Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or any characters made up by Tolkien. However, Teritus, Riníen, and Eril are mine, though the idea is Tolkien's.
I owe you a big THANK YOU for reading and reviewing the last couple of chapters and I'm glad you're enjoying the story =) So for your reading (an my writing) pleasure, I present to you chapter three, "Heal Thy Son". As always, the Elvish words are Sindarin and the translations are found at the bottom. Enjoy mellyn-nin!
*Again, this deals with injury and while it's not written graphically, due caution to those who are squeamish.
King Elessar sat at the head of the long council table, preparing for the monthly meeting with the Captains of the Tower Guard. Supply updates, new oaths, retiring soldiers, pending actions, and training courses were on the docket and Aragorn knew it was going to be a very long afternoon.
Calling the meeting to order, the ordeal began and three hours in, Aragorn was thinking it might be time for a brief recesses. He could see the attention of a couple of Captains was waning and a stroll outside might be needed to recapture their attention. Aragorn was waiting for an appropriate moment to interject when there was a knock on the chamber door. The Captain who was speaking stopped and looked at King Elessar, a look of surprise playing on his face.
"Enter." Aragorn called. Interruptions were rare in meetings and his curiosity was peeked. A guard pushed the door open and bowed to his king.
"Sire, there is a messenger boy here. He says he carries a message concerning Prince Eldarion, sent from Queen Arwen."
"Let him enter." Aragorn instructed, his curiosity now bordered by concern. A young boy of fourteen entered and Aragorn saw it was Teritus, son of Terence, one of his son's closest friends. He was panting, for he had run a long ways to bring the message to the king, and he, too, bowed when he entered the chamber.
"Teritus, what message do you bring? Is Eldarion alright?"
"My liege, Eldarion has been in an accident. Your presence is requested in the House of Healing."
Faramir, the Steward of Gondor, saw the king's face go pale at the news. It was no secret that King Elessar's life revolved around his children and they were always his primary concern.
"Sire, I will see to the meeting." he said. Not even heeding the Steward's words, Aragorn was already half-way to the door and did not look back. He guided Teritus out of the chamber and when the chamber door closed, Aragorn looked at the young boy.
"Tell me what happened."
Eldarion was by far the most rambunctious of his three children and on more than one occasion had landed himself in the House of Healing. However, something told Aragorn this was a matter more serious than a few bumps and bruises.
"Sire, we were racing our horses on the fourth level of the city. We had paused a moment and Eldarion's horse was spooked. It threw him off and he went through an upper window, for we were on a hill, and he fell down a flight of stairs in someone's shop. The shop-owner put him on my horse and took him to the House of Healing. Lady Ioreth sent for Queen Arwen, who came at once. She instructed me to get word to you."
"Is he badly wounded?"
Teritus nodded.
"Aye, Sire. He was not conscious when I left and he has several large cuts and many broken bones."
Aragon's instincts had been right but he calmly patted the young boy on the back.
"Thank you, Teritus. You are a good friend and I am glad Eldarion was in your company."
The young boy bowed his head. Aragorn turned swiftly and began running through the Citadel and down to the House of Healing on the sixth level. He barged through the doors and demanded where his son was. One of the healers directed him to a back chamber and Aragorn stopped in the doorway, taking in the scene before his eyes.
Eldarion was lying on the bed, unconscious as Teritus had noted, and Arwen was holding his hand and stroking his hair gently. Ioreth was tending a cut on the boy's shoulder but it was clear she had left the larger injuries for Aragorn.
There were several large injuries that Aragorn could detect without even touching his son. His left arm was broken at the elbow and one of his legs had a gash, long and deep, running up the calf. The bandages surrounding it were already stained through. Having been undressed to only his undergarments, Aragorn could see the many smaller cuts and there were many bruises forming.
"Estel!" Arwen cried.
Aragorn joined her at the head of the bed.
"It is alright, melleth-nin, I am here."
"My lord," Ioreth said. "I have done what I thought proper for his injuries until you arrived."
Aragorn smiled at the older woman.
"You did fine. Teritus told me what happened. How long has he been unconscious?"
"He was brought in this way, Sire," Ioreth explained. "And he's been here the better part of an hour now."
Aragorn nodded and moved away to wash his hands in a basin. Ioreth stepped back as Aragorn bent over his son and began examining him gently. Upon completion, Aragorn had discovered Eldarion had also broken a rib.
"I will treat his arm, rib, and leg." he said to Ioreth. "I want you to continue tending the smaller cuts and bruises."
"Aye, Sire." Ioreth said and resumed her spot on the stool by the bed. Another healer brought instruments and herbs to Aragorn, who went about setting the arm, tightly wrapping the torso, and cleaning out and stitching up the calf. The entire time Arwen stayed at the head of the bed, watching her husband work and praying to the Valar to spare her son. She took comfort in the fact that Eldarion could not be in better hands.
After several hours of work, Aragorn finished wrapping the leg. Ioreth had finished tending the cuts and bruises but Eldarion was still unconscious and his breathing was shallow.
"What is it, Estel?" Arwen asked, watching her husband's brow wrinkle in concern. Aragorn laid a hand on Eldarion's brow.
"He is burning with fever. It worries me that he has not woken up yet."
"Should I fetch athelas, my lord?" Ioreth asked but Aragorn shook his head.
"I would not use that unless I have to." he said. "We will treat the fever like any other for the next twelve hours. If he does wake after that, or worsens before, then I will use athelas. Could you please bring a basin of water and a washcloth, please?"
Aragorn was tucking the sheets around his son and Ioreth left and returned quickly with the items Aragorn had requested.
"Is there anything else, Sire?"
He shook his head and Ioreth closed the door quietly behind her. Aragorn pulled up another stool to the side of the bed and dampening the cloth, began bathing Eldarion's face.
"Estel …" Arwen whispered and Aragorn looked up to see tears forming in her eyes.
"He is a strong boy, Arwen, and I will do everything in my power not to let harm come to him."
"I do not doubt that, Estel, but he looks so young and helpless. I wish it was I lying there in his stead."
"I know, melleth-nin, and I would do the same in an instant. Sadly, there is nothing more we can do but tend him constantly."
Both lapsed into silence. After a few minutes Arwen spoke.
"I should find the girls and tell them. They're probably getting worried."
Aragorn nodded.
"Go, I will stay with him."
"Should I bring them back here?" Arwen asked, rising.
"You may, if they wish to see Eldarion."
Arwen nodded and quietly left the sickroom.
Aragorn re-wet his cloth and continued to treat Eldarion's fever. His thoughts swirled around in his mind. Eldarion reminded him much of himself at that age – rambunctious and certainly accident prone.
Back in Rivendell, Lord Elrond would always come into his bedchamber to tend to whatever wound Aragorn had acquired and closing his eyes, Aragorn could recall exactly the look the mighty Elf would have on his face. His dark eyes would be shining, his one brow arched and a smile would be playing on his lips.
"What have you gotten yourself into now, Estel?" he would ask from the doorway.
Aragorn would smile sheepishly and give the whole tale of his accident and would then rest and watch his Ada treat the wounds with gentle, but strong, hands.
Lord Elrond had once told him that he couldn't stand it when Estel would fall ill or get injured because unlike his biological children, Estel's wounds had the possibility to do more to his body. Lord Elrond always feared that one day he would walk into the chamber and not be able to do anything to reverse the damage to the mortal body.
Aragorn opened his eyes and looked at his innocent son's pale face. He had thought he understood what Lord Elrond had said at the time but it now took a completely different meaning. He, like Lord Elrond, often wore the expression of amusement when called to tend any of his children but as of yet, he had never felt such a fear of being unable to do enough.
The door opened and broke Aragorn's thoughts. His two daughters entered, followed by Arwen.
"Ada!" Riníen*, the older of the two, exclaimed. "Is Eldarion alright?"
Her voice was filled with concern. At the age of twelve, she and Eldarion shared a special bond, one that Eril**, who was only eight, did not understand. Eril was standing just inside the doorway and at the sight of Eldarion, she groped for her mother's hand.
"He is resting." Aragorn said softly.
"That did not answer my question." Riníen said and Aragorn had to smile. Riníen, by far, was the most stubborn and persistent of the three. A trait, Aragorn noted, that was found in Arwen as well as Lord Elrond.
"You are right, Riníen, it did not. Eldarion is a strong boy and has it in him to beat the fever and wake up."
Riníen had taken Arwen's spot and she, too, began running her hand through Eldarion's hair.
"Muindor-nin." she whispered. Eril had left Arwen and walked to Aragorn, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Ada, make him better."
Aragorn wrapped a strong arm around the tiny frame.
"I will do my best, sell-nin."
"Come, girls," Arwen said gently. "Say good-night to Ada and Eldarion and I will take you for supper."
"Quel du, Ada." Eril kissed Aragorn on the cheek and returned to Arwen. Aragorn could see his youngest daughter was frightened by the sight of Eldarion.
"I Melain berio le, Eldarion." Riníen whispered, kissing Eldarion on his brow. "Quel du, Ada."
"Le melon, sellath." Aragorn bid his daughters good-night.
"I will be back later." Arwen said, guiding the girls out of the room. Aragorn nodded and resumed bathing Eldarion's face.
Hours wore on long into the night and there was not much activity in the sickroom. Arwen returned as the sun was setting beyond the western boarders and sat silently, holding Eldarion's hand. Ioreth came in twice – once with food for the king and queen, and a second time with a candle to light the dark room. Finally, around four o'clock in the morning, or so Aragorn figured, he put down the cloth and sighed.
"What is it, Estel?" Arwen's voice was hollow and shrouded in sleepiness.
"His fever is not getting any better. I will have to use athelas or he'll die."
Aragorn looked into Arwen's eyes.
"Im gosta, melleth-nin. I do not know if I can do this."
Arwen walked around the bed and knelt before her husband.
"You are the heir of Elendil, Estel. You have the hands of healing. If you cannot save our son, no one can. You must be strong for Eldarion. You must be strong for our family, for Riníen and Eril. I have faith in you."
Aragorn's eyes flickered to the pale face on the pillow and then nodded.
"You are right. I will find the athelas."
It did not take long for Aragorn to finish the preparations. A bowl of steaming water stood beside the bed and the leaves were in the king's hands. He breathed on them and breaking them, let them fall into the water. The fresh scent filled the room, invigorating everyone's senses and yet Eldarion did not stir. Aragorn's eyes met Arwen's and she nodded. Taking a deep breath, Aragorn laid a hand on Eldarion's brow and called out his name.
"Eldarion! Eldarion!"
Aragorn felt himself leaving the sickroom, his surroundings vaporizing into nothing but black space.
"Eldarion, come back, child!"
In darkness Aragorn walked, still calling the child's name.
"Eldarion, it is I, Ada!"
"Ada?"
The voice made Aragorn turn suddenly and he saw his son standing in a valley of wild flowers, the sea gleaming beyond.
"Eldarion, you must come with me." Aragorn's voice was gentle and yet quite firm. Eldarion had picked up a flower and was twirling it in his hands.
"What is this place, Ada?"
"It is the passage to the end." Aragorn told his child. "But you must come with me. There are many who love you and want you to return to this life, for it has just begun."
"Riníen … Eril … Naneth …" Eldarion seemed to be remembering who all cared for him.
"Yes, they are all waiting and are very worried. Come with me."
Eldarion cast one last look at the shimmering sea before dropping the flower on the ground and walking towards Aragorn.
"Come, Eldarion."
Arwen watched as her husband came out of the trance-like state. He collapsed onto his knees, exhausted, but still called his son's name.
"Eldarion, come. Follow my voice. Come back to this life."
Eldarion's eyes flittered open.
"Ada?" the boy whispered. Aragorn lifted himself from the floor and stood above his son.
"Eldarion, it is alright."
"What happened?"
"You were in a bad accident while riding with Teritus. You've been injured quite badly but you have awoken now. You will be fine."
"You came and found me."
Aragorn smiled down at the boy.
"Of course I did, Eldarion. How could I not?"
Eldarion smiled weakly and upon seeing Arwen exclaimed,
"Naneth!"
A lone tear ran down her cheek as she smiled broadly.
"Do not cry, Naneth. You heard Ada, I will be fine. Where are Riníen and Eril?"
"They are asleep, most likely. It is almost dawn. They will come and see you as soon as they wake up, I am sure. They are quite worried about you."
"Are you in pain?" Aragorn asked and Eldarion shook his head.
"Not much, although my leg is throbbing."
"I will get you something for it and then you need to rest."
Aragorn had done what he had said and he and Arwen stayed until Eldarion was sleeping once again.
"We will be back later." Aragorn told Ioreth. "Riníen and Eril will most likely come by this morning. Send for me if anything goes wrong."
Arwen and Aragorn walked hand and hand through the back streets of Minas Tirith on the way to their apartments.
"You did well, Estel." Arwen said. "My father would be quite proud of you."
"I do not deserve your praise, melleth-nin. I questioned whether or not I would have the strength to find my son."
"You mustn't blame yourself, Estel. You were weary and you care about Eldarion very much. I think you were more concerned about not being able to bring him back than you were about having the strength to find him."
Lord Elrond's words flashed back to Aragorn's mind and he realized Arwen was right. He smiled at her and told her what he had been thinking about many hours before from when he was still living with Lord Elrond.
"Your children have always been your priority, Estel. No one has every questioned that and you will do anything for them. Come now, it is almost dawn. You must get some rest."
"Before we do, I would like to wake Riníen and Eril and share with them the news."
Arwen smiled.
"Of course, melleth-nin."
Translations
melleth-nin – my love
ada – father
muindor-nin – my brother
sell-nin – my daughter
quell du – good night
i Melain berio le – may the Valar keep you
le melon – I love you
sellath – daughters
Im gosta – I'm afraid
naneth – mother
*Riníen is an Elvish name meaning "Daughter of Remembrance"
**Eril is an Elvish name meaning "Sunlight".
I picked these two names for Arwen and Aragorn's daughters because I thought they would name Riníen such as a namesake for Arwen's kin who have left Middle Earth. Similarly, I named Eril such because I imagined her being born at dawn. I might, one day, write stories about their births but for now, this is what I have named them and why. Would you be interested in reading more about their births?
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! There's one more chapter in the series entitled "The Hands of a Healer." Please review!
