❅ Four (Text)

[stonebird]

I thought about making this private, but I have nothing to hide. My words are typed in the hope that they will do someone good.

I come from a world that is harsh and unforgiving. Decent people die everyday and, more often than not, there is no one to mourn them. Life isn't endless for most, though it can be exceedingly long, and I think, when it's all said and done, the thing that matters the most is how we spent our days.

Personally, I do not wish to be remembered as a victim. Whatever is in store for us (according to the Null) is outside of our control. Do what you think is right today.

Do not live in fear. Otherwise they win.

Comments

[stonebird]

You could never fail me. (Unless he purposefully injures himself.) Mine are nothing compared to Lord Elrond's, but I do need the practice.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ No chance of that! Deliberate self-destruction is a luxury that no Fëanorion has, any longer. Not in this new life. And even in his own present life, which has offered so many blessings, Curufin is still too close to the darkness to disrespect it or underestimate it. He will use it, but he will never again throw himself into it. ] Indeed, I could not.

Lord Elrond has lived a long, long life, and has had time to develop his skills past those of most healers. But you will be a good one, Sansa, a very good one. I believe this. Anyway, you're doing pretty well now! We've been glad to have you at the Firehouse. [ Grin. ] Practice on us all you want!

[stonebird]

You must don bandages for me and drink atrocious brews in that case! (She is only mostly kidding.) My reason for learning the skills is entirely selfish. I do not wish to lose anyone else, friends or family. If you were seriously injured, I cannot stand aside and simply hope for the best.

[so_dark_a_road]

Anything for you! [ And he means this. He would let her wrap him up like a mummy or feed him nauseous concoctions, if it would help her learn her skills! ]

As selfish reasons go, that one is not very selfish. I'll entrust myself with no objection to a healer who has such a motivation. I would entrust myself to you without reservation.

[ Hopefully he won't have to, but considering how dangerously he lives, you never know, it could happen. And the same for Mae, Mags, and Finno. If any of them were hurt, Curufin would worry less if they were in her skillful and loving hands. ]

[stonebird]

Since you put such trust in me, I promise to not abuse you overmuch. (Which means anything she asks of him will probably be followed with something pleasant like warm cookies or tea.)

I know you love your family. I do want to help you stay with them as long as possible. That might seem selfless except...

Seeing you, your brothers and cousin; seeing your son, Lord Elrond and all the people you touch reminds me that not all good is gone.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ He chuckles at her humor. And of course, he wouldn't turn down the cookies or tea. ]

I do love my family. And if any of them should ever be injured, your help would be greatly appreciated.

[ . . . The same went for Celebrimbor as for the others! He had been dealing with his injuries for many months after he arrived in Hadriel, but even then, he had not been slow to pick up a weapon if need be. And now that he had experienced much healing thanks to Elrond, he was capable of much more physical exertion and more range of motion. And thus, he could join the others on the battle lines -- which put him in the same danger. If he ever needed a healer and Elrond was not available, Curufin would trust Sansa to do her best. And as for Elrond himself, he too was a warrior, although it was his preference to be a physician. But if the physician ever got hurt and couldn't heal himself, his apprentice might have to take over -- and Curufin trusted that again, she would do her best. And Sansa's best is very best! ]

I try. I have many amends to make, and not all the evil for which I am responsible can be amended. But I try. And my brothers are doing the same. Thank you, Sansa. Your respect and affection mean much to me. To us all.

[stonebird]

(She has gotten skilled in the culinary arts after much practice. And many failures.)

I would never leave them to suffer even if the world around us was coming to an end.

(Sansa would focus herself entirely on doing all she could if Celebrimbor or Elrond were hurt. She might seek the aid of the other Elves to ensure they have the very best care, but they could count on her to never give up.)

Your kindness shines through. The evil you have done is in the past. I do not hold it against you or your family. I am honored to know you and I trust you wholeheartedly.

[so_dark_a_road]

[ Exactly as everybody learns -- including Curufin! But Sansa is already a better cook than he is. ]

Spoken like a true healer!

And for your recognition of the light in us -- when we have so much trouble doing that ourselves -- and for all your other kindness to us, we can never thank you enough. And just. . . for being you. [ Smile ]