Tales from the odd side

The sun hung low in the sky, casting long, golden shadows across the courtyard as Madeline hurriedly paced back and forth near the gates of the keep. Her usually calm demeanor was tinged with a hint of anxiety today, a feeling she rarely allowed herself to indulge in. But this was different—Rosalie was coming, and with her, a young baby Madeline hadn’t even known existed until the letter arrived a few days ago.

Madeline had been deeply involved in taking in refugees from Orlais, her keep becoming a temporary sanctuary for those fleeing the turmoil that had gripped the neighboring land. Each day had been a blur of activity, organizing supplies, arranging accommodations, and tending to the needs of the weary souls who had made their way to West Hills. Yet, despite the chaos, her thoughts kept drifting back to Rosalie.

She had sent word to the staff early that morning, ensuring that a room would be prepared, not just for Rosalie but also for the child. Madeline had even gone as far as to secure a wetnurse, a kind and capable woman named Elara, who stood quietly beside her now, a basket of baby supplies at her feet. Elara had been one of the first to volunteer when Madeline explained the situation, her motherly instincts as sharp as ever despite her own children being long grown.

Madeline paused her pacing and took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She smoothed down the front of her gown, brushing away a few stray strands of hair that had come loose from her braid. She knew Rosalie well enough to understand that there was likely a story behind this unexpected child, and whatever it was, Madeline would be there to support her friend, no questions asked.

She glanced over at Elara, offering a warm, if slightly strained, smile. “Thank you for coming, Elara. I know it was short notice, but your presence will mean the world to Rosalie. I’m not sure what’s happened, but... well, I suppose we’ll find out soon enough.”

Elara nodded, her expression gentle. “It’s no trouble at all, my lady. Babies are a blessing, even in troubled times. I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

Madeline’s heart eased a little at the wetnurse’s reassuring words. She had always been one to carry the burdens of others, often to the point of neglecting her own needs. But today, she felt the weight of her worries more acutely than usual. Perhaps it was the thought of Rosalie, who had always been so independent, now arriving with a child in tow. It spoke of some deep and unexpected change, something that Madeline couldn’t yet fathom.

As they waited, the sound of hoofbeats reached her ears, and Madeline’s heart skipped a beat. She turned her gaze toward the road leading to the keep, and sure enough, a small group of riders was approaching. The banner was Orlesian, more refugees, and if she was correct, it would also mean Rosalie.

@Rosalie Rutherford

Rosalie arrived to the keep, a baby on her arms and eye red from crying the whole way from Orlais. To say goodbye to people that she had met now for years had been heart wrenching: Lucien, Maeve and Vincent had became part of her family and now she was here, knowing that she had lost them forever and carrying with her the only thing that was left from the Beuvois-Valathrian family tree. It was too that the baby still had Lia, and Rosalie appreciated the woman but the ones she had more contact with were the ones that had perished.

When she saw Madeline she went towards her, a somber expression on her face and bags under her eyes “Orlais has fallen, I guess that you are informed by now” she said, her voice trembling. She was not actively crying right now but her throat was still sore from sobbing. “I can repay the kindness of taking me in West Hill by working as a doctor but I need a place to stay with the baby; he is the son of my sister in law and her husband and they…” they died, like Vincent had and now little Lucien depended on her. She was not going to let the Beauvais down, neither Vincent.

“I guess that you can imagine what happened to them. Vincent is gone too” she added, tears starting to flow down her cheeks again. The baby was sleeping peacefully, not knowing how much her newfound mother was suffering.

Madeline’s heart clenched as she watched Rosalie approach, the weight of her sorrow visible in every step. The once-vibrant woman was now a shadow of herself, carrying not only the physical burden of the child in her arms but also the emotional weight of all she had lost. The sight of her, red-eyed and weary, stirred a deep well of empathy within Madeline.

As Rosalie spoke, her voice trembling with the grief she was trying so hard to contain, Madeline felt a wave of protective instinct surge through her. She stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and wrapped Rosalie in a gentle, reassuring embrace, careful not to jostle the baby.

Oh, Rosalie, Madeline murmured, her voice soft and filled with compassion. You don’t need to repay anything. You’re family, and West Hills is your home now. You and little Lucien will be safe here, I promise you that.

@Rosalie Rutherford

“I will pay back the kindness I promise” she said as she looked at the older woman “I can return to medical duty after I settle down with the baby, I just need a few days to find a wet nurse and to get him used to the new place” she said, relieved about having Madeline on her side. She knew that she was a magnificient woman but still it was reassuring to hear that she had a place to stay from her.

“The small building where I used to tend to people when I was here, is still available? I could turn it into a small clinic with enough resources” she proposed Madeline, set on returning the favour.

Madeline held Rosalie a moment longer, then pulled back, resting her hands gently on her friend’s shoulders, her expression firm but warm. You don’t have to think about repaying anything right now, she said softly. All I want is for you and Lucien to feel safe. There’s no need to rush back into work, especially after all you’ve been through. But she could see the resolve in Rosalie’s eyes, the unspoken need to give back, to find some kind of purpose in the middle of her pain.

Madeline nodded, a hint of a smile breaking through her concern. And you don’t need to look far for a wet nurse—I’ve arranged for one already. Elara here is more than willing to help you and Lucien settle in. She gestured to the kind-faced woman standing nearby, who gave Rosalie a warm nod of greeting.

Madeline then considered Rosalie’s request about the old building. The building is still there, and we’ve kept it in decent shape, actually. With a little effort, it could be set up as a proper clinic. We’ve had so many refugees passing through… having a dedicated place for medical care would be a godsend.

She smiled gently, brushing a stray strand of hair from Rosalie’s face. But first things first: let’s get you both settled. You’ll have a suite in the main keep.

@Rosalie Rutherford

“I fear that it’s not only about repaying, I think that helping people is the only way I can think of coping with the knowledge of that there’s people which I can no longer help” she said with tears in her eyes “Of course I won’t neglect Lucien, but…” she needed to find a purpose beyond her newly assigned motherhood.

“You are truly a gift from the Maker itself” she said looking incredibly relieved “A pleasure to meet you Elara, do you want to hold Lucien a bit to see how does he react? He has never been with a stranger and if I am around he will be calmer I think.

“If you are okay with it I will gladly take it back, I could even make an inventory to see what I would need, at the least most immediately” she said, sounding a bit cheerful about the perspective “Thank you, truly. I know that if Vincent, Lucien and Maeve were alive they’d thank you too”

Madeline listened intently, her heart aching at the raw honesty in Rosalie’s voice. She nodded solemnly, understanding all too well the need to channel grief into purpose. I won’t stop you from helping, Rosalie. If that’s what you need to keep moving forward, we’ll make it work. But you’re not doing it alone. Let us help you, too.

At Rosalie’s mention of Elara, Madeline smiled and stepped aside to let the wet nurse take a more prominent place. Elara extended her arms gently, her demeanor calm and practiced. I’d be happy to hold him for a moment, Elara said softly, her eyes warm as she reached out for the sleeping baby. We’ll take it slow. Babies need time to adjust, but I think he’ll be just fine.

Madeline watched as Lucien was carefully handed over, her gaze lingering on Rosalie’s face. Despite the tears in her eyes, there was a flicker of relief—maybe even a hint of hope.

As for the clinic, Madeline continued, her tone practical yet encouraging, it’s yours. I’ll send someone to help with the inventory, and we’ll gather whatever supplies you need. You’ll make it something incredible, I have no doubt.

She placed a hand gently on Rosalie’s arm, squeezing it reassuringly. You don’t have to thank me. Vincent, Lucien, Maeve... they’d be proud of you, Rosalie. And so am I. West Hills is lucky to have you back.

Madeline’s gaze shifted to the baby, who was now resting peacefully in Elara’s arms, completely unaware of the weight of the world his newfound mother carried. Let’s get you both settled. There’s a warm meal and a quiet room waiting. We can start fresh tomorrow.

@Rosalie Rutherford