The Dare

Chapter 13

Feb 29

When I awoke it was evening. I stretched and rubbed my eyes. I moved stiffly towards the bowl and pitcher. A splash of cold water opened my eyes. The emptiness in my stomach reminded just how long it had been since I ate. I also needed a bath.

“Food first, then bath.” I made my way to the kitchen hoping to scrounge up something from the cook. A roaring fire greeted me. The cook, a middle-aged lady, smiled at me.

“Mistress Ioreth said you might come looking for some food. I’ve put back a tray for ya.”

“Thank you, Mistress…”

“Oh I am no mistress. Just plain Ivorwen. Happy to help. It’s nice to see a young face around here.”

The tray held a bowl of stew, bread, cheese and a sweet cake. I washed these down with tea. I washed the dishes despite Ivorwen’s protests. It felt good to do this simple task.

As I turned to go, “Ivorwen, how did Mistress Ioreth know?”

“You and the other women in this house are her responsibility. She keeps watch over everyone here.” She replied with a smile.

I went to the common room to see what I had to do to get water for a bath. I saw Ioreth talking with Andreth and some of the other women. I knew I looked awful but I went over to the group.

“Mistress Ioreth,”

“Ah Eolindė. You’re awake I see. Did Ivorwen take care of you?”

“Yes, ma’am, I would like to take a bath, uh, what should I do for hot water?” I asked awkwardly.

“You heat it yourself, girl.” Andreth put in.

Ioreth gave Andreth a sharp look. “Come, I will help you.” She said taking me by the hand.

Together we hauled several buckets of hot water. I pulled out a little packet of rose scented soap and added to the water. She smiled and said. “Come back to the common room when you are done. I would like to talk to you.”

I wanted to soak in the scented water but there was only a small fire in my room, the water grew cold quickly. Another time perhaps. I dressed quickly and went to find Ioreth.

“Master Cirin has requested to tutor you.” She began. I nodded remembering vaguely the earlier conversation.

“Normally I would not agree. He wishes to teach you battlefield medicine. It is much more demanding than tending minor wounds, fevers and such. Also, you are an unmarried girl. Such work would not be considered proper for you.” My face fell at her words.

“But,” she continued. “Rumors are flying around the city about a possible battle with the Dark Lord. If this is so, then every pair of hands will be needed. You have a gift. And I feel in my bones that you should be allowed to use this gift. So, I have given my permission for you to learn with Master Cirin.” She finished.

I was speechless. “Are you sure, Mistress?”

“Well of course I am sure you silly girl. I wouldn’t have agreed otherwise. And don’t worry about your reputation. Such things are meaningless in a time of war. In the end, the lives you save will offset any damage to your reputation. The ladies may gossip but the men will remind them who keep them alive.”

“Thank you Mistress.” I sputtered.

“Well don’t thank me yet. It will be unpleasant work. Now off to bed with you. Master Cirin wants you at the Houses bright and early tomorrow. Oh and your brother came by with a note earlier.” She handed me the note.

I read it by the firelight. He was leaving at first light with a company to strengthen the garrison of Cair Andros. As I lay down, my thoughts flitted from Eored to Master Cirin and Ioreth. But it was Dior’s smile that I saw last as I closed my eyes.

Feb 30

I awoke with the cock crow. I quickly pulled on my ranger leggings and tunic, threw on my cloak and headed to the stable. There was a small crowd gathered to see the men off.
I found Elred quickly. “Fine morning for a ride, wouldn’t you say brother?” I asked as I patted Beleg’s nose.

“’lindė!” and he swept me up in a fierce hug. “I am indeed blessed to have my dear sister see me off.” His eyes belied his jovial tone.

“I couldn’t let you go without this.” I handed him a small handkerchief wrapped around some dried rosemary and violets.

“Rosemary. The herb of remembrance. And violets from the pasture” he said quietly.

“I know you will take care.” I said.

“Don’t I always take care?” he asked with mock indignation.

“Well there was that time when you were 10…”

“That was a long time ago. We’re just going to re-enforce the garrison. Shall I give Alcarin your regards?” he asked slyly.

“Elred, I am not that easily fooled. I know things are serious. Master Cirin is going to be tutoring me in battlefield medicine.” I said baldly.

“But, you are still a …”

“A maid? Eored, the skills I will learn will save lives, even yours if it came to it. I am not worried about what others think.” He nodded.

“If I should not return…” he said hesitantly.

“You will return. What would I do without your teasing?” I replied. He put his arms around me and hugged me again. “Take care of yourself, sister.” He kissed my forehead and once on each cheek for our parents. He swung himself onto Beleg and tucked the handkerchief in his saddlebag.

I patted Beleg and said in Rohirric, “ Take care of him, Beleg. Bring him home.”

“Ready Elred?” another familiar voice sounded in my ear. It was Faramir. He looked worn but had a smile. My heart leaped at that smile.

“Yes, sir. I was just saying good-bye to my sister.”

“One of these days you’ll have to get yourself a sweetheart to do this. Your sister shouldn’t be dragged out of bed at cock crow for the likes of you.” Elred and I chuckled at this.

“Sweetheart or not. I would be here.” I said simply. He looked at me with sympathy. “I know.” The call came. “Move out.” I watched from the wall as the company rode away. My heart seemed to be squeezed and a tear trickled down my cheek.

“Are you alright, mistress.” asked Faramir.

“Yes, sir I am.” I smiled. The morning light glinted off his black hair, his face was tired and his eyes held grief in them. “Sir, are you well?”

“I am well enough, mistress. Like you, I miss my brother when he is gone. And last night…” his voice trailed off.

“Sir?” I asked.

“‘Twas nothing, just a dream I had about Boromir.” He said. “May I escort you somewhere Mistress?” he asked kindly. My heart soared. Faramir wanted to escort me.

“I was going to check on Halan and then return to the Houses.” At that moment, a messenger interrupted with a summons for Faramir to see his father. “Well, mistress, I regret to tell you that you will have to do without my company. My father has need of me.” He said somewhat bitterly. My heart sank like a stone.

“Well thank you for your kind offer sir. Perhaps another time?” I said brightly.

“Another time, then.” He bowed and took his leave.

When I reached the Houses, I went to Dior’s room to see how he was faring. There seemed to be some commotion coming from the room as I approached.

“I’m not leaving until she gets here.” Said Dior.

“Son, I am sure the young lady has other duties to attend to. You can send her a note.” Said his father.

“What is this all about?’ I asked as I stepped into the room.

“There you are.”said Dior. “I didn’t want to leave without saying thank you.” He gave his father a stern look.

“You are welcome Dior. Now let your father take you home so you can finish mending.” I said with a smile.

“Now that you have said your piece. Come Dior, Donal is waiting with the wagon.” Dior’s father barely looked at me.

“You will come visit me, won’t you?” he pleaded like a young boy. I glanced at his father and saw the look of annoyance.

“Ah Dior. I have many duties here and at my new home. I do not know if I can get away. I am sure your servants will take excellent care of you.” I said. I made a small curtsey and left quickly. I didn’t want to see the hurt in his eyes.

That evening I went to visit Halan. A stable hand told me that Faramir had been sent to Ithilien.

.