[Child of the 7th Age]

Andreth was only too happy to be rid of her extra petticoats and skirts so that she could run and roam more freely, But these sad circumstances were a long way from what she'd been wanting or expecting. It looked as if Poppy and the Elf would make it through. But Volondil was another matter. Andreth was amazed at the quiet skill which Holly showed in healing and calming the injured man.

She heard Holly speaking about staying behind with him until he was able to travel again. Perhaps, there is something I can do, she thought. I know nothing of healing, but I do know a bit about transporting things because of going with father so much when he makes his selling rounds. Father wants me to go on this journey, but he would never tell me to turn my back on an injured companion.

Andreth got down on the ground to be closer to Holly and whispered some words in her ear. "I have an idea. Once, we were traveling to a distant town that had commissioned a tapestry, my brother broke his leg and couldn't ride. We were stranded in the middle of the forest without a wagon, so my father used twigs and young saplings to make a kind of stretcher or sledge to drag behind the horse. He showed me how to do it. It's not that different than weaving cloth, and I'm good at that."

"If you'd like, I'll stay behind with you and make one of those while you tend to the Ranger's wounds. I can also help you lift or turn him if you'd like."

Andreth did not want to point out the obvious fact that the man easily weighed twice as much as the hobbit, but she did want to offer assistance.

"Or, if you'd prefer not to do that, I can at least leave my pony Whinney with you. She's a very gentle beast to ride or can pull a cart if you manage to find one."

[ November 23, 2002: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]