While this was going on, Aragorn was on his way to see Arwen. He couldn't wait to see her; it had been a long time since he had seen her as she had gone to stay with her grandmother in Lothlorien. But as Aragorn walked, he couldn't get his mind off the kiss he had given Kagome. There was something different about it. The kiss made him feel something that he had never felt towards his best friend or anyone else. Peace and serenity that he had not felt since he was a child. Aragorn didn't understand it. Why would something as simple as a kiss on the cheek make him feel this way?
'Because it wasn't a kiss on the cheek,' His mind supplied.
Aragorn didn't understand, but something had changed inside him, but he didn't know what. Shaking his head, Aragorn decided to put it out of his mind and continue searching for Arwen.
Later that evening, Aragorn went back to Kagome's room after spending time with Arwen. He knocked on her door and heard her say for him to enter. Aragorn opened the door and smiled at Kagome when he saw that she was dressed in a beautiful Elven gown, "You look beautiful, Kagome," Aragorn said.
Kagome turned from the mirror she had been looking in and smiled at Aragorn, "Thank you, Estel."
Aragorn felt his heart skip a beat when Kagome smiled at him. He had always loved when Kagome called him Estel; she only ever called him that when they returned to Rivendell. Aragorn smiled at his childhood friend and offered his arm; Kagome smiled up at him and took it; then, he escorted her out of her room, and they headed for the dining hall.
They entered the dining hall and saw that everyone had already arrived. Kagome and Aragorn separated, and she went to sit down between her mother and foster father, while Aragorn sat down next to Arwen. Dinner was served, and they began to eat their meal. While they ate, Lord Elrond began to tell them the plan that he and Gandalf had thought of.
"As you all know, the One Ring has arrived in Rivendell. Mithrandir and I have decided that We must call a council to discuss what must be done with it. I have already sent letters to the kingdoms of Gondor, Erebor, and the Woodland Realm. When the representatives arrive, we shall discuss the fate of the Ring."
Gandalf agreed with Lord Elrond and informed them that Frodo and the other Hobbits would represent the Shire, "It will take several weeks, if not months, for the representatives to arrive. In the meantime, Lord Elrond and I will use our magic to conceal the Ring from Sauron's sight."
After that, Gandalf informed them of Saruman's betrayal and his imprisonment. Everyone at the table was shocked at the news except for Kagome. She never liked the White Wizard. Kagome could always sense that there was something off about him, and she had told Lord Elrond about it. But he didn't believe her as she was only a child when Kagome had met him. In her frustration, Kagome told her foster father what she felt about Saruman. Glorfindel had listened to his daughter intently and had concluded that Kagome suspicions of the Istari had merit. From that day on, Glorfindel kept a close eye on the wizard. So, like Kagome, he wasn't surprised about the betrayal. Glorfindel's only regret was that he should have killed Saruman before it had happened.
As dinner progressed and their conversation turned to more pleasant things, Arwen noticed that even though Aragorn was as attentive as he had always been, he kept glancing at Kagome, and she would do the same. Arwen smiled as she suddenly realized that something had shifted between them. She would have to watch this new development closely.
Weeks went by, and gradually the representatives of free people of Middle Earth began to arrive. The first to arrive were the Elves of the Woodland Realm. There were several delegates from the Woodland Realm; one of them was Prince Legolas. He and his representatives came into the courtyard and were greeted by Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel, and Gandalf the Grey. Legolas got off his horse and made his way towards Lord Elrond and the others, "Lord Elrond, Lord Glorfindel, Mithrandir, it is good to see you again."
"It is good to see you as well, Prince Legolas," Lord Elrond said and inclined his head, "Welcome to Rivendell."
"Thank you, my lord. Are we the first to arrive?"
"Yes, the delegates from Erebor should be arriving in a month or so," Lord Elrond informed Legolas.
He frowned when he heard this. But, Legolas had no other choice but to accept that there would be Dwarves in Rivendell.
"Come, you must be tired after your long journey. Lindir will show you to your room so that you may freshen up."
Legolas and the other Elves bowed and followed Lindir to their rooms.
When Legolas arrived at his room, he noticed that a bath had been prepared for him. He walked into the bathroom, undressed then got into the tub. After Legolas had bathed and dressed, he decided to search for his dear friend Aragorn; perhaps Legolas would also get a chance to see the lovely Kagome. Legolas had always been attracted to Kagome even though she found him arrogant and annoying, especially since that incident with Thorin Oakenshield and his Company. But Legolas still enjoyed flirting with her. Legolas wanted annoying Kagome and seeing her flush with anger.
He wandered around Rivendell, searching for Aragorn and Kagome. Legolas was optimistic that he would find them together. Rarely were the two of them separated unless Lady Arwen was around. Legolas greeted several Elves that bowed to him as he walked by and asked where he might find the two Dunedin.
"Lord Aragorn is spending time with Lady Arwen, and Lady Kagome is at the archery range," One of the Elves informed him.
Legolas smiled and thanked the Elf. This was the perfect opportunity for him to bother Kagome. Legolas quickly went to his chambers and grabbed his bow and quiver of arrows; then, he made his way to the archery range. When he got there, Legolas saw that Kagome was with Elladan having a friendly archery competition. Legolas smiled when he noticed that for every shot that Elladan made, Kagome did just as well.
He clapped when the duo finished their round, "That was very impressive, Kagome. Now, why don't you go up against someone that can give you some real competition."
Elladan huffed, "I'm offended by your comment, Legolas. But if you think you can beat Kagome, by all means, go ahead. I warn you. She has improved since the last time you saw her."
Legolas scoffed, "I doubt she's good enough to beat me."
Kagome's eyebrow started to tick in anger, but Elladan put his hand on her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "Do not let his jibes get to you, little one. Show him your skill instead. And do not hold back." Elladan told his pupil with a smirk.
Kagome returned the smirk and nodded, "Why don't we set the target further back," Kagome suggested.
"Are you sure you can hit them?" Legolas questioned.
"Without a doubt," Kagome answered.
With a nod from Elladan, several servants began to move the targets further back. Kagome and Legolas took their positions, "Ladies first."
"No, you are a guest here in Rivendell; I insist you go first," Kagome commented.
Legolas smirked and took aim; he didn't bother to look at the target and loosed several arrows in rapid succession. Legolas expected to hear his arrow hit the mark, but instead, he listened to the arrow shatter in mid-flight. Legolas looked at Kagome and saw that she was shooting down his arrows before they could hit the target. At the same time, she was firing a second arrow that hit the bullseye. Legolas stared at Kagome wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open.
Kagome smiled at him and bowed, "Thank you for the exercise, Prince Legolas, even if it wasn't much competition."
With that, Kagome slung her bow over her shoulder and left the archery range. Elladan walked towards Legolas and patted him on the back, "I told you she improved." Then he left the Woodland Prince standing there.
The only thing that Legolas could do was smiled in appreciation of Kagome's skill.
Months went by, and the next diplomat to arrive in Rivendell were the Dwarves of Erebor. King Thorin had sent Dwalin, and Balin, Sons of Fundin, along with Gimli, Son of Gloin. Kagome was so excited to see her friends from Erebor that she went with her foster father to greet them at the gates of Rivendell.
When the Dwarves arrived in the courtyard, Lord Elrond and the others bowed to them, "Welcome to Rivendell, Master Dwarves," Lord Elrond said.
Balin stepped forward and greeted them in return. Once the pleasantries had been observed, Dwalin hugged Kagome and gently placed his forehead against hers, "It's good to see you, Lass."
"It's good to see you as well, Mister Dwalin," Kagome said to the older Dwarf.
Balin greeted her the same way as did Gloin. After that, they introduced her to Gimli, and she escorted them to their rooms. They chatted and laughed the whole way, talking about their adventure to take back the Lonely Mountain. She asked how things were going in Erebor and how the other Dwarves were doing. Balin informed her that Erebor was thriving under Thorin's rule and that Kili and Tauriel had several children, as did Fili and his wife.
The last to arrive was the delegate from the kingdom of Gondor. Boromir, Son of Denethor, the steward of Gondor. Once again, Lord Elrond and the others had gathered to greet the representative of Gondor, including Kagome and Aragorn. When Boromir arrived in the courtyard, he welcomed the Elves but his eyes focused on Kagome. He smiled and kissed her hand when Lord Elrond introduced Kagome to him. Kagome blushed prettily, and Aragorn frowned at seeing his best friend's reaction.
Once the introductions were over, Lord Elrond asked Kagome to show Lord Boromir to his chamber; Kagome curtsied, "Of course, My Lord Elrond. Lord Boromir, if you would follow me, please?"
"Certainly, My Lady," Boromir said.
Kagome led the Captain of Gondor to his bedroom. When they arrived, Kagome informed Boromir that a bath had been drawn for him so that he could bathe and rest, "I shall come by this evening to escort you to dinner," Kagome told Boromir.
Boromir smiled at Kagome, "Thank you, My Lady, I look forward to it," Then he kissed Kagome's hand, causing her to blush again. After that, Boromir stepped into his room, and Kagome left.
Later on that evening, Kagome went back to Boromir's chambers and knocked on his door. He opened the door and smiled at her, "Are you ready for dinner, My Lord?"
"Aye."
"Then, let me escort you to the dining hall where the others are waiting."
Boromir stepped out of his room and offered his arm to Kagome. She smiled up at him and took his arm, and they walked towards the dining hall. When they arrived, Aragorn was sitting next to Arwen and Legolas; they were in the middle of a conversation when both Legolas and Aragorn saw Kagome come with Boromir. The Ranger and the Elf frowned at the sight. Kagome led Boromir to the table where the other envoys were seated, then went and sat down next to Lord Glorfindel, across from Boromir. Now that everyone had arrived the welcoming feast began.