Chapter: 17 Familiar Faces... A Night of Fun

*I had to redo this chapter! I didn't realize i was missing some parts. I write my stories in Word and copy and paste them to here.*

As they traveled to Isengard; Asteria's heart was troubled. Saruman was a mentor to her when she was a young elfling and for him to betray them; broke her heart. She rode on Ithilidin close to Legolas who kept a watchful eye on her as well as Aragorn keeping an eye on his dear friend. As they drew closer they could see Merry and Pippin sitting on a smashed wall smoking; they were a sight for Asteria for she missed her dear hobbits. Merry noticing them first as he smiled "Welcome! My lords and lady, to Isengard!" Asteria laughed a bit smiling at Merry.

Gimli irritated "You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you, feasting and smoking." Pippin who had a mouthful of food in "We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts. The salted pork is particularly good." Suddenly interested Gimli questioned "Salted pork?" Gandalf sighed and shook his head "Hobbits..." Asteria giving a bit of a chuckle as she rode closer to them "I have missed you my dear ones. It warms my heart you are safe" she said smiling at them.

"And we missed you" Merry said sliding off the wall onto the front of her on Ithilidin as he continued "We're under orders, from Treebeard, who's taken over management of Isengard." She looked at him and smiled "Treebeard is here?" she remembered the tree when they first went through Fangorn. He took a liking to her and her to him. Pippin hops onto Aragorn's horse as Gandalf leaves the company through the flotsam and jetsam which floats upon the muddied waters surrounding the tower itself. Treebeard, strides towards them, alarming all but Asteria and Gandalf. "Young Master Gandalf. I'm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone, I can master, but there's a Wizard to be managed here... locked in his tower." He said to them as Gandalf and Asteria looked up to the castle "Even in defeat, Saruman is dangerous" She said softly as Gandalf nodded "Under your guard, Treebeard" Gimli on the other hand chimed in "Let's just have his head and be done with it" Asteria sighs looked at Gimli giving him a stern look "No, we need him alive. We need him to talk.." she said as she looked back up the tower.

They could see a figure moving in the tower and Asteria saw it was Saruman "You have fought many wars and slain many men Théoden King and made peace afterwards. Can we not take counsel together as we once did, my old friend? Can we not have peace you and I?" his comment directed to Théoden as he sneered. "We shall have peace. We shall have peace when you answer for the burning of the Westfold and the children that lie dead there! We shall have peace when the lives of the soldiers whose bodies were hewn even as they lay dead against the gates of the Hornburg are avenged! When you hang from a gibbet for the sport of your own crows we shall have peace!" he own anger flowing as Asteria moved her horse toward Théoden placing on hand on his shoulder "Calm Théoden.." her words soft and meaningful as he looked at her and nodded.

"Gibbets and crows! Dotard! What do you want Gandalf Grahame? Let me guess the key of Orthanc? Or perhaps the keys of Barad Dur itself? Along with the crowns of the seven Kings and the rods of the Five Wizards!" Saruman spitefully trying to reason with Gandalf which failed. "Your treachery has already cost many lives. Thousands more are now at risk. But you could save them Saruman. You were deep in the enemy's counsel." Gandalf said as the rest of the company watched on. "So, you have come here for information. I have some for you." He holds up the Palantir and looks into it as he continued "Something festers in the heart of Middle Earth. Something that you have failed to see. But the great eye has seen it! Even now he presses his advantage. His attack will come soon." Asteria's eyes widened as she moved her horse for a little.

"You are all going to die! But you know this don't you Gandalf? You cannot think that this Ranger will ever sit upon the throne of Gondor. This exile, crept from the shadows will never be crowned King." Saruman continued as Gandalf moved forward himself as they listened to the crazed wizard "Gandalf does not hesitate to sacrifice those who are closest to him those he professes to love! Tell me, what words of comfort did you give the halfling before you sent him to his doom? The path that you have set him on can only lead to death." Asteria's eyes widened as Gimli spoke "I've heard enough! Shoot him! Stick and arrow in his gob!" he said to Legolas who did not hesitate to reach for an arrow. Still hooded; Asteria stopped him "Legolas... no..." He looked at her and nodded.

"Come down Saruman and your life will be spared." Gandalf said to Saruman. "Save your pity and mercy. I have no use for it!" he shouted angrily and then shoots a ball of fire and hits Asteria as she was covered in fire but it not affect her as the others watched in shock as Gandalf smiled at her and looked back to Saruman "Your staff is broken." He said as the staff in the wizard's hand broke.

"And who is this hooded figure that repelled my magic so?" Asteria moved forward taking Merry off her horse and putting him on the back of Théoden's to keep him safe as she moved forward removing her hood. Anger slightly distorted her face as well as sadness "Saruman..." he looked at her in disbelief more so of her being there "Well... Lady of Starlight. I never thought you would come here with these rouges and not stop them from hurting your mentor and friend" He said softly as if wanting her sympathy.

Asteria scoffs a bit "You are talking as if we are friends Saruman. You are the cause of many lives; Elves and Men alike. You remember my dear brother and friend Haldir?" her voice was strong as well as her stature. Saruman saw this and was afraid for he knew the wrath that her mother could have and it does not falter in her daughter. "A brave Marchwarden he is" he said softly. She moved her horse closer to the tower "He was... He died in the battle of Hornburg by your Uruk-Hai along with many other elves of my kin and many men. You are on the wrong side Saruman and you have much to pay for" her voice was laced with anger as Saruman moved to speak and Théoden chimed in "Grima! You need not follow him! You were not always as you are now. You were once a man of Rohan. Come down." They noticed Grima was standing off by Saruman's side; a look of scared on his face and he looked as if he was going to come down.

"A man of Rohan? What is the house of Rohan but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek and their brats roll on the floor with the dogs? The victory at Helms Deep does not belong to you Théoden Horse Master. You are a lesser son of greater sires!" Saruman shouted as Théoden ignored him "Grima...come down! Be free of him!" Théoden continued. Saruman turns to Grima and slaps him to the ground "Get down cur!"

"Saruman! You were deep in the enemy's council! Tell us what you know!" Asteria shouted; her voice rang through the tower and sounded very regal and stronger than before "You withdraw your guard and I will tell you where your doom will be decided. I will not be held prisoner here!" he shouted back at her. Grima rises up behind Saruman and attacks him with the knife, stabbing him twice in the back. Legolas aims an arrow at Grima who falls shot in the heart. Saruman falls from the tower and is impaled on a great wheel below. Asteria's face had a look of sadness before she moved back to Théoden getting Merry back on her horse. Merry looked up at her with a sad smile as she returned the smile "It's alright my dear one"

"Send word to all our allies and to every corner of Middle Earth that still stands free. The enemy moves against us. We need to know where he will strike." Gandalf said as the water wheel turns and Saruman disappears beneath the water head first. The Palantir drops from his hand into the water. Treebeard stepped forward a bit "The filth of Saruman is washing away. Trees will come back to live here. Young trees. Wild trees" as he continued Pippin hopped off Aragorn's horse "Pippin!" the ranger shouted as they all watched Pippin get into the water picking up the Palantir; gazing at it. "Peregrin Took! I'll take that my lad! Quickly now!" Gandalf said as Pippin hands the Palantir to him and he wraps it up. He looks sheepish at Gandalf and watches him intently as he turns away.

*Time Skip back to Rohan*

Asteria rested in the room that Théoden had her settled in; she was grateful. Her room wasn't large but it had a balcony which he remembered she liked to be outside gazing at the stars; taking in moonlight. Théoden told her when she was ready; he would like her to join the festivities of their memorial ceremony for their fallen. He was thankful for Haldir and that alone warmed her heart. A small knock was heard on the door as she opened it; there stood Eowyn holding a bundled of beautiful dark green, she had a warm smile on her face "Hello Asteria.." She couldn't help but smile at Eowyn as she let the girl come in "I see you are here to have me come to the ceremony" gesturing to the clothing bundle in her hands.

"The ceremony is over, now it's just the party. It would be nice to see you there. You fought and sacrificed just as the rest of the men. It would be an honor for you to be there." Asteria sighed a bit and smiled nodding at Eowyn "Alright. I'll come. Thank you.." Eowyn beamed brightly as she handing her the dress. It was a beautiful dress in a dark evergreen color lined with gold embroidery, the sleeves were long and draped. "It's beautiful my lady" Asteria said smiling at Eowyn nodded and left the room. Asteria went ahead and got dressed, her thoughts trailed she fixed her hair and hairpiece representing a lady of Lothlorien; she missed Haldir very much and her heart ached that her mentor was now dead as well.

Meanwhile at the gathering, Legolas waits patiently for Asteria to arrive. Eowyn told him that she was getting ready after some convincing. He knew she was in pain; he could feel her turmoil; first losing Haldir and then having to face her mentor Saruman. It was a great deal for her so he made sure to give her space, she knew he was there for her when she needed him. "Are ye not drinking, lad?" Gimli asked holding a mug of beer. Legolas looked at him scrunching his eyebrows a bit as Gimli handed him another to Legolas who ends up drinking it.

It's as if everything and everyone stopped; Legolas as well as everyone staring at the beautiful elf maiden that walked through the doorway. Her dark hair was pinned back as she worn her regal crown; she was a Lady of Lothlorien. The dark green dress complimented her completely as it swayed while she walked. Her stature was elegant but many knew what a fierce warrior she was and how she fought at Helm's Deep. She walked in with purpose and grace of any lady of Lothlorien. She was truly a vision as Théoden moved to greet her, taking her hands in his giving her a bright smile "It's an honor to have you here my lady" he said kissing the top of one her hands as she smiled at him "The honor is mine my lord" Théoden brushed off the formality "You, my lady, are a vision and a gift to be here and I am grateful for you and your people, especially your Marchwarden" he said with a kind sadness as she nodding "Thank you my lord." Gandalf reached her with a smile as he gave her a gentle hug "Oh my dear. It's good to see you here, I was beginning to worry" Asteria laughed a bit placing a hand on Gandalf's face "Oh my dear friend. I would not want that"

Legolas stared fondly at Asteria, she was truly a vision as his heart beat harder in his chest; he thinks back on how they met and how they bonded over many things. How fierce yet delicate she was and how protective he was with her. She could handle herself yet was so graceful and kind as was a lady of Lorien. He loved her and would do anything for her.

He watched as she talked with Gandalf smiling and laughing as her eyes met his and she gave him a warm smile, this caused him to walk towards her. He felt as if the world was changing every second and everyone was just fading away. Asteria was the surest and brightest thing in view; she was walking moonlight and stars to him; she was everything to him and with every step he took came closer to her and their hearts beat faster and harder as he reached her. Gandalf walked away by the time Legolas got to her to give them their time.

Legolas stood about a foot from her; gazing at her beauty as if she was the rarest diamond in the world "Hello..." he said softly as she smiled at him "Hello my lord.." she said as she curtsied, he quickly placed a hand under her chin; forcing her to look at him and made her rise up "You should know by now to not bow to me." He said softly as he took her hands in his "I was wondering when you would come. I was worried for you" she could tell he was worried by the tone of his voice.

Asteria hated to worry him; she placed a hand on his face placing a gentle kiss on his cheek, his face softened as he closed his eyes, calming himself "Forgive me my dear Legolas... I did not wish to worry you so" she said softly giving him a sweet and gentle smile that melted his heart as he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. "Do not let your heart be troubled alone. I am here for you." He said softly as he placed a hand on her cheek, caressing it gently. Her beautiful brown-blue eyes met his deep ocean blue eyes as they were entranced with each other as some soft music began to play. He smiled "Will my future bride dance with me?" he asked softly gesturing to the floor where couples were gathering to dance.

Asteria's breath hitched as if she was nervous and gave him a slight nod, they both walked to the middle of the dance floor as they gracefully danced with his hand holding hers and his other arm around her waist; holding her close. "Are you sure?" she spoke after a few moments of silence between them. He looked at her in confusion as they slowed and came to a stop "What do you mean?" Asteria looked down a bit before sighing as she let go of his hand and walked away.

Legolas chased after her as he found her outside of the hall; staring at the night sky. He came close to her as she finally spoke again "You must undo the bind from me, from my fëa" she looked at him with glistening eyes. He quickly moved and placed a hand on her cheek caressing it. "I do not know what you fear. But I will not undo my choice nor will I change my mind on me marrying you. I want to. You are my light, my heart... I have felt that way since we met and it only grew deeper with each passing moment. You will never worry nor fear for anything. Not even death" His words resonated deeply in her heart as a small tear fell from her cheek "I do not fear death. I fear of dying and you having to not live your life because of me. I do not wish to hurt you with this burden of our bond. I do not- "Legolas quickly cut her off by kissing her passionately, leaving her wide eyed but closed her eyes kissing him back.

After a few moments, they pulled apart with him placing his forehead on hers; both of them smiling "I will follow you where you may go Asteria. Bond or not. I love you, more than our bond and not because of it. I love you as I breath, I love you as if you are the only meaning in my life." His words were like a song on the wind to her ears, she loved him deeply and it would break her heart if something happened to him. Not saying a word, she leaned up and kissing his deeply. Nothing else mattered to them at the moment. They would stick together, to the end...

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