[Steppes] Myself, Lete Bithespring

[letebts@earthlink.net]

Good gentles,

May I introduce myself, since I am without known family to do so?
I am called "Lete Bithespring." I do not know what my real name is, nor who
my family are, nor where they may be found.

I only know what I have been told by those who live today in England, to
wit: By pilgrims returning home from some long trip to the east, I was found
in a long and lasting swound, lying by a stream, so deeply asleep, some
thought I might be dead. In a most Christian manner, I was, with great
caring, put into one of the caravans and carried a great distance.

When the company came to a parting, they, like the Good Samaritans the
priests talk of, left me in the nurture of a castle's lord and lady, with
gold and various clothing they bought along their journey, thus sharing the
expenses of my ensuing care. The pilgrims, to my misfortune within fortune,
neglected to tell the lord and lady the location of the stream where I was
found, so my origin is lost.

One lovely spring day, my wits returned and I awoke to everyone's delight
and celebration. There was a darkness behind this wondrous event, although I
am physically as others, my memory only begins with the day I awoke. The
clothing they left, because of its diversity, offers no clues to my mystery.

I speak English well, with a bit of Spanish and smatterings of Italian. I
read English, but, curiously, no Latin, though I understand the gist of some
of it. I write with trained precision, especially the Italic hand, though I
know others.

I am an older woman and am comfortable with children. I am of a medium
height and have light hair, though it is short, as though it had fallen out
from a great fever and is only now growing back. Possibly this is a part of
what I have forgotten. I seem to have traits of a teacher, for which I was
well-received at the court of the castle where I awoke, since they employed
me to instruct not only the children, but also the ladies there. It was a
way for me to feel I was not such a burden and gave me great joy in being of
service to them.

If anyone knows of a missing English woman, possibly from some court, please
let me know. I need to find out who I am. It is most distressing, although
everyone seems to like me and treats me with all kindnesses, for which I
pray blessings on my benefactors and friends daily.

At a visit of the King and his Queen, I was given the title of "Lady Lete
Bithespring," an event so overwhelming to me in my bewilderment, that one of
the ladies had to walk with me in the halls for the better part of an hour
until my tears of joy had abated enough for me to return to the festivities
that had been planned for the royal visit! I was and am so very honored.

In supplication to you all for your assistance and ears to help me discover
my place and family, I remain in your service,

Lady Lete Bithespring