The Dare

Feb 26

I welcomed the bath. The maid brimmed with excitement. “They say Captain Faramir himself escorted you and your brother home.”

“He did indeed, Kara.” I replied wearily as I sank into the faintly scented water.

“He is so handsome!”

“He is indeed.” I replied sighing.

My aunt’s summons came quickly. I dressed in a plain linen gown. My hair was pulled back from my face.

“So, you ran off to play Ranger did you?’

“Aunt Iles.” I held up my hand to forestall her. “I will be leaving here today.” The look of shock on her face was priceless. “And where will you go, an unmarried girl with no money.” She snapped.

“There is a house near the Houses of Healing where the women stay.”

“That place only houses widows and spinsters! What makes you think you can stay there?”

“I am a healer and some of the women know me. My reputation will be protected.”

“As if you still had one! Going off in the company of men to fight. I do not know how we will be able to hold our heads up. Go! And spare us any further embarrassment.” she spoke bitterly.

“Aunt Iles, in the coming days, reputation and family name will mean very little.” I said as I left the room.

I gathered my things and found Elred. He was preparing to leave for the barracks. “Aunt Iles didn’t ring a peal over your head too?” I asked. He looked grim. “Oh she did alright. But I just let it pass. It’s no use arguing with her.” he replied. “Where are you going?” he asked, eyeing my bundle.

“I’m hoping to go to the House of the Noldiel.”

His eyebrows rose. “Will they take you?” he asked.

“I don’t know. What I do know is that I cannot stay here.” I said firmly. He nodded and took my bundle. We walked to the Houses of Healing. I stopped to check on Dior and the others. All seemed to be resting quietly. Soon we were before the door. I squared my shoulders and knocked.

Slowly, the door opened and an older woman with a lamp peered out. “What do you want?” she asked sharply.

I cleared my throat. “I wish to stay in the House of the Noldiel. I am a healer in the Houses and am in need of a bed.”

The woman looked closer. “Have you no family?”

“I do but…”

“Then go stay with them. This place is for widows and spinsters. You are too young to be either.” And she made a move to close the door.

“Please. My sister is a skilled healer. There are many in the houses that can vouch for her. Our relatives do not approve. I would feel better knowing she was here.” Elred put in as he held a hand to keep the door from shutting.

“Young man…”

“Who is at the door Andreth?” asked a familiar voice. Mistress Ioreth appeared over the doorkeeper’s shoulder. Her eyes narrowed as she saw Eored and me on the doorstep.

“This young woman wishes to stay here with us even though she has family in the city. Nor is she a widow or spinster.” Andreth said haughtily.

“No, Eolindë is not a widow or spinster. She is, however, known to me and I say she may stay.” Ioreth said.

Andreth shook her head. “Well, girl what are you waiting for? Come on.”

Elred gave me my bundle. As he hugged me good-bye he whispered, “I’ll bring your sword ‘round tomorrow. And I’ll look after Halan.” I kissed him on the cheek and bade him farewell. Ioreth closed the door behind me and led me to my place.

“Thank you Mistress.” I said with gratitude in my voice.

“Oh don’t thank me yet. Our accommodations are sparse. The board is not much better.” She replied.

“But the company makes up for it.” I said with a smile. Ioreth looked at me with a twinkle in her eye. “I’ll take your word for that. ‘Tis a hard road you have chosen for yourself.” She said.

“I know. But it’s in my blood. It feels right and I feel called to it.” I said.

“Spoken like a true healer. Ah, here we are.” She motioned toward the doorway of a room. Inside the room, I could see a straw pallet in one corner. A small table held a basin and an empty candle stick. The pitcher was underneath the table. “It’s not much but it is all we have.” She watched me closely gauging my reaction.

“It will suit me just fine” I answered. I would have slept in a barn if it meant getting away from my relatives.

“The bathing room is down the hall to the left. We share a tub.” I nodded. Just as I was about to go into the room, Ioreth took my chin in her hand. Her eyes bored into me.
“Now listen. I stuck my neck out for you because you know your craft and deserve a place to lay your head. But, you are still an unmarried woman, and as such you will conduct yourself with propriety. There will be no foolishness tolerated. If I so much as hear a rumor of improper behavior, you will answer to me.”

I nodded silently. She broke into a smile and gently prodded me into my room. As she was walking away, she said. “Dinner will be within the hour.”

It was the work of a moment to unpack my meager belongings. My stomach rumbled. In my haste to be gone from my aunt’s house, I had neglected to eat. I remembered what Ioreth said and after a few wrong turns, found the refectory. The smell of fresh baked bread and hot stew made my mouth water. I hesitated at the doorway, took a deep breath and walked in.

There were women of varying ages sitting along the long tables. I spotted Ioreth and she waved me over. She patted the seat beside her. I took a bowl of stew from the cook and sat next to her. The bread was on the table along with some dried fruit and cheese.

“Eolindë, I want you to meet, Merith.” Ioreth motioned to younger woman beside her. She was older than myself but definitely younger than Ioreth. “I am going to read” she said and Ioreth left us.

“Pleased to meet you mistress.” I said.

“And I you. It’s nice to have a younger face around here for a change. Though I must say, you are young to be a healer.”

“I am old enough, mistress.” I said quietly.

“I am sure you are. Are you a widow?’

“Ah no. I… my relatives have evacuated and I chose to stay and use my gifts.”

“Well, I am a widow. My husband was killed in skirmish with the Corsairs near the coast.”

“I am sorry.” I said.

“Oh, I am alright. It was an arranged match. We barely knew each other before he went away to fight.” She said airily, but sadness was in her eyes. “What of you? You have the look of the Rohirrim.”

“My father is from Minas Tirith, my mother is of Rohan. I have a twin brother who rides with Captain Faramir and his Rangers.”

“Ah Captain Faramir.” Her eyes took on a dreamy look. “Many a lady has lost her heart to him. They say the blood of Numenor runs true in him.” I felt a pang of jealousy.

“And yet, no lady seems to have caught his fancy” I put in, a bit sharply.

“No, they haven’t.” her eyes narrowed a bit at my tone. “But the one who does will be someone special indeed. After all, he is a son of the Steward, he can look as high as he likes.” She answered smugly.

“True enough.” I replied quietly looking down at the table. I looked up and saw a smile on Merith’s face. I felt slightly foolish and began giggling. Merith joined me in my laughter which caused some of the older ladies to turn and look at us. Disapproval registered on their faces. Merith took my hand. “Come on. Let’s get some tea and have some talk.”

With our tea supplies, we made our way to her chamber. We exchanged stories of our childhoods. Merith had been trained by a spinster aunt in the healing arts. She gravitated toward the Houses after her husband’s death as a solace for her grief. She hoped to marry again but for the time being, she was content to work in the Houses.

For the first time in many years, I felt at home in Minas Tirith. I did not have to guard my tongue lest I say something inappropriate. I could speak of my home in Rohan with pride. I was treated with courtesy and respect not as an unwanted relative. I could be who I was and not be ashamed. I looked forward to seeing Eored in the morning and telling him of my new-found contentment. I drifted off sleep.

Some hours later, someone was shaking me. A voice called me, “Eolindë! Wake up, girl you’re wanted!”

“What, it’s not morning yet?” I mumbled in my sleep. Ioreth shone a lantern in my face. “Wake up. One of your patients has taken a turn for the worse and they’re wanting you to see to him.”

“Who?” I asked as I sat up trying to clear my eyes.

“Dior. There is a boy here to escort you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Dior? But he was fine when I checked on him earlier.” I pulled on my dress and grabbed my cloak.

“Patients can be fine one moment and near death in another.” Ioreth said” She led me to where the boy stood with his own lantern. He had a serious look on his face and seemed to take his duty very seriously.

“What’s your name?” I asked as we walked out the door.

“I am Bergil, son of Beregond. Are you the one they call Eolindë?”

“I am. Pleased to meet you Bergil, son of Beregond. Lead the way.” And we walked silently toward the Houses and to where Dior lay.