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Hebo Estel- Chapter 5 (Updated)

Estel could feel his father's wonderful medicine running through his body now, working its "magic." He found it slightly easier to breathe, the aching throughout his entire body had been dulled to a more blunt pain and he was more at ease.

"Maybe Ada slipped in some sort of sedative," thought Estel. "Whatever I drank, it's wonderful."

Elladan and Elrohir were both still sitting on opposite sides of Estel, not only keeping their brother company but keeping an eye on his as well while Elrond prepared the next dose of medicine. Before leaving, Elrond had expressed his concern to his two older sons about the wound and the lingering poison. They needed to get it controlled fast if they wanted to spare Estel's life.

But under no circumstance was this to be mentioned to Estel. He needed to focus all his energy on defeating whatever was running through his system.

Estel smiled as he listened to the stories his two brothers recalled; tales of hunting and adventure with Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. What he wouldn't give right now to be out hunting with Legolas. Or even just out of bed, healthy and full of energy. But unfortunately with the type of luck Estel had, that wouldn't be happening any time soon.

Estel lay back against the soft pillows as he continued to listen. He didn't want to disturb or alarm his brothers, but he wasn't feeling right. A pit of nausea had settled in his stomach and was slowly gaining strength.

"Oh no," he thought. "Please, not now. I'm too tired. I don't know how much more of this I can take."

Estel must have been frowning as thought ran through his head because it was Elladan's worried voice that brought him back to the conversation in the room.

"Estel, are you alright? You don't look right, have we upset you? Or is your wound beginning to bother you again? Should I go get Ada?"

Elladan was out of his seat and at the door before Estel found his voice. "Elladan no! Really, I'm fine. I just lost myself in my thoughts. Please, continue. I enjoy your stories."

Elladan studied Estel's face for a moment trying to detect any hint of a false answer but he could see none. So he continued with the story.

Certain that Elladan wouldn't be running to Ada, Estel made himself comfortable against the pillows again. But it was only moments before he felt the nausea bubbling up inside him. He tried to take deep calming breaths, in through his nose and out through his mouth. He swallowed in attempts to keep everything where it should be. Unfortunately he only had enough time to croak out "basin" before it was needed.

Both twin brothers reached for Estel, Elrohir being the closest to the table and grabbing the basin as well.

This went on for minutes. Estel was miserable and had to be held up by his brothers as he continuously emptied his stomach of its contents. After what seemed like hours all Estel was able to do was to be caught of guard by the continuing dry heaves. Luckily Elladan was able to take this time to get Elrond while Elrohir took a damp cloth to Estel's face and mouth, whispering soothing words.

Estel just moaned in response, miserable and exhausted with chills racking his body. His closed his eyes awaiting the arrival of his Ada, anxious to be held in his arms again. Even at his age, being a young man, Estel still seeked comfort in the arms of his father at times like this.

Just moments later an anxious and worried Elrond appeared in Estel's doorway. He moved swiftly to Estel's side and stroked his brow.

"Estel, how are you feeling?"

"Sick, Ada," was the only reply he got.

Elrond sighed. "Just the nausea or is there any pain? Any strange feelings?"

"I'm cold," muttered Estel. "Cold and sick to my stomach."

"Elladan, boil some water for me so I can prepare some ginger tea. That should help settle your stomach." As Elrond gave his instructions he made his way over to Estel with a small glass of water in his hand. He put the cup in front of Estel's lips encouraging him to drink.

"No Ada. I'll just throw up again. I don't want anything."

Elrond frowned. "Estel you know as well as I do that you need to stay hydrated, especially if you're vomiting. Please, just a few sips. We will take it slow."

Estel grimaced but didn't argue any further. He took the cup from his father and took a few small tentative sips. So far so good. He took a few more draining about half the cup before handing it back to his father.

"We shall see how that sits and if you can keep it down you need to finish the rest."

Fifteen minutes later the water was still where it should be and the ginger tea was ready. "Alright Estel. Let's try some ginger tea. How is your stomach feeling."

Estel frowned but gave a truthful answer. "Not as bad as before Ada, but it's still upset."

"Let's try the tea then. Just a little for now. How about that?" Estel took the steaming cup from Elrond and once again took a few tentative sips to test his stomach. Again, things stayed down. So he drank a little more not really realizing how thirsty he was until he tasted the refreshing tea. Again he drank about a third of the cup and handed it back to his father.

"Let me see your wound Estel. Lift up your shirt please."

Estel did as he was told and Elrond thoroughly inspected it. "Well, from what I can see there has been no spread, but no recession of the poison either. We'll just have to wait a little longer and continue on our planned course of action. How are you feeling now?"

All eyes turned to a pallid and pasty Estel. Any color that was previously in his face was no gone and his eyes were screwed shut. "My stomach Ada. Drinking wasn't a good idea." He groaned and clasped an arm to his abdomen before curling up on his side.

"Elrohir hand me a basin please. Estel sit up, it will ease your discomfort." Elrond and Elladan helped ease Estel up onto his pillows in attempts to curtail the nausea. Estel moaned with the movement.

"Deep breaths Estel. Just relax."

Estel couldn't contain it any longer and quickly grabbed the basin from his father. He almost groaned with relief as he emptied his stomach. But the relief was short lived. The vomiting continued longer than last time and was more violent. His stomach began quivering with fatigue and his arms shook with exhaustion. His brothers held him up over the basin just as his arms gave out…and the vomiting didn't.

Elrond wiped Estel's face trying to comfort him. He quickly grabbed some fresh mint from the table and crushed it in steaming water holding it next to Estel.

He hated to say it but if the steaming mint didn't work he didn't know what to do next. Estel was going to become quickly dehydrated and this would only worsen his condition.

Estel inhaled deeply. The mint soothed his tired and aching body. He could feel gentle warm hands supporting his shaking frame.

"Mmmm," he groaned. The nausea had subsided greatly and he could feel his body slowly being pulled into deep unconsciousness. Before he gave in he looked up at whomever was lowering him into a lying position on the bed.

"Elldan."

"Welcome back Estel. You gave us quite a scare. How are you feeling?"

Estel paused briefly before answering. "Tired. Sore. Not sick to my stomach anymore. S'nice."

Elladan grinned, as did Elrond who was seated next to him. "I'm very pleased to hear that. "

"Yes Estel. That is good news. It means you are on the way to recovery. I have checked your wound while your were unconscious. The antidote is finally counteracting the poison. Might I ask you a question?"

"Of course Ada." Estel turned to face his father.

"Why were you so against coming to me for help? "

Estel swallowed a large sigh. Why did his father have to confront him?

"I'm a grown man Adar. I wanted to care for myself. It is always I who is sick and it is most likely I who ends up injured." He sighed and wearily rubbed his face.

"Estel, that is nothing to be ashamed of. You are a strong man, but even the strongest of us become ill or get injured. You must learn to accept help, not doing so will become a weakness."

"I know Ada. And after this, I don't think I will ever forget this lesson."

Elrond chuckled. "Nor I. I estimate another weak at least of bed rest, poultices, and my special tea.:

Estel grinned. It felt good to be home, and on his way to recovery. " I wouldn't have expected anything less."

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