Chapter 3: Council Meeting and New Friends

*Underline are still Elvish, Asteria mentally speaking will be in bold font*

*What she wears to the council meeting*

Weeks passed as the day of the council has come; Asteria greeted the sun happily, she flourished in sunlight and starlight. She opened the doors to her balcony and sighed happily. The darkness she felt weeks ago seemed far away. Perhaps Lord Elrond was right, maybe her heart was pure and strong to withstand the evil of the ring. She knew the meeting would start soon as she quickly bathed and got dressed. Arwen brought her a beautiful silver-grey dress; the sleeves hung on her shoulders elegantly. She wore her circlet and necklace with pride as she braided her hair to the side.

As she finished her hair, a small knock could be heard "Enter.." She called out as she finished and turned to see Legolas standing in her doorway with a smile. She returned the smile as she stood up "I see you decided to come and fetch me for the meeting?" she said laughing lightly as Legolas stepped into her room laughing with her "It would be proper of a prince to escort a princess; is it not?" He questioned as he stood about a foot away from her, looking down at her; taking in her morning beauty. He turned and put his arm out for her to take just like their walk last night. She smiled as she chuckled lightly; taking his arm "I suppose so princeling."

They made their way to when the council was being held; Lord Elrond sees her and smiles as she broke from Legolas's arm walking over to Elrond; him taking her arms "I am glad you would join us my dear. Please be seated with Aragorn and Legolas since you are acquainted with them" he said gesturing to the chair that was empty between the two. She nodded as Elrond walked her to the chair, all eyes were on them. Those that do not have an idea of who she is; see an elf maiden of beauty beyond measure. Her dark hair was braided beautifully to shape her face. Her dress was that of starlight itself in color as her beautiful eyes were of the earth and starry skies. Everyone that was eager and impatient found themselves relaxed and calm as she unknowingly enchanted the audience.

Legolas stood up putting a hand out to her as she reached for it from Lord Elrond's grasp as he kissed the back of her hand bowing to her. She took her seat between Legolas and Aragorn as she caught Frodo who was two seats down staring at her; she noticed and get him a nod with a charming smile. "Asteria, it's wonderful to see that you decided to join us." Gandalf spoke to her in elvish as she nodded and replied "I promised I would be here." Gandalf nodded and chuckled lightly as he patted the back of Frodo gently.

Seated in a circle are all the representatives of Middle Earth as Lord Elrond stands to greet and speak "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom." He looks at them all including Asteria and settles on Frodo "Bring forth the Ring, Frodo." Frodo steps forward and moves towards the stone plinth. He places the ring on the plinth and returns to his seat. The Ring- a golden, rich circle- is placed on the center with a heavy thud that seemed to weigh on the member's hearts and minds heavily. Whispers can be heard at the sight of it.

"So, it's true.." The man called Boromir who was from Gondor; whispered in almost disbelief, bringing a hand to his mouth in shock. Asteria looked to the man as she sensed the ring tempting him. The ring has tried to tempt her and it did not sway her spirit. The others whispered to each other as she looked around at them, her eyes landing on Legolas who was already looking at her with a small smile. It did not seem to sway him either as he took her hand and held it giving her a small nod. Boromir went to speak again as he arose from his seat "In a dream, I saw the Eastern sky grow dark. But in the West, a pale light lingered. A voice was crying; your doom is near at hand! Isildur's Bane is found!"

Asteria stared at him intently as his distance to the ring was growing short. His hand started to reach out, as if he were to grab the ring while muttering, "Isildur's Bane..." His hand a few centimeters over the ring as Asteria stood up from her seat in a commanding voice "Stay your hand Boromir!" Just as his fingertips brush the ring, Gandalf shot up from his seat, jumping into action "Ash nazg durbatulûk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatulûk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul" he chanted loudly, his voice as loud as thunder itself. The ground shook and the trees trembled as he spoke the Black Speech making the sky darken as well.

Asteria falls to her seat holding her head wearily, as Legolas grabbed her hand as if to stay his mind as well, she turned to look at him as their eyes met; they felt their hearts calm from the pain they were feeling. Boromir staggers back in surprise, falling back into his chair. As Gandalf finished, the sky went back to light and everything went back to normal. Legolas releases her hand as Asteria sat back up straight, eyeing Boromir. He seems to be more tempted by the ring than the rest.

"Never before has anyone uttered the words of that tongue here in Imladris" Elrond stated sternly towards Gandalf. "I do not ask for your pardon, Lord Elrond" Gandalf replied as he returns to his seat slowly "For the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West! That ring is evil all together!" Gandalf inadvertently not bothering to apologize to Lord Elrond. "It is a gift! A gift to the foes of Mordor! Why not use this ring?" Boromir continued as Asteria looked back at him with a slight scowl on her face.

"Long has my father, Steward of Gondor, keep the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe" he continued gesturing to the members before setting his eyes on Asteria. She pursed her lips in annoyance but still held her dignity as a Lady of Lorien as she listened to him continue to sound more like an imbecilic "Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy... Let us use it against him!" Asteria finally is over it as she spoke up; her tone almost as if she was commanding an army for war "You cannot wield it. None of us can. The one Ring answers to Sauron alone..." Aragorn finished for her "It has no other master." As the two stayed calm and collected.

Boromir stared at both of them "And what would a woman who shouldn't be on the council and a Ranger know of this matter?" Boromir spits, his eyes glaring at both Asteria and Aragorn as they stayed calm. Gandalf outraged on how she spoke of Asteria "How dare you—" He was cut off by Legolas who stood up "You dare insult her; She is Lady Asteria; Daughter of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien. And he is no mere Ranger! He is Aragorn. Son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance." His voice was firm but soft as Asteria smiled at him slightly but kept her composure staring back at Boromir.

Boromir ignored Asteria as he saw he was receiving a stern look from Lord Elrond which in his mind; he insulted the wrong person but turned his attention to the ranger "Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?" he muttered in disbelief. Asteria spoke up again ignoring the scowl she received from Boromir "And heir to the throne of Gondor" she added proudly, her eyes still holding on Boromir who gives her a glare himself. "Please sit Legolas." Aragorn politely orders as Legolas took his seat back next to Asteria. "Gondor has no king" Boromir's last words towards Aragorn before sitting "Gondor needs no king"

"Lady Asteria and Aragorn are right" Gandalf interjects to avoid anymore arguments to get back on task of the meeting "We cannot use it" Elrond spoke up "You only have one choice. The ring must be destroyed." Gimli who was one of the dwarfs stands up, surprisingly sitting quiet, he decided to speak up "Then what are we waiting for?" In a blink of an eye, he rushed forward with his axe and slammed it down onto where the Ring was. A crack could be heard through the circle as Legolas, Asteria, Elrond, Frodo and the rest of the elves held felt a shock of pain through them. Legolas quickly reached for Asteria's hand as he gently caressed it in concern. "I'm alright my lord." She whispered softly.

Elrond waved his hand as he spoke "The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli son of Gloin, by any craft which we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only then can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the fiery chasm from which it came! One of you must do this." There was a moment of silence before Boromir spoke up again "One does not simply walk into Mordor. It's black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland riddled with fire, ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten-thousand men can you do this. It is folly." Boromir declares with a dreadful and grim tone.

Being the hopeful that she is; Asteria stood up "Lord Boromir... Have you so little faith in Middle Earth to not have hope that this can be done?" She questioned him; she stood in her place elegantly and held her head high. She was a spitting image of Lady Galadriel; only she had darker hair. Boromir still not happy about the fact a woman being at the council meeting "And who are you to tell me when to have hope?" he said in a hateful tone. It was clear the Ring was clouding his judgement. Before she could speak, Legolas spoke up again as he stood up; taking a place in front of Asteria to defend her again "Have care on how to speak to her, have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said? The ring must be destroyed."

Gimli suddenly stands and spoke up "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" butting into the conversation as Boromir stepped forward again, Aragorn who is now worried for Asteria; gently grabbed her arm and got her to sit back down as Legolas squared off with Gimli and Boromir "And what if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir continued.

"I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!" Gimli shouted, glaring at Legolas with hatred and malice as the rest of the council members but Asteria, Frodo and Aragorn started to argue as the three watched. Asteria could sense the ring causing this problem, she saw Legolas was not arguing too much but more of holding back his kindred. Her eyes wandered to Frodo as he looked back at her; she can see the determination in his eyes and what he wanted to do. She gave him a slight nod as she spoke to him through his mind "Frodo, you alone must make this decision. I will follow you. I promise." He smiles slightly as he stood up staring at all the arguing members attempting to speak up "I will take it!"

His voice wasn't carrying over the arguing as Asteria stood up and moved to the middle of the group arguing; glaring at all of them without saying so much a word; one by one they all started to not speak as Frodo spoke up again with their heads turning to attention to him "I will take the Ring to Mordor" His eyes showed worry as he looked at all the members including Asteria who gave him a kind smile "Though, I do not know the way."

Gandalf made his way over to Frodo with his staff "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo. As long as it is your to bear." He took his place behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If by my life or death I can protect you, I will." He took a knee in front of Frodo "You have my sword." Legolas quickly spoke up "And you have my bow" he moved to take his place next to Aragorn. Gimli then spoke up "And my axe" as he proudly took his spot by Legolas. Boromir as if a change of heart; walked towards Frodo "You carry the fate of us all, little one. If this indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

Asteria looked at front as she slowly made her way to him, kneeling herself to get eye level with him; Frodo has fear behind his eyes which he couldn't hide from her "Frodo, you truly wish to bear this burden?" She asked in a somber tone; kind and gentle. Frodo couldn't help but to stare at her in awe as he nodded. She gave him a smile which warmed his heart "Then I shall accompany you, you shall have my bow and sword, dear one." She said placing a hand on his cheek before standing and moving to take her place on the other side of Legolas; who looked at her in awe in his own way. She carried strength in her voice and how she carried herself. She was a vision indeed.

He was broken out of his trance hearing a small yet fierce voice "Hey!" a cute, plump hobbit with carrot- colored hair ran up right next to Frodo with his arms crossed "Mr. Frodo is not going anywhere without me." Asteria giggled a bit as Elrond had a amused smile on his face "No indeed, it is hardly possible to separate you two even when he is invited to a secret meeting and you are not."

"Oy! We're coming too! You'll have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" Two more hobbits that Asteria has not seen before sprinted towards them as the light haired one spoke "Anyways, you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission.... Quest.... Thing" darker haired one said with uncertainty. Asteria giggled a bit at the two as Legolas held an amused smile on his face as well.

Boromir broke the silence with a scowl "Forgive me for saying but should we allow a woman on this journey. We would have to protect her. It would invite death itself." Aragorn, Elrond and Legolas looked at him with glares as Elrond spoke up "I would not doubt the Lady of Starlight. She has been trained as a warrior. Maybe you should let her speak for herself instead of insulting her" Asteria looking at Boromir seeing the doubt in his face, she saw the same doubt in Gimli's eyes as she decided to speak up "Can you shoot a bow Lord Boromir?" she asked directly as Legolas looked at her in confusion.

Boromir was taken back as he nodded at her "Yes I can." She smiled kindly at him as she moved to walk past him "Follow me then. The rest of you may follow as well if you doubt my skills as a warrior." Aragorn knew better, he's seen he fight. She was a mighty warrior, one of the that Lady Galadriel would not approve was her fighting with a bow or sword, but her skills as a warrior was stronger than that of magic. Aragorn sighed as he pulled Legolas to the side "We must stay close. I know she could handle herself but I do not trust Boromir all that much." Legolas nodded as he turned to look at Asteria's direction "What is she trying to prove?" he asked Aragorn. The Son of Arathorn just shook his head as he knew her intentions but Legolas has not nor has he seen her fight. She was as good as him in all truth. "She's a mighty warrior. I've seen her fight. She is quite skilled. Almost as good as you my friend." He said laughing as he walked past Legolas with him trailing behind to the training yard.

Asteria stood in her dress on one side of the courtyard as Boromir stood on the other side; she was holding her sword as he was holding a bow as he was being discourteous still "Shouldn't a lady change her clothing. How do you expect to fight in a dress?" Asteria was standing there with a serious face that did not change as she spoke with a commanding yet gentle voice "Draw your bow Boromir, and shoot your arrow at me." Legolas's eyes widened as he called out to her "You must be mad! You cannot do this my lady!" Aragorn stood quietly watching his friend grow concern for the Lady of Lorien. It made him smile. She turned to Legolas's direction with a smile "Don't underestimate me little princeling. I'm not some weak girl. You have to trust me." She said softly as he just stared at her; without arguing further he nodded as he placed a hand on the hilt of his sword, in case he needed to step in. She noticed this as she reached to him "Do not be afraid my lord. I will be just fine. I promise you." Her voice echoed through his mind as his eyes widened giving her a nod in understanding.

Boromir readied himself as he raised his bow; armed with an arrow "Are you sure about this?" he questioned her, doubt clouded his face; he didn't want to hurt her but he didn't feel like she should be on this journey. She had her sword in hand and stood with her eyes closed, almost in concentration and trance as he drew back the arrow and sent it flying towards her. Legolas's face grew full of concern with how close the arrow was coming towards her and she was standing there. Before he dashed over to her, in one swift motion before the arrow reached her heart; she opened her eyes and quickly raised her sword slashing the arrow in half as if it was nothing. The pieces fell to the ground as she held her sword to her side; staring ahead to Boromir before speaking "Now maybe you shall not question my skills my Lord Boromir." She said as she walked away from the group. The rest of the companions stared in shock yet awe-inspiring at the Lady of Lorien. No one in the Fellowship would ever doubt her again.

3300 Words

*Long chapter i know. I hope you like it so far! The next chapter will have some interaction with Sam, Pippin and Merry. Also there will be more interaction with Legolas before they start the journey.*