Enchanted Moonvine

Enchanted Moonvine, a rare herbal plant with delicate lavender petals resembling a miniature sunflower. It possesses potent properties that temporarily numb a person's ability to feel pain, inducing a loss of sensation over their body.

Revered by healers, particularly among Ravagers and Werebeasts, it is sought after for treating deep wounds. However, it's exclusive to the Forest of Eldertree, adding an element of mystery and adventure to those who seek it.

"As I suspected, you're here, My... Louise," Lily remarked, her brow furrowing slightly.

She observed me engrossed in a hefty tome detailing the intricate anatomy of plants and accompanied by lengthy descriptions.

Lily, a diligent assistant within the confines of Lancaster Castle, had been personally selected by Ludwig to oversee my well-being and assist me in various tasks.

While I was still able to spend time with Leaf, her activities often remained shrouded in secrecy, leaving Lily to stand watch over me in the interim.

I overheard from other maids around the castle that they too were kept busy with new tasks assigned by Ludwig. Among these tasks was the construction of a new, expansive Greenhouse near the castle grounds.

Lily confided in me that Leaf, despite barely being a teenager, had already established herself within the castle's hierarchy through sheer determination and hard work.

Starting from humble beginnings, she had risen through the ranks to become the head of the castle.

"If you're not in the kitchen," Lily remarked, her curiosity piqued, "you're here in the library." She fixed her gaze on the book I was engrossed in, her expression darkening as if the book had personally offended her.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. It was evident that Lily's interest in books was lacking. Rumor had it that Lily harbored romantic feelings for a certain knight, who preferred the company of books over her, opting for solitary reading sessions rather than romantic dates.

It seemed as though Lily's disdain for books stemmed from this unrequited affection, as if each page she encountered reminded her of the heartache she endured.

"What are you reading?" Lily inquired, her curiosity evident in her voice.

"I'm delving into the Encyclopedia of Herbs and Flowers," I replied, my eyes still fixed on the intricate descriptions before me. "It's a bit of a puzzle to decipher, and I find myself consulting other texts to fully understand the language. But the effort is rewarding, especially considering the exquisite illustrations that closely resemble the real specimens."

As I spoke, I gently caressed the image of a delicate flower depicted in the pages before me. Its beauty was captivating, almost as if it were a gift meant for a cherished loved one. I longed to possess such a bloom, to feel its texture, inhale its scent, and admire its shimmering beauty up close.

"It appears that you have a fondness for reading, Louise," Lily remarked. "You're often found here, in solitude."

Seated gracefully on a plush couch adorned with an array of pillows, I allowed my gaze to wander around the expansive library. In my brief four days within these walls, I had discovered a sense of solace and security within its confines.

Here, amidst the rows of books, I felt shielded from the uncertainties that loomed beyond. For me, knowledge was the antidote to fear of the unknown. With each page I turned, I unraveled more about this world—its geography, its cultures, its history—granting me a deeper understanding and a newfound sense of belonging.

"I've always loved books and reading," I confided in Lily, a hint of nostalgia coloring my voice. "But in my world, the public library was located far from our town, and with my numerous responsibilities, I rarely had the luxury of time to indulge in reading."

As I spoke, memories—both joyful and sorrowful—flooded my mind, each one vying for attention. I attempted to push aside the wave of sadness that threatened to engulf me, focusing instead on the intricate illustrations and symbols adorning the pages before me.

Despite my efforts to reminisce, I found myself irresistibly drawn back to the world within the book.

Starlight Orchid, a mesmerizing flower hidden in the depths of icy blue realms, its brilliance concealed from all but the most intrepid seekers. With petals that shimmer like the stars themselves, this ethereal bloom holds a secret power: when twisted and its glow captured, it possesses the ability to sap the strength of adversaries, leaving them weakened and vulnerable.

Ethereal Frostbloom, perched atop the throne of all-knowing ice, where truth and lies alike succumb to its chilling gaze. When gently squeezed, it releases not only its frosty essence but also profound wisdom, unveiling secrets buried deep within its icy heart. Every truth and falsehood is etched into its delicate petals, making it a coveted source of knowledge for those who dare to seek its icy embrace. 

"Will you be staying here much longer?" Lily inquired. "Lunchtime is fast approaching."

As if on cue, my stomach rumbled loudly, betraying my hunger. Lily's expression darkened slightly, a silent reminder that I shouldn't neglect my basic needs.

With a determined resolve, she practically leapt into action, pulling me up from the couch with surprising strength and practically dragging me outside, ensuring that I wouldn't go hungry or neglect my meal.

Despite her petite frame, Lily stood at an average height with a slender build. She possessed a certain youthful energy that contradicted her power.

Her hair, the color of rich chestnut, cascaded in high, tightly coiled curls, framing her face in a halo of natural beauty. Her eyes, the warm hue of freshly brewed coffee, blinked with a hint of mischief.

As Lily and I made our way outside, the Lancaster Castle seemed to shimmer in the brilliant sunlight, casting a radiant glow over its surroundings.

The air was crisp and fragrant, imbued with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass.

Despite the sight of some wilting flora in the garden, the overall beauty of the landscape remained undiminished. Each flower, though fading, still held a certain elegance and grace.

During my brief stay at the castle, I had only glimpsed a fraction of its vast expanse. As I wandered through its hallowed halls, I couldn't help but marvel at the wealth that surrounded me.

Each passageway was adorned with intricate gold accents, casting a warm glow that illuminated the way forward. Shimmering jewels adorned the curtains, catching the light and casting kaleidoscopic patterns across the walls. 

The temptation flickered in my mind like a fleeting shadow—just a single stone from the castle could potentially alleviate all our burdens.

With its worth, we could settle Elizabeth's mounting medical bills, provide for our family's needs, and clear away the suffocating weight of our debts.

But as quickly as the thought surfaced, I banished it from my mind.