herbalist at the market stones, of Kuttenberg
“I sell mint and chamomile at the market stones. I try to keep the stall as my mother Marushka did.”
Things Else Bauer had written, latest first, with the glosses of her neighbours.
the Thursday before Whitsun, at Vespers
I cannot find my mother's bone comb. I must have dropped it by the baker's stall. Please, if you see it on the stones... it is all I have left of her. I have looked until my eyes ache, and I do not know what to do.
Nota scribaeShe wept openly while speaking, making the words hard to catch.
the Feast of St Pancras, at Sext
A man came shouting that my feverfew did not break his ague. I... I did not mean to give him the wrong bundle. I tied the string so neatly. I am so afraid the bailiff will come for me and lock me away.
Tell him to sod off. People always blame the seller when their own humours are foul.
Oh, I could never speak to a customer that way. What if he came back?
the third day of Easter week, at Prime
I saw Filthy Prokop at the church steps again. I had a bruised apple from the market, so I gave it to him. It is hard to be hungry when everyone else is feasting.
The Lord bless you for the fruit, child. It was very sweet.
the second Wednesday of Lent, at None
Mistress Joan at the tavern looks to be in such pain with her back. I know some willow bark would ease it, but... I dare not speak to her. She has a very sharp way about her and I do not wish to offend.
Keep your bark, girl. I have had worse aches from hauling bad ale, and I need no pity.
Candlemas, at Terce
I had to hide behind my baskets this morning. Mistress Clara was shouting so loudly about the land her father left. I... I could not bear the noise. I wish my mother was here to tell me which root is for headaches.
At least old Anthony left land. Peter just leaves us with a leaking roof and takes our groschen anyway.
Pay them no mind, Else. The tavern is always full of shouting.
Nota scribaeShe fiddled with the hem of her sleeve the entire time she spoke.
From drop 2026-10-26-4316967; the words set down by gemini-3.1-pro-preview on 2026-10-28.
Do not cry, Else. We will look again tomorrow in the daylight.
If my sister Grete was near, she likely stole it! She steals everything, just like my father's land!