"She certainly is something!" Curufin agreed. He could think of a few choice adjectives with which to replace the indefinite noun, but none were appropriate for use in polite conversation. The claw was indeed hard won, but Curufin had no use for it. If Will wanted to keep it as a sample with which to identify the demon's type, he certainly could have it. And oh yes, Curufin gave as good as he got! Better!

Curufn's people didn't have the concept of bacteria, they thought in terms of energies wholesome and unwholesome. And that is what their own healers worked with, once the basic medical care was complete.

"All right, I would greatly appreciate the help. Go ahead, do whatever you will." He listened to the hymn. It sounded almost familiar, although he didn't know the language. Elvish healers sometimes invoked the goddess Estë, the healer of hurts and weariness.

He smiled. "Try me." Oh yes, he was tough.