Meet the Norwood family..... they live on a small farm in the outskirts of Windenburg, a fief of Lord Gilbert de Clare.
William inherited this farm from his father when he passed while William was just a child. He never had any siblings but found a responsible wife in Eva. She's happy when she is surrounded by people while her husband is the exact opposite.
Together they had 3 children who help out around the farm.
The youngest is Evan who is responsible for the chickens, even though his big brother keeps a watchful eye out... He knows that his little brother likes to cause mischief.
Evan turned 7 not too long ago and has developed some other interests.... He takes to archery quite well
Tara is the middle child of the family. She helps out with planting and harvesting in the garden but most of her time she spends out in the forest... The family doesn't really understands what draws her to it but Eva is always thankful for the supplies she brings home.
Finnian, the eldest son, mostly manages the crops and goes out hunting with his father when the pantry need filling. He has a really good relationship with his sister.
The year 1300 catches them a little bit off guard. They used up most of their supplies in the last winter and William goes out to hunt almost every day. Eva is worried that they will run short in a few days.
"Finnian, do you think you could run an errand down at the Bishops? I asked him to set aside some fish for storing and I just want to know if he has had any luck catching some.... I would do it myself but I'm feeling faint today."
"Of course mother, you should rest today. Don't worry, I wanted to talk to Emma anyway. We wanted to go to curch together before Easter."
When Finnian leaves, she lies done immeadiatly. She isn't feeling good lately, there were even a few fainting spells... If it doesn't get better she knows she need to go to the village doctor.
Finnian meanwhile has walked over to their neighbours, the Bishops. He's anxious about his mothers illness but happy that he can see his childhood friend, Emma.
"Sorry, but my father is out fishing today, he didn't catch much the last few days. I'll be happy to come by and bring some if he catches any."
"My mother is really worried, I think I'll just go there and ask him myself... or... We could go down to the river and try to catch some?"
"Sure, we can try... but don't be disappointed when we don't catch anything."
They don't catch anything but at least they had time to talk. For some time now Finnian is drawn to Emma's company but he can't quite put together why.... They decide to go to church together next week to pray for a good harvest at least.
But Finnian didn't need to worry. When Emmas father returns shortly after they get home, he shares a bountiful catch with him.
Emma watches him leave with a smile on her face. She's happy that he feels a bit calmer now.
When he comes home that evening, he's happy to see that his mother recovered somewhat she sits together with the neighbours who brought over some food so share.
"Look, Finnian, the neighbours brought some pheasants they hunted today, I can prepare it for tomorrow."
"That's nice, mother. The Bishops also had some fish to share. Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, love, thank you. Let me take those to the pantry."
The neighbours look at their exchange fondly.
"Well, Finnian, you've grown up to be quite the responsible young man. Eva, would you like me to bring over my daughter sometime? He should start to think about marriage soon."
Finnian smiles awkwardly and looks away. Emma's smiling face shows up in his mind.
Today's #MedicalMonday is Ms. Coll 591, Folder 21, two fragments from a medical treatise, ca. 1300. Written in an Italian Gothic script with 2-line initials, these leaves are devoted to descriptions of individual herbs, minerals, and animals.
For the next few months, Edward made his way into Eastcliff village and met with Elsa. He knew that he should have just left her alone, but even when he wasn't near her, he couldn't get her eyes and sweet voice out of his mind. They would walk around the market square and talk for hours about their families, and he found out that she had an interest in gardening and herbalism.
Elsa had never had a connection with anyone like this before. The only thing that people in her circle seemed to care about was money. She felt like she could be herself with Edward. She just wished that she could get rid of the overwhelming feeling that they were being watched. She knew if her brother found out about her secret meetings with Edward, he would never let her out of his sight again.
On one particular walk late in 1300, they were deep in discussion about their dreams for their lives when Elsa stopped in her tracks, gasping aloud. Edward could feel her hand gripping his arm tight as she stared at the man in front of them. The man's icy blue eyes glared at him, stopping at where their arms were joined. He could feel Elsa shrink back behind him as he heard her whisper,