Brother Harper, Abbey Recorder - 1-12-09

Well, it would seem I have won the battle against the Plague. Though I doubt that has overmuch to do with myself. I should better say that the other healers have the victory in this particular battle. Or that my son has. Whichever is the case, I am improving. The fever has broken. The vessel for this humble mind feels battered and broken, but it also feels-- alive.

It only seems right that I should return to my duties now I have the strength to do so. While my mind was lost to the fog, the Abbey lost many more of its good creatures to the illness. However, the Abbey and its inhabitants will not go quietly, nor have they ever. A certain Brenden Thatcher, Private rank, of the Long Patrol, has presented the possibility of a cure. A certain herb, known as Goldenwort in his area of the world. It grows deep in the forest, in Southswards. He knows not whether it grows in Winter, but a quest has been rallied nonetheless. The questers left two days hence. I am told that we are not to expect them for a fortnight, though perhaps the spirits of those we've lost will bear them home more quickly, even, than that.

Because a cure, it is true, we are in dire need of. Even the humble Abbeybeasts can only be bent so low before breaking and I should wish myself dead before that day.

But perhaps that day has been put off a little, all the same, for the love of a dibbun. I think only a dibbun could think to make merry and light as a distraction for all this. Aged beasts are far too cynical! Ah well, but my son Tameus is not! He put on a play - a comedy! Starring himself as perilous hare, Long Patrol Colonel Wameus! His delicate damsel, Delilah, was played by our very own, Novice Bradge. He makes a very pretty maid, if I do say so myself. And as for the more villainous component, Colonel Zoe Francis and Sivaine Brennig played the roles of Dread Pirate Kessy and Nerdez, respectively. It was quite a thing... I nearly fainted dead away from laughing, though that's not a stretch for me right now!

I think we all owe Tameus a great amount of thanks. He has brought us all from the edge, not with herbs or simples, but with something far more effective.

Laughter.

- Brother Harper Sutton, Abbey Recorder