Far in the northern lands of Wyeisha, Laira stood in the bathing light near the kitchen porter hole. She was breathed lightly, feeling the warmth of the sun. This was her one and twentieth birthday and the light was there to celebrate it. Not one gift could be afforded to be given but Laira didn’t care. The servants in Lord Wickham’s household were very kind but were too poor to relent on each other’s occasions. She lingered a little more before returning to her tasks.

One of the most striking memories was when her mother fell to fates of God when the dark plague overtook their village. Being only a small and inexperienced healer, she could not prevent the death, therefore being the only one left standing in her village. Her father had died when she was only two years into her life after being trampled upon enemy soldiers. Now the lord’s estate was her home, her only home.

Tears sprung to her eyes. After she was taken into the care of Lady Wickham, she felt as grateful for have surviving. Without the Wickhams, Laira’s life would have resulted in the painful death of suicide.

“Oh dear, Laira!” exclaimed Mistress Hopkins who indeed was the best cook in all of Wyeisha. “We must hurry. Lord and Lady Wickhams are soon to be arriving. No need for fiddling now, my dear.”

Laira scuttled over to the stove and began mixing the stew and placing the scones in the scorching oven. After that, she went on with mopping the floors, washing the dishes, and tidying up the kitchen. This was her domain.

“I’ve taken that the Lord and Lady are doing well these days?” she questioned.

“Aye. They are soon to be expecting.” Mistress Hopkins rubbed her stomach to indicate the hint. Laira nodded.

“Such a wonderful celebration it will be.”

The two worked in silence for quite some time before being summoned to the main floor. They hurried up the stairs to be in their places before the Lord and Lady arrived.

Once assembled, every servant put on their best airs and waited for the return.

“Well, well, well, my best servants have waited to welcome me. It is an honor to have such faithful and dedicated servants. I oblige to all of you”, Lord Wickham cried out as he and his wife walked in hand in hand.

They all bowed to his greeting and continued to smile. Laira thought highly of the Wickhams for they were the ones who saved her life. They were also the perfect couple to be around with.

After the joyous arrival, all the servants returned to their normal stations and continued the day’s work. Laira prepared meals with Mistress Hopkins while dusting the hallways. She fixed the fireplace and added extra linens for the Lady’s comfort.

Once encountering Lady Wickham, she bowed slightly in which the Lady smiled in return.

“What is it Laira?” she asked.

“I have come to ask you of your wellbeing for your health these days is all I worry about. With all that weary traveling, it might risk the chances of your health.”

“So you heard”, said the lady with amusement in her tone.

“Yes.”

The lady looked thoughtfully into the girl’s eyes. She was a beauty all right. The most beautiful woman ever to behold yet would never admit it. There was strength, power, and above all kindness that no one in her household could ever achieve as much as that. Her thoughts flew to others before herself and that was why the lady favored her the most. In addition, Laira had the best healing skills in the land. Her graceful and patient movements made patients escape death and thrive once more.

“I am fine, Laira. You are right that I shouldn’t travel as much. I shall try not to although it’s in my nature that I love being in the outdoors. Nevertheless, whatever you shall say, I will try to follow. It’s not good the well being of myself or my baby.”

Laira gave a sigh of relief. Even though Lady Wickham tended to be very stubborn, she seemed to agree to Laira’s terms.
“Thank you, my lady.”

The lady took hold of both Laira’s hands and said, “I only hope that you are well too. You should not stress over others too much. Take care of yourself.” She gave a warm smile and went into her chambers.

Laira headed back to the kitchen where she took her shawl and went out into village nearby to buy some ingredients for the morrow meal.