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Another task was done for Lanaey. Another battle fought and won, and always, many had died. She had seen Leena die in her arms and that struck her a bit. It reminded her of how she felt when her son had died, and the feeling was horrible. However, it would be overcome, as it always was.
When she brought back her first charge of wounded the Elf had taken the time to stop and visit with Gorath. He was conscious and they spoke for a few minutes before she said that she had to go back out and help with bringing in the dead.
"Wait," Galain had stalled her. "I'll come help."
No smiles or words passed as they went out and rode back to the wildmen's camp to gather their comrades in arms.
~*~
Annanodolwen was one of the best healers around and she went around from one injured person to the next. Her mind had no time to think of anything else, it just focused on the task ahead, the next blade wound, the next unconscious.
Eventually she got them all so that they were able to move to the House safely and with the last of the wounded departing, she went with them.
When she got to the House she saw the small rows of bodies that had started. The rounds of bringing back the dead were just started. She squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head toward a patient. When she opened her eyes she found that the human she was looking at was staring at the bodies and crying.
Through the rest of the day she went with the other healers around and around, doing what they could in turn. Those that were going to die were given what comfort could be provided, but that number was few. Most would be able to get out of bed within the weeks end.
Midday was approaching as Lanaey found her resting against a wall.
~*~
Once all of the defenders bodies had been taken out of the battle field Lanaey had asked for a few volunteers to stay behind to burn the wildmen. Galain and around seven other men stayed. First they gathered several of the tents and piled them in an open area. Going through the ground in teams it took them the better part of the morning to get all the bodies into the pile. There were far more dead wildmen than defenders, a small consolation to the Elf.
Eventually they had gathered all of the dead in that one area and started the fire that grew quickly along the clothing. The stench rose and was horrid. Thankfully the wind was blowing away from the village and House. The villagers didn't need to be reminded again.
Galain offered to stay behind and make sure the fire didn't get out of hand. There was hardly any chance of that, but it was needed.
As Lanaey and the rest of the men went to return to the House she saw Galain start a slow walk around the town.
~*~
"They'll be having a service for the dead soon. They want to get it behind them," Lanaey said, causing Annanodolwen's eyes to snap open at the speach directed at her.
"Many of the wounded would want to be there..." she trailed off, staring at a wall as if to see through it.
Lanaey nodded. "This is a general one.... Families and friends will have small, separate ones in a week or so."
"Where were they all buried?" The scholarly Elf once again closed her eyes and let her head sag against the wall once more.
"There was a large patch of earth just beyond the house. They dug all the graves there while women made them markers. All the dead are in the ground and everyone is gathering. Taralphiel called it, she wants to give the service I suppose, though I would imagine she would give it over to those who wanted to speak." Lanaey passed on her small knowledge and guesses of the upcoming service.
Annanodolwen opened her eyes again and saw Lanaey's hand. She grabbed it and heave herself off of the floor. She felt as an ancient human, but knew it was all due to the days events. The two Elven women quietly made their way outdoors.
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