In the aftermath of the Battle of the Five Armies, Thranduil finds the world within his Halls empty. He struggles to come to terms with the absence of his only child and the loss of the one he raised as if she were his own daughter. He begins to r...
Unaware that Elvändéruil has already left the palace, Ráerû makes his way back from Lake Town to tell him what he has learned. Old feelings begin to stir within Thranduil as he senses the threat he has felt is growing stronger.
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Adjusting the strap of his shoulder bag to a more comfortable position, Ráerû lifted his face slightly to catch the soft breeze as he gazed into the forest. The sights, sounds and smells of the forest were relaxing as the barge moved slowly up river toward the outpost, a much welcome difference to that of the inn and the hustle and bustle of the crowded wharf in Lake Town. An amused smile curled his lips as he watched two squirrels playfully chase each other up and around the wide girth of a walnut tree. He could see patches of color dotting the forest floor as more spring flowers began to bloom, spreading their petals toward the warm shafts of the early afternoon sun.
"A beautiful view is it not?" A deep but quiet voice interrupted his reverie, he stiffened slightly as he recognized it immediately.
"Yes it is hîr vuin. (My Lord) It is sad so many trees had to be removed during the thinning." Ráerû replied, forcing a friendly smile as he turned toward Lord Ortäuré. "But I understand it was necessary to help the forest and make travel along the river safer."
"You may forego the formalities." Lord Ortäuré said quietly, turning his own gaze toward the forest but not before he paused a moment to meet the guarded expression on the healers face. "How are things with the sickness in Lake Town? I understand Lord Fládëithnôr has summoned his healers' back to the Grey Mountains." He asked, feigning interest as he continued to stare out into the forest yet he watched the young healer with caution.
"He has." Ráerû replied quietly as he grasped the railing of the barge. "There are still many in the healing tents, mostly the older ones who are having the most difficulty recovering."
"I find the timing of his withdrawal interesting as there still seems to be a steady flow of our own healers through Lake Town." Lord Ortäuré commented almost absently. "I gives me cause for concern."
"There is nothing to be concerned about. All we can do now is wait." Ráerû stated, struggling to remain calm. "The medicines are working very well, the sickness has been contained. Some of our healers have been there since the beginning and their families look for word from them."
"So you are playing messenger?" The lord asked pointedly as he turned, pinioning the young healer with a hard gaze.
"I guess you could say I drew the short straw." Ráerû chuckled to hide his nervousness and shrugged as if it were no matter to him. "The king meets with Jôsidëáh regularly on the progress so he keeps sending one of us to collect the reports. I guess it was my turn to be the courier."
"Yes, I see." Lord Ortäuré said quietly, turning back to the view of the forest. "The king has expressed his concern for the welfare of the people and looks forward to things returning to normal." He added, casting the young healer a smile that did not reach his eyes as he turned away from him and moved to the front of the barge.
