Her mind raced with small talk nonsense. Asking his name. What was his business here. How did he like the walk. As if this was a daily pleasantry to do. If she wasn’t so out of breath, it might had made her laugh. 

It was late in the morning when they arrived back in town. Even though there was a brisk, snowfilled wind, folk were attending to their chores non the less. Some eyed them curiously, yet none insisted on helping them. Just before she reached her shop, she noticed a shepherd she was on friendly terms with. A single, tiny voice in the back of her mind spoke before she yelled out to him. What will all the people think?
“Elijah!” The man looked up from under his hat, squinted his eyes, which grew wider as he saw the two before Eillin’s shop. “Fetch the healer. Quickly!” He gave a small nod and was on his way.

With a stroke of her arm she cleared her table and helped him to lay down there. It was not the most comfortable place, she knew that. But it would give the healer the most space to treat the stranger. She grabbed an old cushion and placed it under his head. 
“That will have to do for now.” Her eyes wandered over him for a moment. Taking in the lines of his face, the dark locks of hair somewhat sticking to it, his injured body. It was only then she noticed how tall he actually was. A fine man to look at. She wondered what kind of man he was and if he would live to answer her curiosity. She made herself move again, getting all the necessary things that could help the healer. 

It appeared the man was in luck, for the healer shortly arrived after that and with the assistance of Kirsi and Elijah, took care of his wounds. It was rather swiftly done. The wounds were cleaned and stitched. But he had lost a lot of blood, which was a cause for concern and advice was given that he should rest at least a few days to a week. Kirsi gave the healer a slight nod and let him pick anything from her shop as a way of repayment. Both the healer and Elijah said their goodbyes after they had laid the man in Kirsi’s bed. She placed a chair beside the bed and sat with her spindle in her hands. She would make sure this stranger would walk whistling out of her shop if it was up to her.