(Archive) Madness Plague - Houses of Healing

Elendor - Sunday, September 24, 2000

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Weather: Sunny

Time: Late Night

Season: Spring

Date: Highday - May 25, 3021

Real Time: Sun Sep 24 12:56:08 2000

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Houses of Healing - Entryway(#9671R)

You walk through fluted columns as you enter the serene home of the healers of Minas Tirith. The place has an air of ordered efficiency, as nurses pace back and forth, going about their business. You notice an ornate plaque detailing the forbidding of weapons from this point on. Although quiet, the Houses Of Healing are a busy place - the shadow of the east takes its toll on the people of the tower of guard.

There is a for you to read here.

Contents:

Amrun

Falathel

Faengor

Cirthel

Mathollor

Obvious exits:

Garden, West, East, and Out

[Faengor(#18480)] Since long the sun has sunk beneath the sea, leaving the pale moon to light the city in it\'s frail and soft lights. The streets are dark and the plague of madness still attacks the city, even now that the source has been detected. Barely a soul can be found in the city as even the reasuring boots of the patrolling guards of Minas Tirith thumping against the cobbled roads can not reassure the frightened population.

The Hall of Healings on the contrary is bustling with activity even this late in the night. Everywhere, healers and assistants walk around carrying herbs, clean water and towels or others.

And everywhere in this halls, guards can be seen, their faces stern and their eyes vigilant as they walk about the corners, protecting the healers from the mad, and the mad from themselves.

Falathel is shoved through the door by several frightened people, and looks around \"What is going on here?\" He asks.

[Amrun(#22647)] through all this confusion comes in one fo the patrols, returning from duty, them bringing in some mad of there own. One of them, a private removes his helmt, to show flecks of blood where he was cut. placing his cloved hand up he retrives a long slpinter, muttering a curse, he tosses it to the ground. \" Bloody Madmen attack me with planks..\" he says as he takes a seat on a nearbye bench, looking for a paste to put on it so he can treat , lest it get infected, or worse, give him the plague. His off colored sailors accent floating in the sea of madness in the halls.

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor turns about as the large doors to the halls of healing are opened by the private and Falathel and immediately a curious frown begins to grace his forehead. With stern and grim steps he aproaches the guards and the men who have been struck by the plague, his boots thumping heavily on the carpeted floor.

Finally he halts in front of the group, Falathel and the bloodied guard and immediately his silent gaze begins to move about them, peering at them with intricate eyes. \"When will this plague end?\" he mutters to himself, before turning to the private with the gash in his head, gazing at him with the same stern eyes. \"What happened Man-at-Arms?\"

Amrun looks up and saultes the Seargent in the normal fashion \" Oh Nothing Sarge, just we were patrolling and a group of maddies came out and attacked us. I was the only one hurt, they thought we were orcs sir..\" he chuckles. \" never saw the board hit me..\" He takes some paste on a nearby table and rubs it on then looks for a bandage \" Oh, I\'m Private Amrun of the Silver Ship, Sir.\"

The long white sleeves of the Princess are rolled up as she stands working at a long table in the House of Healing. A variety of potions line the back of the table as her hands crush yet another batch of herbs and sprinkle them atop a bowl of boiling water. The stench of woundwort quickly pervades the room but the sister of Imrahil is oblivious to the odor as she works to make yet another brew to hopefully aid in the treatment of this plague.

The long hours and work have taken their toil upon the sister of Imrahil as she wearily wipes one hand over her tired eyes as if that alone will force them to stay open and concentrating upon her task. The healers working alongside the Princess are relatively silent as everyone knows the seriousness needed when mixing tinctures and potions and how the daughter of Adrahil will lash out severely for any mistakes made in this delicate process.

The voices of those in the room do break the concentration of Ivriniel as she turns to glance at the men speaking and looks as if to speak and then bites her lip and returns to the task at hand.

Cirthel rushes about madly cleaning the room, coming to and fro she stops before Ivriniel \"Would you like me to fetch you anything for your healing at the moment?\" she asks quickly before she rushes off again to clean nearby.

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor nods sternly at the Man-at-Arms, inclining his head softly towards him, yet his eyes continue to peer about the Man-at-Arms as he finally raises his right hand to return the salute, placing his clenched right hand against his heart. \"And I am Sergeant Faengor of the Company of the White Raven.\" oncemore his gaze begins to glance about the Man-at-Arms and finally it falls upon the wound he has sustained. Taking a step forward, he speaks, \"Let me take a look at that Man-at-Arms.\" and without waiting for a reply he advances, unbuckling his belt and placing it near the bench upon which Amrun is seated.

Ivriniel turns to the young girl and nods her head and quietly says, \"Please see that more boiling water is brought forth.\" A wane smile is given to the servant as she says, \"Forgive the harshness of my words, the days are without end since I came to the city of stone\"

Amrun let\'s the Seargent take a look, not stopping him \" Aye Sir.\" he says his eyes trailing over to Falathel \" Now my good sailing Lad, I doubt the orc had anything to do with this, but if they did.\" he chuckles \" I wouldn\'t be surprised..\"

Falathel growls \"Those foul creatures have brought great pain to my house.\"

Falathel says, \"my brothers died at Osgiliath.\"

[Faengor(#18480)] \"Orcs You say?\" Faengor speaks with a soft and interested voice as he bends himself over the Man-at-Arms, taking of his gloves and placing them on the bench with his belt. With soft finger he begins to investigate the wound, yet he never ceases to talk, \"Did you hear of the rogues that killed the Lieutenant at the eastern gate of the Rammas Echor?\" he continues, distracting the Man-at-Arms from the wound, before finally turning around and motioning to a young boy. \"Bring me some clean water, towels, some woundwort and a desinfecting ointment!\" and of course the young boy immediately scurries off to get the supplies.

Wiping her hands on an apron secured around her waist in an effort to protect the elegant gown underneath, Ivriniel speaks to the women working with her. \"Please continue to crush the dried herbs. I need to see to something.\" A few steps are taken into the entryway and the sister of Imrahil nods her head to the man speaking as she reaffirms, \'Tis true, the foul creatures are a bane on our existance.\" Noting the uniform of the men, she says, \'Do any of you serve under Captain Rorgan, by chance?\" A young healer, obiously hesitant curties before the sister of Findulais as she says nervously, \'Begging your pardon, your Grace, but we need help with the deerberry extraction.\" A flicker of irritation quickly passes as Ivriniel nods in resignation and says to the girl, \"See to my assistant healer, many times his hands have prepared the mixture. I trust his judgement.\" Quietly she turns back to those in the room, silvery grey orbs probing each one as she assesses the strangers.

Amrun nods or at least tries to as the seargents\' prying fingers poke at him. \" Aye Sir, tis a shame really. Thought we might see some more in the city, anothe reason for us to be out on patrol, but because pof the madness we only carry clubs, ifg they had weapons, such as bows, we\'d be gone for sir.\" He watches Irviniel and smiles \" Good to see you your Grace helpin us out.\" states the Man-At-arms before looking to Faengor \" Maybe I\'ll get a promotion form al of this..\" he chuckles again, wincing at the fingers.

[Gwainel(#23309)] From the fluted columms a white figure comes, it wears noble vest, and the confusion in the healing room, surprises him, he figure comes quietly glancing those who lays in the beds, his looks pass and stops at Ivriniel...\"M\'lady\" he says with a sad smile in his face...

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor chuckles softly and continues to examine the wound with his finger, trying to wipe it clean as much as he can, as he waits for the clean water and herbs to be brought. \"Do not worry Man-at-Arms, for no weapons will be allowed in the city, madness or not.\" he smiles softly and turns to Amrun, \"Indeed, perhaps you will be promoted, or with some chance, a medal.\" Suddenly then, Ivriniel\'s voice calls out from behind and astonished, the sergeant immediately turns, bowing deeply before Ivriniel, \"Lady Ivriniel,\" he mutters softly, \"It is a honour and a relieve to meet you here--.\" the remainder of his words are drown out as the boy returns with the supplies he had been sent for and places them on the bench next to Amrun before turning around and leaving. \"My apologies,\" Faengor mutters, turning around and returning to the supplies, grabbing a towel and softly tipping it in the bowl of water, before softly placing it on Amrun\'s head, cleaning the wound.

\"Indeed I serve under Captain Rorgan, Lady Ivriniel, he is my uncle.\"

Falathel looks at the white figures vest, and upon seeing the symbol emborided on it, stands and salutes.

[Amrun(#22647)] the Private smiles as he cleans the wound, the stining leaving. \" Aye Sir. Did you here that we finally got Kadareth Sir. It is quite a tale indeed, such bravery of three men against a well armed mad one.\" he looks to Gwainel on his entrance and nods politely to the squire.\" He looks at Faengor \" Ahh so yer a Nimothan eh? Ha ha! Good ta see one of noble blood amongst us. Your Grace included.\" he says nodding to The Princess. \"Anyway where was I, oh yes we caught Kadareth intersting tale I might say.. such bravery..\"

Falathel sighs \"I hope this madness clears up soon, I must get back to Dol Amroth. I am to be a White Squire in the Lords Knighthood.\"

A smile curves the lips of Ivriniel as she nods to the young squire, \"Gwainel. Welcome to Minas Tirith. I dare say there is plenty to occupy the hands of one wanting to learn the art of healing.\" A look of question is seen upon her face as she inquires, \"Did you speaketh to Lord Melethron before we made the trip to the city of stone?\" Admonishment seen as she adds, \'As always, your duties as squire and loyalty to the servitude of the Order of the Swan shall come before any healing that you do.\"

Nodding her head regally Irviniel smiles to Faengor, \"Lord Faengor. How nice to see you again.\" A smile curves her lips as she recalls, \"When last we met it twas in the drawing room at Barad Nimothan and we discussed the lovely paintings upon the wall.\" A soft laugh tinkles forth as she says, \"I had quite forgotten that you are the nephew of Captain Rorgan.\"

Walking closer to where the nobleman works on the man at arms Ivriniel notes, \"It appears you have taken up the art of healing Faengor. I am very pleased to see men of the guards and of the Order of the Swan take up healing. My fondest desire is to have more men trained in the art of healing so that we may lose even less men upon the field of battle.\", a determined sound to her voice as she speaks to Faengor.

[Faengor(#18480)] \"Noble blood?\" Faengor speaks with a smirk as he concentrates his attention upon Amrun, ignoring those who just entered, his eyes continually resting upon the wound of the poor Man-at-Arms. \"Man-at-Arms Kadareth has finally been found?\" Faengor then suddenly exclaims in surprise, \"No, ... I did not hear of that, tell me about it\" he adds on as he removes the towel from Amrun\'s wound, having cleaned it thoroughly. Carefully he then picks up some of the desinfecting ointment and softly he begins to screw open the small bottle. \"Careful he whispers, I\'m sure a guard of this city is hardened, yet this may sting a little.\" he grins michieveously and softly dips his finger in the bottle, taking some of the ointment on his finger before softly beginning to massage it around the private\'s wound.\"

As his fingers massage the wound he turns to Ivriniel, smiling grimly at her. \"Indeed we have your grace, and it warms me greatly to oncemore be able to talk with you, although it wish it were under better cicumstances, such as when we met.\" he inclines his head and continues, \"Indeed, I have taken up this art ... since my father has fallen ill I have spent every free moment in books of herbal lore, yet the disease that has struck him is far beyond the little knowledge I posses, yet it pleases me to be able to help my comrades on the battlefield.\"

Amrun grits his teeth as the sting takes affect, the bacteria burning out, like the demons form a soul. \" Aye, we got him. I was on patrol when I bumped into Captain beregond on the way to the embassy of Dol Armoth, with him was a squire named Mathollor and a citizen known as Laenor. well we stopped and shot some breeze so to speak wehn all of a sudden the madman yelled Behind you! We all turnded he he drew a club, I drew mine and Beregond snapped off his shiled. Well Kadareth tried to attack the Cap\'n, but the laenor fella jumped him, then Kadareth clubbed theman, Beregond and I leapt into action. I taking the head, pressing my club lightly on the throat as Beregond used his shield to knock the air out of Kadareth. Mathollor pulled the citizen away and my patorl came soon after.\"

The silvery grey orbs of the Princess take note of the careful way Faengor applies the ointment to the wound of the man at arms and she says, \"I am sorry to hear that your father has fallen ill.\" The sincerity of her words are clear as she says, \'If there is anything I can offer to help, please do not fail to ask--House Nimothan is an old and revered house of Gondor and has served well.\" A grin that can only be described as mischevious is given to the young guardsman as she says, \'Is this the only time his tone of voice is this gentle?\"

Suddenly she exclaims, \'Kadareth has been captured?\" Looking to first Faengor and then back to the young unnamed guard she says, \"Where is he know? What is his condition?\", her words rush out in a litany of questions as she continues, \'Why was I not notified of the developement.\", her voice rising to a high note before she becomes aware and with a guilty start shakes her head, \"Forgive me, it has been a difficult trip so far.\"

Falathel raises from the bench and says \"Plague or no plague, I must return to my home. Farewell.\"

Amrun looks at Irviniel and blinks \" In the dungeons yer grace. Lady Kerowyn has been treating him there so he cannot escape from you again.\" he states and looks to Faengor before looking back to Irviniel \" Oh, really? What happened on yer trip, milady?\"

Mathollor steps into the room moving aside briefly for the guardsman in the doorway. As he strides into the room his face is brightened by a friendly and pleasant smile. He speaks as he surveys the room his glance returning to Amrun with a nod \"Well met, to you all this day\"

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor grimaces as he hears the tale trough Amrun\'s voice and silently continues to rub the ointment on his skull with careful fingers, using all his concentration to make sure he does not touch the centre of the wound with his fingers, wishing not too cause great pain to the man, he continues to keep him distracted, for several moments, before finally finding the ointment to be well rubbed n and the wound clean and disinfected. Silently he takes a step backwards, glancing to Ivriniel and Inclining his head to her softly in thanks as she offers her help, though silent he remains as suddenly the princess speaks speaks of Kadareth. Silently he screws the top back on the bottle and places it near the other supplies, before finally taking the bowl with freshly crushed woundwort.

Carefully he grasps the bottle in one hand and a fresh and clean bandage in another. Carefully he dips the bandage in some of the clean water, before sprinkling a small amount of woundwort on it. Carefully then he begins to apply the bandage on the Man-at-Arms, placing the part of the bandage that has been sprinkled with woundwort around the place that has suffered injury to stop the bleeding and rolling the rest around his head several times to make a strong bandage, tight enough not to fall off. \"Leave that on for three days, then return to the house of healing to refresh the bandage, Man-at-Arms,\" Faengor speaks wsith a stern voice, \"And next time, don\'t get caught off guard.\" he grins and gives the guard a friendly pat on the shoulder before taking a step backwards so the Princess and Amrun may converse more easily.

Blinking in surprise Ivriniel states, \'Things have been so hectic with the trip. The wagon with the supplies broke an axle and our arrival was delayed by the hours it took to repair the problem. And since our arrival its been a constant direction of healers and supplies as we try to fortify the dwindling stock of freshly prepared tinctures.\" Pausing for a moment she appears in thought and says, \'I suppose Kadareth was returned to captivity whilst I was seeing to the unpacking of my special mixtures.\" Looking to Faengor she inquires, \'What can you tell me of this plague to catch me up to date? I feel rather like I am standing on the outside with my late arrival.\" Glancing up at the entrance of Mathollor her expression brightens as she says, \"Mathollor! Good--another hand to lend to the effort to get to the bottom of this madness\"

Amrun nods to the Seargent \" Aye Sir, I shall. he now relaxes and stretches out abit \" I\'m off shift now and need some rest, was out lastnight patroling the walls, then I am woken up fer loonie duty. Ahh tis the like sailing in hostile waters, no rest fer the waery.\" he chuckles and looks to a servant lad who just popped in \" Can ye get me a water Lad?\' he asks, the boy wirth a nod runs off in search of the cool liquid.

Mathollor bows lightly and quickly, his face moving into a quick roguish grin \"My lady, what madness would this be ?\", at this he glances towards Amrun being attended to and nods before turning back to the princess.

[Faengor(#18480)] Faengor\'s gaze moves from Amrun to Ivriniel and then to Mathollor and the door. \"There is little I can tell you, except that the water was contaminated and that it has caused the plague. Sadly enough we found this out far too late and now it is too late. Most likely this has been the work of the Dark one\'s agents,\" Faengor speaks, lowering his voice as he brings up the dark one, \"Since a few days ago we were attacked by rogues when searching for a lieutenant near the Eastern Rammas Echor who hadn\'t returned. We found him dead in the gras.\" he shakes his head and sighs softly, \"I am sorry Lady Ivriniel, yet there is little else I know and it is time for me to leave.\" Oncemore the Sergeant bows deeply to all present, before turning around and heading towards the exit.

Ivriniel nods her head at the Seargent and says, \"Thank you for the update on the situation. I shall have to peruse my book of herb lore and see what antidote we might use to fight off this latest effort of the dark one and his servants.\" Calling out to the departing man she says, \"Fare thee well man of House Nimothan.\", watching the doorway long after the man has disappeared, the sister of Imrahil is thoughtful as she turns back to Mathollor and says, \"Tis a very serious situation here in Minas Tirith. This plague has brought many into the House of Healing. Matter of fact, an entire wing is devoted to those sticken with this plague. The healers have worked themselves to a frazzle trying to determine the root of this evil. Who would have thought it was in the water supply. How very clever of our enemies to poison that natural resource\"

Mathollor nods as the princess finishes speakinh \"I have been helping the guard with their duties, commande rBeregond mentioned ther poisoned water to me. I believe though that there must be other agents left in the city, and troops on the march, or some other reason for the disruption. Why go to this effort unless you intend to make use of the disruption?\"

A look of astonishment is seen as the Princess says, \"You have been helping the guards and have met Commander Beregond since our arrival?\" A hearty laugh sounds from deep within the woman as she remarks, \'One cannot accuse you of not getting involved, can they?\", a new look of respect evident in the twinkling of grey eyes. \"There must be some ulterior motive to the poisoning....unless of course, they wished for those stricken with the madness to kill as many of the high ranking guardsman and those weaken our defence.\" Tapping one finger against her lips as she considers this information, thinking aloud as she says, \"I do not recall a blantant attack against the stone city, but then, I am not as well versed in the history of Minas Tirith as I am of that of Dol Amroth.\"

Mathollor shrugs lightly and his grin broadens and he stretches and takes a seat. His sword is unbuckled and set beside him as he his head is half tilted to listen.\" I came here with everyone else to help people, I know soldiering best, and can hopefully give some of troops a good nights rest \" a short breath is taken before he moves on with a slight scowl \" I agree with the fact there is no history to support it but on the other hand if we did not protect against this until it was used against us...\" at this his face hardens \"Why waste this opportunity, why not wait until it is important and poision the water throughout the city? Questions I drwad learning the answers to unless they are on our terms\"

The servant returns with the items that Ivriniel had requested earlier and she pauses in her discussion with Mathollor to direct the placement and then turns back to the young squire as she gracefully takes a seat in a nearby chair. The ties of the apron are undone and the garment is carefully folded upon her lap before the Princess doth speak again. \"I suppose I would agree with you in part of that argument. Being a soldier when with the war host should be the same for both guardsman and squire--- however, the special bond between a squire and that of his Knight cannot be denied.\" Obviously the sister of Imrahil delays answering the question about the poisoned drinking water as she asks, \"To whom are you squired? I know that I have asked this question before, but there are simply so many new squires in Dol Amroth that its hard to keep everyone straight.\"

Mathollor smiles broadly a twinkle in his eyeas he leans back in his chair \"Why to your brother of course, He selects those squires he sees as holding promise as his own\" at this point his smile becomes rogueish again

A burst of laughter slips from the Princess and her hand quickly rises to her lips to stifle the amusement. One eyebrow quirks in obvious amusement as she inquires, \"And did thou get permission from my kinsman before making the trip to Minas Tirith?\" The twinkling of grey eyes cannot be denied as Ivriniel teases the young squire by further stating, \"Shall I tell my brother of your good works in -helping- with the guards while you are here? Suddenly an expression akin to wariness covers her face as she inquires, \'My brother did not assign you to see to my well being did he?\"

Mathollor raises one eyebrow quickly \" Why would you assume that my Lady ? \"

One shoulder lifts delicately as Ivriniel dismisses the question with simplicity, \'My brother worries over much about family and it was just an idle thought---one that is not worth further discussion as I have my own retainers and guardsmen with me.\"

Mathollor shrugs lightly \"families worry overmuch it is in their natures. \" at this he fidgets before speaking ruefully. \"I help the guardss herew because I know the foundation of their duties even if we Knights eventually pass far beyond them, Otherwise I would be superflous to requirements as I knownothing of how to heal the afflicted\"

A bitterness is evident in the normally sweet voice of the healer as she says, \"Most would make light of the art of healing but it takes dedication and hard work. There are many that have trained a lifetime---made it their life\'s work to aid those ill and injured\" A weary Ivriniel says softly to the young squire, \'My words do seem to support both sides of any issue as I have to seek further answer than what my personal belief.\" Dropping her eyes to look upon the apron folded neatly on her lap she says as she smoothes across a dark stain upon the once crisp white material, \"The taste, the smell, the colour and the texture of every herb and tonic must be carefully analyzed by the healers as they seek to save those.\"

Mathollor nods before shaking his head lightly \"I do not think many who face the threat of injury constantly would make light of it, they generally respect that which can save their lives\"

Rising from her chair, the elder Imrazor smiles fondly at the young squire and says, \"Either way, the hour is late and I must have some rest before the light of dawn streaks once again across the sky.\" Resting her eyes upon the handsome face of Mathollor she says \"Fare thee well young squire.\"

Mathollor stands quickly and snatches up his sword belt, \"Aye it is at that, Fare thee well my Lady, if you have need of me ? I will no doubt be at the barracks \"

Ivriniel nods her head and says softly, \"I shall remember that.\" And with that the White Lady of Belfalas quickly strolls across the room and departs