Hebo Estel

Hebo Estel

Chapter 4

As Elrond gathered as many of his precious supplies as he could, he slowed for a moment and took a deep breath to slow his racing mind and his racing heart. How could Estel, who knew at the very least the basics of general medicine, let his condition deteriorate so far? And worse yet, how could Elrond not seven have noticed.

Tears filled his eyes as waves of guilt washed over him. Elrond was a master healer, able to perceive the slightest change in a wound, the beginnings of a temperature. And yet, he was so involved with the need of the injured villagers he was too busy to notice the needs of his son, too busy to care.

Elrond snapped his thoughts off. This was no time to be dwelling on past mistakes and "if-onlys."

Arms full, Elrond scurried to Estel's quarters, balancing bottles upon bottles upon bowls and mortars. Elrohir was still sponging Estel's face, but there was a new face in the room as well. Elladan sat on the other side of the bed, stroking Estel's arm, whispering to him soothing words of elvish.

"Ada," stated the twin. "I heard commotion. I sensed something wasn't right. What has happened?" Elladan looked bewildered. His usually serene face was somber and serious.

He looked from his Elvish son's face to his human son's. Elrond finally got a chance to take in Estel's appearance. Hair and skin damp with fever. His skin was almost as fair and pale as an elf's, which says a lot for a main who spent weeks outdoors in the sun. The exception of his pallor came in the form of two pink blotches on the apples of his cheeks, which seemed to glow as indicators of his high fever. Dark circles surrounded his eyes and his lips were parted and chapped with dehydration.

How could I have been so foolish? My own family was in greater need then some of those villagers, and I noticed nothing. He could die because of me. I am his father, I should have noticed.

Elrond shook his head to clear his thoughts. Again, now was not the time to give himself a mental lashing. He organized his numerous bottles on a large table in the room.

"Elladan, remove his shirt so I may better access his wound. Elrohir, get the fire blazing, he will be cold."

No more was said as all three elves set out to do their tasks.

Elladan gently removed Estel's damp shirt being careful to not jostle him too hard. As soon as the thin but appreciated layer was removed Estel weakly moaned and started to shiver violently. Not knowing what else to do, Elladan pulled the covers Estel's bed up and gently rubbed his body to warm him.

"Elrohir, please boil a generous amount of water. We'll be needing it" Elrohir now had the fire blazing and nodded in understanding to his father.

Elrond prepared a mixture of healing and cleansing plants and applied them to a cloth. He pulled down the blanket that Elladan had recently pulled up. Estel's shivering increased but it didn't stop Elrond from continuing with what was necessary. He gently but firmly placed the cloth over the wound and held it there to ensure the medicine's contact.

Estel cried out in pain and squirmed trying to get away from whatever was causing him so much pain. A new fire within his belly had been lit by touching the wound and he was now in agony.

Each twin grabbed a shoulder trying to hold their brother down. They knew it was imperative for their father to clean the wound, no matter how painful. Before long Estel slipped back into the sweet oblivion of unconsciousness, the pain too much of a monster for him to face. The three elves continued working the silence of the room, no one knowing what to say.

Elrond finished cleaning the wound and packed it with moistened athelas. He then went on to brew some ginger tea in hope of getting Estel to drink. Dehydration would not help him in this battle. He also added the first dose of the precious combination of plants that should counter the poison.

Elrond brushed back Estel's damp hair from his forehead and allowed his fingers to travel down his son's neck to find his pulse. It was rapid which concerned the healer but it was strong; a good sign. He also noticed Estel's breathing rate had increased as well, but it was expected. Estel was in a great deal of pain. As long as a careful eye kept watch it should be all right.

"Estel. Iôn vuin, open your eyes. You must drink. You're not getting enough fluid. We must also make sure we get rid of the poison that runs through you right now. Come now, lets get you well." Estel moaned but still would not open his eyes.

Elrond pushed a little harder. "Edlosto Estel." You must."

Estel finally complied with his father's wishes and slowly opened his eyes.

"Dan?" Estel questioned.

"Ni sí nestad gen," replied Elladan. "I am here to help."

Taking this as their cue, Elladan and Elrohir maneuvered Estel into a siting position, his back propped up by several pillows. His head lolled backwards from lack of energy and muscle strength. Each twin kept in arm around him to support him should he lose strength completely and fall.

Elrond stepped forward with the cup of lukewarm tea consisting of ginger and his homemade antidote to the orc poison. Estel held his arm out to grasp the cup.

"It's alright Estel. I will help you drink. You may not realize it yet but your muscle coordination is lacking as well as your strength. As the poison courses through your body it impairs your body's ability to send messages to and from your brain. Just rest."

Estel nodded to his father. "Alright Ada."

Elrond gave a gentle smile to the young man and sat on the bed to help him drink. The first sip was bitter and caught Estel off guard. He coughed and sputtered, struggling to regain control of his breath. Though the concoction wasn't the best thing he had ever tasted, it was liquid and he was thirsty. He greedily drank it all without any complaints.

"Good Estel. If only you were always that easy to give medication to," joked Elrond

Estel gave the best smile he could manage which unfortunately for him turned into a small coughing fit. Elrond frowned upon hearing this unwelcome sound. He hoped he hadn't underestimated the strength of the poison. He might have to up the dose or strength of the medication in order to stop its progression. While Estel was being entertained and kept busy by his two brothers, Elrond managed to get another glimpse at the area around the wound, since the wound itself was packed.

The small amount of happiness that had just briefly peaked through Elrond's demeanor was now gone. The lines that had previously just been extending maybe an inch from the side of the wound had now grown by a few inches each. This was not a promising sign for Estel. But there was no need to alarm him now. He needed to concentrate on getting better, not the possibility of getting worse.

Elvish:

Iôn vuin-beloved son

Edlosto-wake up

Ni sí nestad gen- I am here to heal you.

Ada-father

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