Vella plodded along, avoiding the more treacherous mud holes and deeper wheel ruts that riddled her way into town. There were a number of folk about the town, either making their way to or from their destinations or talking amongst themselves. Few gave any note to Vella, some nodded courteously or in simple acknowledgment. This comforted her and she pushed back the hood of her cloak, the dark hair spilling back, her green eyes taking in the sights of Arges from a point of view she had never seen it. Buildings, presumably stores, inns and homes rose at different heights, most were one story some two or three. Most of the people seemed to be of modest means and dress, a few richer, perhaps business owners or merchants of small accord.<br/><br/>One establishment caught Vella's interest, and struck her with inspiration and the beginnings of a plan. Hanging above a door a sign hung on wrought hooks.<br/><br/>"Zelma's Herbs" it read.<br/><br/>Although the depth or size of the establishment could not be gleaned from the street, crammed as it was between a line of other buildings, it appeared small and modest. Through the storefront window, the glass foggy and tinged with age, she nevertheless could see a number of people inside and someone bustling about behind a counter. Vella stepped into the store, satchel in hand. A bell rang as she passed in, and ringing once again as the door closed behind her. No one took note of her entrance, engrossed in the wares being displayed for sale. The woman behind the counter was presumably Zelma. She bustled back and forth hurriedly and somewhat frazzled. She was a round and older woman with her gray hair tied up in a bun and rosy cheeks. Zelma and the customers were all talking at once.<br/><br/>"Well my husband does not - he no longer..." said one customer.<br/>"Tut, tut dear, not another word. Slip a smidgen of this in the his ale."<br/><br/>"My daughter, she has the most terrible headaches..." said another customer.<br/>"Brew this in hot water until it boils, no longer mind you, and make sure the lass drinks it all up mid eve before going to sleep," recommend Zelma.<br/><br/>Vella approached the gathering of people crowding the counter, which ran almost the whole breadth of the narrow store. Upon the counter were various baskets, bowls and packages of different herbs and plants.<br/><br/>"My husband comes home from his labors, pulls off his boots, they smell to high heaven!"<br/>"Oh my, heavens yes I have just the thing for that. Sprinkle this in his boots and the smell should go away after a few days," said Zelma.<br/><br/>Back and forth Zelma moved to each customer. She was quite overwhelmed however and struggled to meet all of the customer's needs. Vella cleared her throat and spoke up.<br/><br/>"Miss? I must have your attention," she attempted. This resulted in no indication from Zelma as she hurried about. Vella tried again, this time louder. "Lady Zelma! Pardon the interruption if you will but - ".<br/><br/>"Oh my! Watch your tongue dear, lady to some perhaps but I am not of nobility!" With that admonishment Zelma moved on to other customers.<br/><br/>"My wife, she's a sweetheart but has the most rancid breath!"<br/>"Oh bless her heart, the dear, put a dash of this in her tea, no more, and her breath will be sweet as a babe's!"<br/><br/>Vella imagined this Zelma might make use of her knowledge of herbs and plants, perhaps even taking her on as an apprentice. Vella cringed at the thought of serving another, she had not been beholden to anyone for nearly all her life. Still, it seemed a likely way to meld into the town and it would not be the last time the Queen would have to swallow her pride.<br/><br/>"My son, he's just baby and colicky, he cries all night and nothing I do will sooth him."<br/>"Oh the poor dear! Rub this on his stomach each night for a week. That should do the trick, if not come back to me and I have another salve that may help," said Zelma.<br/><br/>The crowd of customers began to thin as coin was exchanged and the people moved on. Some stayed behind to look over the blankets and sweaters Zelma knitted and sold along with her herbs. Vella tapped her toe on the polished hardwood floor, impatient to get Zelma's attention.<br/><br/>"Now lass how might I help you?" Zelma asked of Vella.<br/><br/>"It looks like you could use help perhaps? I have knowledge of many herbs and curatives and could be of use to you." Zelma leaned over the counter her heavy bust restricting the extent at which she could. Nevertheless she looked Vella over from head to toe, looking decidedly unimpressed. Vella pressed on unbidden to name all the herbs she saw spread out on the counter.<br/><br/>"This here is horehound or 'marrubium vulgare' used for colds or stuffy nose. This is cannibis also know as 'cannibis sativa', a pain reliever. And this is hawthorn or 'crataegus' for calming the nerves. This is 'phytolacca' commonly known as pokeweed, for sore throats.<br/><br/>As Vella named all the herbs she saw, Zelma watched the young woman closely. Her eyes widened with surprise as the lass did in fact seem to have the knowledge she claimed. "What is your name lass?". Vella's name was reasonably common about the immediate realm and so she gave her own without concern.<br/><br/>"And where are you from dear? I know most about Arges and I cannot place you." Zelma said folding her arms atop her bust, her head titled to one side, summing up the young woman before her. This was trickier but Vella had given it some thought. She gave the name of a village known to some but two days travel from Arges.<br/><br/>With clever guile Vella lowered her head in apparent meekness and shame and went on. "You see, my mother she passed, and my father, well - "<br/><br/>"Tut, tut dear say no more. Nothing more is necessary." Zelma scooted around from behind the counter to rest her hand on Vella. "If you need a place to stay I have a bed, and we can talk about your apprenticeship later."<br/><br/>Vella lifted her eyes to Zelma, a twinkle in those green eyes. She was taken aback though when Zelma heartily embraced her and planted a smothering kiss on Vella's cheek.<br/>