Healing (Wed. 6:00-7:30)

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya sniffed in the cool evening air as she entered a small dugout that was set a little apart from the main body of the Heren Istarion training complex. It was still inside the walls, of course, but there was a pleasant walk in store for any who wished to reach it. The wooden door creaked shut and Nenya walked over to light a fire in a fire ring that sat in the middle of the floor. A door in the back of the room that led into the kitchens shed a little outdoor light into the otherwise dark room, but the fire soon filled the dugout's dirt walls with a kind of comfortable glow.

Nenya then walked over to some wooden shelves on one of the side room to make sure that all of her needed tools were readily available. They were all there: pots and pans, woven baskets, large kettles, small cups, wooden spoons, herbs and weeds, and all kinds of rustic and utterly "healable" tools. Nenya grinned and looked to make sure that each and every tool was in its right place. Then, as one last precaution she checked to make sure that the sitting logs were in place. Footsteps could be heard outside, and the healing teacher turned towards the door, waiting expectantly.

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OOC:

Post your arrival.

The students for this class are:
\Elvish Hellion
Lossen Vana
\Wonko the Sane
\Mablung
Bethelarien
\Luthien_7
Angoreth

[Luthien_7]

Elleth walked into the room. No one was there exept the teacher. She went to the teacher and bowed slightly to her.

"Suilad, hiril nin! My name is Elleth and I come from Imladris. It will be an honour to be taking your class."

[Scatha]

Still accustomed to awaken early, Farathorn slipped into the healing class, then gave Nenya a smile as he sat in the back of the room, mostly out of sight due to one of the pillars. "Quel re, Nenya. I trust you slept well?"

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya smiled at Elleth and, with a returned bow, said, "Welcome, Elleth, and thank you for your kind words! It is my honour to have you as a student!" She bowed once more. Then, Farathorn's voice broke through her thoughts and turning gracefully around at the sound she retreated over into the man's claimed corner. "Thank you, Farathorn," she responded to his welcome, "I did sleep well, and I hope you did as well!" Nenya's face was a little confused, and she glanced towards the light streaming in through the kitchen door to make sure that it was indeed evening. ;) Then in a whispered voice she added, "Are my member lists still incomplete? Or did you decide to grace my class with your presence out of the goodness of your heart?"

[Mablung]

Sarin walked through the quaint wooden door. He waved to everyone in the class when he surveyed who had already arrived. After that he began examining all of the tools Nenya had lain out for them.

[ElvishHellion]

Lorien walked in with a smile on her face. She said hello to everybody who sat in the room. She bowed to Nenya with a "Good Day M'Lady " and greeted Farathorn with an "Good day M'Lord" before sitting down in her rightful place along with Sarin and Elleth. SHe hoped that this would be one of her best subjects due to the fact that she wasn't good at much else.

[Wonko The Sane]

The heavy wooden door dilates and Arianne strides calmly into the small hut, her barefeet patter calmly across the cool earthen floor as she makes her way to the fire pit and seats herself cross-legged at a vacant space around the perimeter. She nods respectfully to Nenya and then proceeds to close her eyes, taking in the smell of the burning cedar as she calmed her mind, and prepared for class with meditation.

[Scatha]

Farathorn placed his hand on Nenya's shoulder and smiled.
"A bit of moral support for a friend is never needless, but goodness is what is common among friends. Plus I may be able to learn something after all, my skills have become somewhat rusty, now I no longer travel with the dunedain."

He gracefully sat down, after he gave her shoulder a small squeeze.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya smiled at Farathorn. "Feel free to add anything you wish to this class, My Lord. Your input is invaluable." Then, turning around to face the rest of the class, she said, "Let us begin!" She moved closer to the firelight and beckoned all the students to gather around its warm blaze.

After holding her hands over the flames for a moment, even though the air was not exactly chilly, Nenya began in a quiet voice. "Today's class is going to be kind of like a fireside chat. Healing is an art, in a sense, but not one that can be taught by one person alone. I cannot tell you what you are capable of. Only you, after searching yourself, can find out what talents really lie nestled in some forgotten corner of your head. So, do not be expecting that I will teach you how to heal. I can only guide you in discovering that for yourself. Not everyone in this class will have the same ability to heal, and not everyone will be able to heal in the same way.

"The art of healing depends upon your background, upon the blood that flows through your veins, upon your race, and upon your commitment to searching yourself to find your true abilities. Remember, I am only a guide in this area. Let me put it this way: If you are of the race of Men your healing powers will be less than if you are of the Elven race. If you have the blood of Numenor flowing through your veins then somewhere, deep down, the blood of Luthien Tinuviel flows in you as well as the blood of her mother, Melian the Maia who was the wife of Thingol of Doriath. If this is the case, you will undoubtedly have more healing powers than other Men. The Dunedain have this blood flowing through their veins, as they are direct descendants of the Kings of Numenor. If you are descended from one of the Eldar and indeed have yourself seen the Blessed Land of Valinor, you will undoubtedly have more ability to heal than if you are one of the Moriquendi, Elves of Darkness.

"So you see, your specific powers rest with you alone as I cannot tell what blood flows through your veins. However, I can help you to discover your potential by hearing what your descent is. Then I will get a decent idea of your abilities and will be able to help you find your fullest potential.

"Also, remember this! Healing is not "magic," as some men in their ignorance have claimed. Healing is merely a part of yourself, a talent that you may or may not have. It is just like any other ability such as amazing muscle strength." Nenya's face clouded for a moment. "Indeed, it is hard for me to describe this. The term "magic" has grown and become accepted by the people of these hither lands, and I do not understand it. Think instead that any ability in healing that you might have is a part of yourself and not magic, merely an ability.

"Now!" Nenya smiled across the burning flames at her eager listeners. "If you'd like to pull up one of those log stumps to sit on, do so. Right now I'd like each of you to tell about your lineage, about what blood you think flows in your veins, about what you think you will be capable of doing before we even start, and then discuss these things amongst yourselves. Feel free to ask any questions you wish, either of me or your fellow students. Basically, I'd like to have this conversation so that we can all get an idea of what to expect from each other in the area of healing." Nenya pulled a wooden stump close to the fire, sat on it, and signaled for her students to begin the conversation.

[Luthien_7]

Elleth sat down and listened carefully to all what Nenya said. As the evening deepened the firelight became brighter. Elleth looked thoughtfully in the fire, it's light reflected in her eyes. The teacher gave a signal for her students to begin.

"Well, I don't know much about my lineage. My mother and father both were Sindar that means that I am also Sindar elf. As you all know Sindar were the elves who stayed in Beleriand. They were Úmanyar, the Eldar who didn't go to Aman so their healing powers are less than Calaquendi who came there. Though they also has great power in it.
As for me, I haven't used them but I hope that with your help Nenya I'll be able to develop them."

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya nodded. "Only time will truly tell how great your powers are, Elleth. I will guide you as I can."


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OOC:

Very good history references, Elleth! It's nice for me to get a knowledge of what you know about the books.

There's one thing I'd like you to work on. Make sure that you capitalize all "i's," that you put in all the needed "and's," "a's," and that you use commas and periods in their correct places.

Try editing your post to find all the places where you've made mistakes.

What I'd like you all to do is proof read your posts before posting them. Remember, your posts reflect the image of yourself and your character that everyone sees. You want to reflect a good image.

[ElvishHellion]

It was at this time that Lorien squrimed uneasily in her seat. She didn't think It would be right to lie to a teacher. But she had to hide her linage. She feared that people she knew would want to know her anymore if she told the dark secret the was her burden .But they were going to find out anyway so this was at good a time as any. With a moments hesitation, She stood up and started to talk"M'lady ,My heritage is one of mingled blood.I'm Half-elf and Half-dwarf" she stopped for a bit to let her words sink in "Even though it is unheard of, My mother's kin like Elleth's are of the Sindar. I know little more about my father's kin other than the obvious fact the they're dwarfs" She sat down and was prepared to see her peers' and teacher's Reactions.

[Mablung]

Sarin shifted himself on the stump interested in what everyone was saying. When it came to be his turn he leaned forward illuminated by the fire. "Past my mother and father I know very little they have told me something of my ancestors, but as history goes it is not for certain whether the information is accurate. My family is from Gondor to be certain, and I have been told that some of my ancestors were Dunedain around the War of the Ring. But no one in the past few generations of my family have chosen to acknowledge any of that blood that may flow through our veins."

[Scatha]

Farathorn stepped forwards and gave a reply to Lorien's statement. "Dwarves are known to have little use for magic, but your elven ancestry might just be stronger then that half. You may be versed as well as any human, if both sides are equally strong. I hope however, Lorien, that your dwarven side is not the stronger one, where your temper is concerned."

The instructor gave a grin to Lorien, then nodded towards Nenya and continued with his own lineage.
"I am a half elf, my mother is a numenorean, decending from Arathorn the first and my father an unknown elf from Grey haven. Most of my life I have spent with the Dunedain and in Rivendell. Athelas seems to respond well to my use of it, from what I have noticed on my wandering years."

With a short bow he returned to the back of the class.

[ElvishHellion]

Lorien Smiled at him Smartlyand said"Indeed In this case M'ladyand M'Lord I hope for the purposes at hand my elevn ancestery will prove stronger"

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya laughed. "I seem to sense that something I was not aware of has been going on? Lorien has a temper?" Nenya's voice turned to a soft teasing and then back to serious. "But no, there is nothing to be ashamed of in your ancestry, Lorien." She let her gaze rest in Lorien's eyes for one silent moment as she though she was weighing each movement. "Perhaps your Elvish blood will turn out stronger . . . but only time can tell."

Then, focusing her attention on the other two men who had spoken, Nenya said, "So, one man of Gondor with maybe a little Numenorean blood in him. It will be extremely interesting to see how far your talents can go." Nenya smiled at Sarin. "And you, Farathorn, it seems that you have quite a lot of talent! And if I'm not mistaken you already have begun using it! How often have you healed? Have you mostly used Athelas? Do you know what you may be capable of?" Nenya's questions seemed to have a purpose. "Anyone else is welcome to answer these same questions, if they pertain to you."


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OOC:

ElvishHellion, I loved your unwillingness to tell about your lineage. Very good!

Just a couple things. ;) You, also, need to proof read your posts. Notice that you have in many places either forgotten or put spaces in the wrong places, that you have misspelled a couple words, forgotten punctuation marks, and capitalized words that didn't need capitalization. So, try editing your post to fix these errors. Remember, sometimes all it takes to have a good post is to read it over a couple of times before clicking the "submit reply" button. Try making each new post your best post yet.

Mablung, I like it how you do not seem to be concerned about having many healing powers. It's good and refreshing to have diversity!

Scatha, good, good. :D

[Wonko The Sane]

Arianne bowed her raven haired head and then slowly raised it, her green eyes glowing fiercely in the firelight as she met Nenya's gaze over the dancing flames.

"My tale is of a different weave." She spoke in low, enchanting tones, drawing ears close, and curiosity closer.

"I am ancient. Born of the far days of the First Age, in direct descent from Luthien Tinuviel through her grand-daughter Elwing. I am sister to Elrond and Elros. My given name is Elarwen. It is through my great-grandmother Luthien that I bear the blood of Melian, and through her husband Thingol that I bear the blood of the Sindar. The blood of the Edain also runs through my veins. I am gifted in many ways. And in many ways cursed. I was first born to Elwing and Eärendil, though I am listed in no records. This is the story of my being as has been recounted to from those who know it. Though I do not remember myself. It is said that Elwing carried me, and it is said her burden was not an easy one."

At this Arianne's voice falters.

"I am sorry. This is the first time I've told this story to anyone. It has always been necessary for my lineage to remain a secret. I trust it will not leave this circle." A slight edge of threat crept into the Dark Elf's voice as she uttered these words. Scanning the group surrounding her she counted a nod from each, before continuing her story.

"The burden I cast on my mother was great, and the trial of my delivery even harder. Mine was a difficult birth, from which Elwing nearly died. I was born a month and a half premature. Elwing was on a walk in the foothills with her mid-wife excercising her weary limbs when she slipped and fell while crossing at the base of a waterfall swollen with snowmelt. The impact of the fall and the temperature of the water sent her into shock. And into labour. It was there on the banks of the river that I was born. Feeble and silent. Elwing was losing blood quickly and her pulse was sporadic. She drifted in and out of consciousness, barely aware of her surroundings. The mid-wife had to make a choice: Save her mistress or save me. She made the choice swiftly. Seeing my weak and feeble state she cut the cord and left me to my fate beside the waterfall. She would tell Eärendil it was a miscarriage. That I was born dead."

A tear came to the elf's green eyes and sparkled in the warm glow of the fire. A grim line set in her mouth, her visage changed from sorrowful to stern.

"The rest need not be told. Suffice it to say a Dark One such as myself, Sindarin like me was watching from the shadows that day. She rescued me, raised me, gave me both the name that Elwing intended for me and the name I bear today, and imparted to me the ways of her People...Our People."

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OOC: This is the first time I've explored the roots of my character so please bear with me.
It was hard descending myself from Luthien since we know her real descendents but I think this works fairly well within the timeline and also gives me credibility in the use of my "magic."
So...um...comments Nenya? Thanks!

[Scatha]

Farathorn looked a little surprised at the questions, then stood and started to answer them, but with a little hesitation.

"I attempted to heal people three times. Once a friend of the Dunedain, who had an arrow wound, which looked poisoned. I used Athelas to drive it out.

The second time I took care of an ally in a fight, who unfortunately was too badly wounded."
His voice broke a little, then after a deep breath he continued.

"I also took care of my horse, after we took a rather nasty fall. There I had to aid my compagnion and try and help myself."
The half elf specifically avoided to use names, especially in the case where the wounded man died. Those versed in the elven culture would recognize this as 'the not speaking a deceased man's name', but there may be more behind it

"I really have no idea, as to what I am capable of regarding healing." With these words spoken, the instructor took a seat again.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya glanced around the circle, intent upon the eyes of each of student. Arianne had entrusted them with a secret, the secret of her birth, a secret that would be avenged with anger if let out. "I know that you will all respect Arianne's wishes and keep her secret. Speak of it nowhere, and only here if she herself gives you permission." Nenya held each student's gaze in her own, weighing their thoughts upon dangerous scales. Then, her voice softened as she turned to Arianne. "Thank you, Arianne, for sharing that with us. I am grateful, and yet full of respect that you chose to share something so close to your heart." She let comfort stray into her glance as she looked across the firelight, not as a teacher would look, but as a friend.

Nenya's mood changed once again, this time to serious, as she regarded Farathorn. Her eyes took on a piercing gleem, if only for a second, and then faded into a soft glow. She smiled. "Well, it will truly be exciting to see how you can grow into your talents, Farathorn! I hope you may find enjoyment here while growing!"

Then she turned softly to the other students, trying not to destroy the mysterious firelight, and beckoned to them to begin speaking.


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OOC:

Wonko, your background is amazing! It fits your character extremely well! I was very drawn into it while reading and incredibly very moved. I honestly do not know if it could be any better.

[Wonko The Sane]

Arianne bowed her head, words spent, unable to say much more than the soft "Thank you" that escaped her lips. She brushed a tear from her face and then shook her head, tossing her hair as she lifted her chin, jaw set. She ran a hand through her long hair, pulling it back from her face as she looked around the circle at last resting on the friendly, supportive eyes of Nenya. She softly smiled her thanks once more and then lowered her head again, as Nenya continued to lead the class.


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OOC: Thank you!!! I'm so glad! That was hard to write. It took me a while to figure out how I could fit in with the lineage and still not be listed amongst Luthien's descendants. I wasn't sure what was allowed for RPs so I'm glad it turned out well! :D

[Scatha]

From the back of the room sounded a voice, adding a statement to Nenya's reply regarding Arianne. "The first that breaks the trust placed upon them will have to face my temper. A hand that heals can also do harm."

As the students glance back, they see nobody but Farathorn, even though the voice sounded much colder then they ever heard him speak. He calmly nodded to Arianne, while the expression on his face returned to normal, then he spoke once again, this time his voice soft and clear. "Your secret will be safe with me, you have my solemn word of honor."

OOC: Remarkable post, Wonks. If you continue like this, we'll have to ask you to start a discussion with Dengen Goroth soon. ;)

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya looked back at Farathorn, her eyes unreadable. "Anger is served in better places, Farathorn," she said gently. "I do not think that any will break the trust placed upon them, but if they do they will be severely punished. Anger is not a part of the punishment I know."


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OOC:

Wonks: I really don't know what's allowed in the RP's these days . . . but I don't see why your profile wouldn't be. However, if someone does have a problem with it, then I'd break the rules. :D

[Scatha]

The half elf turned towards Nenya and grinned slightly, his eyes sparkled as he replied. "Anger, dear Teacher, had nothing to do with my reply. I have lived in the wilderness most of my time, thus sometimes pick my words badly. Everything discussed within these walls should be regarded as personal, thus not be spoken of outside this room unless it is in private and with the person in question."

With his usual grace and calm he walked towards the rest and took a seat in the midst of the students. Once seated, just behind Arianne, Farathorn looked at Nenya and just payed attention. "How difficult would it be, to explore what your lineage allows you to do in healing?"

[Nenya Evenstar]

Nenya couldn't help but laugh. "I understand Farathorn!" she smiled. "I will keep that in mind!" Her eyes carried a small teasing gleam that seemed to emanate from inside the depths of her head.

"But now, on to your question! I was wondering when someone would ask me that!" Nenya became quiet and calm, utterly thoughtful as though thinking of things long past. "My path has been a long one, longer even than most of you would have thought." Silence reigned in the room as Nenya began the story of her pathway through life, her voice long and far away, recounting ages and deeds long past. "I was born in Tirion upon Tuna in Valinor in the days of the First Age of the world to the house of Finarfin. In those days I was learning from the hands of the Valar who would teach me, spending time in the healing gardens of Lorien and learning from Irmo and Este. I learned sorrow and pity from Nienna, I learned the work of crafts from Aule, and I grew to deeply love the things of the earth by my association with Yavanna. I have seen Manwe and Varda, and whenever I look up into the heavens I am reminded of Elbereth, Queen of the Stars." Nenya's eyes glittered with a hidden sorrow-like joy. "There in the golden streets of Valinor the fair I lived, grew, and gathered all the knowledge that I could from those that surrounded me, until one day I listened to the words of Galadriel, my distant kinswoman, and her hot-blooded uncle Feanor. I was convinced to leave Tirion and follow Feanor into exile. You all know the griefs and happenings of what followed, but I will say now that I have never been sad that I left Valinor. Yes, I miss it, but there are still things for me to do on these hither lands before I return, things that I cannot simply leave and forget.

"I passed through the happenings of the First Age living always near Galadriel as one of her maidens, learning her ways as well as I could and learning what I could from those she associated with. In the wars of Beleriand I took little part except to wait upon my Lady and keep her safe.

"The First Age came and passed, the Exiled Noldor were granted forgiveness and passage back to Valinor, but I remained behind, too attached to Galadriel and Middle-earth to leave. I remained Galadriel's maiden and kinswoman throughout the entirety of the Second Age, and I passed through many trials that I will not burden you with. The story of my life is far too long to recount all its details. Let it suffice for now to say that the Second Age passed and the Third Age began, and I lived in Lothlorien, still serving Galadriel, Queen of that beloved realm that was once so glorious. When Sauron was defeated after the War of the Ring, Galadriel departed. I, however, chose to remain behind for my heart told me that more evils were yet to come, and I was eager to become a leader and a counselor for any that might need me after my long life of service. Since that time I have worked to uphold what is good and true, and though my path has been long and difficult in Middle-earth, I am still not ready to give it up because of the love of those that I know who reside here.

Nenya's voice grew quiet once more as she said, "So you see, I am one of the Noldor of Aman and have known the influence of many of the great Eldar and Valar, and I am one of the Eldar myself, for I have lived in Valinor and have seen the Light of the Two Trees in all their shining splendor. My knowledge of healing is that of the Elven kind and is a part of my being, not magical in any sense, but something that I have catered and nursed whenever I have been able to. However, I am by no means finished with its learning . . . I do not know if such a feat is possible for anyone to ever accomplish. One can always learn more."


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OOC: Feel free to critique my history . . . for some reason I really want Nenya to be one of the Eldar even though it's not exactly bookish . . . but then a lot of the stuff we do these days in RP's isn't correct according to history.

[Nenya Evenstar]

Suddenly, a clear clock chime sounded and broke the mysterious phantom-like stillness that pervaided the room. A few of the students jumped and all of them felt a sort of loss as though the clock had just broken its word and looked where it should not have looked. Nenya sighed and stood up from her stool. "Thank you all for a wonderful first class! I think we accomplished a lot, and I feel that I have at least an idea of your abilities. You are dismissed." No one said anything as they filed out of the room for its four walls had become a type of secret room that took them back in time and explored the vast areas of the world that they had before left untouched.

After the last of her students had left the room, Nenya moved slowly about, cleaning and tidying the room for its next occupation.

[Scatha]

Farathorn bowed to Nenya and replied.
"Sweet water and light laughter until next we meet."

Having said that, he turned and walked outside. With the sun almost gone under, the air became chilly and the half elf pulled his cloak around him, as he headed towards the teachers complex, to check out his new house.

[Wonko The Sane]

Arianne bowed silently, smiling at Nenya, honoured to be in the presence of such a noble and learned Eldar.

"Until we meet again, fair Nenya." She said softly and swept out of the room. Her mind was uneasy with having shared her secrets with the rest of the class, but she knew she could not take the words back. She hung her head, and mulled over those words that could not be unspoken.

"Surely a Peredhil is no lesser than any other elf..." SHe mused as she walked towards the dorms.