As Far As The Heart Can See

Chapter 3
“Miracles and Surprises”

Still greatly enraged Ósle returned to the healing wing. She hardly noticed that it had become quiet, that the hectic and chaos of a few hours before had disappeared.
Most of the other healers were still tending to those with minor wounds and the gravely injured had been moved to another, more secluded room.
But all of that did not matter to her at the moment. Her mind was too occupied by what had just happened. Why had she done what she did? And – more importantly – why had he done what he did?
She took a deep breath coming to a halt at one of the supply tables. With trembling hands she started to straighten up the equipment on it, sorting out the used or spoiled ones and neatly piling those which could still be used. Anything to take her mind off the incident.
A hand on her shoulder made her jump and wide eyed she came face to face with Leof.
“Ósle, did it all…are you alright?”
She simply stared at him then nodded before shaking her head. Her thoughts were a jumble in her mind. And she was still angry that the Captain had affected her so – first in the caves and just now while tending to his wound.
“I…I don’t know, Leof. I…,” she stuttered.
“You are exhausted, Ósle,” he said smiling and put a fatherly hand on her cheek. “Go find your family and get some rest. You have done enough for now.”
She nodded and Leof turned to leave but she held him back with a hand on his arm.
“Just answer me one question, Leof. Why did you send me to tend to the King and the third Marshal and not someone older, more experienced?”

“I was informed that the King was injured but not gravely. And I needed all of my other healers right here. As you said yourself, you have no experience with surgical work. That is the only reason I send you.”
Once again she nodded and Leof smiled at her.
“Do not underestimate your skills, Ósle. You are good in what you learned to do. – Now go and find some rest.”
With that he left and Ósle slowly made her way out of the healing wing, through several corridors and out of the Hornburg. Taking a deep breath she walked over to the inner court wall and started to climb the steps but was halted in mid step by her name being called. Spinning around she saw Beda waving her over and pointing behind him. Her eyes widened in shock and surprise. They were here, talking to Asthryd. They were alive.
“Alden,” she whispered and flew down the few steps she had taken, across the court and into the young rider’s arms.
“Alden,” she whispered again. “Oh Alden.”
The tears just started to fall, there was nothing for her to do. He held her gently, repeatedly running his hand over her hair and back.
“Don’t cry, fea-an. We are whole and save,” he soothed. She clung to him for a long time until the tears subsided only to be hugged by Ceredig.

“I am so glad to see you again,” she breathed. “Are you really alright, both of you?”
The two brothers laughed and assured her that they indeed were.
All together the reunited family made their way inside where they found a small meal prepared for all of the riders.
Even though Alden and Ceredig were exhausted, they only rested for a little while before offering their help again to their Captain.
Ósle enjoyed the short amount of time she could spend with them and afterward went again to help where help was needed.
In the afternoon, word came that the King had ridden forth to Isengard with the man dressed all in white – Gandalf as she learned – and two dozen men.
So much had happened in such a short space of time. Her thoughts were still a jumble, mirroring the chaos she had experienced earlier in the day. So much had been lost, many lives had been taken and homes destroyed. And many of those who had been wounded were not yet over the edge.
But amidst all of this, she had been given hope. The battle, of which all thought would be their end, had been won. The King had returned to his people and even her closest friends, her brothers had come back alive.
The next morning approached and despite what Leof had told her, Ósle had not rested enough. The depth of her exhaustion showed as she almost collapsed during breakfast. Alden took her to the small room off the healing wing so that she could sleep.


She was awoken almost 24 hours later by Asthryd bringing her a small breakfast. After eating some food and putting on a clean dress, Ósle emerged from the room. With Asthryd she went to find Leof and offered her help once again but another senior healer informed her that no help was needed at the time being, even before she had seen him.
Therefore, the two women offered their help to the kitchen which was gladly accepted. The first part of the morning was spent with preparing dough for bread until she was summoned to the healing wing by a young boy.
Excusing herself, she took off the apron and followed the boy. Leof awaited her with a stern look on her face. He did not speak but took her arm and led her off to a more secluded part of the wing.
“What by Béma has gotten into you?” he hissed. Her brows drew together in sheer confusion.
“What are you talking about?” she asked back, unable to comprehend his anger. What had she done?
“How could you have thrown a wet cloth at the Lord Éomer?”
Realisation dawned on her and she sighed. So that’s where he was coming from. Suddenly the anger she had felt two days ago was back and she grimaced.

“How do you know?”
“It does not matter how I learned of it, Ósle,” Leof scowled. “Are you out of your mind?”
“No, Leof. I am not. He asked for it,” she replied, slightly louder than intended.
“Did he now? How so?”
Despite herself, Ósle blushed beet red. Why did he have to ask? It was already embarrassing enough.
“He…was…rather suggestive. I’m not going to say more about it. But be assured – he only got what he deserved.”
The old healer’s brow furrowed and he drew a long breath. Then he put a hand on Ósle’s shoulder.
“I understand. But…he’s the King’s nephew and – since Prince Théodred died – the heir to the throne. Couldn’t you have been…more subtle?”
His words enraged her even more and her eyes widened. What? Only because he was the heir to the throne?
“Subtle?” she repeated and shook her head. “No, Leof I couldn’t have been. I don’t care who he is…he shouldn’t have done what he did.”

With that she turned around and did not heed the call of her name. Furious, she left the Hornburg and emerged outside into the weak sunlight.
“Men,” she muttered climbing the steps to the inner court wall.
“Are you mad at men generally or just one in particular?”
As startled as she was by the voice behind her, she did not turn around. Did not need to, to know who it was.
“Men in general but two especially,” she gave back quietly. “Leof for one.”
A slight shiver ran through her body as she leaned onto the stone wall. Alden must have noticed because he draped his cloak about her shoulders at once.
“You should have brought your own. It is still too cold despite the sun.”
“I know,” was her feeble reply. Her gaze was drawn to the horizon, the sun setting the mist in a slight shimmer. It was beautiful.
Was it possible that only two nights ago a battle had been fought here?
Many men were at work in the Dike, at the Deeping Wall and at shovelling graves for the fallen riders. It made her sad; yet, at the same time it was strangely peaceful and hope-giving. It enhanced that life would go on; showed the strength of mankind, that even after a fall they could get up and start anew.

“Alden?” she eventually said.
“Yes?”
“I’m going to ask you a question and I bid you answer honestly. – Do…do you find me…desirable?”
She heard his sharp intake of breath and turned to him. The expression she saw on his face surprised her. It was so very gentle, caring. Almost loving. And did her eyes deceive her or did she see…a longing in his eyes?
“Alden?” she asked softly. He found her eyes, looking directly into them and a soft smile was on his lips.
“Ósle – how long have I waited…why do you have to ask now? – Ósle, I love you…have loved you from the moment I first kissed you but…you never…Ósle?”
Her eyes had glazed over with tears upon hearing his words. He loved her? How was it possible? They were friends, grew up almost as siblings and she loved him as a brother. But as a husband?
“Ósle?” Alden’s call of her name brought her back to the present and she met his gaze.
“Alden…I,” she broke off, not knowing what to say. He smiled gently at her and ran a hand along her cheek.
“Ósle…I know it is sudden but….” He paused to take a deep breath to ease his nervousness. “Ósle, in only a few hours we ride to Edoras and then on to Gondor – to war. It is likely I will not return but…if I do will you become my wife?”
The information Alden threw at her was too much. They were riding off to war again? Hadn’t they just returned? And had he just asked her to marry him?

Oh, what should she do? Briefly she closed her eyes squeezing them shut and took a deep breath. When she opened them again and once more found Alden’s eyes, she knew in her heart she couldn’t tell him that she did not love him the way he obviously loved her. She saw the hope flicker in his eyes, expectantly waiting for her positive answer and could not bring herself to quench it. Deciding in a heartbeat, she smiled up at him and nodded unable to speak, to voice her answer out loud.
Instantly, his eyes lit up and he drew her close, claiming her lips in a sweet kiss.
Ósle tried and succeeded to put all of her sisterly love into this one kiss, wrapping her arms around him and holding onto him. If this was what it would take to bring him back safely from war then so be it. He now had his anchor, his one hope to hold onto and she knew that Alden would always treat her kindly and with respect.
Reluctantly he broke the kiss and the love he held for her was visible in every feature.
“Come, let us find mother, father and Ceredig. They should hear of the good news,” he said softly. Ósle nodded and let him take her hand.
It was while they climbed down the steps that she became aware of eyes on her and a shiver ran down her spine. A little unsure she looked about her but could not make out anyone in particular. Dismissing it with a slight shrug, she continued to follow Alden through the court and inside.

TBC