The Medicine Woman

A fanfiction written by Lady_Dora, originally found on Facebook

Aethelflaed spent her days wandering the woods and fields around her father’s castle, learning the names and uses of every plant and creature she encountered. She had always felt drawn to the natural world, but it wasn’t until she discovered the ancient language of Ogham that she truly understood the magic of nature.

Aethelflaed’s father, King Alfred, had fallen ill with a mysterious ailment that no one could cure. Aethelflaed refused to give up on him, even when the court physicians had done all they could. She turned to her Ogham studies, hoping that the spirits of nature could guide her to a cure.

One day, as she was wandering through the woods, Aethelflaed came across a plant she had never seen before. Its leaves were a vibrant green, and its flowers glowed like drops of sunlight. Aethelflaed felt a strange energy emanating from the plant and knew that it was special.

She reached out to touch the plant and recited the Ogham symbol for “Beth.” As she spoke the ancient words, the plant seemed to shimmer and pulse with power.

Aethelflaed carefully harvested the plant, taking only what she needed and leaving the rest to grow and thrive. She rushed back to her father’s castle, eager to brew the healing potion she knew the plant could create.

Aethelflaed spent hours carefully preparing the potion, following the instructions that had come to her through the language of Ogham. When it was ready, she brought it to her father’s bedside and watched as he drank it down.

Within moments, King Alfred’s breathing grew easier, and the color returned to his cheeks. Aethelflaed smiled with relief, knowing that her Ogham studies had saved her father’s life.

From that day forward, Aethelflaed was known throughout the kingdom as the Medicine Woman. She continued to study the language of Ogham and the healing properties of nature, using her knowledge to help those in need. And even though she was young, Aethelflaed knew that she had found her life’s calling.