I could hear deep bellied laughter as I walked through the open corridors, moving towards the sound however when I looked upon the large fountain where the dwarves were bathing themselves I gasped and quickly averted my eyes, unable to hide my small giggle of amusement and embarrassment upon seeing them in such a nude state. They were very set in their ways and stubborn to the end, preferring to keep to themselves and accepted very little from their hosts, not even hot water or the large bathhouse which was free for their use. Only Bilbo made good upon the daily hot bath with soapy water and fresh clothes. I had gifted him a tunic of mottled silver with hemmed cuffs and collar, one that I had managed to make myself and he seemed to only be able to stare at it in wonder as he ran his fingers over the soft material. I had blushed slightly, telling him that it was very simple in comparison to what my kin could accomplish as I was not very good, noting that the pattern was uneven on the cuffs but he kept it regardless, saying it would be worn only on the most special of occasions or for his own private comfort.
Knowing full well that the suggestion of new clothes would only insult the dwarves I did not make them any offer, letting them keep to themselves though with such a display as this, I could not help but think that they did this on purpose just to cause a ruckus. Below I heard Lindir complaining in hushed tones of how the kitchens were strained to accommodate the healthy appetite of our guests and that the wine was almost run dry. They walked beneath me as I stood at the balcony overlooking the back walkway. Lindir had done nothing but complain, causing me to wonder if he had perhaps consumed something terribly sour to always be in such a foul mood.
Since the dwarves were yet to announce the duration of their stay, Lindir was anxious that they hurry their leave though in complete honesty, I would like for them to stay as long as possible. Some were not entirely accepting of my presence whenever I attempted to engage in conversation with either Bilbo or even the princes, yet some seemed happy enough to share a few words with me. Bofur was the most cheerful of all, hollering me over any time he spotted me and would ask that I either dance or play music with him for the entertainment of the others and I would oblige to the best of my ability. I enjoyed their company, they were vastly different from the elves and a change of tempo was deeply welcome after having ambling at a slow pace for so long. The others did not care for me much, though Bombur appreciated the food I would bring him and he would talk herbs and spices with me and the art of cooking food. His knowledge of cooking meats, vegetables and all kinds of dishes greatly fascinated me and he was very endearing with his surprisingly quiet and gentle voice that emitted from such a large body.
Closing my eyes with a sigh I turned my body away from where the dwarves were bathing, intending to leave and go elsewhere however when my body felt a sudden cold rush, I tensed. Within a single blink my eyes clouded and became distant, my void expression falling into place as I started to move forwards. The halls of Elrond disappeared and were replaced with the woods of the home I loved most, Greenwood. The bright colours shone around me and I breathed, walking through their familiar boughs and glided down a slope as I turned, looking directly ahead where I could see someone moving in the distance. A flash of pale hair caught the sunlight and instantly I was going after them, quickening my stride and calling out in my head. Legolas. I could see him. He was just beyond my reach and I wanted nothing more to join him, and so I followed his image without question.
Completely locked within my vision I did not see Bilbo as I passed him, neither did I hear him speak out my name questioningly before then calling a little louder, startled from seeing the milky whiteness of my orbs which was completely unusual to him, having never seen me in such a state before. The breeze lifted and in my vision the leaves were tossed up from the ground and scattered around me, the sky remaining bright and golden as I followed after Legolas, wanting nothing more than to be with him again. Confused as to my strange behaviour, Bilbo slowly followed after me, frowning. "Asta? My lady? Is everything alright?" He questioned but the real world was unknown to me.
My hand reached out, trying to stretch towards Legolas however he ran far out of reach, for once running faster than I could follow and it distressed me. My feet carried me further into the woods where the world began to grow darker, the trees withering away and dying as Legolas disappeared altogether into nothing more than a wisp of smoke, snatched away from me just before my fingers could grasp hold of him, leaving me alone as I then found myself standing within the ruins of a fortress. The stone was blackened and the air reeked of death so I attempted to flee from this terrifying place, feeling the coldness begin to seep into my very flesh and bone, flying through the broken halls and crumbling steps and within my vision and as I fled my steps were mirrored in my physical form also.
Though I walked slowly, drifting as if nothing more than a ghost, my direction turned me towards an open ledge overlooking one of the smaller waterfalls, a deep decline waiting beneath as I moved towards it, hearing whispers in my head of frightening softness, too cold and chilling to be trustworthy and yet I could not help but be drawn to them. They pulled me closer. Closer. Closer…they called to me. "My lady! Lady Asta!" Bilbo's voice cried out to me as I moved closer to the ledge, the hobbit hurrying after me as he yelled for someone to help, having to run down the steps and follow them around the long way as he had been too far behind to be within reaching distance. His alarm was quickly registered by others, heads swiftly turning to see me with my hand outstretched and being drawn towards the precipice from which I would soon meet without any indication of stopping.
A shadow swirled before my vision, taking the shape of a dark figure that swelled with power though there was a sense of fragility about them as they stood before me, trapping me in my place as I tried to escape that dilapidated castle. My footsteps continued moving forwards, the whispers somehow coaxing me to move closer and I reached out towards them, wanting to know who they were even as they spoke my name, promising me answers to all my questions and offering all that my heart desired. They would give me the world if I wished it, the seductive offer causing me both fear and longing within me. All l had to do was take one more step and I would have all that I could ever dream of. Just one more step. One more…and everything would be as I wanted. "ELENIEL!" Elrond's powerful voice cut through me and I jarred violently, dragging air into my body just as I was about to touch the figure of shadows, my vision snatched away as large hands grabbed my waist and drew me back forcefully from the edge that I had almost willingly stepped over.
I was trembling and shaking as my entire body went lax, overcome from the pressing weight of the vision that had taken over my body without warning and left the lingering sensation of a draining coldness that refused to leave, clinging to me almost desperately. Milky eyes gazed sightlessly upwards as Thorin easily gripped hold of my body and held me off the ground, his dwarf strength supporting me though my hair pooled upon the stone and my hand brushed against the smooth surface as he walked backwards with me away from the ledge singlehandedly, having rushed at the panicked cry of the hobbit and witnessed me about to cast myself into an abyss. Elrond and Bilbo raced towards me with Mithrandir also answering the ruckus that had been started because of Bilbo's outcry, though he now stood in silent horror and concern as I remained unresponsive to the outside world.
As my mind cleared and resurfaced I awoke in time to feel another of the dwarves grip my shoulders and head whilst another carried the weight of my legs. Balin and Ori respectively, I was touched as they helped Thorin guide me back before setting me down, not letting go of my head as it remained uselessly limp like a boneless fish from exhaustion, having been completely drained of all strength. Still I was cold, but as the gradual rise of reason returned to me and my vision cleared to reveal my present, I found myself looking into eyes stormy grey which leaned over me, long hair brushing against my face as I took slow breaths into my body. For the longest moment Thorin Oakenshield and I looked at one another, trapped in a fleeting instant that felt as if it had no end. Everything about him was so vivid that I could see each bead of water that trailed from his face from the bath he had just taken, the definition of his features and hair easily countable as his nose almost touched mine. His hands were strong yet gently upon my back and head, holding me slightly aloft in order to help me breath more easily and rest comfortably until Elrond could reach us. A thousand words came to me in that moment which I wanted to commune to him, to apologise for my lacking qualities, but I could scarce draw strength to utter a single sound and once Elrond had reached my side and slid his arm under me, Thorin released me and retreated backwards, ending that slow instant and my attention turned instead to my anxious guardian.
"Eleniel, answer me. Eleniel!" Hearing Elrond's voice calling to me I felt him extend his arm with a flourish of his sleeves and took my head into the crook of his arm and allowing me to rest completely against him, cradling me in safety as my wits slowly returned to me.
"Shadows…I saw shadows." I whispered to him, unable to move my legs as Ori looked around a little fearfully, he and Balin sopping wet as the others all hurriedly followed, gathering close with hurriedly thrown on garbs as Bilbo lingered closest of all on his knees, hands hovering over my own as I looked towards him so I smiled and turned my palm upwards, signalling that I did not mind him holding my hand if he wished and he held onto my fingers securely, rubbing them caringly to improve the circulation as Mithrandir ordered his way through, parting the dwarves who looked as if they were all in shock. Their reactions were not unnoticed even though I was now weary and weak. "There was something different about this vision, it were as if…someone was calling to me. Something unnatural and…dark…" Struggling to breathe and speak at the same time Elrond hushed me, murmuring in elvish as he raised my head to rest against his shoulder.
"It is alright now dear child, you are safe here." He assured me before lifting his head, furious eyes turning to Lindir who had just made his way to the commotion. "Who was meant to be watching over her? Were it not for our guests then Eleniel could very well have lost her life!" I have never heard him so enraged so I tried to calm him by gripping onto his sleeve but it did no good as Lindir bowed his head.
"The duty was mine, my lord, and I have failed you both. Please, forgive my arrogance but since it had been many years since such an episode, I did not believe the lady required constant supervision still." Elrond looked as if he were about to cast Lindir from the rocks himself so I looked imploringly to Mithrandir who caught my expression and hastened to calm the situation before it could escalate beyond control.
"Perhaps we should focus our attention to the young lady, she needs rest and warmth as I can see she is already growing pale and her body needs time to recover. Once Eleniel has recovered her strength, we may better reflect upon what transpired." He suggested so Elrond conceded. With a rush to his feet he gathered me into his arms, giving short orders to Lindir in our own tongue as he carried me away to my chambers. I felt foolish to be carried like this but I simply kept my head hidden, hardly able to stay awake as my body allowed itself to reset. My sleep did not last long and within a few hours I had opened my eyes once more, finding that Bilbo was keeping me company in a comfortable chair near to the bottom of my bed, reading a book of poems which he was speaking aloud. "Bilbo my friend, have you been here long?" I asked and instantly he was jumping to his feet, dropping the book clumsily in his surprise.
"No! No, no, of course not. I just thought…perhaps you would not want to wake up alone." He admitted and I smiled, touch by his concern and sweet thought as I sat up and looked around me. "What happened today? You did not seem to recognise me at all as you walked past, I thought you looked to be in some kind of trance."
"Yes Bilbo, I am sorry but when I am having a vision or premonition, I cannot hear or see anything around me. All my senses are turned to what I am being shown, therefore no matter how loud you shouted I would not have been able to answer. Please forgive me for worrying you, I am just a little shaken by this occurrence. It felt different to everything else, as if my mind was being tampered with somehow." I tried to explain, touching my head. "Or I had accidentally slipped into an astral projection, something that Lord Elrond has said is possible with our gifts. I cast my spirit elsewhere in the world due to a sudden imbalance of the natural order." Bilbo looked as if I were speaking pure elvish so I stopped, giving him a smile before placing my feet on the floor.
"Should you really be doing that? Do you need more rest at all? I'm sure Lord Elrond can wait a while longer." He quickly jerked to help me, taking my arm instinctively so I brushed my hand against his cheek, earning a rosy blush from him as I walked upon strong legs.
"I am quite well, my body is much stronger than it used to be." I assured him positively as I shook out my hair and flicked it over my shoulder. "Come, dear friend, I am sure Lord Elrond is not the only one to have many questions for me, all of your companions witnessed what transpired today also." Realising that this was true Bilbo hurried to my side before together we walked from my personal residence and went to Elrond's council chambers where sure enough, he was in deep discussion with Mithrandir with all thirteen dwarves rattling question after question to him whilst his patience began to wear thin. Clearing my throat, all eyes turned towards Bilbo and I.
"Ah, Asta my dear, I am glad to see you awake and on your feet so soon." Mithrandir greeted me as Elrond turned and immediately came to my side with a heavily concerned expression, hand jumping to my arm in a tender touch so I gave him reassurance with a nod of my head, murmuring to one another quickly in quiet elvish which only Mithrandir could understand. I told him about the shadows and the figure within a broken fortress, though I was not sure if it was a vision of the future or a projection of the present, which gave Elrond cause to think deeply and brood over the matter.
"So what are you woman?" Gloin suddenly demanded, facing me squarely with a stern glare. "A witch? A devil? Are you some sort of abomination that crawled from the earth and seek to plight these lands with your sorcery?" He demanded however the notion only made me want to laugh all the more, though on this occasion I held my tongue and spoke before any further argument could arise as Lord Elrond immediately took offence on my behalf and began to turn with a brow so furrowed that I knew that if given leave to speak, would most likely say something with true anger and insult that may even lead to an outright brawl.
"I am as you see me, nothing more. My gifts are not unnatural among my own people though perhaps unfamiliar to yours and I am most certainly no witch, nor did I crawl from the earth. I was born from flesh, I had a mother who is now deceased and require blood and air to live just as you do. There is nothing that you need fear concerning me, I mean no harm to anyone." I informed them all with a strong voice, my eyes never once wavering in their resolve and Gloin paused for a moment before nodding his head.
"Right. Just had to be sure." And just like that, I think Gloin then softened towards me in that moment. With smiling lips I inclined my head gratefully, glancing across to Elrond who was now deep in thought at his table.
"So you really receive visions of the future lass? I have to say, I could hardly believe it when Thorin mentioned it to me, but to see it with my own two eyes even when I thought I had already seen many a peculiar and unusual thing." Balin said to me as he approached, crossing the boundary from his people to mine as he then took my hand and patted it gently in a way I could only describe as friendly. "I am glad to see you unharmed lass, a very frightening sight that was, seeing you approaching the edge that way."
"Aye, so don't be wandering off anywhere by yourself any longer." Fili chimed in with Kili nodding in agreement. "Would be a shame for such a pretty little lass like yourself to fall to an ill fate."
"Agreed. Besides, you still owe me a rematch from before." Kili added and this time, I chuckled, assuring them of my word to be more careful and I thanked both Balin and Ori for their assistance, though Ori hid his face away from me in shyness. Glancing between their faces I saw Thorin standing further back facing the outside upon the balcony, hidden almost entirely by a pillar so I crossed the room and everyone silently watched as I approached him, not wanting to incur his wrath or stoke his anger so I kept a slight distance.
"King Thorin?" I murmured softly, signalling his attention and he turned his head minutely. "I wish to express my gratitude. You saved my life today and that is nothing to be cast aside carelessly and without thought. I am in your debt." Bowing my head Thorin turned his face away, leaning against the balcony as he refused to acknowledge my presence or that he had heard what I had spoken. "Knowing that you are willing to save the life of someone you dislike and blame for their incompetence, it is a good reflection upon your character, King Thorin. With or without a mountain, you are a dwarf worthy of kingship and loyal followers such as those that follow you now. I take my leave, if you think of a way I can repay your selfless act, then you need only speak it."
"Wait." His smooth baritone voice stopped me from leaving, hesitating to listen before I saw his hand gesture for me to come closer so I did so, walking towards the balcony though a few feet remained between us. I heard him give a heavy sigh and I looked across to him, waiting patiently until finally his deep and stormy eyes turned towards me, no longer stern and accusing but filled with understanding and softness. "I do not blame you for what happened that day. It was out of your power to control or prevent, so do not bear the burden of so much death upon your shoulders when it is not yours to carry." His kind words took me by surprise as I listened to them, watching him distantly as the gentle depth of his gaze reminded me of the time I had first met him and how different he had appeared then. "You did what you could to send aid and warning, I should not blame you for the cowardice of the Elven King." Though I wished to protest at my only known father being called a coward, I knew that such a statement would only splinter the delicate peace that Thorin was attempting to build between us. "So instead of debt, think of it as us being equal if you would forgive my haste and anger."
For a moment I could not speak, hardly knowing what to say until I prompted myself to answer him in some way. "There is no need to seek forgiveness, my lord king, I understand your anger and were our positions reversed, I think I too would have been enraged. Though I may seem gentle, the loyalty of love I carry for those I cherish is nothing to be trifled with." With a slight smile to him I was glad to see a lighter expression touch Thorin's face, lips tilting upwards slightly.
"Believe me, my lady, I do not see you as gentle or weak tempered." He assured me, stepping closer to approach me before he placed his hand against my arm in a touch of consolidation, our eyes meeting a final time before he walked away, leaving me upon the balcony with my mind in a whirl of thoughts, a fragrant breeze cooling my face as I watched the proud figure of a dwarf who by right should be king retreat away, more kingly without a crown than any I had ever witnessed before.