Estel's Encounter in the Woods Chapter 6
Disclaimer: Nothing in this story is mine. Only J J Tolkien's
Except the herb, Onora, that is mine.
...
Estel awoke and yawned, feeling tremendously better, but also a little lost and nervous. He honestly didn't know where he was. He lay there on his make-shift bed, watching the shadows on the cave ceiling, and enjoying the smell of the smoke from the fire. He had liked the smell of a campfire, since he had been a child. He looked up as he saw the stranger enter the cave, and Estel smiled at him. He was the only person who Estel completely trusted out here in the wild; he was very honest, and that's what he needed out there, as well as someone who knew their way around out in the wild.
"Good morning, my , it's good to see you awake and feeling better."
"Who are you sir, and where are we?"
"It's a beautiful day outside. Warm, sunny and bright. You should go out and enjoy some of this wonderful weather today, while I go make a small breakfast."
"Who are you Sir, and where are we, exactly?"
"I was out for a minute or two earlier. I couldn't see anything , anywhere, and, it was chilly. I couldn't even see the stars. It was very depressing. I can only see, and feel the warmth of the fire in the cave. That's where I feel safest. and the most comfortable."
"Why can't I see outside in the fog when you and the animals, including the wolves, can and I can't. It's very confusing. What can I do? Help me, please?"
"You still can't see? I can't help you right now, but I know it will get better soon. I promise. But not being able to see out into the fog, is very strange, indeed. I see out very well. But I do have very good eyes. Maybe that's part of it?"
"I have very good eyesight as well," Estel grinned at his friend
."Well, I guess that must not be the the reason, then. You got me there, young man."
"What actually happened?" Estel was getting frustrating.
"Two or three days ago, I got separated from my troops while fighting Orcs in the South. I'm usually not that careless. But I'm tracking them down. I'll find them. It might just take a while. The troops cannot be that far away. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a few Orcs along the way."
"Thin I saw a pack of black wolves viciously attacking you and I guess you and I both got lucky because I showed up when I did. It was lucky that I chose to hunt for my friends down that particular road at that moment. I flew down the road, jumped down from my horse, slaughtered most of those creatures, and chased off the rest. Then I brought you here to this cave, and here you are."
"So you saved me...thank you very, very much. I owe you my life, my eternal gratitude and my good friendship."
"You are very, very welcome. I was impressed that you had fought them with such ferocity, as long as it took for me to come along and help. Especially since you couldn't see in the dark. You are a very brave young man. I am also very proud to call you friend." .
"I don't know where I am now, and I'm sure my horse went home when the wolves arrived."
"I'll help you find your way home. Don't worry. By the way, I have fresh bread, cheese, and an apple for you. I already ate."
"Thank you..."
"Who is my rescuer, Sir?"
The man had wavy, almost shoulder-length brown hair, a 2 or 3 days' stubble growth ;had very tall and light gray eyes. To Estel, he seemed somewhat quiet, a thoughtful person who took his time before answering anything. He was very friendly and quick to smile, and laugh, but he had an interesting, commanding presence and carriage .And at the same time he was a little pondersome and curious.
"Sir? What is your name, who are you"?
"You are are the most stubborn, curious, adamant, and determined young man I have ever met!"
"I've been told that my whole life, especially by my Adar and my Nana. I've been wondering when you would figure that out!"
" I did quite awhile ago, I just didn't say anything,"
"I noticed!" he stated, grinning at his friend.
He hesitated a moment. "It's Kinegaeyl. My name is Kinegaeyl. It's a bit unusual, but it's mine...and everyone should be proud of who they are."
"And you are a Dunedain?"
The horseman laughed. " My kind can't seem to hide it very well from anyone!"
"I would love to be a Dunedain."
"I'm sure you'll be a strong and wonderful fighter when you get a little older. You already have a lot of courage. Just work more on that, weapons practice and self-protection...and never forget your neighbor, friend or stranger. Help them always when they are in need of help. Everyone is important and worthy."
"Ive heard that a lot of that in my life, but it's always nice to hear it again. Especially when it's from you. I'm not sure why?"
"Do you have a family?" Estel asked him with fascinated curiosity.
Hesitantly he answered, "I had a beautiful wife and children."
..Estel was very interested. "What were they like?" he asked.
"Well, my children were very sweet ,wonderful, and happy children. I miss them so much.
"And what about your wife?"
"Well, she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and had the pleasure to meet and get to know. She had the most beautiful long, chestnut brown hair and the most piercing gray eyes, that almost looked silver. She was happy and cheerful and easy to laugh; my whole world disappeared. They all died at our farm in a fire while I was gone getting food and goods. Oh, how I wish I had stayed with them, perished with them; that I had been with them and not the sole one to have lived. I never did find out what actually happened to start the fire."
"Oh, how awful for you. I am so sorry. A fire? What a horrible way to die."
It's ok, young one, it happened long ago. Anyway, so who is the young man I saved?"
"My name is Estel."
"Estel, huh? It's a very strong, courageous, name. Estel...I like it very much."
"Thank you very much, Kin..um..Kin? Estel's friend gave him a mischievous smile." My parents are my mother, Gilraen, and my stepfather, Lord Elrond of Rivendell."
"Imladris? " I know the Peredhels, most do. But I haven't seen them in a long time.. I would would really to go and see them again, and talk about old times. But I guess I am going there anyway considering I'll be taking you there."
"Yes, we could have you for dinner, or a day..or 're very kind and hospital people/Elves, actually.."
"So, Estel, are you an only child?"
"Yes, I only have the two beings I have mentioned and Elladan and Elrohir.."
"The twins...your Elven brothers, I would guess."
"Yes, they are," they both smiled.
"Well, Estel, you mentioned a mother,"
"Yes, my mother and father were both human. My father died when I was a very young child. My mother and I moved to Rivendell after that and we have been there ever since.. My mother will do just about anything for me.I guess I'm spoiled. She worries a lot about me, though."
"Well, how about we get back to discussing your wounds."
"I feel so much better, but how?" HOW had his deep, nasty wounds, scars, broken bones, etc. heal so quickly when he had suffered so much. He had been ripped to shreds and it felt like a miracle. He knew he would never forget the attack, but he felt so much better that at the moment, he took the opportunity of getting it off of his mind, for a short while.
"Estel it is an extremely rare herb, called Onora that works much better than Athelas. It's like a miracle drug. I doubt Elrond know about it. I'll give you some in your pack. Do NOT lose it and let your father have it for his studies and hopefully to help others."
Kinegaeyl removed the bandages covering his whole body, to help the wounds air out and to heal them a little better and more quickly. He checked all the wounds to see how they were healing. It was so very much better than before.
"Are there any particular places where it really hurts?"
"Well, it still hurts a little all over," he grinned at Kin."
"Well, Estel, you have no fever and you're coming along very well. I'm going to give you another dose of herbs. They will do wonders for you, you know, Estel. Your wounds and scars are starting to disappear. They are almost gone, "
"But how have the scars been healing? How can... herbs do that? I will never understand that."
"Estel, Go sleep for now and I'll be here if you want or need me, all right?"
Hopefullyl we can leave tomorrow. I'm sure you will be will be well enough to travel...
TBC...