Lady in Waiting is a flash folk-horror told through prayers. Each episode is just minutes long. This is an immersive audio drama. So, turn your volume up. A supplement to the audio drama The Thief.

Previously, the lady-in-waiting fled the cyngdón with stolen papers, underdressed, afraid, praying to her grandfather as she skirted Áendhrod. Rain forced her into the low country. She lost a slipper, drank from the run-off, but limped onward with cut feet. She discovered most of the papers she thought were evidence of something - were blank. And in her guilt she feared her flight would bring ruin upon Elinor, her father, and all she left behind.

Day Four

The folly was that I had hoped. Mid-day. I am in, out of the wind, which isn't hard - but .... I forget what I was saying. The sun feels nice but the ditches are dry. Elinor maybe would love seeing me drink from a puddle - but, no, Elinor wouldn't. I am not myself.

I am in, I think, a change station. There should be horses. It smells - unoccupied. There's some hay here. Coals in the hearth, but - there's no one here. No one's been here.

Before I catch myself I find myself yelling "hello??" Long grass swishes and carries the echo.

What am I doing? I am a traitor. I need to ..., just be quiet.

I ate some straw.

Evening.

I ... can't start a fire, but at least out of the wind it is not too cold. I gathered a pile of straw and suddenly discovered the twilight. It feels good to just - sit.

There was a small half-door I missed earlier with a lock on it, but I could pry the corner of it open enough to stick-in my arm and I found some muslin biscuits I guess were intended for a postman, and a horse blanket.

The biscuits are - hard to eat. I am here gnawing on one wrapped in this dun-colored, wool, warm, hugging, warm, warm blanket. Writing to you, ada. I am a horse with a cut in her hoof.

And my head hurts. I need water.

Now I've acknowledged it, it hurts to think. If I'm at the change station then I might be close to Burhwick. Two days walking with a limp, maybe, if I can make it? I don't ... think, Burhwick are too keen - I should watch who I implicate.

Needless danger to others.

Neigh.

Furbelow
Written and produced by Michael Schofield
Performed by Rae Witte
Introduced by Jeremy Roman
Inspired by S. Kaiya J.’s game Her Odyssey

Lady in Waiting is produced by the fyrd: our hoods (patreon) and thegns (susbtack) Mary Abercrombie, Kari Sutcliffe, Nandi K, Amzylee, Trei Brundrett, Andy McLellan, Eudico, Rebekah Monson, Andy Priestner, Mike Atchley, and Patrick Myers.

You can join the fyrd and help me make this stuff through Substack or Patreon.