LOTR || ⤜𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙩 → [Legolas x OC]

⤜ 12 → Bellethiel

I bounded after Haldir down three flights of stairs, and we stopped at an intersection where the branches of two trees met. We were still a few levels above the ground, and I spied Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli below us - the tops of their heads disappearing from view.

"They will settle for the night," Haldir said, following my line of vision as he guided me along the branch, the path wide enough to accommodate at least four people walking side by side without touching. It acted like a small hallway of sorts, connecting to the tree adjacent. "Whilst I show you to Bellethiel, then we will return to your companions."

At my questioning glance, he explained. "Bellethiel is a Healer. And if she discovers that I let our guests sleep without receiving proper care, I will get a scolding," he said with a subtle gesture to my head, eyes twinkling. I scowled, though I had no doubt he was right - my hair was still matted with dirt and blood. "She will want to see you."

We stopped at a Talan in the next tree. Haldir strode past the central pillar to a beautiful archway in the far right corner. He knocked twice against the wood. Almost instantly the doors swung open and he entered, gesturing me to follow.

I first noticed the warm glow of the interior, lit up by orbs of golden faelight dancing around several vacant beds and a large wooden tub running with water from a nearby faucet. And then a motherly face popped into my field of view.

"Marchwarden," the female smiled broadly at Haldir. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" she greeted, rising from her seat. Her face held the light of youth despite the crinkles adorning her skin as she smiled, then her eyes lit up as she peered over his shoulder and spotted me.

Haldir beamed right back. "Bellethiel, this is Rosa. She arrived with the company of Estel earlier this evening, but the travel has left her weary and injured."

Haldir didn't even get a chance to elaborate before Bellethiel ushered us both inside. "Please take a seat, and allow me to tend to your needs," she said as I perched on edge of one of the beds. Haldir sat down beside me and we watched the Healer gather a few handfuls of items before returning.

"My oh my," Bellethiel tutted as she fussed with the tangles in my hair, trying to reach the wound that still bled lightly.

I cringed. "Sorry--"

She waved her fingers, brushing away the apology. "This is nothing major, do not fret. But what you need is a good cleaning to allow me to apply a healing balm over your cuts and bruises. Good thing the bathing tub has already been prepared for you," she winked.

I looked behind me, and sure enough the large tub was sloshing with warm water, tendrils of steam drifting up and around the air.

Then we both glanced at Haldir.

He got the message soon enough and was at the door in a heartbeat, with the promise to return later to collect me. Bellethiel shooed him away before shutting the door with a laugh.

"I treated his injuries all the time when he was a young ellon," she smiled as she approached me. "Every week he and his brothers would drop by my door with a new injury - a broken leg, broken arm, broken nose." Bellethiel shook her head with a small laugh.

My brows rose. "Is that even possible?"

"Oh its possible when you're as careless and reckless as he."

I felt a smile tug on my lips. But the Healer was by my side in an instant, and her hands had reached up to remove my cloak before I could even blink. I winced as I watched it slip through her fingers and onto the floor. Bellethiel's movements faltered. She froze. And I didn't have to look back to know exactly what the Healer was staring at.