Chapter 8: Home... Healing

*What she wears after she is healed in Lothlorien; and they spend about 30 days in Lothlorien*

The hobbits were exhausted and hurting, Boromir and Gimli moved them along as best as they can while Aragorn leaded the front and Legolas carrying Asteria. They arrived by Silverlode which was a stream rising in the eastern Misty Mountains near the exit from Moria. They took a break so Legolas could tend to Asteria; she was burning up and weak. She was slipping in and out of unconsciousness as Legolas took a piece of his tunic dipping it into the stream to dab her head. "Why do I not feel like this?" he questioned, their fëa would force them to suffer together; all he feels is a pain in his heart, it has not dampened his strength at all. Maybe poison from Mordor doesn't work that way.

"Legolas, I would... not want you to share this burden.." Asteria responded very weakly. Legolas continued to dampen her head as Gimli would help him clean her wound and change her bandage that would be soaked in blood. She was bleeding too much and they needed to get to Lothlorien as fast as they can. Aragorn came over with a flask of water as he moved to give it to Asteria; he had to help her drink; he felt her skin was hot. "We have to keep going Legolas. If we have hope to get her back to Lothlorien in time" Aragorn spoke directly to Legolas as the elf caressed his beloveds face. The others watched in horror as they wish to not part with their 10th member who they come to adore.

Boromir who has been worried himself would offer to help but would be declined by Legolas harshly; not to his own fault but Boromir doesn't understand how an elves bond works. "If you allow it, so you can rest a bit, I can carry her." Boromir said as he placed hand on Legolas's shoulder which he replied cold "I do not need your help."Boromir moved his hand quickly; they have never seen Legolas like this. Aragorn stepped in this time speaking to Legolas "Let us help brother.. He just wants to help. Allow it for a little while to regain your own strength." He pleaded with the elf as Legolas looked at him then Boromir and nodded. "Just be careful with her please..." Legolas was tired for once; he wasn't hurting like her but he felt drained. It was starting to get to him; physically and emotionally which would explain why he's been so cold.

Boromir handed Gimli his shield; so, he wasn't as weighed down as he bent down to pick up Asteria bridal style. She was like a little sister he wish he had "I'll take care of her. I know what she means to you." He said softly to Legolas as the elf gave him a nod before kissing her forehead and walking away with Aragorn. "Don't worry little sister, you'll feel better soon once you're home" Boromir whispered softly as he followed the two with ease.

After a while as they got closer to Lothlorien, Boromir gave Asteria back to Legolas; the elf was grateful to have help in the fellowship. As they passed the Nimorodel river, Asteria was still passed out; breathing roughly and still weak. It broke Legolas's heart watching her. He could hear Gimli speaking as they were crossing into the woods "Stay close young Hobbits! They say there's a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell"

"You bring my daughter back to me Legolas of Mirkwood. She's very weak." He heard a voice in his head as he looked around. Asteria stirred a bit in his arms as she weakly spoke "Mother..." Legolas held her closer as he followed the others. "Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!" Gimli continued.

Suddenly, Gimli has an arrow pointed towards him. Lorien elves appear from behind the trees, aiming at the others as well. The Fellowship stops and look around, alarmed. "The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark." The elf known as Haldir spoke up. Legolas knew who he was from his travels and also because of Asteria. He made his way forward "Haldir, Asteria needs help!" Haldir turned and saw his best friend, pale and weak as he nodded "Come. They await. I will take Asteria to the healers as you met the Lord and Lady of the wood." He said putting his arms out to receive Asteria as Legolas was reluctant but complied; handing her over to him. In that moment, Haldir was gone and the fellowship followed the guard to Caras Galadhon where Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were waiting.

The fellowship reached the main talon of Lorien, where the Lord and Lady await them. As the couple descended the stairs; Legolas and Galadriel's eyes met, she could see the sorrow and pain he is suffering. "You bonded with her..." she spoke as his eye widened as Celeborn was addressing the fellowship about Gandalf's death. "Yes My Lady. I wanted to protect her. Forgive my rashness" Legolas replied; he knew that bonding their fëa despite their parents; was a very rash decision to make. She smiled kindly at him "She called for you. She will be fine. You may see her later." Her voice was smooth like silk giving him a sense of relief for Asteria's safety as he nodded softly.

It was late in the evening after the fellowship constantly asking about Asteria's well-being when she opened her eyes. As she gazed around slowly, she was in her room. She got lightheaded in attempt to sit up as a voice stopped her "You should be resting my love." She knew that voice anywhere, a voice she missed since she left home "Mother..." tears formed in her eyes as Galadriel made her way to the bed, sitting next to her and in a swift moment Asteria threw her arms around Galadriel's waist. "Oh my dear. How you frightened me as well as the others." Her mother spoke softly as she caressed her daughter's hair. "You are on the mend my love. Soon you will be fully healed." Asteria sat up looking at her mother "The others? Are they safe?" she asked with hope gleaming in her eyes.

Galadriel smiled at her daughter as she placed a hand on her cheek "They are well. They are resting not far from here. You may see them when you are ready." She reassured Asteria as the young elf looked around "Father.." Galadriel smiled at her "He will be here soon. He was worried about you." Galadriel leaned and kissed her daughter's forehead as she moved to stand up "Let's get you bathed my darling and clothed so you are comfortable" Asteria nodded as she took Galadriel's hand as she guided her to the wash room where there was a bath ready for her.

After her bath and getting her dress on; Asteria sat at her vanity as she stared in the mirror, Galadriel was brushing her hair which she decided to leave loose. Asteria's thoughts went to Gandalf, why didn't' she do more; why did she have to get wounded and get weak? Almost as if Galadriel knew what she was thinking "There was nothing you could have done my love. Gandalf has his own path to take just as you have your own. But you are not alone." She said softly as tears threatened Asteria's eyes giving her mother a small nod.

A small knock was heard as the women turned and in the doorway stood Celeborn; with a relieved smile seeing his daughter up and about. "Oh my daughter.. You are awake" he said softly and before he could make her way to her; Asteria was already up and running into her father's arms which made him chuckle a bit "Father... I am so sorry! I should have been more careful! I promised you I would be safe and I came back home wounded!" Asteria was crying as her father just held her; he did not hold her in contempt. "Asteria.. Hush now. You did not break any promise to me. You are a brave fighter just like I was in my youth." He smiled taking her face in his hands making her look at him as he wiped her tears "Now, the others are waiting for you ever so patiently. You should go see them." He kissed her forehead before he ushered out of the door.

Asteria went to the resting area where the fellowship sat; as she stood behind a tree away from them, she could see the hobbits around a fire eating, she can see traces of sadness in their faces. She looked around and saw Aragorn speaking with Boromir as Legolas was with Gimli; watching the forest. It warmed her heart seeing her companions safe. In the trees, the Elves singing can be heard; she knew that it was a song for Gandalf as she softly sung along with it, her voice carried on the windows as she can see Legolas looking around searching "A lament for Gandalf" he said softly. Merry looks up towards the trees "What do they say about him?" Asteria stopped singing as she could see Legolas's face full of grief "I do not have the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."

Sam looked down "I bet they don't mention his fireworks. There should be a verse about them." Legolas looked at him and smiled; he'd had only seen his fireworks once and they were beautiful, his thoughts trailed to Asteria; was she awake? Is she feeling better? The grief from Gandalf conflicted his heart to sense anything. "The finest rockets ever seen They burst in stars of blue and green Or after thunder, silver showers... Came falling like a...rain of flowers" ..." Sam continued as Gimli, who is pretending to sleep, stared snoring loudly. Aragorn shoves him a bit before he stopped. Asteria giggled softly as she walked from behind the tree down the rest of the stairs to make her presence known.

"My dear Sam, I do not think those lyrics would do him justice at all..." She said softly clasping her hands to the front of her smiling at the hobbits. They all jumped up quickly "ASTERIA!" they all ran to her hugging her legs as she fell down again but they were all laughing "Oh my dear ones!" she laughed hugging them each "We are so glad you're awake!" Frodo said happily, he missed her; her presence gave him comfort despite the ring. "Oh I missed you all my dear hobbits" she said as she placed a hand on Frodo's face "It's take more than a little arrow to take me down" The hobbits helped her up as she dusted herself off; Gimli approached her after waking to hear her "Oh my lass! It warms my heart to see you up and about!" he said happily. Asteria smiled at him as she leaned down kissing his forehead "My dear Gimli, to know you worry about me warms my heart gratefully" Gimli quickly mumbles a bit in embarrassment as he walked away.

Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas walked toward her with Legolas last "It's good to see you well my lady" Boromir said with a kind smile despite how tired he looked "You had us in quite a scare" he continued. "Thank you Boromir and thank you for you help" His eyes widened; she knew he helped carry her despite her being unconscious. He nodded at her as Aragorn came up and embraced her "You gave us quite a scare my lady. Some more than most" he said gesturing to Legolas who was staying back with a concerned look. She looked at Aragorn and nodded as she walked past him towards Legolas.

Legolas had his head down as if ashamed "Will you not look at me, my lord?" her voice a beautiful soft whisper as he looked at her. He felt as if her getting hurt was his fault, he couldn't shake the feeling but as she reached for his hand; he relaxed immediately. Legolas quickly pulled her into his embrace holding her close "I was so afraid I would be too late." He said softly as he held her close. The fellowship smiled at the interaction as they gave them space and got ready to sleep. "Will you walk with me?" she asked softly as he smiled at her; putting an arm out for her to take. Pippin quickly spoke up "Will you be coming back here Asteria?" She turned and smiled as she nodded to Pippin which put a huge grin on his face. The fellowship watched the two elves walk away from the group.

Legolas and Asteria walked through the woods for a bit before they reached one of the lakes that resided close to the Caras Galadhon. It was beautiful; fireflies danced along the surface of the lake as the moonlight and lights from the city glimmered on the lake. It was a beautiful and relaxing sight.  She could feel Legolas's tension as she turned to him and he was already looking at her with so much love in his eyes "I was so afraid I would lose you.." he said softly taking her hands in his. She smiled at him placing a hand on his cheek gently staring into his deep blue eyes that reminded her of the ocean. He stared right back into her; her eyes seemed to be a light brown with tints of grey in them now. They changed; could it be because of the bond?

"You should never have to fear for my safety Legolas." Her voice soft and smooth as a small breeze drifting through the trees. Legolas moved himself closer to her; wrapping one of his arms around her waist and still holding her hand in the other as he placed her hand on his chest where his heart it; holding onto it. "I will always worry about you Asteria. You are my life now." He said as he placed his forehead on hers earning a smile from her. In that moment, there was so much that needed to be said but they stayed silent. His heart would always long for her and her heart for his. After a few moments, he ran his hand through her dark, wavy hair; her hair itself felt like silk as she closed her eyes to the touch in sheer bliss. Legolas smiled at her as she opened her eyes look at him. The moonlight made her eyes glimmer like the stars themselves; he moved in closer to her, leaning in closing the gap between them as she slowly closed her eyes again as his lips met hers.

*Pretend he is Legolas please*

There was nothing to be afraid of, no ring, no danger of the world and no worries. Legolas and Asteria's bond was deeper than just their souls; their hearts were bonded by love. It never needed to be said in words, it was always any kind of actions. After a few moments, they pulled away from each other as he smiled at her "I love you Asteria." He said softly caressing her cheek as she leaned into his hand smiling herself. She looked up at him "I love you Legolas.. with all I am" it rolled off her tongue and to his ears it was a song he would want to hear for all eternity.

After a while of being alone by the lake, Asteria turned to Legolas "Let's go back to the others. I missed the little ones" He couldn't help but smile at her. She treated the hobbits as if they were her own children which warmed his heart. He gave her a nodded as he grasps her hand as they walked hand in hand back to where the rest of the fellowship was; where most of the night Legolas stayed by her as the hobbits would surround her asking about Lothlorien. For a moment, even if for a little while, the fellowship had no worries about the ring.

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