Author's note: Everyone in my story is 18+. This is my first story, and if you all enjoy it, I will attempt to post weekly with more chapters. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment if you enjoyed it! Thanks!
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Lila was a woman well beyond her prime. She was a woman in her late twenties, who had seen many things in life. She'd loved, lost, and resigned herself to a window's dignity within the village her husband had passed in. Her hands were weathered, wrinkles in her brow deep from laughter of a life once lived, and thighs thick with past meals shared with her beloved. But she'd managed to survive by gathering basic herbs, and passing off her basic healing skills for the occasional exchange of goods.
"Morning, Auntie Lila", a sweet voice chirped. Auntie Lila, how she detested that name. She'd already resigned to her fate, she didn't feel the need be reminded daily of it.
"What do ya want, ya pest?" Crisp blue eyes pierced a mischievous hazel gaze.
"I was wantin' my usual..." A girl, perhaps just turned twenty if not younger smiled coyly. Isabella was the beauty of the town, and often sought the 'sagely wisdom' of her Auntie. However, Lila didn't know how sagely it was to give the girl contraception herbs on the monthly. Isabella paid well, though. She always offered coin which in itself was a rarity for Lila's services.
"Ah, yes, it is about that time, isn't it?" Wiping her hands on her apron, Lila rose. She led the girl to her tiny cottage, humming absently as the girl pritted on about her latest lover. They all were the same. Handsome, smart, caring, and so romantic. If only they stayed for longer than a day, they might have been worth the trouble.
Rummaging through the jars that littered Lila's house, she began to grind certain roots and petals for the brew. Isabella was still prattering, sighing often with a starry eyed stare. Lila paid no heed, smiling and nodding often enough until the medicine was ready. She tied it in a tiny burlap sac, and waited patiently for the tirade to end.
"And that's when I knew-"
"It was true love." Lila finished, a knowing smile on her face. "Remember, medicine first at the same time every day. Wait one week to ensure it has taken effect. But that doesn't mean"
"That it will protect me from the diseases of venereal sorts. I know, Auntie I know." Chocolate brown hair swayed as the youth tucked her hair behind her ear. "Say, Auntie. Don't you ever want to be seen as attractive? Perhaps do something with your hair? Or your... figure? Don't you get lonely with no real attention?"
Perhaps it was the genuine tone, or the way Isabella's eyes pleaded for an answer but she paused if only for a moment. Isabella asked this question from the moment she had wandered into Lila's home. She always asked if she missed carnal pleasures, or even company. Lila typically responded lightly, shying away from the question without offering any hint of an answer. But today the question hit differently. Gripping the wooden table, she inhaled. Tears pricked at her eyes, and her figure sagged. What typically was a strong and assertive woman folded for a moment.
