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Isla Folcwine, daughter of dairy farmers Beodred Folcwine and Friede Folcwine, was used to a life of hard work and little leisure. That was the way she preferred things though. Tending to the cattle and manning the stall at the market made her feel useful, like what she was doing would contribute to the good of her people and the realm. She helped feed the town which counted for something, right? But she wanted to see the Empire and explore all the lands within. She wanted shift the world in the right direction, if only a tiny bit. This could only be a dream though, she thought, because how was a lowly dairymaid to advance in the world? She had her place, that was that.
She met him when her father had a stranger over to share some home-made ale and discuss business. She didn’t realize “business” would entail the matter of her marriage, the fate of her future hanging in their hands. However, his eyes were kind. They met hers in a kind of reverence she hadn’t experienced before. They gave her hope.
They were married in the Spring of 495 at the monastery where only nobles and important persons were married. She felt important and dignified beyond her means. Life as she knew it quickly transformed into an unbelievable adventure! Suddenly she was thrust into a world of exploration and advancement, economics and politics. The expansion of the town turned into the development of a new realm. She learned numerous skills, from carpentry to architecture, and she was enthralled with her ability to create.
Soon, bountiful opportunity brought with it five beautiful children. The demands of family life brought new challenges which were met with enthusiasm. Raising children brought a whole new set of trials which tore her attention between tending to the family and assisting with her husband’s work. Balancing responsibilities proved difficult, but she and Mark bore the burden and emerged years later having reared four amazing men and one beautiful lady.
After having born and raised children, Isla’s later years provided more time with which to spend in the fruits of labor. Now, with the experience to back up her vision, she set to improving an impoverished town with a small number of villagers. She watches in awe as the town grows and flourishes…
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