Bethrelfin woke up to a feathered pillow and soft linens kissing her skin. She blinked a few times, her eyes adjusting to the harsh sunlight entering through the window. She took her time sitting up in the bed, stretching her arms above her head. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror opposite the bed. Her head was bandaged, with her hair braided back to avoid it getting tangled. She was also clean. Malethion must have washed and bandaged her before setting her in bed. How long had she been asleep?
Begrudgingly, she left the warmth of her bed and peered out the window overlooking the garden. Malethion was outside, already full of dirt, tending to his plants and his beloved pumpkin patch. She sat down on the window sill, watching him with softness in her eyes. Beads of sweat were trickling down his forehead, and he had his sleeves rolled up his arms as he worked. He also wasn’t wearing any shoes, a habit he was slowly getting used to. Dumpling was sitting on top of the fence, tail swishing as she was dozing off, although sometimes she noticed her ears twitch whenever a bird chirped.
Bethrelfin couldn’t stop gazing at her husband. A man who was forced to train for war but instead hid away from his father and brothers to learn how to cook with his mother. His smile was always brightest when he was in his garden or cooking. She tore her eyes away from him for a moment to gaze at the expanse of green fields. Her sharp eyes saw many hobbits outside also tending to their gardens and fields, moving around with carts and quietly bustling to and fro.
She couldn’t believe this quiet place was almost going to be destroyed by greed and evil. A place of simplicity, radiating love and care for any being around them, full of greenery and brightness, almost tainted by hatred and darkness.
She heard someone call her name and looked down to find Malethion gazing up at her waving. She never got tired of his smile. She waved back, smiling back as he got up and started dusting the soil off of himself. She already knew he was going to come bustling inside, making sure she’s not in pain, that her bandages are clean, to give her food and drink and practically treat her like royalty.
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Evenings in the Shire were peaceful and quiet. The sky was dotted with stars, shining like precious gems. Along the roads, lanterns flickered, bathing the fields in a warm glow. Bethrelfin sat outside the house in their front garden, a cup of tea next to her. She had a parchment of paper on her lap, a bottle of ink next to her tea. She held a thin quill in her hand, twirling it between her fingers. She had been wanting to write the letter all day, but spent most of it asleep.
She finally dipped the quill into the ink and began writing.
Dear Naridalis,
I had much to tell you, but we had little time to speak. I dearly hope your wounds are healing well. I do not know whether fate or pure luck brought our paths together, but I am glad of it. Because of you, this tranquil land can continue to thrive in peace, and I cannot thank you enough for it. This place, these people, they do not deserve to be tainted by evil.
I hope we can meet again, in more favourable circumstances. Should you ever wish for a rest, just ask the hobbits for the very tall man and lean elf, they’ll quickly point the way to us.
Galo Anor erin râd lîn.
Bethrelfin
She carefully blew on the ink, letting it dry before folding it in half. She set it to her side and picked up her tea, taking a sip. The warmth soothed her chilled and aching bones and she rested her back against the bench, gazing up at the stars.
“Will you be coming in any time soon?” said a warm voice. She chuckled as she looked to the door, finding Malethion bleary eyed looking at her.
“Will you do me a favour tomorrow?” she asked.
“Of course, anything for you,” he murmured, stepping outside the door and reaching to take her hand. He helped her stand up, reaching to pick up the writing supplies and the parchment.
“Would you mail that for me? I’ll write you the address,” she asked. Malethion nodded, raising her hand to his lips and kissing her knuckles.
“Only if you come back to bed. Dumpling won’t stop meowing.” She let out a laugh and let Malethion lead her back inside.
