The Dare

Feb 27

As dawn approached, Dior’s fever seemed to abate a little. Someone brought me a cup of tea to help me stay awake. He would occasionally speak a mixture of Westron and Common. I laid my hand on his forehead and whispered to him. He woke up a little and looked at me. “Water” he croaked. He tried to sit up but was too weak. I had someone help me sit him up and he took a few sips of water. Then he fell back insensible again. Master Cirin came by a little later to check on him.

“Still feverish I see.” Sighed Master Cirin

“But he did get some rest and the fever doesn’t seem to be as high.”

“Maybe. But he is far from well. Why don’t you fetch something to eat and get some rest yourself.” He suggested.

“Master Cirin, I would feel more at ease if I could stay here and keep an eye on him. If you would have someone fetch me some food and a fresh apron. I would be most grateful. I also need to send a message to my brother. He was to bring some of my things to the Houses.” I wasn’t sure how he would react to my request.

“Very well. But don’t wear yourself out.” He cautioned.

“I won’t, Master.” I replied with a smile. He turned to leave and then he turned around, thought for a moment and then spoke.

“Mistress, when Dior is well, I want you to come see me. If the rumors I hear are true, that the Enemy is moving, I would like to give you some specialized training. I think it would benefit you and the soldiers.”

I was taken aback. What did he mean? “Yes, of course. If you think it would be good, I would be honored to study with you.”

“Excellent. Keep me apprised of Dior’s progress.” He said and left the room.

A young woman brought me some food and water. She sat with Dior as I went out into the hall to an alcove. These were scattered around the Houses. There was a stand with a basin and pitcher. I poured the water out and took a pinch of soap powder. I washed my hands and face. I had braided my hair in the early morning light. I returned and ate. Merith arrived with a fresh apron and kerchief.

“How is he?” she asked as she laid the bundle down.

“He has blood poisoning.” She blanched. “He is young and strong. I do not think he will lose this fight. But it is a fight.” I said. She sat on the other side felt his chest. “He is breathing easily but he needs to break the fever.” she remarked.

“Have you had any sleep?” she asked lifting her eyes to look at me.

“Not much.” I replied.

“Let me stay with him while you get a nap. I have seen this before. If anything changes, I will let you know. The room next door is empty and there is a pallet in there. Go rest awhile.” A great weight of fatigue seemed come over me. “Only for an hour or two.” I cautioned. She nodded. The young girl who had brought my food, brought a basin of lavender water and some clean rags. Merith began to wipe him down. “Go on!” she motioned with her hand. My eyes closed as soon as my head was on the pallet.

Someone was shaking me and whispering my name. I woke up with a start. “How long have I been asleep?” I asked the young man who had come to wake me up. “Only a few hours Mistress. It is not yet midday. Merith sent me to wake you.”

“Has Dior taken a turn for the worse?” I asked in a panic.

“Oh no Mistress. He is the same. Your brother is here to see you.” I went out into the courtyard and met Elred there. After he hugged me, he gave me my sword.

“They wouldn’t let me leave it at the house for you.” he explained, puzzled.

“Of course. The Houses are supposed to be a place of healing and peace.” I explained with a smile.

“Well, I would feel better if you kept it with you. How’s Dior?”

I sighed as I buckled my sword around my waist. “He’s very ill but I think he will pull through.”

“Well, with you taking care of him, he’d better.” He said with a smile.

“His father was not best pleased to have me treat him, I can tell you that. But, Dior was asking for me by name.” Elred’s eyebrows rose with my last statement.

“He was? Well, well isn’t that interesting.” He got a look of amusement.

“What is so funny?” I demanded.

“Oh nothing. Though Dior did tell me once he thought you were quite pretty.” He said teasingly. I cuffed him.

“Oh Elred do you have to be so annoying?”

“It’s part of my charm.” He smiled

“Well heaven help the woman who falls for you is all I can say.” I said with arms crossed.

He grinned and then his expression turned serious. “We are moving out in a few days.”

“Where are they sending you?”

“Not sure. Probably the crossing at Cair Andros. We need to strengthen the garrison there. That group we fought in Ithilien was merely a foretaste of what is coming. Scouts are reporting more troops are gathering at the border.” A shadow seemed to come over Eored’s face.

“What are you not telling me?” I demanded.

“Nothing! I’m being sent back out is all.” His face grim.

“I’m sorry. You’ll let me know when you are leaving?” I asked softly.

“Of course. Since I have no sweetheart or wife to see me off, my sister will have to do.” He said with mock sadness. He put his arms around me, hugged and planted a kiss on my forehead.

“Oh go on with you!” I said laughing as he walked out of sight whistling what I knew was a bawdy tune. I shook my head and returned to Dior’s room.

Dior was ill for another day and night. His father came several times a day but he did not question my abilities any more. I spent hours bathing him in lavender water. When he grew restless, I sang quietly.

On the morning of the third day, I was dreaming that I was at home in Rohan. My mother was stroking my hair in an attempt to get me to wake up and get started on my chores.

“Just let me sleep a little longer, Mother.” I mumbled in Rohirric.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?” I heard a strange male voice. I jerked awake. I had fallen asleep sitting by Dior’s bed. I looked at his face. He was pale but smiling. His eyes were bright. “What did you say?” he asked again. I was speechless. I put my hand to his forehead. It was cool.

“How are you feeling?” I asked hesitantly.

“Weak, but I no longer feel like I’m burning in my own skin.” Relief and joy mingled as I yelped and hugged him. He hugged me back.
“I should get sick more often.” He joked.

“Don’t you dare! You were really sick. I have been here for almost 3 days trying to get you well.”

Master Cirin came running in. “What is wrong?”

“See for yourself.” I said happily and stood up.

The master looked and also felt Dior’s forehead. “Welcome back young master. You gave us quite a scare.” he said beaming.

“It was not my intention to scare anyone, sir.” He replied.

“Is that my son’s voice I hear?” said Eldacar as he strode into the room.

“Yes, Father. I am awake. Thanks to this good lady.” he gestured towards me.

I blushed. “Dior, now, it wasn’t just me. Master Cirin and Merith and some of the others took care of you.”

“No, but it’s your voice I heard in my dreams. You sang to me didn’t you?” I felt the heat of embarrassment envelop me. Eldacar looked at me closely.

“I… ah sang some lullabys from my home in Rohan… It seemed to help settle him down.” I explained hesitantly, my hands clasped tightly together in front of me. I became aware of my rumpled and messy appearance.

“Now that he is on the mend, when can I take my son home, Master Cirin?” Master Cirin hesitated and looked at me as if to say that I should decide. I shook my head no and began busying myself with cleaning up.

“I would recommend he stay at least until tomorrow morning. He may have a relapse and it would be better for him if he was here.”

Eldacar nodded. “Very well. I will bring you some things from the house, my son. Thank you Master Cirin and you too Mistress.” he said gesturing towards me as he left.

“I’ll send one of the men to help clean you up Dior. And you,” he said pointing to me,”You go get some rest.”

“Yes, sir.” I nodded.

“My father, he, ah is a bit gruff at times.” Dior said. I didn’t reply but continued to tidy up. “So, you never answered my question. What were you saying earlier?”

“I was dreaming that I was at home and my mother was trying to wake me up to go do my chores. I asked her to let me sleep a little longer.” I said matter of factly. Dior burst out laughing. He was still chuckling when the assistant came to help him bathe. I excused myself and went to the House. A hot bath and a bed were all I was looking for. I found a note for Eored waiting for me. His company was being sent out to Cair Andros the following morning. I breathed a sigh of relief. At least I could get some rest and prepare a proper send off for my dear twin.