Lud-in-the-Mist · Character

Hempie

The Chanticleer family's old nurse, who darns stockings, sings the old songs, and keeps a kitchen full of things that came from beyond the hills.

supporting

Also known as old Hempie, Hempie the Chanticleers

First appearance: X: Hempie's Song

As a supporting figure in Lud-in-the-Mist, Hempie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Supports Ranulph's going to the farm, believing Willy Wisp gave him fairy fruit; insists no harm can come to a Chanticleer.

In the storyRanulph Goes to the Widow Gibberty’s FarmOpen this moment free

See Hempie in Ranulph Goes to the Widow Gibberty’s Farm Book page

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Hempie has served the Chanticleers since before Nathaniel could walk, and her placid darning conceals a memory stocked with lullabies, superstitions, and heirlooms no respectable Dorimarite would admit to owning. She speaks of the Silent People and of shells and pots whispered to have crossed the Debatable Hills as casually as she speaks of the weather, and her unhurried certainty soothes Nathaniel where reason cannot. Her quiet, unshockable folklore is the counterweight to the town's official dread of all things fairy.

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The fuller portrait of Hempie sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Hempie in X: Hempie's Song

Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Hempie sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Fairy Fruit Investigators
Fairy Lore Scholars
Fairy Trade Contacts
Protagonist

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Master Ambrose’s psychological reversal—from rigid enforcer of anti-fairy norms to a father who listens withou…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Master Nathaniel Chanticleer
professional · positive
Hempie is a servant in the Chanticleer household, serving Nathaniel with dutiful loyalty. How this plays out →
Master Nathaniel Chanticleer
professional · positive
Hempie is a servant in the Chanticleer household, serving Nathaniel with dutiful loyalty. How this plays out →
Master Nathaniel Chanticleer
professional · positive
Hempie is a servant in the Chanticleer household, serving Nathaniel with dutiful loyalty. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Hempie in X: Hempie's Song

In the story

Hempie appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Ranulph Goes to the Widow Gibberty’s Farm
Supports Ranulph's going to the farm, believing Willy Wisp gave him fairy fruit; insists no harm can come to a Chanticleer.
VI: The Wind in the Crabapple Blossoms
Receives and reads Luke's letter, decides not to show it to Master Nathaniel.
X: Hempie's Song
Nathaniel's old nurse, who offers a pragmatic and comforting view on the fairy fruit and life's sorrows, and sings the old song 'Columbine.'
XI: A Stronger Antidote Than Reason
Sings to Nathaniel and advises him to make peace with Ambrose, recalling their childhood friendship.
XIX: The Berries of Merciful Death
Bids farewell to Master Nathaniel with tears and pride, wishing him luck.
XXI: The Old Goatherd
Luke Hempen pursues Ranulph, learns from the old goatherd that Ranulph is safe and heading to Moongrass, and returns to the farm to report.
XXVII: The Fair in the Elfin Marches
Mentioned in relation to the wax figures of Nathaniel's parents from her chimneypiece.
XXIX: A Message Comes to Hazel and the First Swallow to Dame Marigold
Hempie is Dame Marigold's steadfast support, maintaining faith that all is well with the Chanticleers. She scolds and cares for both Dame Marigold and Prunella, insisting on black currant tea.
Conclusion
Lives to a ripe old age, tells stories to Ranulph's children, and is buried in the Chanticleer family chapel.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Hempie unlock in the free preview.

See Hempie in X: Hempie's Song

See Hempie in Ranulph Goes to the Widow Gibberty’s Farm