Having her recount the story of her cousin allowed her to see her almost return to the version of herself I saw at the party. We let her go down every single detail and tangent. It was clear through listening to the story she could remember her cousin's plight up until 1359. "I don't remember much more. I'll have to write to her and ask a bit more." she finished. I nodded and said "Yes, Lady Killroy. Reading and writing is essential to your mental health. In fact, it might be good if you could ask your cousin to return your previous letters to her. If you could read them maybe they could spark new memories to return." She frowned at me. "I think I can remember everything fine on my own, sir." she snapped. I just nodded my head. Herman then snapped to attention. "Do you want some chocolate chip cookies, mother!?" he asked. Her eyes almost sparkled. "Herman! You tempt me. A noblewoman should always consider her figure. I'll only have 3." she said mischievously. He smiled. "Herman, let's go to the cook now. They should make a batch to go along with supper." I said. "That's her favorite thing?"
All he did was nod. "While she eats the cookies, make sure she recognizes you. Then ask her to recount stories within the past 9 years involving cookies. If she can't do it prompted, tell her about times you remember. If she can follow along and remember this was a success. If not, you'll have to find other things. When we first spoke to her she wanted to see the duke. He might be able to jog her memory if they were on good terms in the time her memories are missing. Massage the muscles and ensure she does the exercise. If you want her to do better, you need her to focus on getting well." I instructed him. He looked at me and said "Thank you. I'll give you the letter now." "Be sure to come to us with any updates. We will all be praying for her full recovery here. Even if the memories don't return. If you can get her to recognize you and form new memories, you should consider that the real goal. Walking is a bonus that depends on how well you can save her legs from decaying. Build back the muscle she lost and get her to walk with a cane." I said as he handed it to me. He just nodded.
It was soon time to take our leave. We said our farewells and were escorted out by a somber Sir Killroy. "I hope that she will be able to leave her room one day." I said. It would drive me insane. "Why? Is it unlikely?" Fabien asked. I repeated to him what I said to Sir Killroy. Lady Swiftheart looked the most affected. "I had a grandfather that was like that. He was in his seventies! She barely looks forty." she said when I asked if she was alright. "It is common for humans when they go senile. It is just a shame that the attempt on her life robbed her of the thing that makes life worth living: her good memories and her legs." That had everyone go quiet. She then looked at her son. "Fabien. If that ever happens to me... just let me die." she said firmly. Both Fabien and I were stunned. "Lady Swiftheart, even if it is irreversible once it starts, it doesn't have to be a sudden decline. With enough work and-" was all I could say before being cut off. "No! I don't want to be like that poor woman. I'd rather die than lose all that I am to time!" she sobbed. Fabien began to get get misty eyed as well. I frowned.
