I left before Frodo had awoken the next morning, waiting out of sight so that when the nanny had arrived, Bilbo was able to pat little Frodo's head, telling him to mind himself until he returned, then picked up his walking stick and set off on another adventure with my to accompany him. With a smile I fell into step beside him once we were both on the road, keeping my hood drawn over my head in order to hide my features from view of any person that we might cross. "Your cousin looked very sad to see you go, dear Bilbo."
"Go? Not at all! The boy was disappointed he could not go with me, begged me all through breakfast to change my mind but I was firm. Old bonny Buttercup will take good care of him, and he'll have forgotten his discontent come elevensies and instead look forward to the stories I will have for him upon my return." Bilbo chortled loudly, tickling at my amusement as we continued upon our way, journeying south with the intent of travelling to Gondor.
"A Baggins indeed." I mused softly, giving one final chuckle before then sweeping forwards with Bilbo at my side, his stick swinging forward before clapping against the ground. We walked every day and camped at night together, occasionally stopping in a village for proper shelter when it was convenient, however I knew that Bilbo simply enjoyed being out of doors and back in the wildernesses. The adventurous soul inside his heart was now lit and burning brightly like the sun, pulling him ever onward down the long, winding road. It took us over a month before we reached the land of Gondor and then a while longer before our eyes fell upon the White City, Minas Tirith. It shone under the pale sunlight and I breathed in the majesty of its appearance, my mind immediately casting itself upon thoughts of my dearest Estel.
"The great city of Man. It is just as I imagined it would be, if not more." Bilbo said with open awe as we both stood to admire the still distant city. "It is ruled by Stewards, is it not?"
"Yes, in the absence of the king apparent, Minas Tirith has been governed by the Stewards. Turgon is currently overseeing the affairs of the city, and has an heir of his own. Ecthelion the Second, who also has a son. Denethor, a boy of only eleven years of age." Having already learned all that I possibly could about Gondor and its people, I was well versed in its culture and politics. "Tread carefully, my dear Bilbo, they will find us strangers suspicious at first."
"Well, in such case, I shall follow your lead. Better to appear with a pretty face first than a stout little hobbit to ensure a warm welcome." Extending his hand to invite me to go first, I gave a light laugh before taking the first step forward. I intended to make myself known to the Stewards, as well as involve myself in the defence of Gondor now that the darkness had returned in the form of Sauron's entity. They had to make preparations and build themselves up into a strong defensive force, otherwise the kingdom would fall all too swiftly. "What can you tell me about the city?" Bilbo questioned so I quickly recounted all that I knew.
"Minas Tirith was first built to protect the former capital of Gondor, Osgiliath, from westward threats, however it became the capital after Osgiliath fell some centuries ago due to the Kin-Strife. It is built up over the Hill of Guard, which is a part of the mountain which stands behind the city. Mindolluin, it is called, and it is the easternmost peak of the White Mountains." I began, the two of us walking leisurely across the Fields of Pelennor. "There are seven walls and seven levels with the Citadel at its summit where the White Tree of Gondor stands, planted by the twenty seventh King of Gondor, Tarondor, in the year…" Continuing in a lengthy lecture, Bilbo enjoyed listening to the extensive history of Gondor as we continued on our way, asking questions occasionally or for more details concerning particular events. The Pelennor Fields were predominantly farmlands, however as the both of us came closer to the great gate of the first level of Minas Tirith, I felt the warning compulsion of my foresight take over and my gaze clouded over.
I saw hoards of bodies laying upon the ground and blood rushed between my toes as I walked, the wet ichor flooding the entire plain. The clash of metal scraping against metal rang in my ears and before me I saw the burning flag of Gondor, flames licking away at the white tree until it was nothing but ash. The vision was gruesome and caused a sickness to sow itself into my stomach, only vanishing when Bilbo happened to touch my arm. "Asta? We are here." My eyes focused once more and I gave a lengthy sigh, wishing I could banish such images from my mind, but they remained like a plague, and no amount of wishing would will them away. As I had suspected, the citizens were initially very cautious when observing two strange characters such as Bilbo and myself, recognising us immediately as out of place. They did nothing but observe us, allowing us to pass up through the city and all the way to the main citadel where the white towers gleaming in the sunlight, shining brilliantly as the flags flickered dreamily upon a fragrant breeze. Bilbo was utterly calm by my side, now a well seasoned traveller, he was never as panicked or skittish as he was once before, meaning that even in the wake of hundreds of eyes staring, he remained calm and collected.
Once we had reached the very top of the city, I pulled down my hood in order to reveal my features, a circlet of silver roses sitting upon my brow with a perfect white teardrop jewel sitting upon the centre of my brow, framing my Elven ears as my dark hair was pulled partially back from my face. Immediately the guards all straightened, not daring to intercept us and we climbed up the white marble steps and entered into the Citadel. The throne was empty, raised up high above all else, however the second seat was occupied by a thickly robed man with greying hair and beard, features aged like the gnarled tree from the constant strain of Stewardship and all the responsibility such a position demanded. Giving Bilbo a reassuring touch of my hand to his shoulder, I stepped out ahead of him in order to address the twenty fourth Steward of Gondor.
"Hail Turgon, Steward of Gondor. May the stars shine at the hour of our meeting." I greeted formally, resting my hand over my heart and bowing my head whilst Bilbo simply gave an awkward bow, beginning to look a little overwhelmed as he stared at his surroundings which towered above him completely. "I am Asta Eleniel, Princess of Greenwood, ward of Lothlorien and Rivendell, the Elven seer."
"You are welcome here, noble lady of the Elves. You are well known even in these parts. I am honoured that you have come to visit these halls." Turgon greeted warmly, rising up from his seat to come forward and bow in greeting, paying me absolute respect. "Who is your companion? Be he a dwarf? It was my belief that Elves and Dwarves were in discord with one another." He spoke softly, looking down to Bilbo with curiousness, so my little friend quickly pulled down his hood and dusted himself off before hastily giving another bow.
"Bilbo Baggins of the Shire, at your service. I am a Hobbit, not a Dwarf, though I am acquainted with several." He introduced himself, once more making Turgon look with surprise at the unexpected visitors who had come to Gondor.
"My apologies for the misunderstanding, Master Baggins." With a kind smile, I drew the Steward's attention back to myself in order to press the conversation forward, wanting the urgency of my message to be received swiftly.
"My lord, we have travelled a great distance in order to seek your audience. I bring grave tidings which should be taken into serious consideration. I am concerned for the future of Gondor and its people." My heavy words were not lost upon the aged Steward, who had grown wise from his many years of experience in governing Gondor, having witnessed a lifetime's worth of events both joyous and sorrowful.
"In that case, my lady, perhaps we should retire to somewhere more private. Master Baggins, might I presume that you are weary from your long journey and would enjoy nourishment and libations? Consider yourselves honoured guests here, you will want for nothing so long as you remain here." Gladdened at the offer of food, Bilbo happily followed after the Steward as he led the way to a smaller chamber where the servants were ordered to bring food for us guests. I was impressed that Turgon thought to instruct that plenty of non-meat dishes were to be brought also on account of my particular appetite, it was not many who understood that we Elves very rarely ate meat.
Whilst Bilbo ate, I gave as much revelation as I could concerning my visions, explaining all that I had seen and began to give my advice, not wanting to leave Gondor unprepared for what was to come. Turgon seemed disheartened by my news, almost shrinking into his chair whilst covering his eyes with one hand. "This city is doomed to fall…for too long we have continually struggled, and now our efforts are to be cast into darkness and doom." He despaired pitifully so I reached out my hand and placed it on his, wanting to console him in any way I could.
"Do not fear, Lord Turgon, for not all hope is lost. This darkness shall not come in your lifetime, but it is best that the city begins to prepare now in order to provide itself with the best chance of survival. I give you my word that I shall be here to fight alongside Man even unto the bitter end. You will not be forsaken, not so long as I still draw breath." My words of courage thankfully lifted the heavy burden Turgon had taken upon himself, allowing him to breathe a little easier before he thanked me for my generosity. There was much that I needed to do and I was doubtful that time was on my side, but I was determined to do all that I could in order to place each piece of the board in its correct position, preparing for the game of war and shadows which was yet to come. I will give Man every chance I can in order to prevent its destruction, for they are still my people too.
Some hours later Turgon escorted the both of us to the rooms which he was gifting to us for the duration of our stay, and on our way to those chambers, I finally met with the son of Turgon, Ecthelion, and his son Denethor. The young boy was rather scrawny and small, his eyes were sharp and angular, however the moment they clapped eyes upon me they widened in awe. I knew the impression I left upon those who were not accustomed to seeing my own kind, so I gave a soft smile and inclined my head. "My lords."
"Noble lady, an honour it is to be in your presence." Ecthelion responded respectfully, keeping his mind focused in order not to become distracted by the strangeness of Bilbo and I. "What brings an Elf lady to Gondor?"
"Come, my son, there are many things that must be discussed. You will join me after I have seen to our guests' comfort." Not even sparing a glance to his grandson, Turgon quickly strode past with a grave set brow.
"Forgive the briefness of our meeting. Valar's blessings be upon you." I murmured softly to Ecthelion, making to follow after Turgon with Bilbo at my side, however as I passed the young boy, I gave one final smile before then turning my head. Just as Turgon had promised, both Bilbo and I were treated with the utmost courtesy, every servant being made aware that anything we requested was to be carried out swiftly and without question. This often meant that Bilbo enjoyed tasting the delicacies native to Gondor and any time he was not eating, he was exploring by himself or taking a turn around the gardens with me for company.
"I think I could grow to like this place a great deal. Quite accommodating, and the food is also excellent." Bilbo mused to me as we walked side by side, his thumbs hooked into the pockets of his waistcoat as his bare feet hardly made a sound against the smooth stonework.
"Is your judgment made predominantly upon the quality of the food?" I teased him laughingly, lifting my hand and bushing it against the wisteria which hung prettily from an archway we passed under.
"Not at all, many factors have been carefully considered and deliberated over. Food merely finalises my opinion." Bilbo's tone was light and airy, full of wonder for the city of Man I had brought him to. Soon I would be travelling back to Rivendell, escorting Bilbo home to the Shire before I made the journey back to one of my many homes, and then from there I intended to go to Lothlorien to dwell with my friends for a time. It would make the journey back to Gondor lesser, for I intended to travel much in these coming decades.
My only sorrow was that I had been parted from Legolas for some time and will likely be absent from his side a while more, but I knew that our hearts were connected across this great space and soon enough, I shall be with him once more. When the time came for us to leave Gondor, I bid my farewells alongside Bilbo as we faced the full Gondorian court. All had come to see us depart, though I believe most were simply intrigued to see us strange and unusual creatures. I spoke in Elvish a final blessing, bowing my head gracefully as Bilbo bowed.
"You are always welcome to return, Lady of Elves and Master Baggins. Our halls are always open to you." Turgon informed us and we each gave our thanks. Ecthelion also extended his own invitation, stating that for as long as he lived, the same courtesy would be afforded to us both. Since he had been made aware of the future dangers, he seemed adamant that I return in order to give my warnings and to also assist in the preservation of Man. I could practically taste the sense of fear and trepidation which lingered in the air, hovering above the Steward and his son, whilst the young Denethor remained oblivious and simply continued to frown in my direction. I had already seen his fate, and it was not one I would wish upon anyone, yet I was doubtful in how I might be able to prevent it, or even certain that I should.
Many things were yet to pass, many things that were uncertain, but I knew that there was strength to be found here, even when all hope might be lost upon a dark horizon. With the future constantly changing with the tide of time, I could do little more than simply observe at a distance and come to their aid when they needed me most. Although my power and strength was limited, I would do all that I could to save the people with whom I shared blood. We would rise of fall together, and even should our fate turn to dust and shadow, I will pass in comfort knowing that I had fought with every last fibre in my being, and that was all I could offer to this world.