Bethrelfin found herself nursing a raging headache, wincing when she touched her head. She didn’t remember much from the last battle. All she remembered was trying to shoot a brigand down before a club met her head and she saw black.
Upon waking, groggy with a metallic taste in her mouth, she noticed that her friends were in deep peril. She saw Naridalis facing a foe on horseback, his sword high, ready to strike a killing blow. Beth had let out a low whistle, murmuring for Dumpling to get rid of his helmet as she knocked an arrow, trying to focus as much as possible. She still saw stars in her vision. As quick as a flash, a blur of fur charged and jumped straight at the brigand captain, clawing her way through his helmet. Her tactic worked, the brigand threw Dumpling off of him and in doing so, lost his helmet. She let her arrow fly, watching as it pierced the captain between the eyes, his body slackened as he fell off his horse.
Now she was sitting on a crate, with one of the bounders fretting around her and tending to her wounds. Her arm ached, two deep cuts gouged into her upper arm. She had another cut on her thigh, though it wasn’t as bad. The worst was the wound on her head, still seeping blood. Dried blood caked around the wound, her hair slowly starting to matt around it. She looked up to see her friends getting similar treatment from the bounders. The sight made her smile. It amazed her that even in the midst of bloodshed and danger, the hobbits still found it in themselves to help.
“Hold onto this for now, keep pressure against the wound,” the bounder said with a small smile. Bethrelfin quietly thanked him, holding the gauze against her head. After another quick check-up, the bounder moved on to help the others. She found herself letting out a sigh before wincing again in pain. Her head was still pounding, and she wondered how she’d manage to walk back home.
All of a sudden, Dumpling flew from her side, letting out little happy meows. Bethrelfin looked up and found herself smiling. There stood Malethion, dismounting his horse as Dumpling continued to meow and rub herself against his legs. He quickly ran up to her and kneeled before her, cupping her face in his hands. She wanted to tell him so much, but she couldn’t find the strength to speak. All she managed to utter was a simple, “How?” Malethion smiled.
“Don’t you know word travels fast in the Shire? My only regret is not getting her before.” He gently cradled her face in his hands, studying her wounds. Bethrelfin closed her eyes, letting herself relax. She felt herself slowly slump off the crate, falling into his arms. She felt the exhaustion start to settle in her bones. Malethion quickly sat down, gathering her in his arms.
“Rest my love, it’s over,” he murmured in her hair. “Why don’t you tell me about your companions?” Bethrelfin smiled.
“The female elf is called Naridalis. She’s incredibly patient, though quiet. I don’t know what it is about her, but I trust her with my life.”
“Then there’s the male hobbit, Garibald. I have never met someone with so much bravery and care.”
“The female hobbit, she joined on a whim. Her name is Bratikus. Feisty, a tad clumsy, but full of love. She should be joining the Company as well.”
“The male elf I do not know very well. I believe his name is Sulgalion. Witty, knows exactly what to say and when to say it, and talented with a sword. You can learn a lot from him.” Malethion chuckled, hugging her closer as he put his hand on the gauze, letting her relax fully in his arms.
“I’m so tired,” she murmured. Her body had lost all its strength, her headache was still pounding, but she finally felt at ease. The threat was over, the hobbits were safe, and she was safe.
After a few moments, Malethion felt her completely slump against him. She had fallen asleep. He slowly got up, cradling her in his arms. He looked to her companions, wishing to speak to them. But his wife needed rest, so instead he said his goodbyes and thanked them for taking care of her before settling her on top of his horse. He picked up Dumpling and nestled her behind Bethrelfin before mounting up. He wrapped his arms around Bethrelfin, Dumpling squished between them though she happily started purring. He spurred his horse to a gentle trot and made his way back home.
