Just an FYI: The following chapter has some graphic, ah, medical imagery in
it not for the squeamish...So perhaps this should be rated PG-13...I don't
think it's an R...But anyway.....I am just warning you....
Changing, I decided I would stay in my room. Though not exhausted, I did not have the energy to deal with the dining hall or the Hall of Fire.
But I did want to see Hennar.
I knocked on Lord Elrond's study door and when I did not get a reply, I opened it and peeked in.
Candles were burning at his desk, and the fire was lit. I could hear nothing, so deciding Hennar might be alone, I crossed the room and stuck my head around the archway. Hennar turned to look at me, startled and sadly, she DID look slightly afraid. Poor thing! At least coming here I knew the Elves might be indifferent at most, but were not nasty.
I put on my biggest smile and came over to her and said in careful Westron "Good evening Hennar. I am Marie." I held out my hand and she took and gently shook it once.
"How are you feeling?" I was going to try out all the phrases I had learned from the lexicon.
"I am tired." She answered, realizing I was trying out a new language, she didn't flood me with a torrent of questions.
"How is the baby?"
"Baby is..... good." I nodded. I looked around the room. There was a goblet sitting there. I sighed, and then looked in it. It was only half-full. So I figured I could save the elf lord a little work.
"I can help you with this cup." I know kind of awkward, but I was just learning!
I stood, and lifting her head gently, I brought the goblet to her lips. She put a hand around mine, but did not turn away, and in a few minutes, she had finished it. I smiled and lay her back. On the small table by the window (where I had sat so many times with my bum leg, which I rubbed as I thought of it) I saw a tray of food. I could do this too.
"Food for you Hennar, all right? For the baby?"
I went and brought it back. There was a bowl of broth and some bread and some kind of pureed fruit. It smelled like peaches.
Again, I helped her sit up and bringing the bowl to her lips, I helped her drink at least half of it.
When she was finished with that, she waved away the pureed fruit.
"Come you must eat Hennar. The baby."
"No more. My stomach not good." I frowned slightly. Maybe the baby was just upsetting her.
"Water?" I saw the carafe nearby and poured her a goblet of that. She shook her head and then sighing, brought her mouth to the goblet's edge. Smiling, I got her to drink a glass. Water was always good.
Putting the glass aside, I was just sitting back, when I turned. Elrond stood in the archway smiling.
"Good evening Marie, thank you for your help," the elf lord said in Westron.
"No problem. I was thinking Hennar might be a little lonely, and I know you are busy with your sons being back and all." I stood, answering in Old Dwarvish because my Westron was not up to speed yet. "I can always help here my lord. I know how it is to feel like a fish out of water."
He smiled and nodded. "Well, I need to examine her and change the dressings."
"Do you need help?"
"Your presence may be all the help I need to ease her mind."
"All right. Oh, she just said her stomach was upset."
Nodding the elf lord bent down and talked quietly to the timid Hennar. I could only pick up a few polite words as I imagine he was mostly talking about bandages and salves and stuff.
So helping Hennar undress and giving the elf lord a hand with the old bandages and the new, I tried to make the young woman feel more comfortable.
She let the two of us move her around as the bandages were wrapped and salve applied, silent the whole time. I tried to give her smiles and say 'thanks' and things, to put her at her ease. She looked kind of wan and pale to me as we worked.
When we were done I helped her back on with her chemise. As I was cleaning up the dirty bandages and all, I noticed Elrond laid a hand on her lower abdomen and he was frowning slightly. He left his hand there a moment and I could swear it glowed briefly. Hennar's eyes were closed. Poor lamb! I washed my hands in the bathroom and came back out, just as Elrond was pulling the quilt up. Hennar was obviously asleep. I followed the elf lord out to his study.
"Is she all right? What were you doing there with your hand? I mean, I could swear there was a glow of light---"
Elrond looked at me, one eyebrow went up and he shook his head slightly. "Nothing unusual occurred Marie. The baby," he sighed heavily, "the baby is not doing well. She wants to give up."
"Oh no!" He knew the baby wanted to "give up?" I looked at him and sat in one of the chairs before his desk. You know, just when I think I have the elf lord figured out, he does something to remind me he's WAY older than anyone I know, and an elf and.I just have no clue as to the extent of his, his power or abilities. I kind of hunched back into my chair idly rubbing my arrow wound. I should know by now to never underestimate Lord Elrond.
"Does it ache?" Startling me out of my thoughts, I looked at him. "No, no, really, just thinking."
Moving to his medical cabinet, he put away the pot of salve he'd been using on Hennar, as well as the unused clean linen. Taking a carafe he poured me a goblet of wine and handed it to me. I paused as I took it, looking into the clear depths.
Laughing he said, "It is wine, nothing more Marie!"
"Well, you got it out of your cabinet there."
He poured himself a goblet as well and then lifted it slightly and drank from it. Feeling foolish, I took a sip. Ahh, it was a very light white. Excellent. I took another swallow, smiling over the edge of the goblet.
Holding the cool silver goblet on my lap, I looked at him. "About Hennar's baby.does that mean, well, she may miscarry?"
"Perhaps. I have done what I can."
Sighing, I knew that was quite a bit. But if Hennar's body decided the baby must go, I am not sure the elf lord could stop it, nor should he.
I drank my cup of wine in silence, and then realized as I finished it, I probably should have not done that on an empty stomach, because now I was feeling even more tired. Sighing, I place the goblet on the edge of his desk and rose. "Well my lord, I think I shall retire. Thank you for the wine." Covering a yawn, I bowed slightly and left.
The elf lord remained silent behind me.
I woke up in the middle of the night. A dream I guess. I lay there and stared at the ceiling of my room, what I could see lit by the one candle at my bedside that was sputtering as it was just about to go out.
I could not remember what had awoken me and I rubbed my head, yawning. My thoughts again went to Hennar. I wondered what her family would feel about this whole situation? Would they care? Or think somehow she had not been a dutiful wife and was getting only what she deserved?
I turned over on my side and stared out the arches of my room towards the corridor. I wondered as I did every now and again whether time where I was from and time here in Middle Earth coincided or would it be as if nothing had happened? I rolled over again: As if none of this had happened? All of this?? Oh please I hoped I would never forget any of it!
These thoughts were not going to help me go back to sleep. Rising, I went to my wardrobe and pulled on a long woolen robe of green over my shoulders. Maybe a little walk would help.
In spite of my resolution to leave, Hennar had kind of taken over my thoughts at the moment. My problem could be taken care of anytime, but Hennar's needs were more immediate and critical. I found myself walking down the corridor to Lord Elrond's study. I paused outside the closed door, and was about to turn away, when I decided to see if she was sleeping. Because what if she wasn't? She must be feeling pretty lonely.or maybe I was feeling a bit lonely. Especially since I knew I was going to leave.
Sighing, I opened the door. Kind of knowing where the furniture was, my passage through the study was also helped by the dim bed of coals in the study fire, which made a little light.
I walked slowly to Hennar's room and was startled to see her bed empty! And with the bedside candelabra lit I could see no one in the room either. Then I heard a moan from the bathroom, and I ran in there, and found poor Hennar on the floor, grasping her stomach.
There was a pool of blood beneath her.
"Oh my goodness! Hennar!" I grabbed some towels and stuffed them between her legs.
"Hang on Hennar!" I turned to get Elrond. "Wait! Hold Hennar!" I said in Westron and as fast as I could, banging into only one chair leg, I ran down the hall to the elf lord's suite of rooms which lucky for all concerned weren't that far away.
Before I could lift a fist to pound on the door, Elrond was there and swept past me. I ran to keep up.
"It's Hennar my lord! She's miscarrying!!"
"I know Marie!" His speed was amazing, and I was barely half way down the corridor when he entered his study.
Finally catching up, I dashed into the room. He had already lifted Hennar off the floor and settled her back in the bed. I went into the bathroom and brought out the whole pile of towels.
Hennar was still moaning and clutching her stomach as we carefully and quickly lay towels around and under her. Lord Elrond did not bother with settling her but put both hands on her lower abdomen and I heard the whisper of Quenya. I pulled Hennar's hands away from her stomach and held her close.
As she struggled, I kept saying her name over and over, trying to keep out of Elrond's way and soothing the poor woman. A pale blue light warmed the side of my face, and I barely could see Vilya or his hands, which were burning as bright as sunlight as he directed his formidable healing energy into stopping the hemorrhaging. It was so bright I had to turn my eyes away.
Finally, he lifted his hands, and Hennar's struggles slowed and finally ceased. Placing her hands carefully at her side, I took a deep breath and turned to Elrond. The smell of blood was sharp and metallic.
His hands slipped between her legs, where he used the towels to clean her as well as he could. I turned and went into the bathroom and got some of the warm hot spring water in the hand washing basin and brought it to him. I then went and got the pitcher and filled that up as well.
I silently helped him bathe her. He picked up her limp form as I stripped the bed.
"She can I have my room until a fresh mattress is brought. I can sleep on a couch or something."
"That won't be necessary Marie. I shall put her in the solarium in my suite. There is a couch in there."
Nodding, I went and got her a clean chemise from the wardrobe in the corner.
"Stay with her a moment Marie. I need to make some absorbent pads for her and get a few other supplies."
I nodded again, tears filling my eyes as I held up her unconscious form. The baby must have been lost then. I held Hennar close, her head between my head and my shoulder. To have this happen after finally being rescued from her miserable life!
Elrond put a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him, tears running down my face. He softly touched my cheek and then gently lifted Hennar out of my arms and went out of the room.
I followed carrying the chemise and the supplies he needed.
Making her comfortable on the couch and settling her, he lay a hand on her abdomen one last time, briefly. An expression of sorrow crossed his face and then he tended to her needs.
After getting her into the clean chemise, he made a cordial, which with my help he got her to drink without waking her or causing her to choke. Watching him, I realized my ridiculous shows of stubbornness had been for nothing. He slowly covered her up.
"If you want, " I said in a whisper, "I can sit up with her while you get some sleep." I knew I wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, I was on such an adrenaline rush. And all that blood.
"Thank you for your generous offer Marie, but I do not need to sleep."
"But what if she awakes! She'll need some comforting and, and well, you and I know she's been rather nervous here and all." I ducked my head. What a lowering thing to say to someone who had been nothing but kind. But he must know I was correct.
He put a hand on my shoulder again and gripped it slightly.
"All right then. Call me if there is any change. I shall hear you." He quietly got me a chair with some cushions and I got comfortable as he left and went back to his room.
It was a long rest of the night.
I held her hand part of the time. And dozed a little bit too.
But finally when the sun came up, I watched as it warmed her pale features. I ran a hand down her face. What a life I thought for the millionth time! What a life.
I brushed tears away again.
Hennar moaned and moved her head from side to side. I put a hand on her forehead and I could feel slight warmth. Sighing, I knew I better get Elrond.
I got out of my chair and twisted my neck back and forth to get out the kinks, yawning and then I turned and bumped right into the imperturbable elf lord. He caught me and smiled and then went over to Hennar, doing what I had just done. He turned and picked up a goblet, which already had cordial in it. I must have missed that last night.
Again he gave it to her without awakening her and laying a hand on her forehead once more, I could see her face relax into sleep.
I stood there smiling at her and then rubbed my face. Oh, but when she awoke...
"Come Marie, I think it's time you got some sleep as well."
I nodded, yawning. "But you must tell me when she awakens, I, well I want to be there,"
"And so you shall." He put a hand to my back and directed me out of his suite. "Do not fear, she will sleep for sometime."
As I walked down the corridor I watched the rising sun sparkle through the convolutions of the thick vines that grew on the outer edge of the corridor we walked down. As they were leafless, I could see it was a lovely morning. And it wasn't even very cold.
But blinking, all I could see in my mind's eye was Hennar and all that blood. I gulped. I am glad I had not eaten anything. I rubbed a hand across my face and would have kept walking, but Elrond caught me by the elbow and turned me into the arches to my room.
I went ahead of him and slipped into the bathroom to wash up. As I was already in my chemise, I just crawled into bed. I thought I was going to drop off right away, but I didn't.
He pulled the blanket up and I bit my lip. "Poor thing! And she is all alone!!" I stared out into my room sightless, not realizing I murmured "All that blood!" out loud.
"No, she is not Marie. We are here." His eyes reflected the sunlight out in my patio and caught my attention. "I appreciate your help this night. You eased Hennar's fears a great deal."
I smiled up at him and before I could say anything more, he lay a hand over my eyes and I sank into sleep instantly.
With no dreams.
Changing, I decided I would stay in my room. Though not exhausted, I did not have the energy to deal with the dining hall or the Hall of Fire.
But I did want to see Hennar.
I knocked on Lord Elrond's study door and when I did not get a reply, I opened it and peeked in.
Candles were burning at his desk, and the fire was lit. I could hear nothing, so deciding Hennar might be alone, I crossed the room and stuck my head around the archway. Hennar turned to look at me, startled and sadly, she DID look slightly afraid. Poor thing! At least coming here I knew the Elves might be indifferent at most, but were not nasty.
I put on my biggest smile and came over to her and said in careful Westron "Good evening Hennar. I am Marie." I held out my hand and she took and gently shook it once.
"How are you feeling?" I was going to try out all the phrases I had learned from the lexicon.
"I am tired." She answered, realizing I was trying out a new language, she didn't flood me with a torrent of questions.
"How is the baby?"
"Baby is..... good." I nodded. I looked around the room. There was a goblet sitting there. I sighed, and then looked in it. It was only half-full. So I figured I could save the elf lord a little work.
"I can help you with this cup." I know kind of awkward, but I was just learning!
I stood, and lifting her head gently, I brought the goblet to her lips. She put a hand around mine, but did not turn away, and in a few minutes, she had finished it. I smiled and lay her back. On the small table by the window (where I had sat so many times with my bum leg, which I rubbed as I thought of it) I saw a tray of food. I could do this too.
"Food for you Hennar, all right? For the baby?"
I went and brought it back. There was a bowl of broth and some bread and some kind of pureed fruit. It smelled like peaches.
Again, I helped her sit up and bringing the bowl to her lips, I helped her drink at least half of it.
When she was finished with that, she waved away the pureed fruit.
"Come you must eat Hennar. The baby."
"No more. My stomach not good." I frowned slightly. Maybe the baby was just upsetting her.
"Water?" I saw the carafe nearby and poured her a goblet of that. She shook her head and then sighing, brought her mouth to the goblet's edge. Smiling, I got her to drink a glass. Water was always good.
Putting the glass aside, I was just sitting back, when I turned. Elrond stood in the archway smiling.
"Good evening Marie, thank you for your help," the elf lord said in Westron.
"No problem. I was thinking Hennar might be a little lonely, and I know you are busy with your sons being back and all." I stood, answering in Old Dwarvish because my Westron was not up to speed yet. "I can always help here my lord. I know how it is to feel like a fish out of water."
He smiled and nodded. "Well, I need to examine her and change the dressings."
"Do you need help?"
"Your presence may be all the help I need to ease her mind."
"All right. Oh, she just said her stomach was upset."
Nodding the elf lord bent down and talked quietly to the timid Hennar. I could only pick up a few polite words as I imagine he was mostly talking about bandages and salves and stuff.
So helping Hennar undress and giving the elf lord a hand with the old bandages and the new, I tried to make the young woman feel more comfortable.
She let the two of us move her around as the bandages were wrapped and salve applied, silent the whole time. I tried to give her smiles and say 'thanks' and things, to put her at her ease. She looked kind of wan and pale to me as we worked.
When we were done I helped her back on with her chemise. As I was cleaning up the dirty bandages and all, I noticed Elrond laid a hand on her lower abdomen and he was frowning slightly. He left his hand there a moment and I could swear it glowed briefly. Hennar's eyes were closed. Poor lamb! I washed my hands in the bathroom and came back out, just as Elrond was pulling the quilt up. Hennar was obviously asleep. I followed the elf lord out to his study.
"Is she all right? What were you doing there with your hand? I mean, I could swear there was a glow of light---"
Elrond looked at me, one eyebrow went up and he shook his head slightly. "Nothing unusual occurred Marie. The baby," he sighed heavily, "the baby is not doing well. She wants to give up."
"Oh no!" He knew the baby wanted to "give up?" I looked at him and sat in one of the chairs before his desk. You know, just when I think I have the elf lord figured out, he does something to remind me he's WAY older than anyone I know, and an elf and.I just have no clue as to the extent of his, his power or abilities. I kind of hunched back into my chair idly rubbing my arrow wound. I should know by now to never underestimate Lord Elrond.
"Does it ache?" Startling me out of my thoughts, I looked at him. "No, no, really, just thinking."
Moving to his medical cabinet, he put away the pot of salve he'd been using on Hennar, as well as the unused clean linen. Taking a carafe he poured me a goblet of wine and handed it to me. I paused as I took it, looking into the clear depths.
Laughing he said, "It is wine, nothing more Marie!"
"Well, you got it out of your cabinet there."
He poured himself a goblet as well and then lifted it slightly and drank from it. Feeling foolish, I took a sip. Ahh, it was a very light white. Excellent. I took another swallow, smiling over the edge of the goblet.
Holding the cool silver goblet on my lap, I looked at him. "About Hennar's baby.does that mean, well, she may miscarry?"
"Perhaps. I have done what I can."
Sighing, I knew that was quite a bit. But if Hennar's body decided the baby must go, I am not sure the elf lord could stop it, nor should he.
I drank my cup of wine in silence, and then realized as I finished it, I probably should have not done that on an empty stomach, because now I was feeling even more tired. Sighing, I place the goblet on the edge of his desk and rose. "Well my lord, I think I shall retire. Thank you for the wine." Covering a yawn, I bowed slightly and left.
The elf lord remained silent behind me.
I woke up in the middle of the night. A dream I guess. I lay there and stared at the ceiling of my room, what I could see lit by the one candle at my bedside that was sputtering as it was just about to go out.
I could not remember what had awoken me and I rubbed my head, yawning. My thoughts again went to Hennar. I wondered what her family would feel about this whole situation? Would they care? Or think somehow she had not been a dutiful wife and was getting only what she deserved?
I turned over on my side and stared out the arches of my room towards the corridor. I wondered as I did every now and again whether time where I was from and time here in Middle Earth coincided or would it be as if nothing had happened? I rolled over again: As if none of this had happened? All of this?? Oh please I hoped I would never forget any of it!
These thoughts were not going to help me go back to sleep. Rising, I went to my wardrobe and pulled on a long woolen robe of green over my shoulders. Maybe a little walk would help.
In spite of my resolution to leave, Hennar had kind of taken over my thoughts at the moment. My problem could be taken care of anytime, but Hennar's needs were more immediate and critical. I found myself walking down the corridor to Lord Elrond's study. I paused outside the closed door, and was about to turn away, when I decided to see if she was sleeping. Because what if she wasn't? She must be feeling pretty lonely.or maybe I was feeling a bit lonely. Especially since I knew I was going to leave.
Sighing, I opened the door. Kind of knowing where the furniture was, my passage through the study was also helped by the dim bed of coals in the study fire, which made a little light.
I walked slowly to Hennar's room and was startled to see her bed empty! And with the bedside candelabra lit I could see no one in the room either. Then I heard a moan from the bathroom, and I ran in there, and found poor Hennar on the floor, grasping her stomach.
There was a pool of blood beneath her.
"Oh my goodness! Hennar!" I grabbed some towels and stuffed them between her legs.
"Hang on Hennar!" I turned to get Elrond. "Wait! Hold Hennar!" I said in Westron and as fast as I could, banging into only one chair leg, I ran down the hall to the elf lord's suite of rooms which lucky for all concerned weren't that far away.
Before I could lift a fist to pound on the door, Elrond was there and swept past me. I ran to keep up.
"It's Hennar my lord! She's miscarrying!!"
"I know Marie!" His speed was amazing, and I was barely half way down the corridor when he entered his study.
Finally catching up, I dashed into the room. He had already lifted Hennar off the floor and settled her back in the bed. I went into the bathroom and brought out the whole pile of towels.
Hennar was still moaning and clutching her stomach as we carefully and quickly lay towels around and under her. Lord Elrond did not bother with settling her but put both hands on her lower abdomen and I heard the whisper of Quenya. I pulled Hennar's hands away from her stomach and held her close.
As she struggled, I kept saying her name over and over, trying to keep out of Elrond's way and soothing the poor woman. A pale blue light warmed the side of my face, and I barely could see Vilya or his hands, which were burning as bright as sunlight as he directed his formidable healing energy into stopping the hemorrhaging. It was so bright I had to turn my eyes away.
Finally, he lifted his hands, and Hennar's struggles slowed and finally ceased. Placing her hands carefully at her side, I took a deep breath and turned to Elrond. The smell of blood was sharp and metallic.
His hands slipped between her legs, where he used the towels to clean her as well as he could. I turned and went into the bathroom and got some of the warm hot spring water in the hand washing basin and brought it to him. I then went and got the pitcher and filled that up as well.
I silently helped him bathe her. He picked up her limp form as I stripped the bed.
"She can I have my room until a fresh mattress is brought. I can sleep on a couch or something."
"That won't be necessary Marie. I shall put her in the solarium in my suite. There is a couch in there."
Nodding, I went and got her a clean chemise from the wardrobe in the corner.
"Stay with her a moment Marie. I need to make some absorbent pads for her and get a few other supplies."
I nodded again, tears filling my eyes as I held up her unconscious form. The baby must have been lost then. I held Hennar close, her head between my head and my shoulder. To have this happen after finally being rescued from her miserable life!
Elrond put a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at him, tears running down my face. He softly touched my cheek and then gently lifted Hennar out of my arms and went out of the room.
I followed carrying the chemise and the supplies he needed.
Making her comfortable on the couch and settling her, he lay a hand on her abdomen one last time, briefly. An expression of sorrow crossed his face and then he tended to her needs.
After getting her into the clean chemise, he made a cordial, which with my help he got her to drink without waking her or causing her to choke. Watching him, I realized my ridiculous shows of stubbornness had been for nothing. He slowly covered her up.
"If you want, " I said in a whisper, "I can sit up with her while you get some sleep." I knew I wasn't going to sleep anytime soon, I was on such an adrenaline rush. And all that blood.
"Thank you for your generous offer Marie, but I do not need to sleep."
"But what if she awakes! She'll need some comforting and, and well, you and I know she's been rather nervous here and all." I ducked my head. What a lowering thing to say to someone who had been nothing but kind. But he must know I was correct.
He put a hand on my shoulder again and gripped it slightly.
"All right then. Call me if there is any change. I shall hear you." He quietly got me a chair with some cushions and I got comfortable as he left and went back to his room.
It was a long rest of the night.
I held her hand part of the time. And dozed a little bit too.
But finally when the sun came up, I watched as it warmed her pale features. I ran a hand down her face. What a life I thought for the millionth time! What a life.
I brushed tears away again.
Hennar moaned and moved her head from side to side. I put a hand on her forehead and I could feel slight warmth. Sighing, I knew I better get Elrond.
I got out of my chair and twisted my neck back and forth to get out the kinks, yawning and then I turned and bumped right into the imperturbable elf lord. He caught me and smiled and then went over to Hennar, doing what I had just done. He turned and picked up a goblet, which already had cordial in it. I must have missed that last night.
Again he gave it to her without awakening her and laying a hand on her forehead once more, I could see her face relax into sleep.
I stood there smiling at her and then rubbed my face. Oh, but when she awoke...
"Come Marie, I think it's time you got some sleep as well."
I nodded, yawning. "But you must tell me when she awakens, I, well I want to be there,"
"And so you shall." He put a hand to my back and directed me out of his suite. "Do not fear, she will sleep for sometime."
As I walked down the corridor I watched the rising sun sparkle through the convolutions of the thick vines that grew on the outer edge of the corridor we walked down. As they were leafless, I could see it was a lovely morning. And it wasn't even very cold.
But blinking, all I could see in my mind's eye was Hennar and all that blood. I gulped. I am glad I had not eaten anything. I rubbed a hand across my face and would have kept walking, but Elrond caught me by the elbow and turned me into the arches to my room.
I went ahead of him and slipped into the bathroom to wash up. As I was already in my chemise, I just crawled into bed. I thought I was going to drop off right away, but I didn't.
He pulled the blanket up and I bit my lip. "Poor thing! And she is all alone!!" I stared out into my room sightless, not realizing I murmured "All that blood!" out loud.
"No, she is not Marie. We are here." His eyes reflected the sunlight out in my patio and caught my attention. "I appreciate your help this night. You eased Hennar's fears a great deal."
I smiled up at him and before I could say anything more, he lay a hand over my eyes and I sank into sleep instantly.
With no dreams.
