[The script is, overall, ostentatious. Overtly curly and perhaps hard to read, and it’s almost as if the author was already wishing to write his next sentence before the first had finished. With each log, a fresh page begins, but lying on top of them all is a torn slip of parchment that reads:]
I know we already spoke of some of these things, Elias, but I already had half of these logs written by that time, so I’ll submit them nonetheless. As you know, I’ve never written any logs for work before, so forgive me if these aren’t the best. I was pleasantly surprised to be taking more work, but now I realize it is due to your fever that responsibilities have passed to me. I admit, I enjoy it. Not your fever, nor the ailments of others, but the simple fact of being busy.
Log 1: Wheezing and Gums — 1 week ago.
I'll actually submit this one, I know it. Master Fiontann came in looking for you. You weren't here at the moment, so I got him tea and some muffins that Gustine had brought (he ate four of them, somehow). He had a young girl enter soon after himself — Miss Catherynne. She had apparently been living on her own for a time, until they met and he took her into his and his partner’s care. He wished for me to do a general examination of the girl. Here are the results:
* Heart is well.
* Temperature is well.
* Reflexes are well.
* Abdomen normal, bowel movements regular.
* Thin, but from previous lack of food. Will hopefully change now that she is under care.
* Seeing and hearing well.
* Wheezing upon exhale.
* Some missing teeth.
* Gums inflamed; bleed "when eating things like apples".
After asking questions, I believe she has chronic Wheezing — semi-frequent coughing, wheezing and short breath, chest tightness and pain, flare-ups with exercise and irritants (smoke and dust).
For her lungs: More healthy foods (tomatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables). Butterbur root extract No, may cause nausea Breathing relaxation patterns at night before bed. Two teaspoons of honey before bed (for potential sore throat). Breathe in vapor from kettle twice a day. If going to exercise, try breathing in a half hour before. Not full kettle — half or 1/4, depending on how symptoms are. Her case isn't a bad or severe one.
For her gums: She needs a chew stick or brush with softened bristles. Salt water rinse (3/4 tsp salt to cup of lukewarm water) 30 sec 2-3 times a day. Lemongrass oil wash (two to three drops in a cup), 30 sec 2-3 times a day. Regular brushing during and henceforth after. Gum issues should clear up within two weeks.
Other information: I was invited over for a dinner sometime. With Master Fiontann, his companion (who apparently makes amazing muffins) and Miss Catherynne. The Man says he wishes to establish connections, trading, and ties between the businesses in the area--he owns an inn and his companion is apparently a baker. I truly hope I don’t disappoint.
Miss Catherynne had to rush out before I could give her any treatments or advice. I'll give the information of the minor treatments to her and her caretakers potentially at the dinner or whenever I next see them.
Log 2: Lung Fever — 2 days later.
Bíld and I arrived at the home, and I admit I was nervous. The place is beautiful; nearing neatness with plants in the yard that intrigued me. Though we didn’t linger to look; Madam Denton let us in and we checked on how Miss Jackilyn's lung fever was progressing. There was a cute kitten (Miss Bailey). Bíld was wonderful in assisting me in every way — better at conversation with the patient than I, a fantastic help in helping me keep track of my tools, and an adorab a skilled kitten-wrangler. The patient was as follows:
* Tired.
* Hot, clammy skin, but feeling cold.
* Faint pulse but consistent and not concerning.
* Cough. (Says she feels like she “can’t breathe deep enough”)
* Dark circles under eyes.
* Pale-ish.
* No real pain when coughing.
* No blood in mucus; only off-colour.
* Shallow breath, crackling in lungs (expected).
* Eating well (understandable).
* Not around people smoking (good).
For the cough: I suggest mint or herbal tea and 2 tsp of honey before bed to help sore throat. No strenuous activities.
For the fever: Baths of lukewarm water every or every other day. If bath not possible, then towels or washcloths soaked in lukewarm water rung out and placed on the body. Breathe in the vapor from the tea. Frequently drink cool, fresh water. Plenty of food (no concern there). Relaxing intervals in the garden.
I believe she is at the start of her fifth week with the illness if my old memory serves correct. It should be cleared by the end of the sixth week.
Other information: Both ladies are fantastic partners of conversation and very fine to dine alongside. Despite ailment, Miss Jackilyn’s spirit seemed very well. She's a humorous and kind young woman, and altogether ambitious. I look forward to seeing her recover and grow. Madam Denton is generous, in words and meals. While physically many years younger than me, her mind is wise, and I was blessed to have some advice from her after Bíld had gone and Jackilyn went to rest. And that Woman is very skilled in her craft; I wish she had never left employment here. For the meal she made was of roast pork with apple, mashed potatoes and cabbage, gravy, bread and cheese, and paired with a wonderful brew by a Mister Blackburrow — and my stomach was full that night! She even sent Bíld and I a basket with two fruit pies (delicious), bread rolls, and two bottles of the drink. I've been graced with the permission of visiting there whenever I wish and I'll need to take advantage of that soon.
I have made myself hungry.
Log 3: Consumption — 4 days ago.
I am a doctor with many years behind me. I've been treating patients longer than most Men are even able to stay alive. But I will never be able to feel any less sorrow for each consumptive patient that I come across. It's hard to take care of him alo I don't believe George is his real name, as I believe I heard him called something else by a friend I used to have. George misses him. So do I He has decided to stay in Bree, not travel in the caravan to Rivendell, for he wishes to be by his friends. But what friends are near him now? He said names, but none of them have been available for him. I wish Bíld were stayi But this is not a diary, and I cannot will not write all of my disheartened words here. His condition:
* Doesn't want to eat — can’t — throws it up.
* Coughs up blood.
* Only goes outdoors when Rolf (his dog) needs to.
* Thin.
* Pale.
* Consumption.
* Hopeless.
Treatment: I recommend he spend most daylight hours outside. Not walking, simply sitting. The sun and air can be a better cure than many medicines, and with consumptive patients, it seems to be one of the best things. He should have at least a mug of milk a day — I would recommend at least four a day but he could not stomach such. I'll be bringing soft foods and other small, healthy portions to work up his appetite. If he begins to improve, I'll start having him take walks, then eventually exercise (all outside). He has some hope. He has no hope. He wants to live. He wants it to end. The sight of him It is I can't He sounds Things will
I will be optimistic in front of him. [The writing here has been wetted and smudged.]
Log 4: Business--Yesterday.
I enjoyed a meal with Master Fiontann, Lady Cedwyn (his partner), and Miss Catherynne. I was nervous at first, but they are all kind and amiable folk. Lady Cedwyn is also one very skilled in her craft, as there was wine, mead, rolls, cream turnip soup, roasted boar, aromatic vegetables, herbed butter and gravy... Then the dessert consisted of rhubarb crumbles and nut biscuits, both cherry. My appetite is attacking me as I write this and recall the flavors. Miss Catherynne, sweet lass, had a hale stomach for it all as well, which I was glad to see, and I know she will always be healthily filled while staying with the couple. I gave them some materials for Miss Catherynne (but forgot the lemongrass oil, which I went to the market for after supper, but just missed Master Fiontann when I returned, so he will have to receive it some other time, unless he buys it himself).
Master Fiontann is quite the traveler, apparently. Seen all the lands besides those around Erebor and further East of there (He has not seen my home, ha). Though a fighter, he commented that healing is more noble than fighting, so I suppose I needn’t worry about random brawling as I have had to with many Men before. Lady Cedwyn is polite and a fine hostess (from Rohan ?). I look forward to more time spent with the pair, as my heart was light and belly full when I left their home.
I believe the relations partnership friendship discussions about business were beneficial; they were informal (which I enjoyed), but warm. The Thirsty Boar will send sick people our way, we will send travelers in need of a place to stay theirs. I am especially excited about the potential for them to provide food to us. While I do enjoy cooking, and don't fully dislike cooking for the Soothery, I have other things to be busy with. And meals are far more enjoyable when cooked by someone else!
You said you shall prepare pain medicine for Master George and see if he wishes to pass naturally or with aid. I still wish to find his friends — at the least find Clay. But any visits would have to be short, outside, and visitors would have to wear a mask (except dwarves). Is it a blessing or a curse to be immune to disease? George has shown no signs of improvement.
Otherwise, you and I had a long conversation, which was pleasant, and I look forward to further such conversations with you. I'll be further committed to writing more logs as they may be needed.
[At the end of the page is a sprawling, nearly obnoxious signature of 'Maddoct son of Haddoct', and beneath that is the date of submission: the twenty-second of July.]
