Lady's Candle

Across the varied landscapes of Teralt, one plant has become a common sight due to its hardiness and wide-ranging adaptability. Known as the "Lady's Candle," this humble plant thrives in environments as diverse as the rocky foothills of Mount Saint Kahl, the temperamental terrain of The Grip of Sarvan, and the balmy coasts of the Argent Ocean.
The Lady's Candle is a towering plant, its sturdy stalk reaching heights of 3 to 5 feet. It is a tribute to resilience, able to thrive in both fertile soils and rocky crevices, in areas of ample water supply as well as arid lands.
The plant's flowers bloom in clusters and present a fascinating aspect of regional variation. Depending on the local conditions and soil compositions, the flowers may manifest in shades ranging from a soft pastel yellow in the marshes of the Grip, to a vibrant orange in the coastal regions, and even a striking magenta in the mountainous areas.
The moniker "Lady's Candle" originated from a beloved healer, a woman of wisdom who first discovered the plant's diverse uses and spread this knowledge throughout Teralt. The 'Lady', as she is affectionately remembered, taught the people about the medicinal properties of the plant. Its thick, velvety leaves, when dried and brewed, help in soothing respiratory ailments. Ground into a paste, they can alleviate skin irritations and inflammations.
Moreover, the Lady revealed that the plant's robust stalk, when dried and treated— and often coated in beeswax— could serve as a torch. This usage gives the plant its 'Candle' aspect, as these torches have since become a widespread light source across Teralt, particularly valued for their steady, slow-burning flame.
The Lady's Candle, in its ubiquity and utility, has become a symbol of survival and resilience. It serves as a quiet reminder of the nurturing care of the 'Lady,' whose wisdom continues to light the way for the inhabitants of Teralt, as steady and reliable as the flame of the plant-torch that bears her name.

Alternate Names

The Lady's Candle has been known by several names across history.

• Towercandle, by Kaysta Valensra, as it is a towering plant that functions well as a torch or kindling in a fire.
• Windrattle Plant, by many who don't recognize the third stage of the plant to be the same plant as those in their first two years.
• The Staff of the Woods, as it is often used as a walking stick by travelers and Wayfinders.
• Pityblossom, because it often grows in areas that no other plant can, as if taking pity on the desolate land around it.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

The plant grows in three stages as it is a perennial plant.

1. In the first year, the plant forms close to the ground, budding leaves that resemble Lamb's Ear.
2. In the second year, the plant grows upward, developing a large stalk and blossoming with beautiful, colored flowers, depending on its region.
3. In the third year, the plant hardens, gaining a tougher stalk akin to a wooden staff. The flowers still blossom, but less prominently, and the plant focuses on spreading seeds, though many remain trapped inside the plant as it dries out and dies, causing it to rattle in the wind.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The Lady's Candle blooms all across Teralt, but its colors change depending on its surrounding environment and climate.

Lifespan

3 years

Average Height

3 to 5 feet

Discovered by

Kaysta Valensra