"I wish for a place where I can heal people. Not a hospital. That's too large. Maybe a place where I can stay and then go to other places to heal."
At this, Gerald Smith smiled. "Well, that's quite alright. I believe I have a good place for you. A house we own near London, near the richer districts. The residents there will pay quite a lot for your cures. In fact, they would be willing to give you special titles just for that. Why, I know several noble personages, all with various maladies. I'm sure that they would be quite interested in meeting you."
Leah shook her head. "No, not that. That's what I meant." "Then what did you mean?"
Hesitating for a moment, Leah replied. "Mr. Smith, what is the most diseased place in London? The most horrific and dirty place?"
Rather taken aback, Gerald Smith went into deep thought. "There's the slums, of course. The places near the factories. The housing districts for the poor. The leprosy camps. And numerous others. All very dangerous, and I recommend that you do not go there. Or even go close. The miasma from the sick might get to you."
At that, Leah said "Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to go there for fun. In fact, I'm going to heal them!"
At this, the couple's face both became very worried. They knew that many doctors and priests who went to administer to the sick, fell ill themselves as the diseases spread to them. For such a young woman to be struck down by leprosy...."
The woman, Anna, then spoke up. "But why? The people there are poor, and they don't even have enough to feed themselves. Why heal them, instead of, say, richer people? There are many rich people suffering from gout or consumption or other diseases, willing to pay much the type of healing you just gave me. So why?"
Smiling, Leah replied. "That's because they're the poorest. And the worst. They have no one to help them. Even you, Mrs Smith, have your husband and also money to pay for doctors. They do not even have a house, or friends to help them. The least I could do is at least give them healthy bodies, and healthy minds."
Looking upon Leah's determined face, Gerald could only sigh. He did not exactly have the right to criticize her for her kindness, for the only reason his wife could walk, was because of her help. And such kindness and charity was commendable.
But yet, where she was going was immensely dangerous. Not only were there death and disease littering those slums, there was always the danger of fire. The slums were poorly built out of wood, and a single spark could cause a blaze. And not to mention the people there. Despite what Leah seemed to think, those people would not happily accept her there. There were thieves, rapers, robbers, and kidnappers within. Not directly inside, for that would be suicide. But nearby. And poverty and illness always seemed to bring out the worst in men.
"But of course. Such kindness is to be commended and assisted. But such places are dangerous. If it does not trouble you, may I suggest something? I would hire a few young men, strong ones, to accompany you there. If there are any unruly characters, or the violent sort, they will help out, alright?
"I can take care of myse-" "Yes, perhaps. But it would be a great help for people to assist you in whatever you need for healing those people, right?"
Leah had a look of consternation upon her face, and she looked like she was about to disagree even further. Mr Smith waylaid her on that. "If that's too much, think of this as a way for me to express my thanks for your help."
At this, Leah just sighed, and said. "Alright."
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It was a bright and sunny day. And Leah was right in front of the house Mr. Gerald had helped rent for her. Within a day's walk, was the closest leper camp, in St. Giles. Hopefully, her magic would be able to help heal them of their afflictions, and give them back a normal life. The place didn't just have lepers. The place had immense poverty, with mass numbers of illnesses, with families stuck within single rooms with no dustbins, toilets, water supplies, or drains present, making it a hive of illnesses. Hopefully, she would be able to alleviate their pain.
Around her, were the three young men Mr. Gerald had hired. Ranging from their 20s and 30s, the men were dressed in dark jackets and brown pants, with a hat. Their names were Tom, Dick, and Harry. Beside her, was Sarah. Leah had told her in private not to come, saying that she did not wish to risk having her fall sick or injured. Sarah was adamant, though. Saying that she would not let her friend.... go there alone. Not without her support.
Locking the door behind her, Leah turned to her new found posse with a beaming smile. Taking her staff with her, she shouted. "Let's go!".
A/N: So this is a link to St. Giles:
St Giles, London - Wikipedia
A new chapter is here. Please review, as always.
