Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters, settings, or events I have taken from Tolkien's works. I just can't help writing about them.

A/N: All right, enough apologizing. I'm doing the best I can, and I hope to finish this story soon. For the moment, I am on Spring Break, so I hope to write more later in the week.

To wellduh... - Welcome on board. I appreciate your straightforward comments on the story line and characterization. Thanks!

WeasleyTwinsLover1112- Well, I did take as long updating again, but it's longer this time! I really am trying to make it up to you...

Samus- To be quite frank with you, sometimes I wonder where the story is going too. I didn't plan to write this long of a story when I started, and I certainly didn't expect it to develop as it has so far. I think I've got the next section planned, but we'll see. Thanks for sticking around.

Lexilee- I like that. I'm glad you're enjoying reading, because I'm definitely enjoying writing.

Tigerlily- You know, I thought hotter was better for fevers too, but my mom's medical book says otherwise, at least for fevers caused by wound infection. You can't get the person too warm because the fever might overheat the body and cause massive destruction (think proteins denaturing...). I really enjoy your input.

KaterineKasdorf- You are correct: Eowyn is a complex character to capture. I think there are many different ways to view her from Tolkien's writings. I'm glad you think I'm keeping Rohan's culture true. Sometimes I worry that I'm butchering Tolkien with my story. Thank you for continuing to follow my story. I am really enjoying reading yours.

Now on to Erin...


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13) Vigil

A lone bird called out, low and sweet, heralding the coming dawn. The thick darkness was broken only by a faint lightening on the horizon, a slight fading of the lowest stars. The solitary bird cry rippled through the shadows, full of hope.

Erin stood watching the tinge of light touch the dark heavy outlines of the mountains. Eowyn had not yet woken and Erin was determined to leave her that way for as long as possible.

After stirring up the small fire once again Erin returned to Herubrand's side. He had not moved at all during the night, even when Erin carefully supported his head and spooned water down his throat.

The growing light was now visible in the tent. A soft rustling caught Erin's attention. She rose to find Eowyn sitting up on the other cot. The lady's brow creased as she looked around.

Is it dawn already? I thought I told you to wake me in a few hours so you could rest.

Erin gazed squarely back at her, eyes wide and smile innocent. You did, my lady, but I was not tired and you need your rest. After all, you need a clear head to lead your people! Erin's overly cheerful response evoked a laugh from Eowyn.

I suppose you had plenty of time to fashion that glib response while you watched the rider?

Of course I did, my lady.

The smile fell off Eowyn's face. She indicated Herubrand. Any change?

Erin shook her head. No, my lady, he has neither moved nor woken.

Eowyn nodded and went to the bedside.

Okay, Erin, now's the time. I've seen him through so far, and when it comes down to it, I want to be there for him. He's only a little older than I am, the same age as a lot of my friends back...home. I've got to stick it out.

Erin cleared her throat.

Eowyn, I have a request. With your permission, I would like to continue to care for Herubrand until he has recovered.

Eowyn looked at Erin, surprised. Are you certain, Fara?

I am.

Eowyn rose and cradled Erin's face in her hands, probing her. Erin opened her mouth to explain her reasons, but Eowyn dropped her hands and nodded slowly.

You have my permission, Fara. I understand.


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Simbel arrived soon after, accepting the decision without a blink. She had brought with her a stretcher, two stout poles with a length of cloth between them.

Eowyn was called out to help mediate a problem in the lower camp so Erin and Simbel continued on their own. A tent had been set up nearby for supplies and the two swiftly arranged for the supplies to be moved.

They fitted the tent with the bare necessities: two cots, a stool, and a small table. Then they returned to the sick rider.

Simbel faced the bed, hands on her her hips and head cocked slightly to one side.

Very well, Fara, this is what we shall have to do. We will set the stretcher on the floor. You must lift Herubrand's shoulders while I lift his feet. Once he is on the stretcher we shall be able to carry him easily.

Erin bent over and grasped the young rider's shoulders. Before leaving, Eowyn had found a fresh shirt to replace the rider's torn and bloodied one.

Now Erin could feel heat rising through the shirt. Herubrand's fever was still rising, ever so slowly, but the new shirt was dry of any perspiration.

Leaning over him, Erin whispered softly, Herubrand, just so you know, we are about to move you. It may be uncomfortable, but the new tent will be much better for you. It'll just take a minute.

I know, I'm doing it again, talking to him when he's unconscious and can't hear a word I'm saying. It makes me feel better, though. I'd like someone to tell me what's going on if I was hurt. She lifted her eyes to face a raised eyebrow from Simbel.

Are you ready, Fara?

On Simbel's count, the two hoisted the limp young man off the bed and lowered him onto the cloth stretcher. Erin took a firm grip on the poles and again followed Simbel's lead. As they raised the stretcher to carry it out, a moan escaped Herubrand's lips.

Oh my gosh. I'm being too rough with him. I'm trying to lift smoothly. This means that wherever his mind is, he can still feel pain. I'm so sorry, Herubrand...

Erin's wide-eyed gaze met the older woman's calm reassuring smile. Okay, remember, deep breaths. In, out. In, out...


With the rider settled safely in a bed, Simbel drew Erin over to the table and began to lay out packages from her satchel.

The small dried white flowers with the yellow centers were to boil in water to make a hot drink that would help Herubrand sleep quietly. The salve was to place on the wound after cleaning to promote healing. Some boiled down and dried broth, when put in hot water with herbs, was a healthy and easy meal for the rider; if he awoke later, dried vegetables could be added to make it more filling. An ointment would reduce the pain of the wound. A different herb, when bound in with the bandages, helped to keep away infection. And this other herb, when boiled...

After the healer had explained everything, she asked Erin to repeat it back. It took Erin several tries to keep the various herbs straight, but when she felt confident Simbel led her through cleaning the gash and replacing the bandage.

Before leaving, Simbel gave Erin once last instruction.

If he starts to have chills, you may make him just warm enough to stop his shaking. He still needs to stay cool to counteract the fever. Erin thanked Simbel, then began her long watch.


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Around midday, Erin was startled to hear Herubrand begin to talk. He was incoherent, mumbling really, but it was the first sign of life he had shown since being moved. He began to toss his head, growing more agitated but not moving the rest of his body.

Erin sat through it all by his side, holding his hand and talking constantly in a low voice to soothe him.

It's like talking to Windfola when he gets spooked. As long as I sound calm, he is a little better. If this keeps up, though, I may lose my voice.

The fever subsided some, and Erin resumed her attempts to get fluid into Herubrand. She gently spooned warm herbal tea into his mouth, taking care that he actually swallowed.

The scent helped calm her and keep her head clear, even in the dim confines of the tent. Midway through the afternoon, however, Herubrand's fever jumped again. He began coughing, the dry, tearing sound ripping through Erin's mind.

After wiping his face and chest to cool them, Erin made a hot compress out of cloths and some of the herbs. Simbel had not given her instructions of what to use for a compress, but she thought she remembered reading about it in a book somewhere.

Maybe Little House on the Prairie, or something like that...

It worked, at least for the time, as the fever went down, and Erin was able to get fresh water and take a small break sitting on the stool. She was energized by her concern, and a short visit from Eowyn around dusk found Erin alert and optimistic.

I think he's over the worst of it, Eowyn, and he should be fine tonight.

Worn out from a long day, Eowyn soon returned to her own tent, leaving Erin alone by the side of her sick charge.


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The next morning found Erin still seated by the sickbed. Herubrand had begun to cough again in the night and his fever was high, though the wound seemed to be healing well.

Early in the morning, the tent flap opened and Eowyn ducked in.

How is he, Fara?

He still has not woken, and he has begun to cough. I cannot get it to stop.

The lady nodded gravely and knelt down with her head on the rider's chest. She stayed motionless for a few moments listening to his labored breathing. Then she rose, brushing off her skirts.

I believe that it would help if you boiled water with some herbs in it. The steam in combination with this- she indicated a pouch of dried brown leaves -is said to ease difficulty breathing.

Erin smiled gratefully. I certainly hope it works, because the sound of the cough stops my heart every time.

It surely does. Now Fara, have you had any food yet today? It is past time for the morning meal.

Erin shook her head. I know it is, but I have no desire for food at the moment. I will eat later.

As you wish, Fara. Now I must go make arrangements for the coming muster in Edoras.

Erin curtsied a farewell to her mistress and Lady Eowyn reentered the sunlit day outside.


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Hunched over the water heating on the fire, Erin crumbled dry brown leaves into the pot and inhaled the sweet fragrance deeply.

Where am I?

Erin spun at the weak voice coming from the bed. Herubrand had pushed himself up a little to look about and sat regarding Erin, a look of confusion on his face. She strode over to the cot and sat down.

You are in the camp of the Rohirrim at Dunharrow, rider.

What day is it?

Erin had to stop and think.
Today is the sixth of March. You arrived with your message the evening of the fourth. You have been very ill.

Has my lord Theoden come?

Not yet. You are the only one to have arrived.

He leaned back in the bed, tired from talking. Erin observed him in concern. Though he was coherent, his green eyes were a little dim.

She placed the back of her hand against his forehead.

Herubrand, you still have a fever. Do you think you can eat some soup if I help you?

The young man nodded weakly and followed Erin with his eyes as she removed the herb water from the fire and replaced it with a small pot of soup she had set to cook during the night.

You are very young to be a healer, are you not? Erin laughed at the inquiry.

I'm no healer. I am a maidservant to Lady Eowyn and I have been helping you under the instruction of a real healer.

Is my horse all right?

Your horse is under very good care. Right now you need to concentrate on getting yourself better.

He closed his eyes and was silent.

Once the broth and vegetable were warm, Erin ladled out a steaming bowl full and brought it carefully to the bed.

Setting it on the table, she said, Herubrand, I need you to open your eyes now.

He obeyed. With Erin holding him in a sitting position, Herubrand managed to eat most of the bowl of soup before exhaustion set in. Setting the spoon down, he looked at Erin quizzically.

You already know my name, but I do not know yours, maiden-who-is-not-a-healer.

Erin laughed in delight. You have a sense of humor! Somehow, that makes taking care of you worthwhile. I am called Fara.

Then I thank you for your assistance, Fara. He attempted a small bow, but grimaced in the attempt.

That reminds me. I need to change your bandage. Lie back down.

She began to remove his shirt; he protested in embarrassment. Erin faced him squarely, hands on her hips.

Don't be ridiculous. I have taken care of you for two days now. This is nothing new. You just weren't awake before. If you do not cease this nonsense immediately, I shall be forced to ask Lady Eowyn for assistance.

He blanched and let Erin complete her task without further comment.

I'll have to remember that one. Now what did I do? Erin allowed herself a hidden smile.

I just acted like Simbel.


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Herubrand woke coughing late in the afternoon, so Erin began to heat the herb water again. When she went over to check on the rider, though, his eyes were glassy and stared at her without recognition.

He began to call out names unknown to Erin, coughing punctuating his hoarse cries. Erin worried that he would re-injure himself in his agitation, but he soon slid into a quiet doze.

So much for the worst being behind us, Erin though grimly, brushing his dusty hair away from his face.

Then the chills began.

Herubrand's fever soared. The burning heat of his flushed face mocked the violent shivers that wracked his body.

Erin longed for Simbel's help, but the healer had not come by and Erin was afraid to leave the fevered rider even for a minute. She built up the fire and wrapped extra blankets around his shoulders and legs.

At times, she sat on the bed holding Herubrand's shoulders to keep him stable during the wracking coughs that tore through his slender frame.

Through the night Erin battled against the fever and chills raging through his body.

For the time, her entire world consisted of the small tent and its occupants, centering on the young rider fighting for every breath.


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In the darkest hours of the morning, Erin finally noticed a change in Herubrand's breathing.

Rising from feeding the fire yet again, she listened to his breaths. They were slow and even and he seemed to be sleeping.

His forehead was cool to the touch and damp with sweat, as were his bedcovers and shirt. Erin wiped his brow and changed his shirt and blankets.

The fever had finally broken and Herubrand was sleeping peacefully.

As she sank to the floor beside the bed, giddy with relief and exhaustion, Erin heard a lone bird cry ripple through the darkness, heralding the coming of the dawn.


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Simbel came to the tent at midmorning. Erin greeted her with a broad, though tired, grin.

The fever has finally broken and he is sleeping naturally, Simbel!

The healer's face creased into a wide smile. You have done well, young Fara. He is well on the way to recovery.

Erin described to the healer Herubrand's progress, learning more remedies from Simbel's comments.

The story finished, Simbel looked at Erin piercingly. And how are you doing, young one? Have you taken care of yourself?

Erin brushed away the question.

I'm perfectly fine now that Herubrand is getting better.

The older woman looked unconvinced at the sight of the shadows under Erin's eyes, so Erin rose and motioned toward the sleeping rider.

Would you like to check to see if there is anything else I should do?

The healer rose and walked to the bed.

I think I shall.

While the healer looked over the rider, Erin walked over to the tent entrance and gazed outside. Breathing in the crisp mountain air, Erin leaned against a tent pole.

Wow. I really am tired. I wonder if taking care of sick people is always this draining. I'll ask Simbel what she thinks.

She turned and stepped back inside, intending to put the question to Simbel.

Before she could take more than a step, though, the world began to spin before her eyes.

She grabbed for something catch her balance as she saw Simbel whirl to her feet and start forward, but the world spun out of her grasp into complete darkness as she fell to the floor.