Lord of the Rings Fanatics Plaza

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"Ah, I am not even sure this one is a proper warhorse, though," Hadassa said gently - she was very much fond of the mare though she suspected she had been assigned what could not be called a very good warhorse. "While she has been taught well, she is so docile, so... peaceable. I have trouble seeing her in a battle properly." She ran her hand along the horse's neck and seeing that her companions were ready to travel on, urged the mare to move back towards the middle of the road.

"Well, while I'm away, she is all mine yes," the girl said with immense satisfaction. "Tell you what, Xyler," she lowered her voice conspiratorially, though still loud enough for Melahny to hear to include her in the conversation. "If I could find some odd job in Mundburg to earn some extra coin, I would even attempt to buy her off cavalry, if at all possible. Even my cat has grown fond of her..."

Hadassa adjusted herself in the saddle more comfortably, and then could not help but chuckle. "A bodyguard!" she exclaimed. "I might surely be more of a bodyguard than a healer, though I promise not to give away any secret locations of rare plants if I end up being in the know."

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Traveling
Melahny and Cocoa

Melahny grinned at Xyler, "Don't worry, I don't share my secret spots, that's how I keep acquiring rare things. Like this flower--it is so useful in healing tinctures. However, it can be a pain to find because it blends so well with the landscape."

Melahny laughed at Hadassa's comment good naturedly, and made a clicking sound with her tongue to get Cocoa moving along. "Oi, don't lag, you," she said, nudging the horse forward with her foot. Cocoa had been trying to stop for some grass but moved along at Melahny's cue. Good. She needed to kick any bad habits now as it was her and the mare's first long journey together.

"I hope you can keep her," Melahny said to Hadassa. "If you are fond of her. Horses are true friends." She patted Cocoa on the neck and enjoyed the peace of the fresh air and sky and the ease she enjoyed from life on the road.

FLASHBACK RP - Private with @Rillewen

“To find ..?” The words stalled as the woman stared, not at her benefactor for that would have been rude. But to her lap, as it turned out. As though the answer might be found there. In a way it was. The garb she was wrapped in gave it away, if her muted accent did not, for any who would recognise. Gondor. Home .. And that was what was expected of course. That a person should want to find home. But what happened when they’d left the one behind to find another ? She did not even have a good reason, or at least a reason that anybody else seemed to understand.
Brown eyes closed and opened again, as they had closed upon that chapter of her life and opened upon this. Whatever this might inevitably prove to be.

“No,” she swallowed even over the quiet denial. “Gondor is where I started,” she confessed, as her saviour persevered with offering directions .. to go back where she had come from. “I left ..” she said, and stopped. What words might pursue those few then offered as an explanation were hard to admit. To explain.


As though recognising this difficulty, the healer, Aérlyn, had changed their subject to one more important. Not the past. But the present. The future, even. The small babe sleeping, peaceful in a warm house, his stomach satisfied. His lungs soothed, his skin almost rosy. “He is better, here,” his mother could not help but observe. She felt so grateful to their hostess, and for now could only do as told. Sip the broth. It hurt to slide the chunks of hearty food down the chalky chimney of her throat. As though to accept this kindness should choke her. For the healer gave her answer, and it was not what her guest would have guessed.

Raising her wide eyes to better gauge the other’s state, Elspeth ran a thoughtful gaze over Aérlyn’s expression. The evidence of weeping, the care which had been shown. The Gondorian had begun to privately debate whether this kindly Rohir healer was in fact Estë, or Nienna, come from the ranks of the Valar to help her. But now the chances of their saviour as a deity were lessened, even though their plan seemed ever more clear. It seemed that perhaps Aérlyn was in need of help for herself. The Gondorian fought words of want against her will and did not trust herself to speak yet. The fates had brought her to a woman who had lost a child. It was a hard thing indeed to see a soul enter this world, only to see that same soul leave it. Few perhaps would have undergone such misery, if there were not a war. There had it seemed for ever been a war though. As a healer, as the Rohir had named herself, perhaps she had seen more than her share. Of leaving. It was not a concept which the Gondorian was unfamiliar with either. Except she tended to be the one who did the leaving, not so much the being left behind. She was getting rather devastatingly good at all the leaving.


“He has eighteen months,” she agreed with the healer’s estimation on her child’s age. “I think, .. given the change of seasons we have seen together. Your country does show the seasons more with such flourish,” the Gondorian tried to explain, without admitting that she had lost count in several places for a short time. The bowl of stew was warm where she had set it so that she could relay details. Oblige her benefactor. She shifted the small source of warmth so that it would not burn through her thin dress, albeit unwilling to lose it’s warmth entirely. She was the moth drawn and burned all at once by the flame.

“I did not expect the cold,” was an understatement. “Last winter I had work, just stuffing mattresses with straw. But we were indoors then. Only,” she swallowed over the disappointment that explaining forced her to relive, “women without babies to mind can work so much faster, and so we were replaced. They turned us out. He didn’t cough or cry before then. They never even realised that he was .. there. But after, it seemed always since then. I do not know if he did not like to leave, or it was breathing in the straw perhaps .. was not good for him. Maybe that was why they made us leave.”

There was a want to see the good in the people who had been good to her, for so long. Though the baby had been the cause they had cited that they could not stay, it was hard for a mother to look at her child and believe that any other could be turned against him. It was not his fault none of this. He deserved .. better.

“Everywhere we stopped then was a place we could not stay. There had been trouble with .. strangers .. Dunlendings ..” the Gondorian paused, her mind recalling of the healer’s loss. A healer, not so young to likely have a small child now of her own, but who had suffered a recent loss. And what might then kill a grown child in Rohan, recently .. ? It seemed wrong to suppose without evidence, of course. She wet her lips and wrung the fingers of one hand in the other. Now that they were warming, it was clear that one finger had worn a wedding band for some time, now some time since removed. The paler thin trace of skin gave the hint of a history away without her needing to tell it.

“Everyone had their own troubles. Their homes were destroyed, their people injured. They needed to receive help, and could not provide it .. Still someone, I remembered, he had spoke to me of a good place. He said he came from Wyndhorne. So I came .. we .. we have come. He told me where but it was a while ago. You are not easy to find.”

The chances of them coming across the very right village, purely by chance, in the middle of nowhere .. was quite a feat and perhaps a long tale to swallow. But it was the truth. The fates of the world had seen fit to show their mercy to the innocent little boy, and allowed them to come here. She was beginning to realise only now, why. Some Vala somewhere was looking out for those who needed help most. Bringing all the pieces of a puzzle together.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
Xyler smiled, considering what Hadassa had said about getting a job. "I'm sure you could find something. Perhaps Nal or Eryn will be able to help you with that," he suggested, figuring they would know better than him where she might be able to get a job, and one or the other could suggest someplace. After all, if she was going to stay there the whole time he was there, she'd surely need to find some way to support herself, right?

He grinned though when she protested at his use of the term bodyguard. "Just teasing, you should know by now that's almost all I ever do." He laughed. He smiled then toward Melahny. "In case you can't tell, we've been friends for a little while now." He explained with a little grin. "Anyway, we should still be able to find a few of them in bloom," he returned to the topic of Edelweiss. "If you'd waited much later though, they would've all been done blooming and it'd be much harder to find."

Listening as she spoke to Hadassa about the horses being true friends, he reached forward and rubbed Dusty's ears. "Hear that?" He asked, whispering as if sharing a secret with the horse. "Are we going to be good friends like that?" He wondered, then sat back upright and patted his neck lightly. Hopefully they would be. He was still getting to know the horse well, and figured he was getting to know Xyler as well. "What have you done with the little furball, anyway?" He asked, looking over at Hadassa as he recalled her comment about her cat. "Don't tell me you've got her stashed away in one of those saddlebags," He raised an eyebrow with a little grin.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"They don't really give horses away at the Cavalry, I think, but..." Hadassa repeated the thought, her voice trailing away in quiet expression of faint hope. "I might have to find a different horse for my own."

She then glanced at Xyler sideways. "Teasing or not, but apparently I still have to make sure you get there and back again in one piece. Might as well call me bodyguard if you are so inclined," she said very seriously at first, and then let out a merry laugh. "And... what did you think I'd do with my kitty when I am off for a year give or take? She's not opposed to travelling, so I do indeed have her with me," she explained and nodded towards one of the bags. "She's a very patient passenger, though might have to let her out for a walk at some point."

After a moment of silence, Hadassa turned her attention back to gathering herbs, a topic quite unfamiliar to her. "Say, what exactly is that Edelweiss good for? Not that I'll know how to find it or use it, just curious," she asked, looking from Xyler to Melahny.

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Melahny smiled at the two companions' banter. "Do you two travel together often?" she inquired. They were getting closer to the mountains now and the air would begin to get a bit cooler soon, especially at night. The fall air was crisp and clear and the sun was beginning to dip past midday now. Melahny took out a sandwich she had packed and ate as she rode.

Xyler mentioned the time of bloom for her flower and she nodded in agreement, "Yes, that's why I must travel through the mountains first to gather the Edelweiss and some other mountain herbs before venturing onward to Gondor. I have pretty much everything else I need for my trading; this will be the last stop so to speak, before doing business in Gondor for several months this winter."

Winter was the perfect time for her to do some steady trading. She'd travel through different settlements and cities throughout Gondor for several months then head towards warmer climates for the remainder of the winter to gather more things.

As Hadassa discussed the topic of her horse, Melahny nodded in understanding, and then a cat was mentioned and Melahny turned around in her saddle to see an adorable little kitty poking out of one of the saddle bags. "How sweet!" Melahny exclaimed. "What's the kitty's name?"

As Hadassa mentioned the flower, Melahny explained, "Well it can be used for several medicinal purposes; commonly for stomach and digestive problems. I use it in my gut-health tinctures. It can also be used to clear the lungs from illness. There are some areas in the world where it's very expensive because it only grows in mountain regions."

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
"Us? No," he answered Melahny's question about traveling. "We have traveled together once before, to go to my grandmother's house. We had two other friends with us, then. They wanted to see the village, so I took them there." He explained. "But this is the first time since then that Hadassa and I have traveled together. And it's definitely the furthest I'll have ever been from home." He added, slightly nervous, but excited as well.

He grinned over at Hadassa when she mentioned having brought her cat. "Good, we shouldn't have to worry about mice invading our camp, then?" He asked, teasing. A moment later, he spotted the cat poking her head out of the saddlebag. "Aww, hello there.. Britta, wasn't it?" he glanced at Hadassa for verification, but seemed to recall it was something like that.

As they rode onward, gradually reaching the winding path upward to the secluded village, Xyler nodded slightly as he listened to Melahny's reply about the flower. But he had something to add. "It's also useful for respiratory problems," He added, remembering his own experiences with that. "Coughing and other throat problems, stuff like that." He explained more clearly. "You can also use it to keep your face from getting pimply," he had to add. "I used to get sick a lot as a young child," He explained. "I became.. very familiar with this particular flower."

@Ercassie

She fell silent as the young mother explained that she had left Gondor. Aérlyn nodded slightly, feeling perhaps it was best not to pry too deeply. She remained thoughtful while the woman sipped her broth, as Aérlyn had suggested. She had, in fact, put mostly broth in her bowl, though there were still plenty of vegetables and meat available in the bowl, if she should want them. Still, she had anticipated that she might need warming liquids mostly, at the moment. "What may I call you, by the way?" She wondered. "I am Aérlyn," She told her, though she thought she'd given her name before. But, the woman was likely distraught, and may have forgotten that by now.

The mother's comment, that her son was better now, brought a soft smile to the healer's face. "Yes, he's much better now," She assured the woman, with a glance toward the sleeping baby. He looked so small, and it was evident in his size that the mother had been struggling to provide for them. Hearing he was eighteen months old, Aérlyn was a little surprised, for she would have guessed him younger than that, based on his size.

Quietly, she looked back at the mother and listened to her tale, with only a small smile when the woman mentioned how nicely the land here showed the seasons. And an understanding little nod, when she mentioned how unexpected the cold was. Yes, Gondor was further south, and though Aérlyn had not gone there but a few times, she knew that the climate was warmer, there. And the mountains, here, where Wyndhorne was located... they were much colder still.

Straw... Aérlyn cast another glance at the infant, wondering if he had developed any issues from breathing in the straw. It was known to cause respiratory problems, and he did have that bad cough. He stirred, but didn't wake. His little throat sounded a bit raspy to her, but she hoped it was only a lingering effect from his previous coughing and crying. To hear the rest of the mother's story, that they had been constantly turned away, that no one would help this mother and her baby, it wrung her heart. How could anyone do that? She blinked back tears as she kept her head turned away, toward the sweet baby sleeping nearby.

Dunlendings. It was always the Dunlendings, wasn't it? She swallowed back a lump trying to swell up in her throat, and blinked a few times to prevent tears from welling up in her eyes. Then, hearing about someone who had told her to find Wyndhorne.. Aérlyn's curiosity grew stronger than her sorrow for a moment. Drawing on her inner strength, she turned back to the woman. Very few who were familiar with Wyndhorne would have directed a stranger to come here to get help. Very few who knew where Wyndhorne was.. would have been away wherever it was that she met him. "Someone.. told you?" She asked, her thoughts already leading her to suspect who this person might have been. She hesitated, almost unsure if she wanted to ask, but at the same time, she did. She wanted to know. "Who was he?" She asked softly, trying not to be too eager. Still, she felt that she had to know. "What was his name?"

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"Heh, I hope we won't get tired of each other as we travel," Hadassa laughed and added her view on her and Xyler having travelled together a lot. "Though having companions makes travel much more enjoyable, no?"

She then leaned over ever so slightly while keeping reins steady and peeked at the cat who had decided to peer out at the surroundings and breathe some fresh air. "She is Bretta, yes, and..." the young woman's dark eyes sparkled with merriment. "She is a very good mouser indeed, that being a reason why both of us were not tossed out on the street upon discovering that I've trying to keep her secret."

"Sugar, no," Hadassa corrected her seat again and urged the mare back to movement when the horse had decided that the change in guidance meant she could relax and pluck some of the more delicious grass. Even though now that they were taking a path higher up it might be more difficult to come by very good grazing grounds for horses.

She thought a bit over the matter of usefulness of the mountain herb, and then pondered: "Edelweiss seems to be a very useful plant, though not readily available. I'm usually trying to get by with those that can be easily obtained when in need. Getting sore throat every so often after training out in rain and mud and such."

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Melahny listened to the conversation as Hadassa and Xyler answered her inquiries. "Oh, yes travelling with companions certainly passes the time. I encounter a lot of different folk on my travels, and I do hear some interesting tales!" Melahny chuckled, thinking of some of the dwarves, elves, hobbits, and other people she'd met throughout her journeys.

Then she saw the kitty poking her head out again and smiled to herself, remembering the little barn cats that used to populate her parents' barn. She privately thought it was a bit impractical to take a cat on the road, and she hoped the kitty was well trained and would not wander off when they made camp.

Melahny nodded at Xyler as he mentioned some more uses of the Edelweiss flower. "Yes, precisely," she agreed. "But I hope your health has improved since then? Did you grow up in the mountain village?"

"Yes it can be difficult to obtain the proper medicine one might need, that's where herbalists like me come in. There are some remote areas that are very dependent on trade," Melahny replied to Hadassa.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
"You know you wouldn't have been tossed out on the street," Xyler reminded Hadassa with a little laugh. "I may not know a whole lot about cats, but my offer was good any time you might have needed it." He shrugged. He was glad to hear though, that Hadassa hadn't gotten into trouble over the cat. He smiled at the furry little face peeking out from the saddlebag, and hoped she wasn't very skittish about strangers.

The path was a bit steep as they gradually ascended up the mountain, and he was focusing on keeping Dusty from trying to stray or lag. "Oh, yeah," He assured Melanhy after she expressed concern about him. "That was all mostly when I was little. I mostly grew out of it, though.. occasionally if I'm around a lot of hay, it'll bother me a bit." He usually tied a handkerchief around his nose when he was getting some hay for his horse, but didn't comment on that. "And, yes," He smiled. "I did grow up in Wyndhorne." He answered.

"My grandmother raised me, and I grew up helping her and learning all about healing. Last year she decided that I shouldn't spend my whole life there, tied to being her helper always, and so she sent me to Edoras to become an apprentice healer, and learn from them things that she couldn't teach me. Now, they're sending me to Gondor to learn even more, from the healers in Minas Tirith. It's said that the king there has passed on some elven healing skills and knowledge, and things like that."

He was actually quite excited about having a chance to go and find out whether this was true, but even if it wasn't, just getting to see the White City, as Unalmis had described it, was exciting. "Have you ever been to Minas Tirith?" He wondered, curious how far Melanhy had traveled, and if she could perhaps tell them more.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"Oh, I would certainly come and seek your help should the things have gone really badly for the two of us," Hadassa responded, still thankful for Xyler's offer to give home to the kitty - even at the time when they had just met and didn't know each other to trust properly, perhaps. Even with cats. Or... Hadassa watched as Bretta disappeared back into the bag - it couldn't be said 'even' about cats, not this one at least.

"I've been trying to be rather self-sufficient," Hadassa replied, without expanding on the reasons behind it. "But suppose one can't have all the possible skills on Middle Earth."

When Melahny mentioned tales, and then Xyler asked about Minas Tirith, the young woman listened eagerly to hear if their companion would have something exciting to tell them, and perhaps some information she could use to protect them better on the way, and maybe even while in the city.

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

Melahny listened to the conversation for a while and nodded as her companions responded to her inquiries. "I'm glad your health has improved then," she told Xyler. "Ah, I see. It must have been a nice village to grow up in."

She smiled at Hadassa's comment, "No, none of us can know or do it all. Except perhaps the Elves, because they live so long, so they have the time ha ha."

"Speaking of which," she turned to Xyler, "perhaps you will find a particular type of medicine or healing that you can become an expert in? We all have our specialties. Healing is such a wide and varied field of study. For me, I have a more specialized knowledge of which herbs to use for which conditions, and how to discover and heal the body from the root cause of the illness, rather than simply treating symptoms. And I'm still learning and adding to my knowledge everyday, of course. But I wouldn't know much about surgery, for example, beyond a basic stitch up. I'm more versed in illness than injury, I suppose. What about you, Xyler? Will you focus on resetting bones and surgeries, or prescribing medicine and compounding herbs? Or some other area of expertise?"

When the conversation then turned to their destination-- Minas Tirith, Melahny nodded knowingly, "Oh yes, I've been there many times. It is a marvellous city. White, glimmering-- beautiful, really. And I don't say that often about cities. I'm a nature woman, and I prefer the forests and fields. But there is also danger there, as in any great city. Be wary of pickpockets and confidence tricksters. Before we even get to the Citadel, we will come through the Pelennor Fields, farmland and small townships. I will do some trading there amongst the farmers first."

"I suppose you'll both be heading straight to the sixth level of the city, to the Houses of Healing?" Melahny asked.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
Xyler smiled at Hadassa. "Perhaps I could teach you some basic healing, sometime. If you want. You've already been such a great help, teaching me how to ride." He reminded her, thinking it would probably make them even if he taught her something in return.

Turning back to Melahny, he considered her inquiry about a specialization. "I don't know," He tilted his head thoughtfully. "I mean, I've never really thought about it. I've always just been a 'general' healer. But, that's why I've begun this apprenticeship, and partly why I was so eager to accept this opportunity to travel to Gondor and learn from the healers they have there." The other part, of course, was for the chance to travel and visit new places and perhaps see their Gondorian friends again.

"My grandmother, she's been the only healer in Wyndhorne for years and years. She said that my father helped her when he was growing up, and then when he grew up, he joined the cavalry as a healer." He smiled slightly. "Then I came along, and Grandma taught me everything she knows, too. So, anyway. She treats all the injuries and illnesses that happen in the whole village." he shrugged. "I don't think she ever really had a chance to go off and learn more specialized things like that. But maybe I will. Who knows?"

He was intrigued by her description of the White City. Unalmis had told them some about it, and then Erynneth had told them about the Pelennor, but that had been a while ago now. "I'm not sure," He answered, when asked if they'd be going straight up to the sixth level. "We've got a friend who lives somewhere in the Pelennor, but I wouldn't know how to find her. Then, we have another friend who lives in the sixth level, in the ranger barracks." He knew this because he had been writing back and forth with Unalmis ever since they met.

When Melahny spoke of pickpockets, Xyler couldn't help a little smile as that reminded him of another friend of his. "Yes.. I'm sure there are." He wondered if he might come across her, but he also had no idea whether she would be anywhere near Minas Tirith. "Are you familiar with the farmers out that way? Do you know of a dairy farm?" He wondered, thinking it might be nice to stop in on their way, especially if they would end up passing close to Eryn's family's farm.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"I wouldn't mind learning some basics," Hadassa said hopefully, and then laughed. "Though I might prove not that bright of a student in this regard."

She listened to them talk about the intricacies of different types of healing and then began to chant: "Broken bones, fix 'em, mend 'em. Cut and stitch, glue the pieces." She cast a mischievous glance at her companions wondering if they might now think that she was actually rather wild and untamed, and not very cultured. "It sounds to me like healers might need a lot of different skills depending on where they work and how many of them are available for the local people, yes?"

Hadassa rode on in silence for a while and then remarked: "If there are only pickpockets, it would not be a big deal. I somehow imagined that the city over there would be very... upstanding? With strict rules of conduct? How to say it. Can't quite imagine baddies thriving there."

@Pele Alarion @Rillewen

"That's great," Melahny replied to Xyler during their healer conversation. "I'm sure you will find many great opportunities during your study."

Then Melahny noticed Hadassa chanting a little song about bones and she couldn't help but chuckle good naturedly at it.

When Xyler mentioned his grandmother, Melahny nodded her understanding and said, "That's wonderful. My mother was a local healer in Edoras. Of course, the cavalry and the King have their own people, but my mother often prepared tinctures and treated the common people in our community--the other ranchers, farmers, and such, our neighbours and friends. I started began learning from her." Melahny smiled but in a sad sort of way. She fell into silence as she thought about what her life was like back then, before her parents died.

When her travelling companions spoke again of the White City, Melahny listened in quietly and responded once they had both finished speaking. "Yes there is a dairy farm... I believe we would pass it on the road we'll be taking into the city. I'll have to double check on my map." She rustled through a saddle bag for a moment and brought out an old piece of parchment that had notes written in ink all over it. Her little notes and labels for places she needed to remember. "Hmm... yes I have a dairy farm labelled on my map here of the Pelennor Fields."

After riding for some more time, Hadassa made a remark about crime in Minas Tirith. "Well," Melahny said carefully. "I don't mean to speak ill of the great city, however, all cities in my experience are a hotspot for criminal activity. The countryside is too, with the threat of bandits. You must always watch your back, no matter where you are, of course..." Melahny paused, then leaned slightly in her saddle towards Hadassa and raised her brows, "But I keep my bags tied tight when I enter the city."

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)

Xyler grinned as he listened to Hadassa's little rhyme, and wondered where she'd picked that up from. "I'm sure you'd be fine. Anyway, a basic bit of education would be helpful in your line of work." He shrugged. "I'm sure there are a vast number of branches that a healer could study," He agreed thoughtfully. "I hope to learn more about that over the next year." He smiled. "I can hardly wait to get there." He felt like this would be a great opportunity to learn new things, and was very much looking forward to meeting the healers at the houses of healing, and getting to explore new things in the world of healing.

"We're fortunate in that we already have two friends who live there," Xyler commented, thinking on the remarks about the pickpockets and such. "I'm sure between Unalmis and Eryn, they can help us steer clear of the shady types." He was not terribly concerned about that, to be honest. He had very little worth stealing, and he had learned a few tricks from his secret friend to keep his belongings safer from thieves.

"I wish I'd found out the name of Eryn's farm," He commented thoughtfully, as Melahny confirmed that there was a dairy farm along the way. "Still, I'm sure we won't have much trouble finding our friends. I've written to Nal to let him know I'm coming," He mentioned to Hadassa. "Though I didn't know you would be joining me. So that will be a surprise!" He grinned. "We've been writing back and forth some, since we met at the spring fest before." He wasn't sure if he'd told Hadassa that. "One of his previous letters mentioned that Eryn had begun an apprenticeship at the houses of healing. So, I bet I'll come across her before I do Nal."

He then turned back to Melahny so as to include her. "May I ask how long your mother worked as a healer in Edoras?" He was curious about that. "I've been working at the infirmary there in Edoras as an apprentice healer. Did she ever work there?"

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"I conclude that being in a company of healers is not that bad," Hadassa chuckled softly. "At least there is no danger of not receiving appropriate medical attention if it would come to it. But perhaps I can learn some things, yes."

She found it interesting to learn more of Melahny's background, now that they were bound to travel together for a while, so she listened carefully both to her and also to what Xyler shared.

"If I'll catch anyone stealing from me they might rather be sorry they did," Hadassa claimed bravely, though she was not sure she'd attempt anything too violent against any perpetrators in a foreign city unless her life depended on it.

She was glad that Xyler and Nal had been writing to each other, and she wondered if she should have started the same with either Nal or Eryn, even though writing still came somewhat difficult to her and she probably made many mistakes.

"It is good that you've been writing to each other," she commented with a smile. "At least he'll know to expect you, with an unexpected addition of me. I do really hope he and Eryn will help us find our bearings in the city; I'm more scared of getting lost there than in a forest."

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion


On a journey - late September

Melahny smiled at Xyler's enthusiasm for healing. It was so youthful and optimistic, or so it seemed to she who'd felt travel worn of late. Not that she didn't enjoy her life--she did. The freedom, seeing new sights, the beauty of Middle Earth. She loved it all dearly. However, being a herbalist and healer, one did encounter a lot of suffering and poverty as well. It could be depressing at times.

Melahny listened to the conversation in silence for a few minutes as Xyler and Hadassa spoke of their mutual acquaintances. She addressed them both, "Oh that's nice-- someone to give you a basic tour is what you'll need. I'm sure we will see each other again before I leave as well; I'll be in Gondor for several weeks. If either of you need assistance with anything, just let me know. I agree with you though," she looked at Hadassa, "I can get my bearings much easier in a forest than a city too."

Then Xyler asked her about her mother, to which Melahny replied, "For most of her lifetime, I think, but she was never at the city infirmary. She just helped people out around the farms and countryside. She also treated the horses-- so she was busy at the ranch. But she died over a decade ago, so..." she trailed off.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
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"Oh, I'm sorry," Xyler answered, sympathetic when Melahny spoke of her mother passing away. "It's always difficult, isn't it?" He offered an apologetic smile. "I hope I didn't upset you by asking." Just because it had been a long time did not take away the sorrow of losing someone, as he knew well enough. "It sounds as if she did similar work to what my grandmother does, so that is something we have in common." He added.

"I agree about the forest, too," He mentioned with a little smile, when both the girls spoke up about that. "I thought Edoras was a huge city the first time I came there, and from what Unalmis tells me, Minas Tirith is not only a huge city, but there are seven whole levels of it!" He widened his blue eyes in amazement at this. "Is each level bigger than Edoras, Melahny?" He wondered, curious what she could tell them about it, having been there.

As they talked, the horses climbed the path upward, and the various sights along the path began to look more and more familiar to Xyler the further they went. Before long, he was able to recognize specific trees along the narrow road, and he knew that after a couple more curves in the road, they would be able to see Wyndhorne ahead of them. That made him excited, for he could hardly wait to see his grandmother again, especially since after leaving this time, he knew it would be at least a year before he could come back.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

Trying to steer herself away from the simple joy of travel and exploration back to her duties, Hadassa appreciated the fact that they had a knowledgeable companion with them now, and a possible additional ally in the city they are going to, along with Nal and Eryn who were there. That counted as safety, right? Even though it had nothing to do with her own abilities as a 'bodyguard'.

When Melahny mentioned losing her mother, Hadassa lowered her head in silence to show her sympathy and thought back to her own loss of people whom she had known as her family.

Once again she guided her wandering thoughts back, straightened slightly in the saddle, and watchfully looked around, just in case there happened to be any trouble lurking behind some crevice or bush. If she was not wrong, they were no longer far from Xyler's village.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

On a journey - late September

Melahny smiled at the other two, "Thank you Xyler," She replied. "Aye, it is difficult, but don't worry you didn't upset me."

When the topic turned back to the city they were headed towards, Melahny replied, "Oh, aye, each level is quite grand. I'm not sure about the size, but certainly the levels are more populated. Rohan is rather a remote area in general, Edoras being the largest settlement."

The time seemed to be going fairly quickly to Melahny, since she had conversation while they rode on. They had been going steadily uphill for awhile now, and they were in the mountain range. The air was fresh and cool and the views were lovely.

"How much farther to the village, Xyler? I think we are close, no?" Melahny asked. She hadn't passed through the mountain village in many years and the paths looked different, overgrown. Although she could see the hill in the distance where she usually searched for the Edelweiss flower.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
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Taking in a deep breath, Xyler couldn't help smiling happily as the familiar sights began to pop up more frequently. "Not far," He answered Melanhy's question with a smile. "I'd say.. twenty minutes? Though I'm not as familiar with riding on horseback, so it could be less than that." He had roamed these parts growing up, and knew the area well.

"What other parts of Gondor have you been to, Melanhy?" He wondered. "I've heard of plenty of other regions.. Pelennor, and Lossarnach, and Belfalas, and Pelargir. I've always wondered what those places are like. I don't suppose we'll pass through any of them, on our way there, will we?" He wondered.

The path was already beginning to show a bit more use, widening a little, and he knew that before long it would open up into the village square, dominated by the huge statue of the Horseman who had such a big part of the village's founding. He wondered if Melanhy knew the story about that, but didn't know if he ought to ask.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"I thought Edoras was a city," Hadassa said quietly after a lengthy consideration of what she had heard, embarrassed that her knowledge did not reach far. "There are a plenty of people there, or it seems to me. I honestly cannot imagine how levels can look no matter how hard I try." She had not been further than Edoras and a couple small villages, and also she had only recently learned to read properly and still had to master handling the maps properly. But at least there was always something to learn.

"Are all those regions different and not just plains as our Riddermark? Well, and a mountain range," she wanted to know. "Seems like an impossibly large plot of land."

At least the trail they travelled on now was small enough to handle without constant wondering. Though she still admired the majesty of the mountain walls rising above them, and the sights below.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
On a journey - late September

"Excellent," Melahny said when Xyler told them about 20 minutes until they reached the village. She would be happy to get off Cocoa and stretch her legs a bit after the constant riding.

"Um, yes I believe we will pass by Lossarnach if we go on the road this side of the mountains to Minas Tirith," Melahny answered. "There are lots of small settlements in Gondor, more than in Rohan."

Then Hadassa asked some questions too. Melahny answered, "Edoras is a city, but it is considerably smaller compared to Minas Tirith, and we're more spread out around Edoras...you know, with farmland, small settlements, and ranches in the area, as opposed to a larger, more densely populated city. And it's all lovely country. There are lots of rivers, mountains, plains, similar to here."

Melahny gazed at the beautiful sunset as the day was ending. It was truly lovely up here, she should spend more time in the mountain range. It would be a great place to relax and take some time off from work and travel.

She wondered if the other two had been outside of Edoras much at all, given the questions they were asking the seasoned wanderer. She frowned, trying to remember if they'd said so earlier or not. She knew they hadn't been to Minis Tirith yet but she wasn't sure if they'd travelled around Rohan or elsewhere at all.

"Have you two travelled beyond Edoras or Rohan before?" she asked, wondering how much--or little--they knew of the path they were taking.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
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"It is a city," Xyler replied, about the same time that Melahny said the same. He went quiet then, hearing that she had more to say on the matter. He tried to imagine a much more packed city, but honestly he had thought Edoras was quite populated and busy. Well, compared to his village, it was extremely large and full of people. What would Minas Tirith be like, he wondered?

He considered the questions that Hadassa had asked about the different regions being different or the same. "I've only looked at maps of those places," He mentioned to her. "So, I think some parts are hilly, some areas are more river-y, and some are more forested.. that sort of thing." He shrugged, and turned his attention back to Melahny as she asked if they'd ever traveled beyond Edoras before.

"Edoras is as far as I've ever been from home," He admitted. "Well..." he paused, hesitating. "not counting a rather unpleasant.. misadventure I ended up caught up in, several years ago, involving some Dunlending raiders..." He cleared his throat. "I don't really know where I was then, so.. I'm not counting that."

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

Hadassa considered the information about Minas Tirith quietly, still having trouble imagining anything much greater than Edoras, but supposedly she would not be able to conjure in her mind something she had never seen before and would just have to wait to see it. And the road there seemed to be interesting, since it sounded like terrain might not be all the same either.

"I have mostly been in and around Edoras, nowhere too far from it. A day or two off to one place or another," she joined in again when Melahny asked of how far they had been before. "I've never travelled that far before." Obviously, considering what she had already said before.

She leaned over slightly to reach out for an interesting plant growing in a crevice on a rock. It seemed to be some sort of lichen and its texture felt rough in her fingers. She managed to break off a little piece of it and brought it up to her nose - it had a slightly bitter smell. Having satisfied her curiosity, she let the little bit fall to the ground, and turned her attention back to observing the road ahead once more.

"Your grandma is not expecting us, is she?" she asked Xyler. She did not know whether he had sent some message her way before they set out on their road.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
On a journey - late September


"Ooh, but how intriguing," Melahny replied to Xyler's hint about a misadventure. "Perhaps you'd care to share your tale around the campfire some night?" She asked politely, not wanting to pry overly much. Besides, campfire stories were always better--and then one could focus fully on the story and not have to worry about directing a horse away from grazing.

As Hadassa added that she had not travelled much past the Edoras area, Melahny nodded and said, "Oh, well this will be quite exciting for both of you, then. I remember when I first ventured outside of Rohan, and it was--well, terrifying and exhilarating all at once. It makes you feel like a child again--discovering new things, all full of wonder."

A shadow fell across her face as Melahny fell into a short reverie, thinking of all those years ago when she had pursued her curiosity for the world, alone and newly orphaned. She had been wholly unprepared for the wide world, but quite determined. Wulf had done his best to help her plan a reasonably practical journey to Gondor for her first adventure. It almost made her sad to think of herself as she was then--so alone and inexperienced, having lost her best friend and her parents, feeling as though travel was the only alternative to lying in shallow pit of grief for the rest of her days. And now, how far she'd come and yet how melancholy she still was.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
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"No, Grandma isn't expecting me, let alone you two," Xyler laughed lightly at that. "She'll be quite surprised, I'm sure." He knew she would enjoy having the company, however. For the next moment or two, he focused on trying to keep Dusty on course. The horse, apparently, could sense that there was a settlement ahead. Perhaps he could smell horses and people, Xyler wasn't sure. But he seemed to get eager to press onward, and Xyler had to keep him from moving too quickly.

Glancing at Melahny, he hesitated at her inquiry about the story. "Well," He tried to think of the best way to reply. "It wasn't really a very enjoyable time, and it's not really a story I like to tell." He shrugged slightly though, guessing that they were probably both curious. He decided to sum it up enough for them to understand. "Basically, what happened is.. um, because Dunlendings have often attacked and raided our village over the years, taking prisoners and killing folks... several of the young people who live there, decided that they'd go launch a counterattack and take back some of the people that have been taken away over the years.. as if they'd still be alive."

"Anyway, somehow, the leader of this group talked me into going with them, because.." he cleared his throat, a tiny bit embarrassed to admit it, "Well, they wanted someone who could bandage a wound, and they pointed out how that my mother was supposedly captured by the Dunlendings when I was a baby, and he convinced me she may still be alive... And, I don't know. Dernthain was really persuasive, and I was young and stupid." He smiled faintly. "Younger and stupider, I guess you might say." He shrugged. "And hopeful. Anyway, we all got captured instead, and it was just.. not a good time and I.. I thought it would be the last of us all." He took a slow breath as he tried not to let the memories of that horrific predicament get to him. "Not an 'adventure' I like to remember, though I did learn some things from it. I also made a friend from it, quite unexpectedly." He smiled faintly, but he kept his gaze down at the back of his horse's neck for a little while, thinking.

Soon, the village came into view. It was small, just a cluster of houses/cabins built the trees on the mountains. There was one bigger building where the entire village could gather inside for meetings or gatherings. There was also a village square in the center of several of the homes, with a large statue of a horseman in the center of it all. Xyler paused and smiled, motioning to the village that spread out before them. "And here we are. Wyndhorne." He knew that Hadassa had come here once before, in the spring, but it would have looked a bit different then, with more flowers blooming and less dense foliage on the trees. Now, in the autumn, the leaves had begun to turn colors and would soon be falling.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

It might have been true that everyday life was rather usual most of the times and that she had longed for a bit of a change and for some adventure, and also when Melahny said travelling made one quite childlike with wonder... It could not be denied that other cavalry members already regarded Hadassa as a child since she was one of the youngest there. Not much would be different there - she thought to herself. Now and then she allowed herself childish behaviours and joyfulness, but more often than not she was forced to act as much older than her age would require.

When Xyler set about telling his story, Hadassa could not help but feel a burden of responsibility for it even though it was not her that did the misdeeds. She sat quietly in the saddle, looking at Sugar's curiously flicking ears as she likely picked up on Dusty's excitement. "Easy, girl," she mumbled softly, letting her hand run over the mare's smooth neck. Then she pressed her lips together in a tight determined line, and her dark eyes looked up with a great degree of spitefulness. If she could not change the nature of her whole people of origin, she would at least do what she could on her own part.

In silence, she took in the village that showed up ahead of them as they came along the path, and she thought that it looked quite the same, except for the usual changes in surroundings due to seasons.

"It did not even take us too long," she remarked then.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
On a journey - late September

Melahny listened as Xyler told them briefly of his perilous adventure with the Dunlendings. "I am so sorry that happened to you," she told him. "But that you managed to escape with your life is... remarkable. I do hope you travel armed now," she added. With a raised brow she tapped the sheath at her belt, indicating her blade. "Personally, I like to be over-prepared when on the road, especially being a woman. I think travel with anything less than... five blades is... not satisfactory." She smiled in a playful manner, hoping to lighten the mood. It seemed to her that discussing his "adventure" might have upset Xyler. Or at the least, it was an unpleasant topic to continue with.

Melahny took out her journal and studied it for a while, reviewing her list of things to do while on the way to Gondor. Picking up the Edelweiss was on the list, as well as stopping for some other herbs and plants that grew along the way to their destination.

Not long after, Hadassa remarked that it did not take them too long, and Melahny looked up to see that she meant the village. They were here at last! "Excellent," she remarked. "Will we camp the night here?"

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
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Xyler gave a little laugh as Melahny mentioned keeping at least five blades on her while traveling. "You sound a bit like my friend," he grinned slightly, then shrugged in answer to her expressed hope that he traveled armed. "I have a dagger." He answered, though he left off that he barely knew how to use it. He tried to remember if he had been discussing that with Hadassa before or after they met up with Melahny, but he couldn't quite recall. He made no comment to her saying sorry about his misadventure. It seemed best to him to just let that matter drop.

A brief silence fell between the trio as they traveled in companionable silence, until that was broken when Xyler announced their arrival to the village. "No, not too long," He smiled over at Hadassa when she commented on that. When he'd walked from here to Edoras, on his way to join the healers, it had felt like a very long journey. It was much different on horseback, however.

He glanced toward Melahny when she asked about camping. "Well, I figure my grandmother will probably insist we all stay for supper," he grinned and dismounted near the large statue of a horse and rider. "Then she'll insist it's too late for us to continue our journey, so we'd better all stay the night as well, and start early in the morning," He informed his companions of what to expect, smiling slightly. "She lives this way," he added, leading Dusty as he crossed the village square and went toward one of the nearby cabins.

He paused to consider whether he should knock on the door or go right in.. he had grown up here, and it seemed weird to knock, and yet.. he didn't still live here. The thought puzzled him briefly before he decided, whatever. Grandma wouldn't care, she would probably chide him for not still thinking of it as his home. Stepping inside, he glanced around. "Grandma?" He called cheerfully. He didn't see her right away, but figured she might be in a back room or something. He motioned for the girls to come on in as well.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

Hadassa smiled to herself at the mention of five blades; she might not have five, but three - a shortsword, a dagger, and a knife which she mostly used for various household purposes but which could still serve as a weapon at need. She did have also a spear and a shortbow with a set of arrows, bringing the count of weapons in general to five nonetheless.

"That would certainly sound like your grandmother. Or probably any grandmother," she laughed lightly when Xyler told them what to expect. She lingered in the saddle for a while debating between the better view this higher position offered for defence purposes and a more friendly approach of joining Xyler on foot. This was a friendly village though, their own people, so she slid out of the saddle in a smooth movement and took to guiding Sugar after Xyler's Dusty.

It appeared that grandma was not waiting for them at the door - but it was not to be wondered at since they had not announced their arrival by sending a royal herald before them. She loosely tied the reigns to a branch of a nearby bush and motioned for Melahny to step inside first, ready to follow suit herself right after.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
Herbalist Melahny & Cocoa Willow
On a journey - late September

Melahny nodded her approval at Xyler's mention that he at least had a dagger, though she privately thought that he should probably be armed with more. Xyler mentioned that his grandmother would want them to stay for supper, and she didn't complain about that. A homecooked meal was always welcome, especially for a seasoned wanderer of the road.

"That sound agreeable, and generous of her," Melahny dismounted from Cocoa and guided the horse with her reins. It felt good to stretch her legs after the long ride up the mountain. She followed Xyler on foot as they walked towards his grandmother's house.

When they got to the house, Xyler hesitated briefly, as though pondering whether to knock or not, then opened the door and stepped inside. Melahny heard him call out "Grandma?" and Hadassa motioned for her to enter next, so she tied Cocoa's reins off to the nearby hitching post and stepped over the threshold.

What greeted her was a pleasant but modest room in a typical village house. The aroma of drying herbs was in the air and Melahny instantly felt a sort of comfort; it was like being back in her mother's kitchen, and the smell of rosemary, thyme, and her mother's face came back to her suddenly in that moment. "What a lovely house," she commented.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)

As the two ladies followed him in, Xyler checked the small cabin, and eventually located his grandmother outside, working in the garden in back. With a little grin, he stepped out the back door. "So, here's where you're hiding." He teased lightly.

Looking up in surprise, Aérlyn dropped her gardening tools and ran to hug her boy. "Xyler, you've come home!" She stepped back with a big smile, looking at him for a moment, as if to make sure he was eating properly and all that. "You look well." She smiled, holding him close again. "I'm so glad to see you, I've missed you so much."

"I've brought some friends," He informed her with a smile, gently easing himself free from her embrace, then led her toward the ladies. "You've met Hadassa already," He mentioned with a nod to her, then turned to the other. "This is Melahny." He introduced the new friend. "And this is my grandma, Aérlyn." He informed Melahny, with a smile.

Aérlyn smiled at him. "I'm so glad to see you making friends," She informed him, before turning to the girls with the same smile. "Hello, I'm glad to see you again, Hadassa, and very pleased to meet you, Melahny. Welcome! I hope you're all planning to stick around for a while?" She asked hopefully. "I wasn't expecting any company, but I'd love to have you all stay and have supper with me."

"Of course, we were counting on it." Xyler answered, widening his eyes as if shocked she would think they'd do anything else. "You don't think we'd leave without a good meal?" He grinned and looked at Hadassa and Melahny. "Right? That's the whole reason we came here, isn't it?"

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"Yes, a comfortable little abode," Hadassa responded with a smile to Melahny's comment on the house. She had only visited once, and still very much felt as a visitor and not wholly at home, so she stepped through the house with great respect. She did not hasten after Xyler all the way to allow him a moment to greet his grandmother and tell her of the guests.

"It is so great to be back for a bit," she said with a shy smile when the two came into view from the garden and Xyler made introductions.

She could not help but grin when he said that they had come for the purposes of being fed. At the same time, Hadassa could not really deny the fact that a homemade meal was always delicious when on the way, even if not for too long yet.

"Perhaps we should have brought a deer or two to roast," she added with a soft chuckle. "Could feed half of the village with that."

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
Herbalist Melahny & Cocoa Willow
On a journey - late September


Melahny followed Xyler outside to the back garden, where they found his grandmother Aerlyn. "Pleased to meet you," Melahny responded as Xyler introduced her. She smiled and laughed as appropriate at Xyler's teasing.

"A meal would be delightful, thank you," Melahny said seriously. "But I must hurry off for a few moments, to collect that which I came here for. The Edelweiss flower, for my herbalist supplies." She mentioned this so the other healer would understand; she did not wish to be rude and cut out during dinner prep, but she did need to collect some of those flowers before the sun went down, otherwise she'd have to wait till morning before they left.

@Pele Alarion @Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
"Oh, no need to worry about that," Aerlyn waved off Hadassa's comment about how they ought to have brought a deer or two. "I've got plenty, and you needn't worry about supplying anything." She assured her, then glanced with curiosity toward Melahny when she mentioned gathering edelweiss for her supplies.

"Right, I promised I'd show her where to find some," Xyler mentioned, reminded of his promise when Melahny mentioned the plan to gather some. "Shouldn't take long,"

"That's no problem, of course." Aerlyn nodded in understanding. "It's doubly good to meet another herbalist," She added with a smile. "Are you a healer as well, then? Or do you only gather the herbs for others?" She couldn't help wondering.

Xyler glanced at Melahny. "There's a patch not too far from here, we can get there easily on foot, or we can go by horse, if you'd rather." They would probably need to put their horses in the stable for the night before sitting down to supper, but he'd wait to see if Melahny preferred to take her horse instead of going on foot.

"Yes, you two go on and do that before it gets dark," Aerlyn suggested. "I'll start supper. Are you going with them as well, or would you like to stay here and wait for them?" She asked Hadassa, leaving the option with her. She would not mind the company, but she also understood if the young people preferred to keep to their own company.

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

Hadassa considered the options before her with a small frown: she was not that interested in collecting plants and thought she could be more useful here, but then again... Finally she shrugged lightly, as she came to some sort of approximate decision.

"I wouldn't mind staying here and helping with supper, or taking care of horses unless you take yours along and want to handle them yourselves after. And if you two don't need a bodyguard," her brown eyes danced with warm laughter. She did not see a need to fulfil that role since the location was apparently nearby, and besides Melahny had said she had lots of blades with her.

"So yes, I could stay, I suppose," she concluded. After all, they would be spending quite a bit of time together as they travel, and she could spare some time to provide Aerlyn with some company.

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
Herbalist Melahny & Cocoa Willow
On a journey - late September


Melahny smiled at Aérlyn and responded, "Yes, I am a herbalist and healer. I sell my tinctures throughout the land, and I gather rare supplies from all over. It's great to meet you as well. I'd love to chat further when I get back!"

Xyler told her there was a patch of Edelweiss nearby, and Melahny remembered where she'd gathered it before, near the village. "Great, I think I remember that spot. We can go on foot, let the horses rest. Do you have a stable or pasture where we can turn them out?" she asked.

Hadassa decided to stay and help Aerlyn with supper, saying they probably wouldn't need a bodyguard for Xyler for the short distance. Melahny laughed her agreement. "No, we won't need a bodyguard," she indicated the sword at her hip.

"Let's get going, so we can get back quickly to help with supper," Melahny suggested to Xyler, heading for the door. She grabbed a couple pouches from Cocoa's saddle bags before leaving, so she had something to store the Edelweiss in.

“You have given me your name, and so much more,” the Gondorian acknowledged, appreciative rather than condemning the kind Rohir for her open nature. “There must be some way that I may return such generosity.” The stranger’s fingers twitched nervously as she contemplated the notion, plucking at the slender bracelet which wreathed her delicate wrist, with a garland of small golden stars. Yes, even the healer confirmed it. The baby was ‘better’ here. Then she must do what was best for him, and repay their benevolent saviour.

But what was requested … were answers. It took a longer count of moments than was usual, before the unexpected seemed ready to give up her own name, as though that ought to be the easiest of information to recall.

“I have been calling him Silatôr” she surrendered in a mumble, with a glance up swift thenafter toward where the infant slumbered peacefully. “He takes after his father with that sun-haired, sea-eyed look, that is clear enough. Like dawn to my dusk,” Her stronger hand now toyed with the wooden spoon, yet as though she were incapable of filling it to raise the broth, or merely cautious of being burned again. A faint smile lingered about the prospect of satisfying hunger but faded soonafter. The spoon scooped up some of the kindly spared fare and raised it, only to lower again, as the young mother found the will to face her … their … saviour. As though to take food in would force the words she must speak further down a weary throat. “He would not be here, we … neither of us would be here, I believe, were it not for .. the kind man from Wyndhorne.”

Once she had begun, it was easier to proceed, to perform a piece that would earn her this warmth and rest and care. She had no coin, no worth, save for the meagre hope of entertaining her hostess. With her tale, such as it was.

“He said he came from here. He said his name was .. Deored” she admitted, supposing that the truth, or that much of it anyway, would do much to aid belief in all the rest of it. If Aérlyn knew of her first Rohirric helper. It did not occur to the Gondorian, until this very moment, that she had never suspected that the man might have given her a false name. Of course the Rohir’s only cause of disappointment thus far was that she had not yet seen enough of him. She had come looking. Perhaps this village tucked away up in the mountain passes was too removed from the outside world to care for trickery or deceit. If she were judging on the only two inhabitants she’d met of the place thus far, she could hardly put a fault to the folks here. A safe, good place to raise a child …


“I let him know that he could call me Elspeth” she clung as closely to the truth as she was able, for this was a land she yet could not claim as her own. And it had proven a land slow to embrace her as one welcome, save for this unlooked for encounter. And the one other instance where a Rohir had rallied to safeguard her in time of need. Perhaps it was the people of Wyndhorne in particular who were simply less guarded in the face of strangers. The woman naming herself ‘Elspeth’ most certainly remained, .. nervous. But the signs were impossible to ignore. She may not have much of anything, but she required only the signs. That she had taken the right path, and her faith even in the face of unfathomable odds and hardship, had been all for a reason.

“I can not go back,” she blurted out, rather dejectedly, before recalling herself and recovering .. somewhat. “For one can not return to what has already been after all. But must go onward to what will be, that has not yet made itself known.” As explanations went, it was all that the confused young woman could manage. Her broth having by this point cooled some, she elected to taste it more warily this time. And kept it down with enough confidence to persevere, until she’d swallowed all. “That is good broth. Thankyou.”

Unsure what to do until the healer had digested .. what words might share, the Gondorian held the emptied but still warm bowl in her lap, as though she were a compliant school girl awaiting instruction. Or to simply keep her fingers from fidgeting noticeably. As they were prone to do. She could not have said the last time that she had felt them this warm, of course ..

@Ercassie
Her guest seemed strangely reluctant to say much about herself or her child, Aérlyn noticed. She smiled reassuringly when the woman mentioned returning her generosity. “There’s no need for that, dear.” She told her quietly. “Just get yourself better, so you can take care of him.” She smiled, trying her best to keep it from being a sad smile, as she rose. The tea kettle had begun to whistle, announcing that it had freshly heated water ready for tea. As a result, the name of the baby, which her guest mumbled in such a quiet tone, became lost to her ears. Aérlyn only partially heard the first syllable, and maybe a bit of the last. Aérlyn paused and was about to ask her to repeat it, but the woman had begun speaking about the baby’s father now, surprisingly. Aérlyn smiled softly to hear her description. Sun-haired, sea-eyed. Which could easily describe most of the men of Rohan, of course.. but it sounded nice, the way she put it. The child's name could wait, Aérlyn decided. The poor woman was clearly exhausted, and it wasn’t as if she couldn’t wait until the morning to ask such questions.

But one question she did want to hear the answer to. Who had sent her to Wyndhorne? Was it.. could it be..? As the woman dropped the name of Aérlyn’s own son, her heart seemed to swell and break at the same time. She closed her eyes, drawing in a slow, shaky breath. Deored. Her own little boy, no longer little.. and no longer here. Her eyes opened as she raised them to the frosted-paned window, tears threatening to well up once again. Though she could not see the burial place from here, her gaze stared in that direction while her heart went to it.

Elspeth, the woman’s name was revealed at last. Elspeth, who had known Deored. Who had.. a Rohirric baby. Who said that he.. the baby.. would not be here if not for Deored. What exactly that meant, Aérlyn did not know, nor did she ask. Elspeth had come to Wyndhorne because of him. Possibly.. probably.. seeking him. The woman drew in another breath, steeling herself. Because she must pass on this tragic news. Whether Elspeth was merely a stranger that Deored had met and shown kindness to, or.. much more.. she needed to know that she would not be finding him here. Not unless she sought his grave.

---

18 months before
Several miles outside of Edoras


It was getting late, but Deored figured if he continued riding after nightfall, he might be able to make it to Edoras by midnight. Hopefully. He was eager to get back, for he had become separated from the other Riders of his group after being left behind to aid some wounded Riders in a nearby village, while the rest of his company returned to Edoras. He hoped to meet up with them once he got there. He should be able to make it before morning at the latest, if he and his horse could keep going without too many breaks for rest. But that, of course, wasn’t accounting for any delays… and a delay, of course, was inevitable when one didn’t account for one.

The screaming was the first thing to alert the Rider to something being amiss. Either that was a woman’s scream, or a mountain lion had come down from the hills and wandered far into the plains.. but that was unlikely. And that definitely sounded like a woman. A woman in a great deal of pain, no less. A frown etched the young man’s face as he urged his horse onward. He readied his weapon, just in case. Who knows.. there could be bandits or Dunlendings about, causing harm to some unfortunate woman they'd found along the road. His company had been patrolling around the borders and roads for months, fighting off Dunlendings mostly. Deored was wary as he drew nearer to the source of the cries, but what he found was far from what he had expected.

After a quick look around to make sure there were not any enemies lurking in the tall grass, Deored swiftly dismounted and kneeled beside the woman in labor. He had grown up with a healer for a mother, and in turn, had become a healer himself. Despite joining the Riders of the Mark, Rohan’s Cavalry, he was still a healer. That was one thing that made him a valuable asset to the Cavalry; he was a healer as well as a trained warrior. He could help comrades wounded in battle just as well as he could, now, help this civilian stranger. “Don’t worry, it’ll be alright ma’am,” He assured her, speaking softly as he took her hand and tried to offer some reassurance. Why was this woman so far from any village? They were out in a field, miles from any civilization, or homes. The only thing nearby was a road. He found that rather troubling, but for the moment, all he could do was try to offer his assistance. It seemed that Deored had come along just in time. The baby was coming swiftly. Deored had only enough time to grab his cloak to use as a receiving blanket before the newborn was on its way.

Perhaps it was for the best that the mother passed out before it was over, for it spared her from much pain. As Deored gently wrapped the crying newborn in his cloak, he worried at how small the infant looked. He must have come early, the man surmised, though thankfully, he at least seemed fully developed. And now.. what? Deored checked on the mother and found that she was only unconscious. She ought to recover well enough, but.. well, he sure couldn’t leave her and this infant out here on their own. His conscience wouldn’t allow such a thing. He took a blanket from his saddlebag and covered her with it before sitting in the grass nearby, cradling the tiny baby.

Once the baby had finished crying and had joined his mother in sleep, Deored gently laid him beside her, swaddled in the cloak of a Rider of Rohan. Then he rose and unsaddled his horse. He would not be arriving in Edoras tonight, after all, so he might as well let his horse relax. All through the night, Deored sat vigilantly alert, watching over the newborn and his mother, while thinking about what to do. She would not be able to ride.. right? He doubted it. Not so soon after giving birth. Perhaps, if they walked.. if she could walk.. they would eventually arrive in the city in a couple of days, depending on how well she could walk. He would see that she got there safely, at least.


A couple of days later…

It had taken them two days, walking at a slow pace so not to tax the new mother. Deored had ended up carrying her, while she carried her baby, for some of the way. Much of the way, truth be told, but he didn’t mind. She was a small enough woman that she was not terribly heavy, and it made the journey go a bit quicker. They talked much during their journey to Edoras, and he was intrigued to learn that she was from Gondor. Naturally, he told her of the village where he came from, which had a little-used path going over the mountains to Gondor. Upon arriving in Edoras, he took Elspeth and her infant son to an inn where he gave her the money for a room before bidding her farewell and wishing her luck. He had to report for duty, or he would have stayed with the woman a little longer to ensure that she got settled in well enough.

Later, when he was free to do so, Deored went to look for her, to check whether she was alright. He was heading toward the inn when he heard a commotion in the nearby market. As he arrived, he was concerned to find Elspeth at the center of it all.. and to his astonishment, he realized that some absurd, paranoid busybodies were accusing her of being a Dunlending, due to her dark hair he supposed.. and, of all things.. thought that she had stolen a Rohirric baby! Astonished at the ridiculousness of these people, Deored hastened to her side, and.. honestly, was a bit surprised at the words that came out of his own mouth…

“This woman is no Dunlending, you fools,” He retorted. “She is my wife, and comes from Gondor, not Dunland.. have you no eyes? Anyone could see that she is not one of them.” He glanced toward her.. apologetically, and put an arm around her as if they were, indeed, a couple. “Why else would she have a Rohirric baby? Does he not look like me?” He scoffed, while feeling a little as if he may have overstepped. Hoping Elspeth would not be displeased with him, he swiftly escorted her from the midst of the crowd, his heart racing. Praying she would not mind that lie.

After seeing her safely to the inn, he offered an apology. “I don’t know what made me say that.. but, well, it has been said now. And you may use that story again, if needed, and if it does not upset you to do so. I am known here by many, and they know that my home is a long way from Edoras.. and those who do know me, know that my home, Wyndhorne, has a route leading to Gondor. It would seem logical then, that I could have married a Gondorian wife.” He explained quietly.


Over the next few weeks, he came to check on Elspeth and her little baby as often as his duties would allow, though it wasn’t as often as he would have liked. He told himself that it was because he felt somewhat responsible for them. Perhaps.. he had begun to have feelings for her, though he told himself he merely felt sympathy for her, being a single mother, being abandoned by the child’s father. Even after she had found a job, still, she struggled to get by. It was hard for a mother to care for a newborn while also trying to keep a job. And so he wished to help her. And, seeing that she struggled to get along in this city, where most folk spoke in a tongue foreign to her, he suggested that perhaps someday, she might like to go with him to Wyndhorne and see whether she might prefer that village to the city. Simply because folks there were more familiar with Gondorian languages, being near to its border. Not at all because he wanted to introduce her to his mother, and possibly, one day, make his false claim into a truth…

His duties with the Cavalry took him away often. He would be away for weeks, sometimes even months, but whenever he returned, he came to check on her at the first opportunity. After a time, he set out on a lengthy mission which kept him away for several months. It took him quite near to his home, in fact, but it was not a social visit that brought him there. Dunlendings were raiding several small villages at the base of the mountain range, and Deored’s company worked for months trying to hunt them down and put a stop to it. Several died in the attempt, until at last, Deored was the last of his company to reach Wyndhorne... just as a large party of Dunlendings came to raid it as well.

---

Aérlyn turned to Elspeth as she brushed at one corner of her eye with the back of her hand. “Deored...” She smiled softly, though she could not fight off the sadness in it, this time. “He.. he was my son.” She blinked back the tears and smiled bravely, coming to sit again in her rocking chair, and clasped her hands in her lap to keep them still. “He.. fell, defending our village.. from Dunlendings,” She explained, her throat feeling thick and choked up. “Only days ago.” Her head dropped, and she struggled to hold herself together a little longer. “His.. funeral was held earlier today...” She whispered shakily. “Just..before I found you and..your son.” She wiped her eyes again, then fumbled in her pocket for a lace-edged handkerchief, which she tried to hide her face into while continuing to attempt to dry her eyes. The tears were starting to flow though, and she could hardly keep them at bay any longer.

After several moments, the healer managed to calm her tide of emotions, sniffling softly as she rose from her chair with new resolve, deciding that it was best not to dwell on such sorrows. “It is late, and you are surely tired,” She told Elspeth with a kindly smile. “You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like… Any friend of my son’s is welcome here, anytime.” The grieving mother insisted, gathering up a few blankets.

Not allowing any arguments from her guest about that, she led her to the now-empty bedroom which had once been Deored’s, and ensured that Elspeth had plenty of blankets and all else that she needed for a comfortable night’s rest. Finding a large basket which she usually would use to gather herbs in, the healer lined it with blankets and nestled the sleeping infant into that, so that his mother could get a better night’s rest without having to worry about rolling over in bed and suffocating him. He could sleep peacefully nearby, and they could both get a good night’s rest. Then she bid Elspeth a good night, and withdrew to her own room. Further questions and discussions could wait until morning... or so she thought...

@Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
"I'm sure I can manage to stay alive in my own hometown," Xyler laughed, assuring Hadassa. "Seriously, it's not even ten minutes away. We'll be fine, don't worry." He grinned. "I'll take care of Sugar for you." he added, in parting, to Hadassa.

Nodding to Melahny, Xyler showed her to a communal stable not far away, leading both Dusty and Sugar. The village was very small, and there were rarely any travelers. Many folk, like his grandmother, did not have horses, and so there was a small barn available for people to use as they wished. Since just about everyone in Wyndhorne owed their health, or the health of their children, to Aérlyn at some point or another, no one minded at all letting Xyler and his friends borrow a couple of stalls for the night.

Once the horses were taken care of, Xyler set off into the woods. It was only a few minute's trek through the woods before the patch of Edelweiss could be seen. "There we are, just as promised." He smiled as he stopped to pick one of the flowers. "How much do you think you'll be needing?"

---

@Pele Alarion
Aérlyn smiled as she watched her grandson depart with Melahny, then turned to Hadassa. "It's so good to see both of you again. What brings you out this way, though? Besides Melahny's desire to get Edelweiss?" She wondered, as she beckoned her to come along to the kitchen.

"Alright, now.. what should we make for supper?" She wondered, looking around at what she had available. Her garden had been bountiful, and it was nearing the end of the harvest season so she had plenty. Most of it would be canned and preserved for the winter, but at the moment she had plenty to choose from. Not to mention that one of the men of the village had recently sprained his ankle while out hunting, and he had repaid her for treating it with a portion of the meat hunted.

FLASHBACK RP - Private with @Rillewen

Despite her standing as a stranger in this land, she knew that she had been here before. This very quarter of the dirt track road. She recognised the swell of the hills in the horizon. She recalled the turn of the track. She could even see the trail left behind by the wagon she had ridden in. Which might have brought comfort, since she was so sure she was correct. But also brought an overwhelming certainty that, just like the tracks in the dirt, she too had been left behind by the wagon.

For what can only have been some hours but felt rather more like days, the Gondorian waited. For perhaps the moment she would give up all hope. At least half of the time that she loitered there, she lowered and shifted her somewhat swollen self carefully down to the ground. If she were required to climb back onto her feet, it would take just as long a time again, but she could not bear to stay standing in the beat of the bright sun any longer. She had already removed her shoes, for comfort’s sake. And eyed their discarded remnants now with suspicion that they would prove difficult to ease back over hot, squashed toes when the time came.


Still she was not entirely comfortable. But the land was grassy plains and flat road for far enough that large brown eyes would see far in either direction. She would see the wagon coming, with time still to rise and meet it. She was sure of that. She was rather less sure of course, that she would in fact see the wagon ever again. And as the course of the afternoon drew on and she had witnessed several wagons come and go, none was the one she was looking for. And so the day ebbed into eve and the already infrequent traffic grew less frequent still, .. she was forced at last to accept the unsettling notion. That he was not coming back, not for her. Not tonight at any rate.

He might one day tread this road again of course, he was a merchant after all. And this was his trade route. But should he come back at some point to this very particular spot, he clearly would not do, for the sake of her. She could only half blame him. There had not even been any arrangement to reunite. After she had walked off, from their argument.. She had assumed to find him again after. For all he knew she had simply left him, before he ever had a chance to leave her. It was not like there was not a precedent here. Leaving was her most defining trait and it took only some sight of a bird, or forming of the cloud to inspire her ventures.


She could not then rightly blame him, for thinking that she had walked away from him, just as she had the last. But if there truly was a means to escape from her current unexpected situation, she might already have done so by now. If she were at all able. It was not so easy though, to leave yourself behind. And starting over, with an all too apparent leftover from what had occurred before … did complicate things.

The child was a sign of course. It had to be. She was not properly sure just yet what that sign was, but it had to have come about for some reason she did not yet understand. Perhaps it was a penance, to not be able to walk away from this one, as she had abandoned the other. But if she was sure of anything, the latter scarcely marked her as suitable for a do-over. She was in a far less stable position, and though in retrospect she ought not to have behaved quite so grateful to the man, for providing her transport, .. he had not taken command of things without her consent. It had simply come to be. She hadn’t argued, or anticipated it, and now waited amongst other things, to find out what would be the outcome of it all.


In all honesty she was astounded that the man, the merchant, had not run out on her the moment it became apparent. For he clearly was no more keen than she to be tied down. They had revelled in their mutual joy in freedom. The merchant not wishing to take her for his wife, any more than she desired to be a wife again. Technically, she was still another man’s wife. But that door had closed. She had pulled it hard to shut upon the sorrow behind her.

What sorrow now awaited, was unsure. An argument, so insignificant it had seemed even at the time, but had inspired this latest turn of events. An argument on whether she ought sell her golden bracelet. The one thing which she had brought with her from the beginning. It was hers. Small shimmering stars on a slender chain, It symbolised to her the flowers in the sky above at night, roaming free as Rana. It would likely prove a worth as well, for the baby. The last had long been entranced by it’s shine, inspiring a smile, a small laugh. The next might be so similarly glad of it. She had so little else to offer after all. Where the merchant thought she ought to contribute, she would rather sell her wedding ring, and had informed him so. But he was certain that trinket at least made them appear respectable. For all that it was an heirloom of a house, a family, she was no longer a part of. It felt like an anchor dragging at her heart, much less that she could no longer wear it with comfort anyway, on her swollen finger.

It had earned her a jangle of coins, which now weighed in the pocket of her summer dress. Shame that no warmth could be gleaned from the wealth. Even her shawl she had left upon the wagon, when she set off to the market. Everything else that she owned, and there had not been much that she could really count hers, not much to bring .. it was gone, like the wagon, like the merchant.


Night began to close in like a thief, and with it an evolution of the griping she had felt was discomfort alone, from all of the waiting. Waiting of a sort, it seemed, would come to an end this night at least. She recognised those signs. Though it came upon her now with a greater urgency than the last time. Perhaps her body instinctively knew what to expect, what to do .. Distracted at last from her fruitless wait for company, she came to all fours, and then in a chorus of groaning and bearing over, clenched her unshod shoes in one hand, squeezing them as though they might rob some of the ache. Off the road, she staggered not quite upright, but into the vast embrace of the endless field. Where no wagon might roll over her and the long grass might keep her from unwanted eyes. This was … not a sight to be seen. She knew that enough, though there had been none to pass by for some hours in truth.

Still, the walking helped. She wasn’t sure where she might stop exactly, but the child made that decision for her, as much as all others now. There would e no walking away from this now. They were nowhere and there was no one to tend the child but her alone. She already knew that, she was all it had now. And she had already learnt, the last time, that she would not be enough.


A stricken scarecrow, she passed the time until his arrival, screaming into a whirl of the darkening sky. Noone stopped her. When someone did show up, no doubt summoned by the sound and likely thinking that a murder or the like was occurring .. she half believed him to be the messenger of those almighty Valar whom she set such store in.

He had a kind face, a reassuring manner. Words that promised everything would be alright, although he clearly could not have known .. still he did not bother her with questions. He gave her only answers. And comfort. And assistance. The Rohir was the last thing that she saw before succumbing to exhaustion. The cry of her newborn son was the last sound that she heard, as he light squeeze of the kindly stranger’s hand leant her the strength she required. To see them all three through the night.

---

She did not miss the way that the kind healer’s face altered as she spoke his name. Recognition, surprise .. and something else. But there was no protest, no vehement argument to meet the claim. It was accepted, as easily as the man himself had accepted his role in delivering both her and the child. Aérlyn evidently knew Deored. This was a small village. He had said. He had said often .. to come here. They were kind here. They would help her .. here. And the healer’s emotion had evidently overwhelmed her. Sorrow and surprise and .. pride .. perhaps.

The crackle of the fire spat out what could only be compassion, for the woman who had .. lost her son. As though the air brought the contagion, tears spread, from the one to the other of the women. Strangers as they were. But brought to a mutual grief in his name. The Gondorian had no call to make pretend as the news crept in, to chill her newly warmed heart. With the icy cold realisation.


It had happened again. Another that she cared for … come to ruin. Was she cursed ? Could she never outrun this dejection that she seemed to spread ? She must truly be it's cause ! What kindness then could she speak ? What could she say to the woman who had lost her son, a woman who she already owed so much. Just as she had owed Deored. Wordlessly, calmly, the woman calling herself Elspeth rose up, leaving the emptied bowl down on the floor; and simply curled her arms about the older woman’s shoulders, in an act of utter understanding. For she did .. understand now. It had all come to be as the world willed it. It made sense ..


There were few more words after that to share between them. Sobs were exchanged without further meaning for a while, each requiring no explanation. Each of the two women, the two grieving mothers ..retired to quell sobs apiece into a pillow. The younger clutched the generosity of soft sheets all the more to hand, to know that she could not remain within their refuge overlong. As though she might absorb some of the kindness from this little settlement, to keep her safe ever after.

Stay as long as you like, the healer had said. Any friend of her son’s … is welcome …

The healer's son had been a friend, more than a friend, to both she .. and her son. The way of things was clear. As though it were now guilt for not having been robbed of a son against her will, the Gondorian held her face in a direction where she might not gaze even once more upon her slumbering child. She could hear, even without venturing close to him, that his breathing was already easier. As though she required any further convincing. Mountain air is healthy air. As good as sea air, she had heard it said. He was already improved. Her son was meant to have come here.


*****

Before little Silatôr or Aérlyn had woke, before even dawn had surmounted the high peaks of the hidden village .. Luisa of Pelargir left the small comfortable house to see Deored .. one last time. At his grave, she sat and wept, gathering up a small bouquet of flowers from the grass to grace as a garland upon the stone cold of his grave. Tears of farewell watered those, until the hurt was too much to endure a moment longer.

She turned, so that she should not have to rest sore eyes upon the sight of a son lost forever. She began to walk away as though she could put distance between her heart and the grief that this land now would ever be for her. A promise .. yes. Of hope for the child. Of purpose for the healer. Her promise she gave in her final words to the last man who had made a difference. Her fair payment she surrendered to his mother, all that she had. The only thing she had to give. This had been the reason for it, for the child. This had been what it was all for. Why she had come here. To give back to those who had given all they had to those they did not even know. Let the gesture then be received in kind. They would all be the better for it.


She left Wyndhorne as she had left Minas Tirith, and Pelargir before that. She left no explanation. She left those who would never know the answers she could not bear speak aloud. She left the golden bracelet with six small, shimmering stars hung about it’s slender chain. She left it hanging where the child would see it and smile rather than be sad, when he awoke. He always had so admired the way that it moved in the light. Just as she had known that he would. Just as the first son whom she had walked away from had done so.

She did not look back, this time, any more than she had done the last time. One can only ever go forward in the world after all. There is no going back.

@Ercassie
The morning dawned chilly and white. Aerlyn shivered as she wrapped her shawl around herself, her feet cloaked in soft, warm slippers as she made her way to the fireplace. Placing a new log on the embers, it took only a moment to stir the flames back up. Glancing outside the window, she smiled faintly as she watched a light fall of snowflakes drifting past the window.

The sound of the baby waking up drew her attention back to the interior of her home, and smiled softly to remember that she had guests. Assuming that the baby's mother would awaken at the soft crying sound, Aerlyn got started making breakfast. It seemed to be taking a long time for the young mother to quiet her son, but she knew how babies were.. if he was hungry, he would probably not stop fussing until he had some food. Anticipating what he probably wanted, Aerlyn got started fixing him up a small bowl of oatmeal, so that it would be ready for when the mother came out to ask for something to give her son.

She finished making that, and frowned slightly as his cries only grew louder. Could it be that the mother was so exhausted from her ordeal that she was sleeping through this? Aerlyn debated for a moment. She didn't want to intrude on the young woman with her son, but.. he had been crying for a long time now. She hesitated for a little while longer, then she shook her head and went down the hall and knocked on the door. "Elspeth?" She called softly.

After waiting a moment, she knocked and called again, louder. After the third time, she frowned and opened the door slightly. "Elspeth.." She started saying, but saw very quickly that the woman was not in the room. Aerlyn's frown deepened as she went to pick up the baby. "Shh, it's alright," She spoke soothingly as she snuggled him. The baby needed a diaper change, she noticed with a little frown. Where was his mother? She thought for a moment before figuring she might have stepped out to find the outhouse. If the baby needed a diaper change, maybe his mother needed to step out, too.

After taking care of the necessary changing, Aerlyn took him to the front room and sat with him in the rocking chair by the fire. "It's alright, she'll be back in just a few minutes, I'm sure," She spoke soothingly, gently rocking as she gave him a spoonful of oatmeal. He eventually quieted after he'd got started eating.

Elspeth still hadn't come back by the time she had finished feeding the baby, which made her feel somewhat concerned. "Do you know where your mommy went?" She asked the baby, not really expecting an answer. To her surprise, he looked up at her with his big blue eyes and replied 'mommy?'.

"Ah, you do know a few words." She smiled. That was good, for though he was a bit small, his mother said he had about eighteen months by now. So he was old enough to be talking a little bit. "What's your name, hm?" But at the moment, he seemed more interested in grabbing for the shiny spoon that she had set down beside the chair.

"Do you know your name?" Aerlyn asked again after giving him a moment. When his attention returned to her, she smiled. "Name?" Whatever his mother had said, Aerlyn had not been able to make it out. But when the baby answered at last, the name that he spoke sounded close enough to what she thought his mother might have said the night before. "Don't worry, your mommy will be back before too long." She assured him.


She kept assuring the infant of this all that day, and when night came, and the woman still had not returned, Aerlyn was growing far more concerned. After rocking him to sleep, she laid him back in the basket, and that was when she noticed it. The bracelet. That dainty little piece that Elspeth had been wearing yesterday. She picked it up from where the woman had hung it over the baby's basket. It consisted of two slender lengths of chain, joined together at eight points, with a little star charm filling each of the gaps this created. Except for one. One of these gaps was missing a star and looked as if it had been torn from the chain it should have been attached to, but the other six were bright and shiny.

Aerlyn studied the bracelet and frowned, contemplating what this might mean. She had witnessed Elspeth dangling the bracelet to amuse the baby, and she had even said that it had used to make him smile before he got sick. Where was she? Did this mean something? Or did Elspeth usually put her bracelet where her son could see it in case he woke at night? Aerlyn tried to decide what to do, and ultimately decided to move the basket into her own room, so she could keep an eye on him during the night. If Elspeth returned, she could find him there.


But she had not returned by morning. Nor the next day. Or the next. Aerlyn found the flowers, half covered in snow, placed at Deored's grave. The flowers had been late in fading for the season, then the snow had come a little early. Someone had dug through the snow to gather them, weave them into a garland, and put them there. Deored had had friends in the village, and he had given his life defending them, but she didn't know anyone from the village who would have done this, except for herself. And she knew she hadn't done it. She had a suspicion who had, however.

A week went by, then two. Then a month. Aerlyn took care of the baby who had, obviously, been left in her care. As the winter passed, she heard rumors of Dunlending attacks, and she couldn't help wondering what had become of Elspeth. Could she have gone to visit Deoered's grave, and was captured by Dunlendings? The snowfall would have hidden any such tracks, so she had no idea.

To the villagefolk, Aerlyn explained that her son had brought his wife and baby son home to meet her, and that the baby's mother had been captured by Dunlendings during the raids that had slain Deored, thus leaving Aerlyn to raise her orphaned grandson. Of course, to be perfectly honest, she really had no idea whether that was the truth. But she also decided she didn't care all that much. Elspeth had cared enough about Deored to put that garland of half-frozen flowers on his grave. She had arrived with her son just as Aerlyn put her own son in his grave. Aerlyn knew that her son would not have invited this woman to come here to their village if he did not care for her a great deal. So as far as she was concerned, this was Deored's son, her grandson. And that was enough for her.


(The end)

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods

Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

Hadassa relinquished Sugar to Xyler a little bit unwillingly, but then again settling in a horse should not be an awful lot of deal, unless it involved a proper brushing and similar care. But that could be done later at some point. She looked after him and Melahny leaving for a moment and then turned her attention fully to Aérlyn.

"Ah, we are off for a long road. Towards Mundburg," she explained, wondering how Xyler's grandmother would take the news. "Xyler is going to the Houses of Healing there to learn, and I'm just tagging along to make sure that he gets there safely." She did not mention that they had opted for a round-about longer way rather than taking the well-travelled direct route to Minas Tirith.

She then turned around and around, evaluating the available food supplies. "Mmm," she murmured, feeling rather rather peckish at the thought of food. "A stew? Roasted meat and vegetables? Or skewered and fried over a fire?"

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion
OOC: So sorry I didn't realize it was my turn to post.
Herbalist Melahny & Cocoa Willow
On a journey - late September

Melahny followed Xyler and boarded Cocoa in the stall. Then they set out over the hills to find her flower. It was a beautiful view from up on the mountain top, though the altitude was quite different so it left Melahny with a bit of a headache. Xyler pointed out the Edelweiss once they got to the meadow hill just outside of town.

"Thanks," Melahny responded after he pointed to it. "Just a few handfuls. I only have so much space in my travelling kit. But that's the fun of being a travelling healer. You collect as you go," she smirked.

Then she crouched down to carefully collect a few bunches of the flower; she stored it in the leather pouch she'd brought with her. She would later press the flowers in a book and let them dry. Then she'd place them in glass phials and store them in her herbal kit, to be used in a variety of tinctures. Once they got back, she decided to make some willow bark tea to relieve the headache. "I got the Edelweiss, but I'm going to look around for anything else useful. This meadow is abundant," Melahny informed Xyler. "No need to wait up for me, I'll be back before sundown."

(no worries)
@Melahny_oftheWoods
(Invite only)
"Right, makes sense." He nodded as he watched her start picking some of the flowers. Moving to another nearby patch, he gathered a few as well, figuring he might as well get some for his grandmother, as long as he was here. Though, he was careful not to pick too many. About the time he'd decided that he had enough, Melahny suggested that he could go back and that she would catch up to them later, that she was going to explore.

"Alright, just don't get lost." He warned her, with some concern. He knew the woods around here well enough that he had no need to worry about himself getting lost, but she was unfamiliar with the area, so he had no idea how well she would be able to find her way back if she went a bit too far into the woods. At least there shouldn't be any Dunlendings or other dangers lurking around at this time of the year, but he wasn't entirely sure they could be sure they were safe from that, either.

He started back toward home, but took a glance back to check that she was alright, then he continued on his way. It was a very short walk, so he figured he shouldn't have too much to worry about. He figured that would work out well enough; he could start getting the flowers ready for drying while Grandma was working on their supper.

---

@Pele Alarion
"Really?" Aerlyn looked at Hadassa in surprise to hear that they were going so far. But, hearing the reason why, she felt a surge of pride in her boy. "Oh, that's wonderful. I am so glad for him!" She smiled as she got started on the food, getting out the supplies. "Mm, stew it is," She decided, figuring that would be a heartier meal than the other option. Offering up some instructions to Hadassa on how she could help, then took a moment to go and get a piece of meat. Coming back, she started the stew cooking. "So, you and Melahny and Xyler are all traveling there together? Is she also going to train at the houses of healing?"

@Rillewen , @Melahny_oftheWoods
Hadassa
Travelling with Xyler and Melahny

"I figure Xyler will be a proper healer in no time this way," Hadassa said with a hearty smile. "I think he's quite eager to learn."

Having received instructions, she then started working on vegetables, peeling some carrots and potatoes with skill acquired from her own Rohirric family and practiced to efficiency in kitchen duties while serving in cavalry. A piece or two of the carrot found a way into her mouth though, and she appreciated the juicy taste of the vegetables.

"Yes, it seems that us three are a company now," Hadassa said when Aerlyn returned with meat and asked more questions of her. "I don't think Melahny will train at the Houses of Healing - she seems to have her own goals in mind, though more likely than not we will all travel together at least until we reach the City. I am very curious to see the place; I have heard so much about it."

@Rillewen @Pele Alarion

Melahny laughed pleasantly, as she responded to Xyler. "I live in the woods and on the road, my dear. "Lost" is not typically an issue for me. Besides, I've been here before," she reminded him. It wasn't far from Rohan after all, and she knew the areas of Rohan, Gondor, and Fangorn the best.

She bade him farewell for now, and continued with her herbal hunt. As she scoured the mountain field for another half hour or so, she collected some interesting and useful plants and flowers. She also snatched a few berries off some bushes at the edge of the woods, to snack on for the walk back. The dim light of dusk was settling in, although they still had some light to play with. Melahny decided to head back now. Her eyes had adjusted to the dim lighting quite well, as she was accustomed to roaming forests and plains at night. She started back in the direction they had come from, and walked through the town square until arriving at Aerlyn's house.

Melahny went into the barn first to check on Cocoa. The horse looked settled in the stall and was munching on some oats. "Good girl, have a nice rest tonight," she soothed the mare. Melahny deposited the Edelweis and other herbs into her medicine bag that was hanging in the stall next to Cocoa. Then she went towards the house, the smell of cooking enticing her.

She stepped in through the back door, having come from the stables, expecting to see Xyler there ahead of her.