The Dare

The waiting begins

After breakfast, I went to work in the Houses. I redressed wounds, administered tonics and helped where I could. I also went to see the young soldier from Dol Amroth. I brought him a tray of food. He looked asleep, his face pale but he seemed to be breathing easily. I laid my hand against his forehead and felt no heat. I sighed in relief.

I checked the bandage around the stump. It had been changed. Clean linen covered it and the smell of lavender and feverfew was in air. I did not disturb the handiwork but straightened up the covers.

“Who are you?” Startled, I looked up and saw that he was awake. His eyes were blue but full of anger and sadness.

“I am Eolindë. I brought some food for you.”

“I don’t want any!” A flicker of recognition crossed his face, “I remember you! You were here when they took off my leg.” he said angrily.

“Are you sure it was me?” I asked surprised.

“I’m sure.” he replied. “I was drowsy but I remember your voice. I heard a woman’s voice, thought it was very strange.”

I shrugged. “You should eat. It will help you get stronger.”

“Why did you let them take my leg?” he cried bitterly.

“I had no say in the matter. I was doing what I was told.” I answered evenly.

“They didn’t have to do it!”

“Master Cirin did what he had to do to save your life.” I replied.

“Better dead with honor than a cripple.” he snarled.

I thought of all the dead that lay on the Field, all the widows and children who didn’t yet know of their loss. “You can’t see the mound from here.” I remarked. “A burial mound of the dead. Gondorian, Éothoéd, your people from Dol Amroth. One of them was my father.” I said quietly.

His anger died away, “I am sorry for your loss.” he stammered.

“Thank you. You see you still have your heart, your mind. You can still have a good life.”

“What kind of life can I have as a cripple?”

“I don’t know. What did you do in Dol Amroth?” I asked as I placed the tray on his lap.

“I was an apprentice in an apothecary.” he said.

“Hum. An apothecary. I don’t think that losing part of your leg will prevent you from continuing your studies. I am becoming a master healer myself. I am sure you could teach me quite a bit.” I replied.

His eyes widened. “You are a healer?” he asked somewhat incredulously.

“Why does that surprise you?”

He sputtered. “You are a young woman. Shouldn’t you be getting married?”

“I am not like other young women.”

“No. I guess not.” he replied and looked at the tray.

“What is your name?” I asked.

“Astaldin.” he replied.

Well Astaldin, I suggest you eat your food before it gets cold.” I said briskly.

He picked up a piece of bread and began to dip into the broth. I smiled and turned to go.

“Will you come see me again? I would like to talk with you about herbs.” he pleaded.

“I will.” I replied and I left him to his meal.

Silmarië noted my visit to Astaldin and gently reminded me that I needed a chaperone if I was doing more than just delivering his food tray. I blushed and thanked her for her concern. I convinced Elred to come with me.

“I need you to protect my reputation.” I pleaded. “After all, you are the head of the family. No one will question my visits if you are there.”

“And why did you need to visit this man?” he asked.

“He is an apprentice apothecary in Dol Amroth. I am hoping to learn some things from him.”

Elred rolled his eyes and came along.

“Astaldin, I have brought some company.” I said the next time I went to visit him. When Elred saw the stump, he swallowed hard and tried not to look. Astaldin was not happy to see him either.

“Who is he?’ he asked, annoyed at the interloper.

“This is my twin brother, Elred. I am still a maid and I do need a chaperon when visiting you.” I replied.

Astaldin frowned but did not seem to mind Elred’s presence after we started talking. Bored with the conversation, Elred was hard-pressed not to fall asleep. As we returned to his room, I thanked him for his patience. He just nodded.

The days passed. Everyone looked east anxiously. We tried to keep ourselves occupied. There were many hours each morning and afternoon, treating the wounded. Each day there were a few who passed onto the halls of their fathers. Others healed and grew stronger. Elred included. He would go to the stables each day and brush Halan down. It would take him several hours but he insisted on doing it. “You don’t have time and it helps me feel useful.” he said. I didn’t argue since he accompanied me each evening to see Astaldin. The shadow that lay between us remained despite my efforts to reach him.

I went by Lady Éowyn’s room and learned that she had been moved. I caught a glimpse of her in the garden with Faramir. There was no mistaking the look in his face as he spoke with her.

The next day as I was walking down the halls, I heard my name called. I turned to see who it was. It was Lady Éowyn. I curtseyed, “What can I do for you my lady?”

“Walk with me in the garden. I would speak with you.” she said in Rohirric.

“As you wish.” I answered and followed her. As we walked, she asked me about some of the Éothoéd wounded. I answered her as best I could.

“What do you think of the Lord Faramir?” she asked suddenly. I was taken aback at her question.

“I am not sure what you mean, my Lady.” I answered.

“What sort of man is he? He mentioned your name several times. I would know more.”

I stammered. “He spoke of me?”

“Yes. It seems you made quite an impression on him.” she said dryly. Sighing, I told her the story of the foolish wager I made with Elred and the foray with Faramir and his Rangers. She nodded and smiled when I had finished. “You had quite the adventure.”

“Yes. I have no desire to repeat it. I am done with killing.” I said quietly. She looked at me oddly.

“My lady, my heart is made for healing not slaying. I would defend myself and my family at need but I no longer wish to see battle.” I said simply. She nodded thoughtfully. “As for Lord Faramir, he is one of the noblest, wisest, most kind men I have ever known. My brother has always spoken highly of him. His men would follow him to death and I know he has touched the hearts of several of the ladies.”

“Including yours?” she teased gently.

“Yes.” I answered as I blushed.

“Thank you Eolindë It was good to speak in our native tongue. You have given me much to think on.” and she dismissed me.

At night, as I fell asleep, Dior’s face and words would come to me. I could not decide what to think and fell asleep wondering what my answer would be to him.