[maikafanawen]

Annanoldowen sighed as she ground more valerian to put in the wine for Annunfuin. He had revived and was sweating again. She hated to see him suffer and thought it best that he sleep.

“Shouldn’t we keep him awake so he doesn’t go into a coma?” asked Taralphiel at one point. The elf stopped and looked into the face of the Gondorian shaking her head. “The pain of the poison is evil. Even one as strong as he can not stand it.” Taralphiel nodded and continued to shred aloe leaves and drop them in the mini cauldron full of boiling water.

“I have done what I can,” said Annanoldowen. “He will recover if he has a strong spirit.” The Elf placed her hand on the old woman’s. “I am worried about you now. I have not seen you since the Third Age! Now is as good a time as any to catch up on lost talk!” Taralphiel smiled as Annanoldowen spoke.

“I have been doing much studying lately. More than usual that is, and I came across scrolls, mm hmm, parchment sheaves yes I know, from the Second age! It’s brilliant! Oh no, not from Rivendell naturally, from Greenwood--er--Mirkwood, but it’s quite interesting the Silvan elves are a very diverse…”

Their talk waned on into the coming evening as they stood watch beside Annunfuin who slept peacefully. When the dial on the sill read half past six, his fever had left completely and both the elf and swan lady was informed of the events that occurred since their last meeting.

“This hasn’t been just a bandit party then. The wild men are set on conquer! Vanquish of your kingdom. I have never heard of such thing!” Taralphiel nodded, handing Annanoldowen thin gauze sheets to replace the one on Annunfuin’s thigh.

“We have been doing everything and up until recently it’s been enough.” Annanoldowen looked sideways quickly, Taralphiel’s brow was furrowed and she appeared to be deep in thought. “But just this last onslaught...we didn’t have--” The elf shook her head.

“Well we were separated. Split clearly in half. Once we reunite and figure out exactly what it is we need to do, the wild men will have no chance. Yes, thank you.” Annanoldowen took a chalice of the wine and valerian to Annunfuin who shook his head.

“I’ve been sleeping all day,” he moaned. “And the poison is nearly gone, yes?” The elf pursed her lips.

“Nearly but--” Annunfuin still refused the wine. “Fine, water then please.” Annunfuin propped himself up on pillows and listened as Taralphiel told of the Swan House and the advantages to which it could be put in the final battle.