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Daylynn0709

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The battleground was littered with dead, from both sides. The smell of smoke was overpowering.... he couldn't breathe............

Jacob awoke with a cry, clutching at his chest. His sheets were soaked with cold sweat. It was been three years since the war with the Indians, and dreams of the fields still haunted him. His mother Jane walked crept into his room with a worried face. "Jacob, sweet, this is the third time you've had nightmares this week. I think its getting worse." He nodded in agreement. "You need a sleeping draught, or something to help. You look so, lost since you've come home to us. You haven't been any help to your father on the farm, and we need this harvest."

"I'm sorry mother. It's just a little difficult to adjust."

"I know sweetheart. I think you should go to Ariana, our new herbalist. She is not a respectable woman, but her medicine is worthy of recognition."

"Why is she not respectable?"

"Now really, Jacob. She wears breeches while working, she lets men into her home for "extensive treatment" she runs arouind with Indians learning foolish new cures-" 

"Alright mother. I see your point."

"Well," Jane huffed, "Now you know she's nothing better than a common maidservant. But, she was begged for an apprentice by Mr. Wilkins, bless his soul. She has a steady mind, and a good hand with plants."

"I'll see her right after breakfast then mother."

Jacob ate quickly, eager to meet this young woman who could possibly help him with his problem, and set off for Ariana's home. He came upon a small cottage, with many surrounding trees and an herb garden in front, covering the property with sweet scents. He knocked on the door, then felt a sense of trepidation. He was about to turn around, when the door opened, and the most beautiful girl Jacob had ever seen stood in the doorway. "May I help you?" she asked. He didn't answer, still too stunned by her dark curls, her olvie compexion, her shimmering green eyes. She sighed. "Well come on in then, if you can't speak." He walked into a very small, neat room, with comfortable looking chairs. he sat in one, and stared at her while she gathered some paper, a notebook and a feather. When she was ready, she relaxed and smiled at him. "Alright, now what's your name?" "Jacob." His tongue felt large and floppy in his mouth. "Jacob White?"

"Yes. How did you know my name? Have we met?"

"The first and only time I met you Jacob White, we were 10 years old, and you made fun of my patchwork gown. You told me that even though I was poor and homely, I was good with food, and that one day I could possibly be a well-paid cook." Jacob blushed. "I'm sorry for all that." he muttered. "It's quite all right. I know that the there is a difference between the boy who said that and the man standing before me now. The boy who told me those things was a spoiled pompous brat. But I'm not so sure I like the change. Your eyes...." Ariana dropped her sentence and sat next to him, and stroked his face. "Your eyes speak of pain, of dreadful things. You can't sleep, can you, from the war fever." It was more of a statement than a question.
Yes.. how did you know?" Jacob whispered. Ariana chuckled. "Jacob, it's my job to know these things. Your eyes are red, I know you were in the war, and I can see it in your face. Its a common case of war fever. Ill give you a tea of chamommile, lavendar and majorcam. That should help you sleep, if you make it right before bed, alright?" "Alright." Jacob replied. He now had nothing left to stay for, but he really didn't want to leave...

"Ariana?" he needed to say it quickly before his courage ran out, " I.. well, I.. I don't really have anyone to talk with anymore, my friends are all....wel... what Im trying to say is.." She turned and looked at him. " Your friends that didn't fight don't understand the change in you, and those who did don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Exactly."

"Jacob, if you ever need an ear, you can come here. I am an herbalist, and a doctor. But, whenever my patients need it, I am a friend, a shoulder to cry on. Ill be here whenever you need me."

"Thank you. Thank you so much." Jacob was so happy to find someone who understood his complications that he pulled her into an embrace and held her tightly. "Oh" she whispered at first, then pulled her arms around him. They stayed like that only for a few minutes, but to them it seemed like a few sunsets. When they finally pulled apart, he blushed. "I'm sorry... I don't know what came over me."

"Please, don't apologize... It was nice. No one has held me like that in a very long time."

"Oh, speaking of time, my mother expects me. I must go." Jacob said, in no real hurry.

"Wait. I... I need an assistant. Someone to chop firewood and fix little things around the house, and no woman seems to be willing. The pay isn't much, but food, housing and all medicine is free. There is a little room out in the back where oyu can stay, with a fireplace. the position stands. if you want it." Ariana spoke in rushed voice, with the fear that he'll say no. "I'd be happy to be in your service" Jacob replied. Ariana gave him a warm smile, and he walked out the door with a grin that hadn't been on his face in a while. Although neither of them knew it, they were just beginning to fall in love.