caitrin chuckled, and kissed the top of her sons head.

Nodding at Elenora’s request, Caitrin stood up, Arthur still in her arms and walked over to the table by the side of the solar. There was always a jug of water and cups there, fresh water of course. It was always nice to just have some set aside in case it was needed. It saved using the maids all the time. Holding Arthur over her shoulder with one arm, she poured Elenora a drink with one hand, and carried it over to her, passing it her with a smile. “I hope that’s ok.” She added gently and took her seat beside the young woman again, rocking Arthur gently as she went to speak again. “Hopefully his sister will stay quiet long enough for us to finish this conversation.” She said with a half hearted laugh. If Esmae started as well then Caitrin’s afternoon would be taken up by the pair of them, “Now, what is it you need me to do?”

[Lady Elenora]

“What is wrong with him?” Caitrin asked Elenora very gently as she held her son close. Elenora had trouble speaking as little Arthur grabbed her finger tightly then placed his other and into his mouth, causing both her and his mother to laugh. “I think he likes you.” Caitrin chuckled, then she kissed little Arthur's head.

"I'm...afraid..he's dying..." Elenora somehow manged to spit out after a few more moments looking down at the child. Though it was difficult has she had to fight the urge to cry. She didn't want to be more of a head case for Caitrin. Especially now that she was a mother to twins. Taking a deep breathe, she continues to explain, "After my younger sister, Anne, passed away my father shut himself away. We thought it was just the grief but over the past few months he's gotten worse and the physicians are at a loss as to what he wrong with him.." Elenora pauses as she tried to get the next bit out, afraid that she will offend Caitrin with what she knows. "My father spoke of how you were somewhat of an expert with herbilism and I was...was hoping that maybe you could examine him and see if you can help." There, she did it. She managed to get it out. Yet she was still afraid of Caitrin's response and kept her eyes a little downcast whilst waiting anixously for Caitrin's answer to her request.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin looked down at her son, sure he was playing up to the company that he was now in. Arthur was already showing himself as the more affectionate of the twins. He was always happiest when he was in either of his parents arms, or when he was being fussed over. Esmae preferred to be off on her own, but Arthur loved that attachment already. She pulled Arthur’s hand from his mouth, and held his hand in hers as her son just looked confused at the change. She looked back to Elenora with a soft smile, she hoped her son wasn’t making whatever Elenora had to say a bit harder. She ran a finger across her sons head, and sat him up on her lap.

She winced as the woman relayed to her that her father was dying. Though Caitrin had suspected it, it didn’t make hearing it any easier and she breathed out slowly, and she just bit her lip, unsure of what to say. “I’m sorry.” Was all she could manage to think to say. Caitrin just looked at the woman awkwardly, and Arthur began to babble in her arms. She wiped his mouth with the sleeve of her dress, and looked back to Elenora as she went on to explain that physicians had already been to examine her father, and hadn’t been able to help him. She bit her lip again, perhaps Elenora was putting too much weight in Caitrin’s abilities. She was practised in herblore, yes, but that didn’t mean she would be able to diagnose him. Camelot had some of the best physicians in Albion, so perhaps Elenora’s coming here was almost like a last chance. She didn’t want to say this to Elenora, as she didn’t want to dishearten the woman, especially after the loss of her sister again. Caitrin wasn’t sure how much help she would be to Elenora’s father at all, she would try of course, but she wasn’t sure past that what she would do. She knew her Uncle was friends with Elenora’s father, which explained why he knew that she was practised in herblore. After all, her talent was what kept her Uncle going. "I am not sure how much help I will be.” She said straight away, she couldn’t just come along and make everything alright straight away. She could try, and that was it, “I can give you something if he is in pain? Or to ease his symptoms?” She was only using a few examples of course, but she could fix something for him to take away his pain in the short term, sometimes that was all that was needed, or if there were other symptoms then Caitrin would use her knowledge to help as far as she could.

[Lady Elenora]

Elenora watched as Caitrin breathed out slowly and bite her lip as she told her father's situation, wondering whether she had made the right decision to come in the first place. "I'm sorry", Caitrin said awkwardly yet with a strong hint of sincerity. Then Elenora could hear little Arthur babbling and watched as Caitrin wiped his chin with her sleeve.

As she was relaying the situation-- though it was difficult-- she still noticed Caitrin uneasiness. Yes, she knew that Camelot had some of the best physicians in Albion, but this was her last chance. After she had finished, Caitrin was open and honest with her, "I am not sure how much help I will be.” Elenora could not help but appreciate her honestly. After all, she didn't want someone to give her false sense of hope in being able to save her father if it was not possible. Elenora nodded her head, understanding that Caitrin may not be able to save him. Then Caitrin offered to make something to help ease the pain, if he was in any, or ease his symptoms.

"That's alright. Anything you can do to help him..." Elenora stopped as another wave of sadness gripped her. She took another slip of her water then and breathed deeply in an effort to compose herself so she could ask Caitrin when it would be possible for her to examine her father.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Just from the way her son was now interacting with her told Caitrin that there was no way he was going to settle anytime soon. Holding him close to her, so he was forcibly sat up with his back into her belly, she kissed the top of his head. Her hands were steadying him so he didn’t fall and so he was completely supported as he squirmed about and threw his arms around him while squealing at the same time. She felt slightly awkward her son was so happy, and bouncy that morning, while Elenora was here, and pouring her heart out to the young woman. She bit her lip and ran a hand over her son’s head, but the baby wasn’t showing any signs of calming down anytime soon. He grabbed onto one of her fingers, and found his lips around the flesh rather quickly. His gummy mouth wasn’t hurting her at all, it just felt strange. She let out a small smile out her son, but bit her lip straight away. She didn’t want to look like she was making light of what Nora was going through. She couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to lose a father one was so close to. After all, she wasn’t close to any of her family, bar her Uncle and of course her husband and children. The rest of her family didn’t really get a look in. That didn’t really matter though, as they were all still in Mercia, they had their own lives, and so did she.

Even as Elenora spoke, Caitrin could hear her getting upset. Arthur still had her finger in her mouth, and she used her spare arm to put a reassuring hand on Nora’s shoulder. It was only a small gesture, but Caitrin didn’t want her to feel like she couldn’t express her emotions in front of her, because though she couldn’t relate to her grief, she could help to soften the blow somewhat. From what Nora was telling her, she suspected her father was dying, and there was little anyone could do to stop that. It didn’t make it any easier to hear of course, and she wasn’t going to tell the woman that herself. “When would you like me to have a look over him?” She asked gently, and even Arthur seemed to have fallen silent for the time being so she wasn’t complaining about that. Her son, for the moment was just contemplative.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora couldn't help but smile a little as Caitrin held little Arthur closer so that he sat with his back against her. Caitrin then kissed his forehead, which Nora suppose Caitrin hope would settle her little boy down. In fact it did the opposite, as little Arthur began throwing his hands around and squealing at the same time. Though Elenora was in a desperate, sad state, seeing the little babe so happy and full of energy did make her feel a little less sad.

Nora watched as Caitrin managed to calm him down, which ended up with Caitrin's finger in her son's mouth. Caitrin used her spare hand to place it on Elenora's shoulder in reassuring, compassionate gesture, which Nora truly appreciated as it made her feel like she could let her strong exterior down. "When would you like me to have a look over him?” Caitrin asked her very gently and she noticed that little Arthur had finally become quiet in his mother's arms. looking at everything contemplatively.

"As soon as you are able," Elenora replied then she gave little Arthur a smile before continuing, "I know that you are very busy with this little one!" She touched his little nose in an teasing matter causing the little boy to giggle at her. Caitrin told her that she would visit her and her father tomorrow, that way giving her time to prepare everything she needed to examine him and organize the twin's care. "That would be fine, Caitrin -- I mean Lady Caitrin." Elenora stumbled out before Caitrin assured her that calling her Caitrin was fine. In which Elenora smiled at her and said with a little giggle, "Well in that case, please call me Nora!" Elenora had a feeling that Caitrin was slowly becoming a friend to her which delighted her for lately she had been feeling incredibly lonely.

And finally with that Elenora got up, said goodbye to Caitrin and little Arthur and left. Feeling a little life come back to her, though her situation wasn't looking any brighter or far from over.

[Caitrin de Archer]

The Next Morning

It was a warm and sunny morning, which probably went against the spirit of Caitrin’s visit to Elenora. She’d risen early, intending to see to the twins before she left them in the capable hands of her maid. Caitrin trusted the woman, but she still didn’t like the idea of leaving her children without their mother, even for a couple of hours. She had practically been chained to their cribs since birth, but she didn’t mind, she had Griff to help her after all, so it wasn’t a massive struggle all of the time. It was hard having twins, and even now Caitrin just felt worn down, but it was worth it when her children were smiling, and laughing, because she knew they were happy and that they knew they were loved.

That had been the plan, but of course the plan hadn’t gone to plan, naturally. Her daughter, Esmae, had woken up with the intent of suckling her mother nearly dry, and proceeded to scream afterwards. Caitrin couldn’t understand what was wrong with her daughter, but the maid had all but refused to look after her in such a state. Caitrin was a mother first and foremost, but she didn’t want Nora to think she was taking advantage of her hospitality.

She had to take Esmae with her though, there was no real alternative. She was carrying her, dressed in a small purple dress with a hose to match, and wrapped up in a blanket to keep her warm. Her basket of herbs was being carried in the other arm. She knew she could bring some relief to Nora’s father, she just hoped she could get this right, for both their sakes. She wasn’t really ever called upon to aid with her herbal medicines, so this was a new situation for her on the whole. Esmae still looked like she had the potential to start a fuss, so she looked at her daughter wearily, “Behave Es, just for a couple of hours. Then your father can deal with you.” She grinned to herself, Griff wouldn’t be impressed with that. The baby just gurgled up at her mother, arms grabbing for her lose hair and her dress. “Please inform the Lady Elenora that Lady Caitrin Aubert is here to see her.” Caitrin said smoothly, walking into Nora’s estate. The maid in question ran off to find her mistress, so Caitrin could only gaze upon the splendour of the place until she was joined.

[Lady Elenora]

Thank god the weather! Nora mused as she watched anxiously by the window for Caitrin to arrive. There was nothing worse than having to travel in wet and rainy conditions and Nora glad that the weather was being accommodating for them today.

After spending what felt like hours to Nora -- but was rather twenty minutes, her maid Isabel come dashing into her bed chambers informing her that Lady Caitrin arrived. Stepping away from the window, Nora followed her maid downstairs to the parlor. As soon as she entered the room she saw that not only had Caitrin brought her basket of supplies but little Esmae as well.

"Morning, Caitrin!" Nora greeted as she curtsied, before adding with a smile, "I see you've brought little Esmae with you!"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin curtseyed as best she could towards Elenora. She was quickly feeling uncomfortable with holding both her daughter, and the herb basket so she set the basket down and used both arms to support her ever growing daughter. Caitrin wasn’t sure how Esmae was already so big, well, big compared to the size she had been when she was born. She and Arthur had been so small, and fragile, but now she couldn’t imagine life without them. Esmae began to look unsettled again, and Caitrin bobbed her up and down gently, trying to fend off the inevitable. She still couldn’t understand what was wrong with her, she’d been fed, and changed, and she was getting attention. She wasn’t ill either. Jesu, sometimes this was hard work.

Despite her lack of sleep though, with having the twins up half the night, Caitrin was still here to tend to Nora’s father, because she’d said she would. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to anymore, she was used to only getting a few hours sleep here and there, she would probably just try and sleep when she got home. “I’m sorry if it’s an inconvenience my Lady.” Caitrin said rather humbly, she wasn’t usually that submissive, but she hadn’t slept properly for weeks now. This wasn’t the time for confrontations of any sorts. She gave a yawn into the back of her hand, but quickly dismissed it, “I had to bring her with me, she’s been unsettled lately, though I am at a loss to why.” Her eyes dropped to her daughter, who was toying with her blankets inbetween gurgles. She smiled gently at Nora, “Would you like me to look at your father right away?” Or would she prefer to have refreshments or something first? Caitrin wasn’t sure, as this wasn’t her home, so she just smiled at the woman, and kept tight hold of her daughter.

[Lady Elenora]

Nora watched as Caitrin struggled trying to curtsy with her arms full with little Esame and the herb basket. So she set it down and then used both arms to hold Esame more comfortably. Looking closer, Nora saw a little greyness under her eyes, no wonder from the lack of sleep with taking care of two young babies.

“I’m sorry if it’s an inconvenience my Lady.” Caitrin said rather humbly and then yawned quickly into the back of her hand. “I had to bring her with me, she’s been unsettled lately, though I am at a loss to why.” Nora watched as Caitrin's eyes dropped to her daughter, who was playing happily with her blankets. "It's fine, Caitrin. Honestly I think the house needs some joy and happiness which a child can easily provide," Nora replied gently while walking towards them before stopping to touch Esame's little hand, which she grabbed strongly before waving it around with quite a lot of enthusiasm. Caitrin looked down at her daughter, giving her a huge smile, before gracing Nora with a gentle smile, “Would you like me to look at your father right away?”

"Well," Nora began to respond kindly, "first you can get little Esame here settled with my lady's maid Isabel and then I'll take you to attend to my father." Nora stopped then remembering that maybe Caitirn might not trust anyone else to care for her, then quickly added "If that is alright with you, of course?"

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin smiled on at Elenora, she knew the woman wouldn’t have minded that much at her bringing her daughter with her. After all, she had no choice. Her children needed her most of the time at the moment, as they were not yet that much grown from how they had been as new borns. They were healthy enough though, and gaining enough weight to be deemed normal, but they had been small as new borns, so it would be a trend which would probably be repeated. It was a near miracle that Esmae hadn’t started crying yet, she had cried in the carriage on the way here, and had only stopped when they had reached the manor. Caitrin looked down at Esmae, who wasn’t looking sleepy at all, she was just reaching her arms to grab out to her mother.

“Well hopefully she will brighten the place up.” Caitrin said softly, the only way Esmae would be able to do that would be if she didn’t cry, which wasn’t that likely in all truth. She sighed softly and bobbed her daughter up and down against her softly, trying to lull her into sleep, or even just tire her out. She would lose sleep over it tonight, but she just needed to focus on the task in hand for the moment. “Though your home is beautiful, so I doubt it needs brightening up that much.” Caitrin said softly with a warm smile.

Caitrin felt quite defensive as Elenora suggested a maid look after Esmae while she tended to her father. She didn’t like the idea of her daughter being with someone she didn’t know. She very rarely left either of her children on their own, and when she did she hated it. She knew though, that it would be easier to treat Elenora’s father without the distraction of her daughter, but that thought was a difficult one for Caitrin. “Can I meet the lady first?” She asked cautiously, though she wouldn’t be able to judge the lady off just one meeting, it would let her settle if she was going to release Esmae into her care for a short amount of time. “Are you going to behave?” She was looking at her daughter, who was just gurgling at her mother, trying to play the innocent.

[Lady Elenora]

“Well hopefully she will brighten the place up.” Caitrin said to Nora softly then she began bobbing her daughter up and down in hopes of lulling her to sleep. "I know she will," Nora replied with a laugh. “Though your home is beautiful, so I doubt it needs brightening up that much.” Caitrin smiled warmly which made Nora laugh, "Well thank you very much, my lady. My mother was responsible for designing and decorating the house and we kept it the same even after she died. I'm just afraid that its looking a bit out-dated."

When Nora asked her about getting her maid to watch over the child, Elenora realized that maybe she made a mistake with her suggestion, her cheeks going slightly pink with panic. Caitrin looked defensive and unsure about the arrangement which Elenora understood and could sympathize with, seeing as Caitrin was a first time mother and couldn't bear not being with her child.

“Can I meet the lady first?” Caitrin asked her cautiously. Nora gave her a warm smile, "Of course, Caitrin. My lady's maid, Isabel is an expert when it comes to children. She has two young children of her own and has cared for many others, including my sister -- God rest her soul. I'm most certain you will find her most agreeable. We can all go to the kitchens now and meet with her, if that is agreeable to you, of course?" Caitrin nodded her head in agreement, leaving nothing for them to do but follow Nora.

They arrived in the kitchens a few moments later and Elenora introduced Isabel to Caitrin and Esame. Esame, it appeared, took a liking to Isabel straight away. Elenora just hoped that Caitrin would like Isabel as well for it might be difficult for Caitrin to attend to her father with a small baby wanting her time, love and affection. After a little discussion between the three of them, Caitrin agreed for Isabel to look after little Esmae in the chambers right next door to her father, convenient in the event that Caitrin wanted to check on her baby or in case Isabel had issues settling the babe down.

Finally it was time to take Caitrin to her father's room. Elenora took a deep breathe before turning the door knob and gestured for Caitrin to enter. The room was very dark for the curtains were drawn making the chamber incredibly stuffy. "I'm sorry that the room is stuffy, My father keeps complaining that he is cold, though his skin feels so hot," Nora whispered quietly as they ventured closely to the bed. Lying on the bed was Elenora's father, Sir Anthony. He was fast asleep, though he breathing was very much labored, and every once in a while, groans would escape his lips. Nora went to open the curtains a little and with the light streaming in from the window both of them could see how very sickly pale he looked.Nora couldn't prevent the sob that escaped her throat. For seeing her father in this way always made her heart break, knowing that he was in pain and there was nothing she could do to help ease his suffering.

"I'll just go and attend to some matters, and check in on little Esame. If you need anything, please do not hestitate to call the servants to fetch me." Nora then gave Caitrin a hopeful smile before leaving Caitrin to do her work.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Esmae still wouldn’t settle, and though it didn’t annoy Caitrin because she couldn’t be cross with her daughter, it was starting to wear her down a bit. That was the problem with twins, most of the time once you were finished tending to one baby, the next needed your attention. It wasn’t how she had imagined motherhood, but she still managed to fit it all in, even while attending to hers and her husband’s needs at the same time. “I do not think it is out dated at all.” It was a small white lie, but it was of no consequence, “It just feels homely.” It did feel like a house which had been lived in, but that was a good thing. Her Uncle’s house had been the opposite when she had first moved to Camelot, but now it was alive with her children and with her and Griff as well as her Uncle.

Though Caitrin noticed Nora’s cheeks flush slightly after she suggested the maid, she didn’t feel that guilty about being the cause of it. After all, Esmae was her daughter, and she wasn’t that comfortable with leaving her in the hands of anyone else who she didn’t know. She knew this was Nora’s home, and perhaps she didn’t want Esmae to distract her whilst she diagnosed her father. Either way, she wasn’t that happy about this new arrangement. She only agreed to hand over her daughter when the maid agreed to look after her in the room next to where Nora’s father was. Caitrin was happier about that, mainly as it meant she knew where Esmae was, rather than her just being somewhere in the estate. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust the maid, but she didn’t like just leaving her children alone. She knew she would have to get over that eventually, but she was just being cautious. Her arms felt rather empty without Esmae in them, and she almost asked for her back straight away. She bit her lip though and resisted the temptation, taking her herb basket up to the room Nora directed her to. Her father looked quite weak, and Caitrin wondered if there was anything she could do for him. After all, if the best physicians in Camelot and tried and failed, what chance did she have?

Nodding at Nora’s words, she looked over her father, checking his breathing, temperature and heart rate. He felt cold though the room was stifling to be in. She ran her hands through her hair and bit her lip. She usually just gave people cures for headaches, or love charms for the women who worked her Uncle’s fields, this was completely different. There weren’t any herbs she could think of that would bring his temperature down, which was what they needed to do. She knew that dabbing someone’s head with a cloth for a long period of time did sometimes work, but that was only part of the problem. She could always grind down cloves if he had some sort of plague or fever, because she knew that was supposed to work. Standing up again, she took one of his hands, to feel his pulse. The man felt incredibly weak, and Caitrin wasn’t sure she would be able to save him. Then there was garlic of course, which might rise his spirit somewhat, but all of this was pointless unless he had the energy to try and fight whatever it was off himself. She opened his eye lids carefully, but got no response from him. Her heart was already aching, though she had no love for her own father, she could tell Nora was incredibly close to her father. Caitrin sat back in her chair, with her herbs, her mind racing to whether Esmae was ok, as she tried to figure out what to do.

[Lady Elenora]

After leaving Caitrin to continue examining and treating her father, Elenora decided to go to the kitchens to organize a meal for Caitrin and something for little Esame too! She knew that after tending to her father and spending time away from her child, Caitrin would need some refreshments to cheer her up and ease her mind. Nora also wanted to show Caitrin her appreciation for agreeing to try her best in helping her father in what ever way she could. She sensed that things weren't looking too good from the look on Caitrin's face when she checked her father's pulse and eyes as she left the chambers. And she didn't want Caitrin to feel bad for she knew that her request was a difficult one. Though, she prayed that Caitrin would be able to provide some relief for her father, or possibly work out what had inflicted him so much. Nora knew that it was very unlikely that anyone, even Caitrin, could save him so she did not have any unrealistic expectations of Caitrin performing a miracle. Though, it didn't not stop her for wishing for one deep down.

But there was something Nora could not understand. She kept replaying the weeks before her father suddenly felt ill. He finally looked like his was making some progress with this grief, so much so he even agreed to come out of his chambers for a few hours to walk in the gardens or sit in the parlor with Elenora while she read his favourite novel. Then one day while they were walking in the groves, Nora had her arm intertwined with his, he collapsed. Then things got worse, way worse. And no one could work out why.

A hour an hour later, Nora thought it would be a nice gesture and good show of gratitude for her to take little Esmae to visit her mother. Knocking quietly on her sister's old room, she heard Isabel shout, "Come in".

Entering the chambers she saw that little Esmae was sitting on Isabel's lap playing happliy with some of Anne's old dolls and wooden horses. Smiling, Nora walked over to little Esmae, touched one of the horses in her hand, "What have you got there, darling?" Causing little Esame to coo and babble, "Oh you've got a horse!" Nora explained enthusiastically then looked up to Isabel to ask her, "I'm just going to take little Esmae to visit her mother next door." Isabel nodded her head, smiled and then handed her over to Nora's opened arms. She held her close and instantly felt so much joy and happiness which just seemed to radiate from the child as she cooed and smiled up at her. Nora now understood why Caitrin didn't want to be away from her, though Esmae could sometimes be a little demanding. She was a darling little girl.

Bouncing Esmae a little up and down, Nora told her "Now its time to visit your mama. What do you think little one?" Esmae cooed again happily and with that Nora carried her to her father's chambers.

Knocking quietly on the door before opening it a little, for she didn't want to disturb her father's sleep or Caitrin's concentration too much. "Caitrin," she whispered loud enough for Caitrin to hear her, causing the other woman to turn her head. "I thought you could use a little break and I've brought someone who wants to see you!" she finished, looking down at little Esmae.

[Caitrin de Archer]

Caitrin couldn’t explain the man’s condition, and it was starting to worry her. He was just weak, and fragile, and slowly slipping away. Her head was in her hands again and she sighed out. She’d been mulling this over, and trying to figure it would for over an hour now. She couldn’t think of a specific illness which would cause such a reaction, it seemed unnatural in a sense. Perhaps it was just old age, perhaps he had suffered a trauma of the heart, which was completely likely. There were many possibilities to be explored, but they all just seemed as unlikely as the next. Biting her lip, she pressed her eyes together. She knew of herbs which could cause a reaction like this, as a herbalist you knew the herbs which cured, but also the ones which killed as well. It was scary to be in possession of such knowledge sometimes, but Caitrin knew she would never use it for any means, so it didn’t matter that much. She was starting to wonder if someone had slipped something into his drink, or meal, but perhaps that was her just being overly suspicious. Caitrin was already preparing the herbs she would use in her brew which would hopefully bring back some colour to Nora’s father. Anything which could help him gain strength would be of help, other than that, they would have to wait and see.

She looked up as the door opened, and she quickly forgot her task as Nora emerged with Esmae. Caitrin took a few steps forwards to her daughter, whose arms were already extending towards her mother. “Hello you.” Caitrin said with a wide smile on her lips, lifting her out of Nora’s arms. Esmae was quickly settled back into her mother’s arms and she began to gurgle happily, grabbing onto her mother’s hair. Caitrin winced slightly, but said nothing. She began to rock Esmae gently, supporting the baby’s head carefully. She squeezed her slightly in her embrace, it didn’t matter how long it was since Caitrin had seen her children, she still missed them. She would be exactly the same when she was reunited with Arthur when she went home. “Have you been good, eh?” Esmae just looked up at her mother, before smiling at her. Caitrin kissed her forehead and looked back to Nora, “I hope she wasn’t too much of a handful?” She asked carefully. She knew Esmae already had quite a strong personality, even in her early stages of life, and though Caitrin knew how to combat it, she knew it could be quite over powering for some people.

With Esmae still babbling to herself in her mother’s arms, Caitrin looked back at Nora with a small, sad smile. She didn’t want to be the one to tell her that her father was dying, but someone had to. She wasn’t about to just come out with it, and perhaps the noblewoman had come to the conclusion already. “I’m just preparing him a brew. It might give him strength.” Caitrin was trying to sound positive, but she knew she might be failing, “But I can’t see what is exactly wrong with him, he’s just slipping further and further into his fever.” She couldn’t lie to Nora, just because this was too serious to smile and nod about.