"No, no. Sorry, penneth." Maerwen giggled. Alasse frowned darkly. "Instead of praying for the leg bone to remain intact, you just chanted for the ellon's blood to stay untainted!"
"Ugh!" Alasse groaned in frustration. She'd been pouring over the medical text books Maerwen had given her and the healer had been having her practice some healing enchantments. It had been so much harder than Alasse had anticipated.
"Now, now." Maerwen chuckled. Alasse stood opposite her, very displeased with herself.
"This reminds me of the time that the Orcs poisoned me and clopped Gimli when we were trying to save Legolas." Alasse stated dryly. "Poor Gimli had a concussion, effecting some of his memory, and Gandalf's enchantments only seemed to be making it worse. It was funny at the time, but I suppose now I understand how flustered and embarrassed poor Mithrandir must have felt! Maybe I could resort to potions instead?" She suggested sheepishly.
"Not for this treatment, I'm afraid." Maerwen shook her head.
"How do you do it? How do you remember the accurate words to say for each healing spell, and the correct ingredients for remedies and potions?"
"Practice, and many mistakes beforehand." Maerwen smiled. "I think we're done for the day. I suggest reading the spell's page over again. Maybe next time, you'll do better."
"Alright." Alasse huffed at herself. She quietly made her way to Bellethiel's bed. The older Elven lady just lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling. Malfortion was right, she had lost considerable weight. "Bellethiel? How are you today, mellon nin?" Alasse asked gently, sitting beside the bed. "I know, that is a truly inadequate question. But I'm not sure what else to ask."
Bellethiel merely gulped. "Bellethiel, we want you to be able to grieve as we know you're hurting. But when you're ready, I personally need your help with something." Alasse said.
"And what would that be?" Bellethiel asked dryly. "My lady?"
"I would like you to train me." Alasse said. Bellethiel finally faced her.
"What?"
"My fighting has been slack of late. Not a good thing! Legolas would always instruct me but he is not here to do so. And I need to brush up on my techniques and skills! I need someone who knows what they're doing and how to fight without a hitch, to remind me once again of the ropes I've already learned."
"And you think I qualify, huh?"
"Yes! You are one of our best warriors, Bellethiel. And if you're willing, I could really use your help." Alasse smiled encouragingly.
"If I really was one of your best warriors, I would've...Lindethiel would've...she wouldn't..." Bellethiel's lip trembled.
"I'm sorry, mellon. I shouldn't have brought it up." Alasse said, touching her friend's arm.
"I should've protected her."
"You can't be everywhere at once."
"It's all my fault!"
"Don't say that, Bellethiel. It was my fault." Alasse said sadly. Bellethiel looked at her incredulously.
"My lady?"
"That night, something happened to me. In the middle of everything, I...I froze! There was a wolf nearly on top of me, and I...I just stopped. Legolas had to finish off the beast! I was scared and forgot about everything."
"I didn't know that, my princess. I don't blame you, after what that Orc did to you."
"While you all were out protecting me, I was hiding!"
"My lady, it is our sworn duty to protect you! And your father wanted you kept safe. We would do anything to keep you from harm."
"I know you would. And look what happened. I feel responsible for Lindethiel's death and her beloved's."
"You Highness, that is rubbish."
"So is you blaming yourself. I know you wish you could've saved our friends. We all do, Bellethiel! I know she was like your own sister. But know that you are not alone in your grief, and that you have many friends who are here to help you."
"You can't help me.' Bellethiel bit her lip.
"I know." Alasse hung her head.
"Why are you asking me? Why not Feren, or Ionwe? Why me, Your Highness?"
"Because you're strong and brave. And...I'm worried about you. I was hoping it would give you a reason to get up out of that bed." Alasse said. Bellethiel's eyes widened, and for a moment, she seemed touched by her mistress's concern. Then her expression darkened and tears spilled down her face.
"Just leave me alone." She snapped, turning on her side with her back to her princess. "Just leave me, Your Highness. Please!" Alasse sighed hurtfully and rose from her seat.
"I'm sorry." She mumbled and walked away. Bellethiel cried in her pillow. She knew it was most disrespectful and unkind to speak to the princess that way, but her pain was so deep that she had to lash out at something.
Alasse wrote another letter to Aragorn and one to Legolas in her room. She told Legolas about their friend and begged him for advice. She'd just finished when Tatsu sauntered in to help her dress for dinner.
That night, Alasse was mostly quiet at the dinner table. "Are you alright, iel?" Thranduil asked.
"Yes, Ada. I just have so many pressing issues on my mind." Alasse sighed.
"Such is the life of a royal." Thranduil agreed. "How is your scar, darling? I've been worried about you. Has it been giving you any trouble?"
"No. Aside from looking at it in the mirror, I hardly notice it, Ada." Alasse assured him.
"Good. I pray you have no more episodes with that again." Thranduil said anxiously.
"Ai. I'm fine. Ada, I'm worried about Bellethiel."
"How is she?"
"She's a shell." Alasse said quietly. Thranduil nodded thoughtfully.
"She's hurting."
"I know. I asked her if when she was feeling better, that she would help me with learning to fight better." Alasse shrugged.
"You what?" Thranduil gaped.
"I asked her...I know it was not the right time, but I thought-"
"I thought you were taking new endeavors, Alasse! What happened to your healing lessons?" Thranduil asked angrily.
"I'm still doing them!" Alasse blurted out defensively. "Father, what's wrong? I didn't mean to cross the line with Bellethiel. I only wanted to help her get out of bed."
Thranduil had to breathe to calm himself. The moment she'd mentioned fighting, all his hackles had stood on end. But then he realized that he'd startled her for no reason. "I'm sorry, Alasse. Forgive me. You just cut me off guard for a moment. Darling, I know you want to help your friend. And I'm proud of you for trying. But she is grieving, and we must not push her. She needs time. And I do not think asking that of her at this time was very discreet."
"I know, Adar. I apologized. I just want her to be alright." Alasse said meekly.
"As do I." Thranduil smiled. "Let's adjourn to the sitting room." Alasse nodded. "Oh, and I will hear no more talk about fighting or such."
"Why?" Alasse frowned up at him. "Ada, I don't understand."
"I..." Thranduil nearly faltered with his words. "I just don't want you to get hurt, again!" He looked at her mournfully. Alasse smiled and took his hand.
"I didn't think of that." She murmured. "Don't fret, Ada. I'm going to brush up on my swordsmanship so that that doesn't happen again!"
"I really wish you would not." Thranduil groaned.
"I'm home now, Ada. Only for a while, but I'm with you now. So please try not to worry so much, and let's just enjoy our time together. Okay?" She asked cheerfully.
"I'll try," Thranduil mumbled.
"Good." Alasse stood on her toes and kissed his face. He tried to smile, but he didn't feel much better inside.
The next day, Alasse was alone at the training grounds, fighting an invisible foe. Guards were stationed nearby to keep a look out. Alasse wielded her staff next, cracking brutal blows to the skulls of her imaginary enemies. She heard clapping behind her. "Ouch. You make me wince just watching you, and I didn't even hear a crack!"
"Bellethiel?! You're out of bed!" Alasse beamed.
"Ai. I beg your forgiveness, my lady, for my brash snubbing you yesterday." The elleth pleaded. "You meant me no harm, and I was horribly rude and unkind."
"I understand." Alasse said.
"But I'm here now, if the offer still stands!"
"It does, but only if you're up to it."
"I am. You are right. I cannot be everywhere at once. But what I can do is insure that you won't need me to be." Bellethiel said confidently.
"Thank you, Bellethiel. I really appreciate this. And if you need a respite to cry or be alone, just tell me, okay? I don't want you to push yourself too hard."
"Hannon le, Your Highness."
"No, no. Let's get one thing straight. Please don't address me as your mistress during our sessions. Just call me mellon, not mistress."
"Ai, mellon nin." Bellethiel smiled beautifully.
