THE ONE TRUE ALPHA

Rosella woke before dawn, the chill of spring still clinging to the air. She stirred the embers of last night's fire, adding dry wood to coax flames back to life. Her mother, Elara, stirred in their small bed, coughing softly.

"Morning, child," Elara whispered.

Rosella smiled, helping her mother sit up. "I'll fetch water."

Outside, the village slowly came alive. Rosella exchanged quiet greetings with neighbors, her feet carrying her to the nearby well. The sun rose over Orendell, casting a golden glow on the thatched roofs.

After fetching water, Rosella helped Elara with breakfast - a meager meal of bread and porridge. Their small cottage, passed down from Elara's family, was humble but lovingly kept.

As they ate, Elara's cough worsened.

"Mother, should I fetch the healer?" Rosella asked.

Elara waved her hand. "I'll be fine, child. Just tired."

Rosella nodded, worry etched on her face.

After breakfast, Rosella began her daily chores: tending to their vegetable garden, feeding their sole chicken, and mending worn clothing. Her fingers moved deftly, accustomed to the simple, hardworking life.

As the sun climbed higher, Rosella took a moment to gaze out the window. The rolling hills and lush forests surrounding Orendell beckoned her to explore. But duty kept her rooted.

"Time to gather herbs for mother." she reminded herself.

Rosella tied her worn leather apron around her waist, gathering a wicker basket and scissors for her herb-gathering task. She walked through the village, exchanging quiet greetings with familiar faces.

At the village edge, she entered the lush forest, following a well-trodden path. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor.

As she gathered wild thyme and rosemary, Rosella's thoughts drifted to her mother's worsening cough. She worried about the coming winter, when illness spread quickly through Orendell.

A rustling in the nearby bush startled her.

"Who's there." she said, looking around for a weapon just in case.

"I said who's there."

A deer ran out of the bushes.

"Ah, just a deer," she sighed, smiling.

The doe's large brown eyes met hers.

Rosella watched, mesmerized.

The deer's gentle grazing calmed her worries.

As she resumed gathering herbs.

Her thoughts returned to her mother's cough.

Worry creased her brow.

She quickened her pace.

To finish her task.

Before nightfall.

As Rosella returned home, her mother's coughing grew louder.

"Mother, I'm back," Rosella said, setting down her herbs.

Elara smiled weakly from their small bed.

"Did you find the thyme?" she asked.

Rosella nodded, concern etched on her face.

"Your cough's worse. I'll make a poultice."

Elara's eyes drooped.

"I'll be fine, child. Just tired."

But Rosella knew better.

The cough had lingered for weeks.

Their village healer, Mrs Hannah, had diagnosed a stubborn lung infection.

Rosella feared the worst.

Winter's chill would exacerbate Elara's condition.

Their small cottage lacked proper warmth and medicine was expensive if not scarce. But nevertheless, Rosella's determination hardened, she find a way to help her mother, no matter the cost.

Rosella boiled water, adding dried sage and chamomile to create a soothing tea. She then mixed crushed thyme and rosemary into a poultice, wrapping it in a clean linen cloth.

"Mother, drink this," Rosella said, helping Elara sit up.

Elara sipped the tea, her eyes closing in gratitude.

Rosella applied the poultice to Elara's chest.

"This will ease your cough," Rosella explained.

Elara smiled weakly.

"You're a natural healer, Rosella."

Rosella's knowledge of herbal remedies came from Mrs Hannah.

As a child, Rosella watched Agnes tend to the village gardens.

Learning the properties of each plant.

From calendula's wound-healing powers.

To lavender's calming effects.

Rosella's fascination grew.

She practiced alongside Hannah.

Mastering the art of herbalism.

Rosella checked the poultice, ensuring it remained warm.

"Mother, how's your cough?" she asked.

Elara's eyes fluttered open.

"Easier, child. Thank you."

Rosella smiled, relief washing over her.

She prepared a light supper – vegetable broth and bread.

Elara ate little, but Rosella encouraged every bite.

As night fell, Rosella helped Elara settle into bed.

"I'll stay with you," Rosella whispered.

Elara's hand grasped Rosella's.

"Sleep, child. You need rest."

But Rosella's worry kept her awake. She watched Elara's frail form, listening to her labored breathing.

The fire crackled.

Shadows danced on the walls.

"What if Mother's illness worsens?" Rosella thought to herself.

The weight of responsibility pressed upon her.

Rosella's eyes stung as tears threatened.

She bit her lip, holding them back.

Fear and uncertainty wrestled within her.

What if Mother doesn't recover?

Who will care for me?

The fire's warmth couldn't chase away.

The chill of loneliness.

Rosella's thoughts spiraled.

Her mother's illness exposed.

Their fragile existence.

No father, no siblings.

Only each other.

Rosella's resolve hardened.

She'd care for Mother.

No matter the cost.

But the weight of responsibility.

Crushed her at times.

Like now.

As she gazed at Elara's frail form.

Sleep had finally claimed her mother.

Rosella's exhaustion beckoned.

But her mind raced.

Rosella's gaze drifted to the small, intricately carved wooden box on the mantle. Her father's last gift to her.

Memories flooded her mind.

Her father, Theophilus, a sturdy soldier with a warm smile.

Her brother, Eryndor, barely 19 when he marched off to war.

The day they left, Rosella's heart ached.

The day they didn't return, it shattered.

The war between Algracia and Winervia  had claimed countless lives.

Including hers.

Theophilus's letters had filled her with pride.

Eryndor's had made her laugh.

But silence followed.

Only news of the war's end.

And the list of fallen soldiers.

Theophilus and Eryndor, side by side.

Forever etched in her memory.

Rosella's tears fell, dripping onto her apron.

Grief, still raw after years.

Elara's gentle voice had comforted her.

But now, Elara needed comfort.

Rosella wiped her tears.

Determination hardened her jaw.

She'd care for Elara.

Honor her family's memory.

Keep their love alive.

The fire crackled.

Shadows danced.

Rosella's thoughts calmed.

In the silence, resolve bloomed.

She'd face whatever came.

For her mother.