Chapter 2: Arriving at Rivendell and Meeting Someone New

*Elvish talk is underlined*

As Asteria and Gandalf made it to Imladris with haste; they were greeted in the courtyard by Lindir who was Lord Elrond's right hand "Ah, Lady of Starlight, Mithrandir. Welcome" He greeted them as they both got off their horse as Gandalf spoke up in elvish "Lindir, where is my Lord Elrond?" he asked looking around as Asteria took in view of the grand city, it's been years since she's been to Rivendell. She use to play with Arwen and her brothers at a young age; she has not been back since. Before Lindir could answer, a voice called our from the stairs by them "Ask and you shall receive Mithrandir" the voice belong to Lord Elrond himself; walking down the stairs in his regal robes as usual greeting both of them "My dear Asteria, it warms my heart to see you" he greeted her as he kissed her forehead, they were family after all. Asteria was beloved by Elrond and his family and she knew she was always welcomed in Rivendell if she so chose to reside "My Lord Elrond, You sent for me?" She asked inquisitively.

Lord Elrond smiled at young woman as he nodded "Yes, the hobbit; Frodo needs more healing. Arwen and I did what we could but he is still weak and sick. I need your help my dear." Asteria felt the darkness over Rivendell, something lurks in the shadows as she looked around then to Elrond "Take me to him." She looked back at Gandalf with a smile "I will see you soon, yes?" The wizard smiled and nodded at her as she moved to follow Elrond to one of the chambers where the hobbit named Frodo was resting in. He was small as if a child; dark curly hair with pale skin. He looked sick still as she moved to take a seat next to him; placing a hand on his forehead "He's weak..." she said in a whisper as she placed both her hands on his head gently; almost caressing his forehead as she mumbled a spell in Sindarin as her hands glowed lightly as if bathed in starlight. In a few moments, Frodo's pale skin had gotten color and the sweat on his brow faded. In a short moment, a evil presence pushed Asteria from her trance; knocking her back as Elrond quickly grabbed her from falling "My lady..." he whispered in concern.

"I'm alright my lord... There's an evil presence surrounding him..." she said as she was catching her breath harshly. Elrond knew he couldn't fool her "Yes, the little one has the one ring..." he said as he moved to open Frodo's shirt; revealing the ring on a chain around his neck. Asteria quickly stood up and backed up away from the bed "You knew? And you had me come here?" she was afraid of the Ring. She did not know what affect the ring would have on her. She clasped her hands in front of her to her chest with a terrified look "My lady, you have a pure and strong heart. This is why I called you here. Not just for Frodo but for the fellowship. I need you to join this fellowship, I do not know the other hearts that may join but I know yours is strong and true." Lord Elrond said as he walked towards her taking her hands in his. Asteria looked at Frodo who was sleeping soundly now; his breathing and color were normal again as she looked back at Elrond "I understand. I wish to take a walk in the gardens if you don't mind. I miss seeing them" Elrond smiles at her; reminding him when she was younger she would run and explore the gardens as he simply nods to her; watching her leave the room.

After dressing into an elegant dress that faded to pink to the bottom with beautiful draping sleeves; Asteria made her way to the vast gardens. It's been years since she's seen them and it seems as if they grew more beautiful. She was broken from her trance of the gardens by a gentle and kind voice she missed terribly "Is that you Asteria?" as she turned; she saw Arwen. Arwen was the beauty of Imladris. She has dark hair like hers yet she had these beautiful ice blue eyes. Asteria was happy to see her as she made her way to her; taking Arwen's hands in hers "It is so wonderful to see you Arwen. I've missed you dear one." The women walk through the garden talking about many things since they last saw each other. Asteria found out that Arwen admitted her feelings to Aragorn which he happily returned. Asteria remembered Aragorn when he was little and used to want to play with her when he would visit Lothlorien. "I am so very happy for you Arwen." Arwen beamed happily as she held Asteria's hand "And what of you sister? Does anyone capture your dear heart?" Arwen asked, she called Asteria her sister because she was closer in age to her even though her older sister Celebrian was Arwen's mother. Asteria didn't care; they were family regardless. As the two women took a seat on a bench by the lake, they did not know they were being watched from a distance.

Further back from the maidens, a man and an elf were watching them. The man was scruffy looking yet had a regal aura around him; he had short dark brown hair and wore clothing of a ranger, he was Aragorn; Son of Arathorn and Arwen's love. The elf was elegant in his own way, he had fair blonde hair and ocean blue eyes; his name was Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. They watched the women intently; especially the elf as he spoke elvish to his friend "Who's that with Arwen?" he asked staring at the beauty. Aragorn looked at his friend with a smile; it's not normal for a maiden to turn Legolas's head as he looked back at the maidens "Her name is Asteria, she is the youngest daughter of the Lord and Lady of Lorien." He replied as he placed a hand on his companion's shoulder "I am surprised you are questioning. It's unusual for a maiden to turn our Prince of Mirkwood' s head." He said laughing.

Legolas turned a bit red; knowing that Aragorn was right as he swatted his hand off his shoulder "I was just asking. I've never seen her before even in my travels to Lothlorien." Aragorn smiled as he moved from his spot to walk towards the maidens "Well you can always get to know her, she's a kind soul. I'm going to get Arwen and spend time with her while I can before this council meeting." He replied as Legolas quickly followed behind him, he wanted to know her. She had an aura around her that was drawing him in. As they reached the women, Arwen noticed Aragorn first with a big smile on her face; forcing Asteria to turn around and see both him and a newcomer she's never met before.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Am I seeing the beautiful Lady of Starlight in my presence" Aragorn joked with Asteria; he missed her, she was always a ray of bright light for him whenever he was troubled as a child to an adult. She chuckled softly as she stood and made her way to Aragorn; embracing him in a long hug "Oh my dear friend, how I have missed you. She said softly as she pulled back smiling at him "You grew up handsomely." Her attention went to Legolas who stood a bit behind him; their eyes locked to each other; she was almost in a trance staring into his eyes. They reminded her of a vast and beautiful ocean as she gave him a smile; still speaking to Aragorn "Who is your friend, Aragorn?" gesturing to Legolas; who stood quietly with a smile of his own. Pulling away from the embrace, gesturing to Legolas for a formal introduction "This is Legolas, my friend from my travels. Prince of Mirkwood" her eyes widened from the title as she gave him a smile and giving him a elegant bow "My lord... It's a honor to meet you. I've heard of you from my father when he would speak of your father; King Thraunduil."

Legolas watched her every moment, hung on her every word as he stepped forward giving her a bright smile as he bowed himself "My lady, it's my own honor to meet the famed beauty of Lorien. Lady of Starlight suits you well." Hearing the compliments, he was giving her, produced a slight blush on her cheeks as she gave him a kind smile. Aragorn did a slight cough to catch their attention "Forgive me my lady, but I wish to take Arwen from you. I would like to spend time with her if you do not mind" he said to Asteria as she nodded "Of course. I shall see you later Arwen, and Aragorn I shall see you at the council meeting when it comes." Aragorn looked at her in shock "You are attending?" as she gave him a slight nod. He didn't say anything else and nodded as him and Arwen walked away leaving Legolas and Asteria alone.

"Would you care to accompany me on a walk, my lady?" he asked as he held out an arm for her to take. She smiled at him, looping her arm in his as they started to walk through the gardens. They talked about their homes and families as she learned about himself and Mirkwood; he learned about her and Lorien more than what he already knew. "I've traveled to Lorien before and have never seen you." He said facing her as they stopped on a bridge that was overlooking a river. She stared forward looking at the water with a smile "I sometimes traveled to Rivendell to see Arwen and Lord Elrond. Perhaps that's why." She said softly as she finally turned to him.

Legolas couldn't help but to stare at her in all her beauty. It's true to what Aragorn said, it's not often an elf maiden could catch his attention but he couldn't help it with Asteria. After a while of silence and staring at the scenery together; Legolas broke the silence "So you will be joining us on the council?" he asked with a concern tone as he faced her. She turned to look at him giving him a sad smile "Yes, I was requested to. Don't be fooled prince-ling, I can handle a meeting with men." He let out a laugh as he shook his head a bit giving her a sweet smile "Oh, I do not doubt your heart my lady."

Their hearts will never be the same after that night; something sparked, in both their hearts. Asteria has never felt this way before and those eyes; are eyes she has seen before. As she was in her room, she was on the balcony staring into the moonlight; basking in the light as she did in Lothlorien. She started to softly singing which could be heard softly on the breeze as Legolas too was awake still, listening to the beautiful voice of the maiden who has captured his heart.

*This is the song she sings*

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yQpU_73Dv0

2000 words