Ingrid herbologist, part 6, tribute to Danklaw

This is the sixth part of the tribute to Danklaw and his character Ingrid. Although his work is fictional, it carries a strong sense of historical realism and credibility. In contrast, this series of tribute images and story I am creating about his character are of a fictitious and fantastical nature, reimagining how the story of this character might unfold if she existed within my own fantasy world. (This tribute features many changes to the original storyline.) For more information about the original chapter of Danklaw’s work: https://pixai.art/artwork/1924007772213695613?utm_source=copy_web I strongly recommend reading Danklaw’s original work — it’s truly worth it. Ingrid: “Why do you treat me as if I were a child? I’m not going anywhere until you sign this paper.” Ingrid was furious, truly enraged. Father: “Your capricious behavior right now only confirms that very assessment…” Ingrid: “You have no idea how hard it was to get this done — all the effort I put in! All my life you’ve taught me the importance of helping the kingdom, and now that I finally have a golden opportunity to prove my worth, you reject it!” Father: “It is the head of the family who must decide the best course of action to aid the kingdom — not the individual will of each member of it.” Ingrid: “But that’s unreasonable! You’re making this decision against my will and consent. Aren’t you ashamed of not respecting your daughter’s wishes?” Father: “You don’t understand…” Ingrid: “What is there to understand? That my own father would rob me of the chance to save more lives out of selfishness? You’re the one who doesn’t understand how I feel! Almost everyone is giving everything they have to serve the kingdom, while I—” Father: “Though you are a clever young woman, your view of the problem is far too narrow to—” Ingrid: “What? You’re doing it again! Treating me like a child when it’s you who’s acting petty. You don’t care if more people die on the front lines when I could be helping! You’re a coward who refuses to respect his daughter’s will!” Father: “That is not the point of this matter, and of course you don’t understand — not in the slightest. Nearly the entire family is already taking part in this conflict. Three of your brothers and your elder sister are on the front. I myself have just returned from there…” Ingrid: “It’s our duty to serve the king—” Father: “And we are doing so. No true king would ever demand that his subjects risk the entire lineage of their vassals. Our purpose as nobles is to protect the royal family from generation to generation — not to immolate our own bloodline forever under a misguided notion of servitude that not even the will of the king himself would demand. Nor has any father such a right…” Ingrid: “What…?” A short silence followed. Though she was angry, Ingrid found herself without words. Her father spoke again. Father: “Think again, Ingrid. Why do you think the king did not approve your enlistment? Do you truly believe it was only because I stubbornly refused? Because the king ignored your talents? Do you think the monarch so naïve as not to recognize your abilities?” Ingrid: “I…” Father: “Why do you think you even need my signature to go?” Ingrid: “…” Father: “Because our family has already given much to the cause. Your elder brother Holger, the bold Gunnar, even the reckless Brandt — all of them are fighting. From them to your cousins, even one of your sisters. Many of my vassals as well. So much, that if the king himself demanded that you join the war, he would be a cruel monarch unworthy of service. War is not a contest of who gives more or plays the greater part. Now go back to your room and reflect on what I’ve said.” But she did not wish to give up this opportunity. Ingrid: “But I have the skills to help there! You have no idea how many rumors, whispers, and hurtful words I’ve heard — that I’m a coward… No one has ever asked how I feel about it, what I wish to do. They all decided that for me. If you sign this paper, I could be stationed in a safe position and still help people — which is our duty as nobles! What are you so afraid of? Why did you teach me that refinement method if—” For the first time in their exchange, her father lost his composure and shouted: Father: “Enough!” A heavy silence engulfed the room. It was the first time Ingrid had ever heard her father raise his voice. Father: “Has anyone ever asked me how I felt when I signed Gunnar’s transfer to Estrabon? He too convinced me it was safe, that he could help people there. I had no reason to send him away. Ingrid: “What? What happened to Gunnar?” A shadow of uncertainty crossed Ingrid’s face. Father: “But he insisted — again and again… I had already sent my beloved vassals and subjects, risked the lives of two of my sons and my dear daughter Aloisa, knowing they might never return. But Gunnar persuaded me… He persuaded me to let yet another of my children walk along the edge of the abyss. I signed that paper — and whatever happened is my burden alone. I will never make that same mistake again.” Ingrid: “Father… what happened to Gunnar? Don’t tell me that the letter from two months ago—” Ingrid’s face turned to sorrow and tears. Father: “That was the last letter before he went missing in action.” Ingrid: “But he could still be—” For a fleeting moment, a spark of hope crossed her heart — but it quickly crumbled. Her father’s voice, though calm, carried a deep, aching pain. Father: “He isn’t. Don’t deceive yourself. I searched for him tirelessly — by land, by sea. They have him… and his fate may be even worse than death.” To be continued...