The healers finally released Erestor from the infirmary this morning after eight days of confinement. It was not a moment too soon. He thought he might scream if he had to spend even one more hour lying in that packed healing room. The young elf had spent the better part of the morning trying to locate his friend Elrond. One of the elves from Himring directed him to the training fields. From a distance, Erestor recognized the dark-haired elf who completed yet another circuit around the training field. He watched Elrond drop to the ground and struggle to do ten pushups. At the end Elrond collapsed with a groan. Slowly the peredhel rolled over to lie on his back and rubbed at his arm.
"Does it still hurt?" Erestor asked. Startled, Elrond looked up at him in surprise.
"Erestor! The healers released you! Are you well?" Elrond sat up and smiled.
"Considering the events of the last week, I am remarkably well." Erestor replied. "But you have not answered me." Elrond laughed as Erestor pushed up his tunic sleeve to examine his arm. The stitches had been removed and a red telltale line remained.
"It is healing but the muscle is still mending together. It is yet to weak for me to draw a bow." Elrond grimaced as the muscle contracted painfully. Erestor carefully massaged the cramped muscle, periodically looking up to assess the level of Elrond's pain.
"Elrond, you do too much. Do not overtax yourself. Give your body time to heal." Erestor chided. Elrond was silent for a long moment. Then he admitted in a low voice.
"If I am made to sit idle for another day, I might go mad. There are few books or other distractions here. I can barely find parchment to write on. What I would not give for a few hours at the library in Mithlond!"
"I feel the same way myself. At least being listed on the duty roster would give me something to focus one. Have you been assigned to work with the healers?" Erestor asked trying to distract Elrond from the pain.
"I'm supposed to aid the healers this afternoon." Elrond replied. "I think I will mostly be harvesting herbs and changing bandages. Cirdan said that he would not assign anyone to a patrol who might be impaired."
"I will be helping in the kitchens starting tomorrow." Erestor said.
"They have assigned you to cook?" Elrond teased. "They obviously haven't spoken with your sister." Apparently, a very young Erestor had given his family food poisoning by placing the grilled fowl back on the plate it had occupied prior to cooking.
"A single mistake some fifty years ago! Families have long memories." Erestor sighed.
"Tis how they keep you humble."
"Obviously Cirdan knows your own deficiencies in that area and chose to assign you elsewhere. I have never seen anyone squirm so much when gutting a fish!"
"You did not warn me what helping prepare dinner entailed!" Elrond countered. "How would I have known that your family chooses to eat some fish raw?"
"I thought someone who wanted to be a healer would be able to handle preparing a fish!" Erestor teased and chuckled at the memory of Elrond turning various shades of green. "Are you heading back to the barracks?" He said pulling Elrond to his feet.
"Cirdan insists that I stay in his cabin. He wants to keep an eye on me." Elrond said in a low voice.
"Well, you do have a knack at getting into trouble." Erestor retorted. Elrond gave him a dark look that only served to make Erestor burst into laughter.
"Has he used your far-speak strategically?" Erestor asked in a soft voice, low enough that only Elrond would be able to hear. Elrond eyed him curiously.
"Yes, to send a few messages to Celeborn and Gil-Galad." Elrond nodded.
"That's somewhat ironic."
"Celeborn will bring reinforcements within three months." Elrond whispered. "Until then we have been assigned to this outpost." It was Erestor's turn to gape in stunned silence. He had told his family that he would be on patrol for merely six weeks.
"Do you know if Cirulian has woken up yet? I feared for him." Elrond shook away the memory of finding his captain so close to death.
"The healers told me that he should recover but that it will be a long road with much rehabilitation." Erestor said quietly. He had walked by their captain on the way out of the healer's house this morning. The sight of the pale, unconscious elf made him question the diagnosis. Perhaps the healers were just trying to keep the dire prognosis from the young warriors in an effort to keep up morale. Elves can heal quickly but Cirulian had not changed, remaining in a comatose state for eight days already.
"Sergil died." Elrond whispered. Erestor nodded, trying to ignore the lump that had formed in his throat. Six of their scouting contingent had passed from this world. Of the remaining warriors only Elrond and Erestor had been released from the healers. Elrond knew that his survival had been due to both a timely intervention by Maedhros as well as aid from Elros.
"If only there was a way to monitor the orcs movements without incurring such great risk to our warriors." Elrond sighed. He and Erestor stared at each other for a long moment. Both remembered their long brainstorming sessions about how to monitor the depth of the ocean. Those efforts had proven futile for they had not had the technology. But perhaps their ideas might be useful in the forest for monitoring orc movements. They resolved to discuss the possibilities over lunch. Lunch and their discussions of how to make traps and signaling devices made both elves feel as if they were back in Mithlond working on an assignment for Merwen. Finally, though Elrond had to leave to start his duty in the house of healing. He bid Erestor farewell and walked over to the head healer to introduce himself.
"Master Beteg, I am Elrond -"
"Earendilion. Yes, I am aware of who you are." The senior healer cut him off. "Lord Cirdan tells me that you have been volunteering in the house of healing in Mithlond. What skills do you possess?"
"Master Noenri certified me in the warrior's healing course, which including assessment and basic wound treatment and care. In addition, I helped harvest herbs as well as prepare draughts and salves. In the palace healing house I change bandages, feed and bath patients."
"Master Noenri tested you?" Beteg asked dubiously. Elrond nodded affirmatively.
"You are what, barely twenty five?" The healer said dismissively.
"Master Beteg, I hope to become a healer one day. But I have only completed the warrior's healing course." Elrond said softly. Beteg was taken aback by the elfling's humility. He did not expect that given that the young elf was part of the High King's house, a house known for its brash and boastful warriors. Definitely none of that house would be called humble.
"We have elves, who are severely injured." Beteg said slowly, considering where he could use the extra help. Somewhere unseen and unglamorous, thought Beteg, still not convinced that this young warrior of famous origins would be of much use.
"Meridel is currently bathing and changing their bandages. Keeping up with their care has been very taxing. You can call to them and bring them to a low grade of semi-consciousness, where they can be given nutrient draughts. I would like you to feed these patients this afternoon. Meridel will help you." He pointed the young elf in the direction of the ward, which contained the most seriously injured patients. The majority of these unresponsive elves were beyond the help of the healers.
"Yes, Master Beteg." The youth said politely then walked towards the cabin indicated.
"So many are still in danger?" Elrond taking in the number of wounded occupying the ward. Meridel waved him over.
"Elrond, you look much better. How is your arm?" Meridel searched his eyes.
"It is healing slowly. I have full use of it, but it is not yet strong enough to use a bow." Elrond answered. Meridel shook his head.
"You will probably need a few weeks to strengthen it." Meridel said. He instructed Elrond to hand him some bandages. Together they changed the dressings on the injured elf. The names and patient treatments were crudely scribbled on small pieces of parchments attached to the cots. Next, he showed Elrond exactly how to administer the nutrient draughts.
Laying his hand on the injured elf's brow, Meridel commanded. "Gadrin, please wake for me!" Minutes passed in near silence as Meridel focused on his charge. Then cloudy green eyes opened, though it was clear that Gadrin could not reach full consciousness. They tipped his head gently and slowly guided the nutrient drink into their patient. When they were done Meridel eased the elf back down and covered him.
"All the elves in this cabin will have similar responses when you try to wake them." Meridel predicted. "Please feed the elves on the far side of the room, I have already changed their bandages and administered their healing draughts. Call me if you have any questions." Elrond nodded and took the tray with the drinks. He crossed to the other side of the room, immediately recognizing Cirulian. The warrior's face was swollen and pale. His forehead was swathed in bandages. Elrond could tell that the back of his head had been shaved to allow access to the most serious injury. Elrond picked up the parchment that described his captain's injuries. He had suffered a serious concussion as well as multiple broken bones and a sword wound to his left side. His breathing was shallow and his eyes unresponsive. It appeared that the damage from the contusion was hindering the elf's natural healing abilities. Elrond placed his hand on Cirulian's brow and sought to assess the state of his spirit. The warrior's fëa was weak and distant.
"Do not heal all injuries." Galadriel's teaching stirred in his memory. "Direct your energy towards what is hampering their recovery. Channel your thoughts towards it. You must learn to control and ration the amount of energy that you share."
Elrond slid his hand gently under Cirulians' head, cupping the bandage that covered the large contusion. He closed his eyes focusing on only this injury, envisioning the damaged blood vessels and broken connections. He felt his own healing force pour out of him, mending and reconstructing nerves. The hot golden flowed seared him and his heart labored under the strain. He tried to slow the release of his spirit. But it felt like an unstoppable river, pouring out of him. A moment of panic flowed through him, as he tried to break the connection and pull back to himself.
"Elrond!" Meridel called sharply. The healer pushed his hand in between Elrond's palm and Cirulian's head. His fingers effectively severed the golden connection between the elfling and his patient. Elrond's head snapped up and he drew in a pained breath as the connection broke. Once Meridel was sure that Elrond was aware of his surroundings, he turned to assess Cirulian's condition. He was shocked to find the injured elf's spirit was markedly stronger and that his eyes were now responsive to the light. Meridel addressed to Elrond in a shock voice.
"You have the gift of healing!" Meridel burst out. "It is extremely rare." Elrond nodded weakly. Meridel retrieved some Miruvor and pressed a glass of it into Elrond's hand.
"Drink elfling!" Elrond obeyed and soon felt his heartbeat slow down to its normal rhythm.
"No need to tell anyone." Elrond mumbled in embarrassment.
"Elfling," Meridel said firmly. "It is a tremendous gift you possess. Have you received any training?"
"Lady Galadriel has given me some brief instruction but I can not yet control it. I can not stop or ration what I share." Elrond said slowly.
"You stopped this time." Meridel countered.
"No, you severed the link." The junior healer stood thoughtfully. Then he ran his hands over Elrond's head and torso, carefully assessing the health of the elf before him.
"You are well, no worse off for your experience. I have watched and aided the Lady Galadriel before. She is a gifted healer as well as a fierce warrior."
"Warrior?" Elrond repeated in astonishment. Meridel smiled.
"Yes, I have watched her spar back in Doriath. I have not the skill to defeat the Lady of Light with a sword. Her husband does not approve of her coming near the front lines. You may have noticed that there are only a few ellith here. Perhaps only ten percent of our warriors are female. I have been trying to arrange transport for these patients back to Mithlond. We have not the skill to heal these patients them here. Many of them need the Lady's aid. Unfortunately, it is a dangerous journey, as you well know. Perhaps you could help one or two more patients today. I will stay beside you and make sure that you do not over exert yourself." Elrond nodded in agreement.
"Come." Meridel said, taking Elrond's hand. "I will tell you where to direct your healing powers to have the greatest impact. I can also detect when you have accomplished this task and call you back to yourself. Through practice you will learn control the release of your healing energy."
Meridel guided him to another patient and explained the most serious injury. This time it was a poorly functioning heart and a deep wound that kept the elf from healing. Elrond listened closely to the healers diagnosis and the exact treatment that he should attempt. Again he focused on the patient as Meridel's voice faded into the background. He groaned as he released his healing energy into the injured elf. The patient, though barely even semi-conscious was in anguish. Elrond could feel the elf's pain. He concentrated on mending the heart, on soothing the spasming muscle and on rejuvenating the surrounding dead and dying tissue. He felt the heart beat steady and strengthen.
"Elrond, you have accomplished our goal. Come back to me." Meridel called. Elrond tried to restrict the flow of healing energy but again attempts to curb the flow only resulted in increasing it. The rush of energy burned and he choked back a cry.
"Elfling, come back to me!" Meridel commanded. Upon seeing no change, the healer physically sought to break the connection, driving his hand between Elrond's and the injured elf's chest. Elrond moaned and fell back as the connection broke. Meridel steadied the young elf and called to him softly.
"You did well elfling. Do not panic when you try to break the connection. When I asked the Lady how she knew when to stop, I remember her laughing and saying that she could feel the injured elf's own healing power awaken. At that point she slowed and gradually stopped her own efforts." The two healers, Meridel and Elrond talked much about what Elrond experienced. Slowly, they advanced to help another patient and then another. Elrond lost count. It was perhaps the sixth or seventh attempt of the afternoon. Again, he was seeking to aid an elf with a severe head injury.
"Elrond it is done." A deeper voice called. Strong hands squeezed his shoulder. This time Elrond was able to pull back on his own. He envisioned the gentle recession of the tide, slowly and deliberately down the beach. His transference of energy to the ailing elf slowly diminished and finally stopped. His own breathing was labored and his vision strangely dim.
"Well done, elfling. It seems that I have misjudged and underestimated you." Beteg said softly. "You have helped many this afternoon. Meridel tells me that this is the first time you have tried to control your healing abilities." Elrond looked up, dazed at seeing the senior healer, who had been so suspicious earlier. Minutes passed as the youth struggled to collect his thoughts enough to answer.
"I am glad to help." Elrond said shyly. Beteg assessed the young elfling before him carefully. The weariness was clearly written on his face.
"Meridel will be back shortly with dinner for you. You must eat and then take your rest." Beteg said in a concerned voice. "I will guide and teach you more after you have had a chance to replenish your strength." They sat and talked while Elrond ate and then Meridel led the youngling back to Cirdan's cabin.
"I think I can find my way." Elrond said tiredly.
"I would be sure that you fell asleep in your own bed. I have witnessed you sleeping out by the beech tree." Meridel teased.
"What?" Elrond muttered in astonishment.
"I helped Lord Cirdan collect you from the base of the beech tree earlier this week." Meridel teased the speechless elfling. "Do not be embarrassed. It is good that you find strength and comfort in nature, elfling. Ah, here we are. I bid you a goodnight, Elrond."
"Goodnight Meridel." Elrond yawned and walked into the cabin. It was empty. "Cirdan must be off checking on the security." Elrond thought. He walked through the main room and entered the bedroom, collapsing on his cot in exhaustion. Although the sun had yet to sink beneath the horizon, sleep immediately overcame him.
"Elrond" someone called repeatedly. He felt rough hands stroking his forehead. "Elfling are you well?" Groggily, Elrond opened his eyes. Cirdan was sitting beside him, a concerned look on his face. The mariner helped Elrond to sit up and then pressed a cup of tea into his hands.
"How was your afternoon elfling? Did you remember to eat dinner?" Cirdan probed.
Elrond sipped the tea in silence, trying to recall the afternoon.
"Meridel and Beteg made me eat dinner." Elrond admitted. "What time is it?"
"The sun set maybe two hours ago. I was worried when I found you asleep so early." The Mariner carefully assessed his ward. "You are not injured?"
"No, I was working with the healers for a few hours this afternoon." Elrond admitted and then closed his eyes briefly to block out the dizziness.
"You exhausted yourself this afternoon." Cirdan stated. "Please, you must pace yourself and not use all your energy up at once." Elrond took a deep sip of the tea, tasting the healing herbs in it. They were not sleeping herbs, he knew.
"I will be fine." He said, downplaying Cirdan's concern. The tea brought much needed relief to his aching head and his vision steadied. Cirdan relaxed as he saw his ward returning to full wakefulness. "Were you checking the borders?"
"Yes and all is well this evening. Erestor had some interesting ideas about methods to monitor orc movements a great distances from our position." Cirdan paused, testing to see if Elrond would admit to his role in these suggestions. But as usual, the elfling did not embellish or detail his contributions.
"Will they be useful?" Elrond asked curiously.
"I think they can be implemented and will provide some extra warning before any attack. Any warning can give us time to assemble and counter an attack."
"Elfling, are you up to sending a message?" Cirdan asked. "I do not wish to tax your abilities but I need to send a message to Ereinion and the fastest way is through you and your brother."
"Yes, I can send a message." Elrond said. The events of the next half hour were just a blur in the young peredhel's mind. He remembered contacting Elros. Slowly, word by word, he read him Cirdan's message, waiting for his brother to copy it down to parchment. But if someone asked Elrond what the words he had just read meant, he would have been at a loss.
"You are exhausted brother." Elros' voice pierced his foggy mind.
"So tired." Elrond returned.
"Sleep." Came the directive. Elrond complied and sank into a deep and healing sleep.
Cirdan had watched the exchange in puzzlement. He eased the half-elf onto the cot and covered him with a blanket. He resolved to go speak with the healers. What could the youngling have possibly done in the span of two or three hours that had sapped all his strength?