Entry the tenth and last.
I suppose that this page ought to be a summary or conclusion and tell something of what I have learned in my two months of study at the Soothery, but composing my thoughts has been difficult. In this short time so much has transpired, a great rush of experiences and knowledge coming towards me as I have never before experienced. Even I have been changed, I suspect, though I think ultimately for the better.
It is my knowledge of the ills suffered by Men that has most expanded, I think, though not only in the memorization of their names, their associated signs, and the herbs that used to treat them. It is my understanding of the scope of disease, and how vast and cruel and unrelenting a force it is in the lives of Men, that I think has most increased. Of course I knew something of it from stories of Dale, had heard of plagues and that Women mothers count themselves lucky if they lose only a fourth of their babes — but I do not think I truly appreciated what those words meant till I lived among Men myself. And for certain, I did not appreciate how stout and stoic your people truly are: every day necessitates wading through some sort of tragedy, and the threat of mortality is Man's constant companion, but still you endure, rebuild, and raise children with hope for their future.
What I have seen puts the lie to the notion, pronounced by some insular and ignorant, that Men are frail. I believe now that Men are, by necessity, strong; they must be strong, to cope with their frailty.
The last items of business:
Master Maddoct and I have been observing the recovery of Miss Jackilyn from her lung-fever. Though initially slow, on my last visit it seemed to be clearing well. She is now hardly bothered by fever and little by cough. Though her stamina is greatly diminished compared to before her illness, such is to be expected, and it should come back gradually as she is able to take more exercise. It is possible her lungs will be permanently affected, but I am hopeful for her, as she is of a hearty constitution and adhering closely to the regimen recommended her.
All instruments I borrowed have been returned to you save the waxed coat, mask, and gloves. I hope my payment will be sufficient to cover its cost as well as help to offset the loss of an assistant; however, I have hope that with Master Maddoct and Miss Marvelle at your disposal, the Soothery will be in good function.
As I mentioned earlier, the porter has been paid for three weeks' service, to save you a little trouble getting whatever supplies or groceries you need up from Bree-town. After that time you must make your own arrangements, if they are needed.
My Seimurr has me well-appointed with a half-dozen journals and plenty of writing materials, so if the Elves deign to share with me any medical knowledge that would be of interest to you, you can be sure I will bear it back with me. Funds should not be any sort of problem.
And so I suppose the observations of Bíld of Erebor here end, to be entrusted to Elias Dimheim, apothecary of Gondor, along with the former's gratitude, hope, and good feeling.
May your beard continue to grow longer.
[The remaining whitespace is filled with an intricate geometric filigree, into which has been interwoven the motif of birds, feathers formed with the dark lines of ink. Properly, they are Longbeard ravens – but, in appearance, they're not unlike blackbirds.]
