Leaf by Leaf

The sickness swept into Osgiliath with no warning. One day, the city was bustling with life. The next, the funerals began.

Eglanor and Indath were inundated with patients–parents accompanied sick children, and youth escorted their elderly kin. Wives and husbands clung each to the other as they sought out a hall of healing that had an empty bed.

With each patient that slipped past saving, the hope in Indath’s eyes dimmed. He raked long fingers through his auburn curls. “But what brings this death?"

Eglanor’s despair matched his master’s. “It must burn itself out eventually…” he muttered, but the plague showed no sign of abating. Entire families came down sick and then died within the span of a day. Many fled Osgiliath, heading for Ithilien and Anorien, praying the plague would not spread beyond the city walls.

The apprentice healer had known he would witness death in his chosen profession, but with the bright eyed optimism of youth he had not realized the ability to heal could be wholly thwarted.