"I know who you are." His deep voice spoke as the night remained perfectly clear and the vibrant moon shone upon us all. Turning my head to look back upon Thorin, I gave him a small smile of ignorance, not speaking a word so he stepped closer, watching me carefully. "You are the elf child that I found lost in the halls of Erebor many moons ago. You called me by a name which had not yet been given to me. How did you know of such things?"
"The world is wondrous and strange, dear king, and there are many extraordinary things that exist within it." I answered him ambiguously, turning my gaze back towards the moonlit mountains as we stood alone within an alcove that overlooked most of the city. It was one of my favourite places to be.
"That does not answer my question, elf. You will tell me of how you knew my name and how you knew that we were coming this day." His commanding tone made my smile fade so I looked back to him fearlessly, drawing up my shoulders as I slowly turned to face him with an expression of hardened stone. Seeing that perhaps his wording had been too harsh he allowed himself to relax a little, deciding for a more diplomatic approach. "Please." Satisfied with his request and small measure of humility, I inclined my head.
"I bear the gift of foresight. I see many things into the past and future that others may never know until it becomes their present. At such a young age, I was unable to control my visions but I have almost mastered them now as I have had many years of practice and instruction." I explained to him in a warm and gentle voice, however as I spoke Thorin's face only grew colder and harder, narrowed gaze glaring at me intensely and I blinked in confusion for I did not understand why he looked at me so.
"You mean to say that you possess the ability to glimpse the future, yet you did nothing when that filthy worm invaded my home and killed my people?!" His voice rose and I jolted slightly, a little surprised by how he was reacting. "Many of us died that day, yet you did nothing!"
"I…I could do nothing myself for I was too far away when my visions became clear…I did not understand or was even able to witness them for many years as they were too terrifying for me to be able to bear." I attempted to explain to him as the dwarf king began to pace, seething in rage and I stepped back from him, wanting to put more distance between us for being too close to his wrath was uncomfortable and felt almost tangibly scorching. "But I did not stand by idly, I sent word to my kin and my father, Thranduil of Greenwood, requesting and pleading for them to warn you and to assist you, how can you say that I did nothing?"
"Because your scum of a father did not lift even a finger that day to help us. He came with his army but turned them away, he offered us no food. No shelter, not even medicinal aid to my people who lost everything in one fell swoop." The unforgiving tone of his voice rattled my bones and I gasped, trembling at the weight of his words and I dropped to my knees, sinking into the floor as my hand gripped onto the stone archway for support, feeling light headed and slightly betrayed. This could not be true. I had known that some deaths were to be inevitable and Smaug the Terrible would be unstoppable in his greed for the Lonely Mountain's gold, but I could not believe that my father would have turned away from the plights of the people who suffered dragon fire. Especially knowing that he too understood its pain. Legolas had made no mention of the fact that father had offered no help, I believed all to have been well. For all my gifts, how could I have been so blind?
With tears prickling at my eyes and gliding down my face I looked up with heavy heart, barely registering Thorin's surprise by my tears as I looked past him to where Elrond stood above us. "Is this the truth? Tell me, Lord Elrond, tell me that this is not true. Ada…did he really give no aid even when I asked? Begged him even? Tell me it is a lie…please…" I whispered, voice breaking slightly as I felt my soul being crushed by the grief of the death that I had not recognised until it had slammed against my body full force all at once.
"I had hoped to protect you from this knowledge, dear Eleniel, for I knew it would only make you suffer in guilt." He stated to me in his calm, monotonous voice, descending the steps slowly and Thorin watched carefully as Elrond knelt down before me and gripped my arms, guiding me back onto my feet as I struggled to breathe without weeping, feeling the crushing weight of death as my uselessness struck me again and again with each pulse of my heart. "You must not blame yourself for this, as you had no part."
"But it could have been prevented, if I was wiser, more certain of myself…I could have uncovered the secret of my visions before it was too late to act." Shaking my head I pulled back from Lord Elrond, bowing my head in shame as I turned away from him. "Please, do not approach me. I wish to be alone." Slightly hurt by my words and rejection of his comfort, Lord Elrond watched helplessly as I moved away from them both, feeling a strange numbing sensation slowly ebb through my body as I went. Dale, my first home, had it truly been destroyed? I do not know what hurt more, the fact that Thranduil had refused my simple plea to lend assistance to those who would incur the wrath of a dragon or the fact that I had been lied to be all those around me in order to keep me in the dark. What was worse, I wonder? The betrayal of love, or the betrayal of trust. I pondered these things as I walked endlessly though the city all through the night and into the day, never once stopping my stride as I followed familiar routes until finally I came to a halt.
I found I was standing inside one of the buildings of Elrond's grand house, wakening me from my reverie to see Bilbo walking and admiring everything around him. His clothes were freshly washed and dried as I had tended to them carefully and even placed a brand new handkerchief into one of the pockets which he had found the moment he had hooked his thumb over the rim. When his head turned he came to a sharp halt, blinking at me and gaping as he attempted to formulate a greeting, however he was too overcome with nerves to utter more than simple sounds and squeaks. "Master Baggins, it is good to see you." I murmured to him softly, failing to smile as broadly as I had done before. "Is there anything that I can do for you?"
"Uh…um, well, I was hoping that you might be willing to tell me a little about this place." He requested a little shyly, his sweet innocence making my lips curve upwards a little more as he lowered his voice to a serious whisper. "You see I will admit with some embarrassment that I am a little lost, so a guide would be most appreciated." Chuckling musically I inclined my head and bade him follow, waiting as the hobbit trotted to my side and began to walk with me. It has been a long time since someone as small as he has walked beside me, it was a refreshing feeling and since I ached with an emptiness that I could not cure or fulfil, a distraction and some sense of purpose, no matter how small it may be, was greatly appreciated. As was Master Bilbo's company, quiet and curious as he was. There was always more he wanted to know so I could put my knowledge to good use for his entertainment. "Also, just calling me Bilbo is perfectly alright. I really am no master of anything, so formality is not necessary." He babbled so I nodded my head to him.
"Then Bilbo I shall call you, so long as you call me Asta. Come, I shall show you to some of my favourite places." Inviting him with a lift of my hand I walked slowly so that he could keep pace with me, his feet silently padding barefoot upon the ground as I began to tell him all that I knew of the city of Imladris and how much I cared for it. Bilbo listened with great intent, occasionally asking questions and he had a particular interest in our culture, our discussion moving predominantly onto books and poetry and we shared our favourite verses with one another as we admired gardens and pavilions aplenty. I was glad for Bilbo's company, sitting with him a while to rest as I began to tell him of the Valar and how we called them by name.
"Fascinating, you know I always wanted to come to this kind of place. When I sit here, Bag-End feels very far away and much smaller than I remember." Bilbo mused as we looked across the open scenery of breath taking hills, mountains and vast skies.
"Home is where our bodies go to rest and our minds to rejuvenate after weary travels. It does not matter whether they be grand houses or small huts tucked away in the woods, it is where we are most comfortable. I should like to see your home one day, Bilbo, The Shire sounds a cheerful and lively land and your own home to be a place where I might be able to rest well." Bilbo glowed with pride at my compliment before going into a long discussion of how Bag-End had been in the Baggins' family for a very long time and I learned how proud he was of his name. The stories that Bilbo possessed truly made me laugh and I felt my heart lighten with every word he spoke, almost as if he knew that I was weary from my own guilt and grief.
"And you know, the Baggins family used to be the most respectable family in all of Hobbiton, however I doubt that will be the case when I return." Bilbo was saying to me pointedly as he nibbled on the end of his pipe, a trait I found he exhibited whenever he felt truly at ease. "We hobbits never go out on adventures or long travels, it is highly unheard of. We are comfort creatures, of course, so to stray so far away from home is simply unthinkable yet here I am, sitting in an elven city the furthest I have ever been from Bag-End." Musing almost to himself I watched him as he spoke, hearing his great love for his home in his voice and for a while we sat in silence as he thought of his home and I wondered what had drawn him from it. He was a hobbit unlike any other and I knew that his cousin would be one day as well. Though this was something I could not tell him, not yet at least.
"Bilbo!" Our heads lifted together at the call of one of his companions who had come searching for him, the heavy set of boots against stone clattering closer as they approached us. "We've been looking all over for you Bilbo, where did you get to?" It was Kili, his mischievous smirk dancing across his face as he strode towards us with two others behind him, Bifur and Dwalin.
"You'd do well not to go wandering off so far, lad. Strange things this place will do to your mind if you're not careful." The strong accent of their voices came through as Dwalin spoke with particular distrust, glancing towards me pointedly and my lips parted as if to speak but I halted myself, looking away in guilt. Perhaps Thorin had told them by now that I was nothing except a useless fortune teller. Bifur spoke in the brusque tongue of Khuzdul, making Bilbo frown deeply though I listened carefully to the words, attempting to understand. "He says that the pointy ears are known for their beguiling tricks and mind meddling magic."
"Ah come lads, let's not be so rude in front of one of our hosts!" Kili declared, sending me a wink which had me starting slightly in bewilderment. "Forgive us, milady, it's been a while since we've been in polite company see." He explained simply and I softened slightly, nodding my head and assuring them all that I did not take offence.
"All the same, come away now lad." Dwalin muttered, reaching out to take Bilbo's shoulder however he stuttered in confusion and protest.
"That is not entirely necessary Dwalin, you see Lady Asta and I were simply talking of Bag-End and books, what is there to be worried for? In fact I was almost completely lost when our host found me wandering and we were slowly making our way back." With a blink I realised that Bilbo was attempting to defend me in his own small way, however I also recognised that both Bifur and Dwalin were becoming increasingly agitated with Kili glancing nervously between the three of them, so I reached forward and placed my hand upon Bilbo's shoulder.
"It is alright Bilbo, your companions only worried for your long absence, so I make my apologies for keeping you for so long." I spoke, calming the tense atmosphere that surrounded us all as I rose back to my feet, standing taller than all of them. "If ever you have more questions or wish to see more of Imladris, do not hesitate to ask. I would be glad for your company again, dear Bilbo." With a final smile I turned and walked away from them, leaving them together though my thoughts circulated around Bifur. That axe buried into his head, I am certain it is the reason why he cannot speak the common tongue any longer and only Khuzdul. Such injuries as that often caused physical and psychological changes to the victim, perhaps I had better think of a way to communicate with him as there was no means that I would be able to speak to him in the future since I did not know any Khuzdul. Their language was deeply private, though I could roughly translate a few phrases through logical assessment. Just as I had walked around the corner, a heavy clunking of feet sounded as they chased after me so I halted and looked back, finding it was Kili who had followed after me.
"Milady! Lady Asta! Please wait." He was calling. I did not expect him to follow me, I wonder what it is he needs.
"Yes Prince Kili? Is there something that you require?" I offered him as he stopped before me, bringing himself to his full height though his handsome grin brought a cheer to my soul that reminded me of my younger self, how I would wear such an expression when playing games with Legolas through the woods. Such mischief we got into in those old days.
"No milady, I just wanted to sincerely apologise. You look as though you are worrying for something and Dwalin did not help by being his usual blunt self. Though some of the others will not admit it, we really do appreciate all the care you have given us, providing good food and the extra blankets and such, 'tis a kind gesture of goodwill." Kili then bowed low and flamboyantly, making me giggle so he sprung back up, grinning broadly. "There you are, I wondered where that smile had got to!"
"You are very perceptive, Prince Kili, your eye is keen and does not miss even the smallest of changes. Is this why you are partial to the bow?" I asked him, indicating that I had noticed that he carried a bow unlike the rest of his companions.
"Aye, perhaps. Though I wager I'm as good as shot as any of your elvish archers." He challenged and I arched an eyebrow at his suggestion, knowing full well that he intended to make a game of this challenge.
"Oh indeed? Well then, honoured guest, would you be willing to test your skill against my own? I am not the greatest archer among my people for I have not learned for as long as my kin, however I am willing to bet that between us, it would be a fine competition." With our smiles bright and anticipation for the contest, we both went to make preparations. I called upon him to meet me in the centre yard below the council chambers in the mansion, going to collect my bow and quiver before going to set up a target range where Kili then later arrived with the entirety of his company who had come to watch.
"Now lad, don't be a sore loser." Bofur cautioned as he smoked his pipe, grinning wickedly. "For lose you shall, there's none who can shoot a bow like a pointy ear!"
"Bah, she's still young and just a woman, Kili can outmatch her easily." Gloin declared before bets began to be passed about concerning who would win in this contest. Kili sent me another of his quick winks which made me chuckle as I pulled back my sleeves to my elbows, making it easier for me to shoot as Bilbo nervously flit forwards, pacing until he tried to sit down but then bounced back onto his feet, concerned as to what would happen should either outcome affect who earned their gambled winnings or not. With a graceful definition of my jaw I tilted my head down, looking to my bow before Kili came to stand beside me, various shouts ringing through the sky as I lifted my hand and pointed. "The aim is to hit the target as many times as possible, only one quiver each. I have ten arrows in mine, the rest I have removed, do you wish for more or less?"
"Ten is fine, more than enough." He boasted rather confidently, making my smile deepen into a slight smirk as with my eleventh arrow I swiftly knocked it against my string and released it, sending it flying towards a lever which I shot and immediately the mechanism began to whir, sending swinging objects and broad boards across our target to make it more difficult to shoot it. Kili's face fell.
"This is the intermediate challenge, most beginners may hit the target perhaps three out of ten times. If you score more than that, Prince Kili, then you shall win my everlasting respect as a fellow bowman." I announced before reaching back and drawing an arrow from my quiver. "Would you like to go first or shall I?"
"You go, let me see what I'm up against." Nodding my head I shifted my stance position, Haldir's voice murmuring in my head as he guided me through each movement and instruction until I was ready to shoot. All at once I sent a volley of arrows one after the other at the target, timing it perfectly with each arrow before pausing as the obstacles continually changed direction and skipped timings, forcing me to then wait for my next opening before firing again. In under thirty seconds I had released all ten arrows and they all stabbed into the target dead centre, earning me a clear pass. Lowering my bow I stepped back and inclined my head towards Kili.
"I have the utmost faith in your abilities, so show them to me Prince Kili." I gave him encouragement though the expression he wore was of deep discomfort. There were slight mutterings behind me and some thought that I had purposefully chosen a task impossible to all but elves, but I merely observed as Kili drew back an arrow upon his bow and waited. He missed the first and the second, however he considered for a moment the movements of the obstacles and how they quickly they turned or swung. The third time he struck the target on the rim, but it still counted. This success earned him a large cheer but I remained silent, bow in hand as Kili slowly drew breath.
He missed again and again but did not give in and did not allow himself to become frustrated, keeping a cool mind and I watched him observantly, turning my attention away from the target to read his features. It was impressive how much focus he gave to his challenge, never once cursing or growing irritated as his arrows were caught by the obstructions. By the time he had reached for his last arrow, everyone waited in baited breath. The others knew he had lost and Kili did also but this did not deter him. After pausing a few moments he released his final arrow and I heard it thump against the target as it hit, earning him his final score.
Turning my head I counted the arrows. Four. He had struck the target four times. My smile blossomed across my lips, turning back to the young prince who shifted a little sheepishly, lowering his head however I reached out and placed my hand upon his face, raising his head so that our eyes could meet. "You are indeed a great bowman, Prince Kili. Some of my kin who have practiced for nearly a century cannot even hit the target once, you are greatly skilled to be able to strike it four times." He answered with a smile of his own, nodding his head gratefully for my words as I then bowed my head, stepping back from him and heard the clinking of coins as the wagers were passed around.
I stopped the training mechanism and retrieved our arrows, having to climb up into the trees in order to reach them, perched between two branches on the balls of my feet before I then returned, rushing through the leafy foliage to return Kili his arrows and he thanked me for them before glancing to my hair. "Here, you have leaves in your hair." He said with amusement, reaching up and stretching to pull some of them from my now slightly tangled locks.
"It is nothing, I often walk mud and loose leaves around Imladris, I am simply doing my best not to be so unpresentable with our guests here." I laughed before dancing away, gathering up my bow and quiver. "Farewell! Call upon me if there is anything that you need, I shall be listening!" With my springing step restored I hurried away, enthralled with the curiousness that were the dwarves as they stared after me open mouthed, once again in a stupor as to what to think of me.