A busy morning in the Infirmary (Open)

[Sister Magdalene]

It was a little after half past nine in the morning. The Sisters had broken their fast after Matins and were now employed in various tasks around Priory House. It was a fine, if blustery day, but that didn't deter Sister Mary and Sister Ann from working in the Priory gardens, clearing the weeds and replanting herbs.

Sister Magdalene was employed in the Treatment Room. Today was one of the days where the Sisters threw open their doors to the people of Nottingham and the surrounding villages. If anyone needed medical advice, they would give it. If anyone was in need of a good, filling meal, the sisters would provide it. They also dispensed clean, if worn, clothing to those who desperately needed it. Sister Edith and Sister Joan were tending to the needs of those sick enough to require a stay on the Infirmary Ward, and so it was left to Sister Margaret, a dour faced Nun, to help Magdalene.

Having checked that her treatment table was ready, Mags nodded to Sister Margaret. "Open the doors, Sister. And let us see who needs our help today." Sister Margaret gathered up her robes and walked down the winding stone staircase to the door which opened out onto the street. Pulling back the bolt, she pulled the door open. There was, already, a small crowd gathered, grateful of the aide the Sisters of Charity could dispense.

The first patient into the Treatment Room was Matthias the Charcoal Burner. Magdalene indicated for him to take a seat on the low wooden stool. "Well, Matthias, its not often we see you here. What ails you?" She asked, keeping her face compassionate. Matthias held out his dirty hand. There was filthy, ragged bandage wrapped around his finger. "Got meself a whitlow, Sister," he wheezed. Magdalene washed her hands in a small bowl then wiped them with a cloth. Carefully, she unwrapped the bandage. Sure enough, Matthias's finger was swollen by the nail bed. The whitlow had formed a creamy head and the skin was stretched and inflamed. Sister Magdalene prodded it gently with her finger, so as not to cause her patient too much pain. "Hmmm, yes that looks rather nasty." She sympathised. "Its nearly ready to burst." Magdalene watched as Matthias screwed up his nose in disgust. "Don't suppose, Sister, you could give un a slit?" Mags nodded slowly, turning away to pick up a small sharp knife. "Hold still then and it'll soon be over." She told him, over her shoulder. Then, turning back to him suddenly, she drew the blade over the top of the whitlow before Matthias had chance to react. Pus spurted from the finger along with some blood. Matthias turned pale and Magdalene thrust a bowl into his good hand. "Oh for Heaven's sake, don't be sick now, Matthias," She told him. "Or if you must, at least have the goodness to deposit it in the bowl!"

Holding a cloth to Matthias's finger, Magdalene looked around for Agnes, the Priory's serving girl. She beckoned the girl over. "Agnes, my dear, I want you to go to the kitchen and bring back a kettle of hot water and see if you can find a piece of stale bread. Hurry child" She looked down at Matthias after Agnes had disapeared off and smiled. "A poultice should help draw the poison. I'll dress it here now, but you need to get your wife to re-poultice it again this evening. And Matthias, no working until this has healed. Get that son of yours to do all the work." Matthias opened his mouth to argue but then he looked at Sister Magdalene and thought better of it. She was wearing one of her stern looks again.

When Agnes returned with what Mags had wanted, the Sister set to work, soaking the stale bread until it was malleable enough for the poultice. Deftly, Magdalene bandaged Matthias's hand then sent him on his way with instructions to return to the Infirmary the following day. Clearing away the soiled implements and cloths, Magdalene set about treating the next patient. A steady trickle of people came through the doors that morning and, as time moved on, things started to slack off near noon. Sister Magdalene allowed herself a little breather and wondered who would appear next at the door.

[Tuck]

When Tuck had left the presence of Sir Guy he had counted himself for fortunate to have escaped him without being arrested or physically attacked.. Often, though, an encounter like that left a person person with many negative and aggressive thoughts in their head,even someone nornally as calm and tranquil as Friar Tuck. He had heard that the Priory gardens were a pleasant place to walk past and clear his head, so he set out for the Priory to see if it was open.

Tuck saw that a significant crowd was gathered outside of the doors of the Priory. He asked several of the people who were gathered there, what was the purpose of their firsit. They indicated that this was a day that the Sisters of Charity opened their doors to give medical assistance to any who required it. Tuck took the opportunity to move forward in crowd, and he managed to be one of the first who entered.

He was curious to see who was running this errand of mercy, and to see if it was anyone who was familiar to him. When it was his turn to enter, one of the sisters had her back turned to him. Although he could not see her face, the way that she held the rest of her person was quite familiar. "Sister Magdalene, it has been some years since we last met, but there is no denying that it is you. Would a humble friar be able to provide you any assistance in your fine work," he smiled, waiting patiently for a response.

[Sister Magdalene]

Mags had been wiping her hands on a towel when she heard a vaguely familiar voice behind her. A smile lit up her face as she turned around and faced the Friar before her. "Well, as I live and breathe!" She exclaimed. "Brother Tuck! How long has it been? Eight years? Ten?" The Sister walked towards him and placed her hands on his forearms (scuse pose!) and squeezed his arms. "And it looks like you've hardly changed at all." Mags looked Tuck over. "Well you're a bit more rounded in the girth." But she smiled then released his arms and stepped back.

"I value your skill as a healer, Tuck, but we've all but finished here for the day. Why not come to the Refectory and try some of good Sister Edith's home brewed ale?" Mags moved silently to Sister Margaret's side and whispered instructions to tidy up the Treatment Room after the last patient had gone, adding that she herself would return after their guest had departed, to take stock of the medicinal treatments they'd used that morning.

"Come Brother," She told the Friar, indicating for him to follow her. Sister Magdalene walked down the corridor to the wooden staircase which led to the Refectory and Kitchen. As she walked, she continued talking. "Well, Tuck, you're the last person I expected to walk through the door this morning. What are you doing in Nottingham? Are you passing through or are you living nearby?" Entering a high vaulted room, Mags approached the scrubbed wooden table and took the carved chair at the head of the table. "Sit yourself down." She told him, then as Agnes approached, she smiled at the skivvy. "Agnes, this is Brother Tuck, a very old friend of mine. Would you please bring us ale and something to eat."

Agnes nodded that she understood then hurried away to the kitchen. Mags watched her go then turned back to her guest. "Well I seem to have asked a lot of questions, but I haven't heard any of your answers yet. Its not like you to stay quiet." The ghost of a smile flitted across her mouth then was gone.

[Tuck]

Tuck just stood there his arms folded, waiting for the inevitable greeting, and wondering what would be her response to his offer for assistance. "Yes, more like ten years I would think. Its just like you to be the most noticeable about some of my more positive features," he said, patting his middle. And just long have been here, doing this type of work? Have you had the opportunity to interact much with the Sheriff, or one his more active outlaw counterparts, perhaps," he said with a questioning look. He questioned himself silently whether she would try to remain unbiased at all costs or not.

Tuck felt slightly disappointed that he had come to late to be any help to her with the sick and needy that had crossed her doorway, for he always liked to be useful. However, her invitation for a visit was much more preferable than any offer that Sir Guy had made during their prior conversation, so he was quite agreeable to it. "It will be a pleasure to sit and visit and talk, and enjoy some of Sister Edith's good work and efforts." Tuck watched her move off and give quiet instructions to some of the other sisters who were present.

As they began their walk towards another part of the structure, following her direction of course, the two began to talk quite freely, as if they had been separated for just a short time, and not almost a decade. "My journey has several purposes and missions. First, you should know that I am no longer affiliated with my old order. they thought it best that I leave on a 'private' pilgrimage. You see, I served several years attached to a group of knights inn the Holy Land and had grown quite disillusioned with the whole affair, and made my feelings quite clear.

So I departed for England and heard of the great oppression that is taking place here, and saw it as my new mission to fight the tyranny that is taking place here, and make contact with one outlaw Robin Hood. Right now he seems to be the only hope these people have, with the king so far away. This ale .... it is quite good .... better quality than most of the common people have access to. Sister Edith should be quite proud. As I am sure that you and the sisters are rightfully proud of all the good works you do here," he said with a respectful nod to his old friend, not really knowing how she would respond to his rather rebellious attitude.

[Lady Rosetta Court]

Rosetta stumbled in. She was holding her left side which was soaked in blood. She fell to the floor. Nuns surrounded her. They carried her to a bed and started cleaning her wound. "Tuck." she managed to choke out. "W-where is he?" she stammered.

[Sister Magdalene]

Sister Magdalene sipped her goblet of ale as Tuck talked. "We've been here for about four months now." She replied. "And thats only due to the charity of the previous owner, a scholarly man who bequeathed all his worldly possessions to our Order as his sister had joined us many years before. Up until now, the Sheriff has left us to our own devices. Oh, I'm sure he's fully aware that we're here and the work that we do." A mischievous glint in her eye, Mags added. "Perhaps its been remiss of me. Maybe I should seek an audience." Grinning, she took another dainty sip of her brew.

If Mags felt any concern or shock at Tuck admitting that he'd left his Order and the reasons behind it, then none of it showed on her face. "I'm sure that, whichever path you choose to take, Brother, that God watches over you. The Lord works in mysterious ways, after all. Perhaps its His will which brought you to our door today?" At this, Magdalene nodded as though to herself. "Oh yes, Sister Edith is very proud of her brewing skills, I think not even the King himself has ale as good as ours." Putting down her goblet, she looked down at the meagre meal before them. Taking a piece of bread, she started to crumble it between her fingers. "I have heard good things of Robin Hood. When we go out into the countryside, we hear his name mentioned by the villagers. They speak of him with more reverence than........no, I mustn't say it, its akin to blasphemy." Magdalene gave a deep sigh. "I believe him to be a good and honourable man. After all, we both wish to help the poor and needy." She flushed then, as Tuck praised the good Sisters work. "Ah Tuck, you know that we practice humility. How can I keep my fellow Sisters in order when you continue to sing their praises." Her mouth twitched with the humour she tried to suppress but before Mags could say anything else, the sound of hurrying footsteps started to get louder and Sister Ann burst into the Refectory.

"Sister Magdalene, theres a lady in the Infirmary. She's injured." The Nun blurted out although she was winded from running from the Infirmary. "She's asking for Brother Tuck." Sister Ann looked at the Friar in an accusing manner. Magdalene pushed her plate away from her and rose to her feet. "Compose yourself, Sister." She said calmly. "How is she injured?" Sister Ann explained that the lady was bleeding and Mags quickened her pace, not waiting to see if Tuck followed.

Breezing into the Infirmary, Mags approached the group of Sisters, who stood around one of the beds. "Step back," She ordered and as the way cleared, she approached the lady. Bending down, Magdalene examined the wound. It seemed clean enough but it had bled a lot. "I am Sister Magdalene. Tell me, my child," She said softly to the patient, "How did this happen? And do not worry yourself, you're lucky that Brother Tuck was visiting us. He will be here directly." Looking up at her fellow Sisters, Mags instructed Sister Mary to fetch her a tincture from the Still Room that would help replenish the lady's lost blood.

[Lady Rosetta Court]

Rosetta couldnt answer properly. "The Sheriff." she whispered. She closed her eyes. She was in a weak state. Then opened them quickly. The Sisters looked worried. Then one noticed a Pentagram around her neck. "Sister Magdalene she is a Witch." she said.

[Sister Magdalene]

All of the Sisters suddenly crossed themselves and those that were nearest to the bed stepped back a few more paces. Sister Magdalene pursed her lips but knelt down at the bedside. "My dear, it would be easier if you could tuck your pendant inside your bodice." She whispered. "We have a moral and spiritual obligation to aide anyone who comes to our door. Not everyone here is as tolerate of......other religions, as I am." Standing to her feet, Magdalene turned to her fellow Sisters. "This woman is under my protection whilst she recovers. It is not for us to judge her for her beliefs. But know this, if she were truly evil, she would not have been able to enter our door." She clapped her hands, shooing the Sisters away. "Now return to your duties and speak of this to no one."

Magdalene reached out for the medicine bottle in Sister Mary's hands and uncorked it. Pouring some into a wooden cup, the Sister put one hand under the lady's head to raise it (scuse pose) as she put the cup to the girl's lips. "Drink it, my child, it is a simple herbal remedy but it will help." All the while, Mags couldn't help but worry about the grave danger she and her Sisters were in whilst they sheltered this young woman. Not only were they harbouring someone that the Sheriff apparently disliked or had a grudge against, according to her wounds, but also there was the fact that she was apparently a witch. If the Sheriff's men found her here, then they could all be charged with heresy and that meant burning at the stake.

[Lady Rosetta Court]

Rosetta drunk slowly. As she drunk the last drop she screamed in pain. "ALLAN!" she shouted. "The Devil has been here." she began to say strange things. She held her side. "River of blood that is pure and slow, stop this bleed before it does grow." she chanted. She lay her head back on the pillow. "He will pay." she said.

[Tuck]

Tuck followed closely behind Sister Magdalene, pondering over what she has just said .... and what she had left unsaid. He had wondered whether her position of elevated responsibilities would change her. He was glad to see that it had not. She was apparently still as friendly as ever, and had simply accepted his change in position as being God's will. He was also glad to hear her report on Robin Hood, which affirmed his decision to seek him out. He was apparently recognized as a defender of the poor and the common man, and enemy to all who tried to manipulate, dominate, and have power, save Richard himself.

Finally, he asked himself who this woman could be who was asking for him. He knew blessed few women in Britain, so that narrowed down the list considerably. Sister Mags separated the Sisters as she entered the room, much as one would expect Moses to part the Red Sea, with Tuck close behind as Aaron would have been. Peering over her shoulder he said, "Ah Lady Rosetta, what trouble have you gotten yourself into now? Is it just the Sheriff, or have you upset someone even higher up than him this time? Fortunately, Sister, it appears to be mainly a flesh wound, and the biggest dangers are infection and loss of blood."

Suddenly Tuck's eyes narrowed slightly. "I may be speaking out of turn and out of place, but whether she is a witch or not should not be our concern at this point. Your concern should be a question of life or death. We are all God's children, no matter what choices we make in life. God hates the sin, but loves the sinner," and Tuck took a half-step back, awaiting to see what their response would be, and whether he would feel that he would have to take his leave of them. It was obvious that Lady Rosetta would not be as able to leave, even if she wanted to.

[Sister Magdalene]

Sister Mags glanced sideways as she tended the patient, and looked at Tuck. "Whichever path you choose to take these days," She told the Friar, "You are still as devout as ever." But even Magdalene couldn't surpress the shiver that swept through her body when Lady Rosetta whispered her incantation. "Such careless talk could cost us our lives." She muttered to herself then rose her voice as she continued. "It matters not to me what this child is, Tuck, as you should well remember. But I cannot ignore the obligation I have to my fellow Sisters. We have to move her as soon as possible."

The Sister checked the patient's wound. The blood was conjealing, which was a good sign. As long as the wound was kept healthy and free of infection then Lady Rosetta would be as good as new in a few weeks. Placing another pad against the wound, Mags looked up at Tuck. "Do you know of anywhere she could go while she heals?" The good Sister asked. "She could stay here, hidden in the Cloisters, but if the Sheriff and his men came then we have no means of protecting her here."

[Tuck]

It had been almost a decade since they had seen or worked with one another, but each Friar Tuck and Sister Mags had really not changed a great deal, and therefore each was able to understand fairly easily. Some might have found it difficult to understand how Tuck could rebel against authority and leave his own order to pursue his own path, but Sister Mags knew he was still a devout believer, even if associated with one who was a self-identified witch. Even Friar Tuck, though, understood the danger that the presence of such a person had to himself and the Sisters, and that it would be best to have moved.

Lady Rosetta's wounds were in the beginning stages of healing. As Tuck had indicated, as long as the was kept clean and free of infection, the primary concern would be the large loss of blood she had endured. As a result, her number one concern was an environment where she received a quantity of uninterrupted rest. Sister Mags number one concern, now, of course was the safety of her Sisters. However, Tuck could give her no easy answers.

"I'm afraid Mags that I haven;t been here long enough to find such a place. It would have to be somewhere both isolated and secure, where there would be enough people to watch over her at all times," he said. The only place that she could be kept safe, he thought, was with one of the outlaw groups in the Forest. However, Tuck had no contacts there. "I think she is safest, for the time being, right where she's at, no matter the danger the poses for all of us. As soon as she is physically able, though, I think she could be hid in the Forest."

[Lady Rosetta Court]

Rosetta woke from a dreadful slumber. She opened her eyes. "John!" she screamed. "My husband to be I just saw him as clear as the Pentagram around my neck. Hes coming." she wept. She jumped off the bed holding her side and ran to the next room that was full of books.

[Sister Magdalene]

((ooc: Rosetta, there is no room of books in the Infirmary. If you want to familiarise yourself with how the Priory House looks, please check the "Priory House and Infirmary" thread. Thanks))

Right then, Magdalene was grateful that Tuck was there. As usual, he turned out to be the voice of Reason amidst the panic. The good Sister nodded. "Yes, you're right, as always. But where can we hide her?" Magdalene wracked her brains. "Well there's nothing else for it. She'll have to stay in the Nun's quarters. No man, Lord or commoner, would dare enter our sleeping quarters." She nodded, now Mags had thought of it, her course was set. "Of course, she'll need to stay here until she wakes. Any sudden movements would make the blood flow again."

And so, after issuing her instructions to her fellow Sisters, Magdalene took a low wooden stool near Lady Rosetta's bed, intending to watch over her charge until she was in a stable enough condition to be moved. She'd been dosing slightly, her head nodding as she closed her eyes and it therefore came as an almighty shock when her patient suddenly leapt out of bed. Magdalene was too slow to react as the girl screamed out about someone called John, then ran into the ajoining room.

In a trice, Magdalene ran after the girl, catching up with her and grabbing Rosetta's wrist. "You will calm yourself." The Sister said firmly, giving her a quick sharp slap on the cheek. "You're a fool, girl. Reckless and impetuous. Your very presence here endangers all of us and yet you do not stop to think. Now sit down before your stupidity causes your wound to open again. I've spent enough time trying to heal you without you bleeding to death in my Still Room." Sister Magdalene guided the patient towards a wooden chair by the window and forced her down into it. "Now let me look at your wound, and I pray its still all right." With careful fingers, Mags lifted the bandages so she could look at the wadding over the wound. There was a little bright red bleeding where the wound had dehisced. Sister Magdalene tutted. "Foolish child. You need bed rest and to stay absolutely still. Come, let me help you back to bed." Placing her patient's arm around her shoulder, Magdalene took most of the girl's weight and half carried her back to her bed in the Infirmary. The Sister helped the girl back into bed and replaced the covers. "Now, please stay where you are. And try not to cause me any more trouble. Who is this John you were speaking of, and why do you fear him? You need not trouble yourself, I can and will prevent him from coming in here if it is your wish."

((ooc scuse pose))

[Tuck]

Tuck nodded his head. Until she was well enough to travel she would have to stay here or in a more hidden place within the Priory close by. Tuck always thought of himself as a practical man with hgh ideals He thought that Mags had the same mindset. "The only thing is that if th Sheriff or Sir Guy suspects, especially the Sheriff, they won't let those doors stop them. Therefore, secrecy is of the utmost importance. Also, we'll have to get the 'witch' to copperate, which is probably easier said than done, eh?"

Tuck had walked over to the other side of the room when Lady Rosetta had her sudden outburst, stood up and raced out of the room, with Sister Mags in hot pursuit. After a few moments the Sister returned, half-carrying her charge. Tuck follow closely behind, making sure if the 'witch' made another break or it he would be ready.

Tuck doubted whether mere words would convince the Lady Rosetta to change her path or goals much. Tuck decided that given the fact that so many lives were potentially in danger from this woman, she had to be put out of commission. He quickly laid a solid punch on the point of her chin, knocking her out. "That will take care of her for awhile I should think. Quickly Mags get some coils of rope that will serve as restraints for her on this bed."

Within a short minute Tuck had her coiled down quite securely. "That will hold her for awhile. Come Mags, let's go for a walk in the gardens while we can. You need to think of some sedatives you can give to keep her manageable so that her recovery can begin. It wouldn't hurt us to continue our talk as well, and pray that the John that this noble Lady speaks of is not Prince John himself. However, that would explain while the Sheriff is so intent on capturing her, wouldn't it?"