Chapter 6
The Talk and Dinner
Astra's POV. I sat on the bench in the gardens watching my daughter play with a few young Elven girls that were her friends. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes.
"Astra." Fili's voice came. He joined me on the bench.
"Come here to judge or yell at me." I said.
"No. Elrond told us. I want to hear the story from you." Fil said. I looked at him and then back at my daughter.
"Its true. She's a product of rape." I said.
"What happened?" Fili asked.
"I was coming back from Gondor and riding through Rohan when I got captured by Wildmen. I was held prisoner and raped more times than I could count." I said. Fili took my face and turned it. I saw worried and concern.
"How did you escape?" Fili asked, stroking my check and I fell in his arms letting out the emotions I held in.
"I killed the bastard and left with Nova." I said.
"Why didn't you go back to your father?" Fili asked.
"I was ashamed of myself and what happened. Adar thinks I'm dead. Elrond took me in and I've been here ever since." I said.
"I'm sure if you came to Uncle. He would have helped." Fili said.
"I wished, but I didn't know how your people would react to me being there." I said.
"We're not judging. We're understanding." Thorin said, coming over.
"How..." I began.
"Gandalf told all of us. Your still welcomed with the company but the little one has to stay here." Thorin said.
"Mommy?" Lily asked.
"Lily. Come meet Throin. The friend I told you about." I said.
"Hi." Lily said, shyly. Thorin smiled.
"Hello lass." Thorin said.
"I'm Fili. Throin's nephew." Fili said.
"Mom. You should get ready for supper." Lily said, pulling on my pant leg.
"Go. We'll meet you at the balcony." Fili said. I lead Lily away.
Fili's POV. I watched her go with the little one. Her having a daughter didn't change my feelings for her. The little one needed a dad and I would give it to her if Astra returned the feelings.
"Uncle." I said, turning to him.
"Say no more. Your heart is set on my friend and the little one caught your eye to. Both will be welcomed into the family and I'm sure your mother would love Lily as a grandmother would." Thorin said. I smile.
Astra's POV. I changed into an emerald dress and let Lily lead me to the balcony. Thorin and Gandalf were following Elrond.
"Try it. Just a mouthful." Dori said.
"I don't like green food." Ori said.
"Where's the meat?" Dwalin asked. I stayed behind the men with Lily, who was holding back a laugh.
"Have they got any chips?" Ori asked.
"Kind of you to invite us. I'm not really dressed for dinner." Gandalf said.
"Well you never are." Elrond said. A plate was dropped and I looked to see Fili staring at me with an open mouth. I blush. I saw Lily grin and the dwarves looked at me.
"Astra. We didn't mean to judge you." Kili said.
"Its fine. I like everyone to meet my daugther, Lily." I said. Everyone introduced themselves. I sat with Gandalf, Elrond, and Thorin. Lily sat in my lap as we ate. Thorin hands his sword over to Elrond.
"This is Orcist, the Goblin Cleaver. A famous blade, forged by the High Elves of the West, my kin. May it serve you well." Elrond said, handing the sword over to Thorin, who nodded. I smiled as Gandalf handed his sword over to Elrond.
"And this is Glamdring, the Foe-Hammer, sword of the King of Gondolin. These swords were made for goblin wars of the First Age..." Elrond said.
"You got a mighty sword." I said.
"Better then my old one." Thorin said. I felt Fili's eyes on me. I looked down. "You should tell him soon."
"I will. I'm waiting for the perfect moment." I said.
"How did you come by these?" Elrond asked.
"We found them in a troll hoard on the Great East Road, shortly before we were ambushed by orcs." Gandalf said.
"And what were you doing on the Great East Road?" Elrond asked. The dinner continued to the point of Bofur getting on a pillar and singing that earned giggles form Lily and a food fight. "Your all invited to and Elven party for the end of Summer tomorrow night." Elrond announced. I smile. I had forgotten about that. I stood up and excused myself with Lily. I ran into Arwen.
"I need your help tomorrow." I whisper as Lily got ready for bed.
"What is it?" Arwen asked.
"I need to look pretty to catch a certain dwarfs eye tomorrow night." I said. Arwen grinned and I knew she could do it.
AN: I'm making their stay in Rivendell a little longer for good reasons. I will update soon.
