In what felt like the blink of an eye time had passed in the endless cycle of seasons. My wandering had lessened of late to return to the places I called home, resting myself in Lothlorien in anticipation of the arrival of the Fellowship. I continued to survey their progress through my watchful eye, waiting with baited breath as my husband fought through Moria and unwittingly brought himself closer and closer to me. My presence thus far was unneeded, but soon enough I knew that my intervention would become paramount to the continued success of Frodo and those who followed him. Ever the gracious host, Galadriel welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to remain for as long as I wished, never once insinuating that I could not think of myself as one of them. It felt good to return to the silver and golden forest of my earlier years, beguiled once more by its serene beauty and comforted in the company of dearest Haldir. Often most he was by my side, the two of us guarding the forest borders as close friends and companions.
As the Fellowship grew closer, I began my own preparations, a small smile painted upon my lips until finally I sensed them cross the forest borders and come seeking sanctuary under the protective power of Lady Galadriel. Haldir remained stubborn and unwilling to allow them entry into his precious home, however, with a soft word from Galadriel and a sterner urging from myself, he brought them himself into the great realm of Caras Galahorn. All had been blindfolded in order to maintain secretiveness, as my kin the elves had been unwilling to allow strangers, namely dwarves, become privy to the location of the jewel of Elven-kind. Such stubbornness my kin could display. One would think that dwarves and elves were not so distantly related. All the same, I was glad to sense those who were dear to me safely make their way into the heart of the city. I remained out of sight, watching them from afar until the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn had finished speaking with them. It was when they were brought to a place to rest that I began to emerge from the shadows, clad all in white with a silver gem upon my brow and the glistening jewels of Lasgalen adorning at my throat.
Instantly Legolas lifted his head, recognising the sound of my walk and quickly turned to see me drifting towards him, gradually becoming known to the others. The little hobbits all stared with wide eyes of awe, still unused to the far off beauty of the elves. Gimli the dwarf was frowning, seemingly recognising my face but unable to recall from whence he had seen it, whilst Boromir of Gondor remained as spellbound as the hobbits, but also able to recognise me by face. Aragorn, my dearest Estel, smiled softly but remained where he was, observing as Legolas moved swiftly to stand before me, crossing the distance in two magnificent leaps before taking my arms in his hands to draw me closer, whispering sweetly in our own tongue. Warmed by his closeness, I lifted my hands to touch his face, searching for any indication of injury of pain, but found only sadness and grief for the passing of Mithrandir, the lamenting songs of our people beginning to rise as they mourned the loss of the Friend of Elves. "Do not weep such sorrow, my beloved, for all things have their time."
"Eleni…" Murmuring my name, I sensed a flutter of whispers from our spectators, causing me to chuckle richly as I then reached up towards my husband and kissed his lips tenderly, wishing to comfort his heart for the heaviness it felt. This shocked almost all in the company, their mouths dropping open until finally, I turned my head towards them.
"Greetings travellers from far and wide. You are most welcome here in the Halls of Lorien." I spread my arms in welcome, the long flowing sleeves of my gown draping behind me elegantly as I walked forwards as if lighter than air, attached only at my shoulders and wrists. "You are weary so you should rest, you are hungry so you should eat, you are thirsty so you should drink. Whatever your needs may be, I shall bring all that you desire."
"What is this then? More bewitching of the elves?" Gimli asked warily, one hand hovering over his axe so my deep brown eyes moved across to study him, regarding him closely for a few moments before I turned my body towards him, still smiling a little playfully. I spoke in his own tongue, greeting him as an honoured guest and repeated my welcome, causing his cheeks to redden and his eyes to widen further. "Who be you to know the tongue of my brethren?!"
"Gimli." Aragorn warned softly, arm resting upon his knee in a calm manner as he observed with mirth the introduction of myself to those whom I have deep connections. "Do you not recognise the jewels around my lady's neck?" Taking another look, it was only when Gimli looked closer did he finally realise who I was, for only one person in this entire world could be wearing such gems.
"By my beard…the Seer…the elf maiden whom my brothers of Erebor see as their own kin." Now understanding, Gimli released a deep bellied laugh and relaxed freely, drawing his hand away from his axe. "Asta Eleniel of Mirkwood, Princess of Elves and the saviour of Durin's heirs." My smile deepened.
"Well met, Gimli son of Gloin. I know your father well."
"Aye, aye, my father had much to say about you, lass. Said he never trusted a single hair on your head until King Thorin gave the word. Turning up out of nowhere and insisting on following the Company into the mountain…bah!" Laughing again, the hobbits continued to look completely bewildered, though Boromir now had some clarity.
"Of course, you are the Lady Advisor from whom my father often sought counsel." He realised, now recognising me from his boyhood where he had perchance glimpsed the figure of a woman sometimes at his father's side, assisting in matters and warning of coming dangers. "I thought you were nothing but a dream, my lady."
"You were so young at the hour of our first meeting, Boromir son of Denethor, much younger than when I first met your father. Allow me to greet you properly this time, and extend to you the same greetings as I give to you all." All this time Legolas had remained anchored at my side with his hand upon my back, merely smiling serenely with closed eyes. Now I turned to Aragorn, going to him as he rose to his feet, greeting me formally first with his hand over his heart before he then knelt down so that I could place my hand upon his head in blessing. "Welcome, dear Estel, it gladdens my heart to see you. Rise." Kissing his cheek, Aragorn gripped my hands firmly as I helped him to rise, murmuring to him in the tongue of elves in a manner both sweet and intimate as he reciprocated my tender affections.
"She's different from all the others." I heard Pippin whisper to his fellow hobbits, the four of them having grouped together to stare at me in continued wonder. "Do you think she's different, Merry?"
"Aye, darker hair and eyes like an owl, nothing like those silver crowned elves. What is she? Who is she?"
"Mister Frodo, everyone seems to know this elf, and even Mister Legolas is acting very familiar. Do you have an idea about her identity?" Frodo's eyes seemed to melt into mine as his mind cast himself back to his childhood, pale skin gleaming under the starlight as his vacant expression slowly began to resurface as I approached the four of them. Humming softly in a lyrical tone, I stretched out my fingers and touched them to his cheek, gently smoothing aside the heaviness and weighted tension he carried until finally Frodo seemed to recall a distant memory where he saw my refrain within the comfortable bounds of Bag End.
"Well met, Frodo Baggins of the Shire. It has been many years since I saw you last, you have grown into a fine young hobbit." Still a little confused and uncertain, I chuckled before drawing back my hand to rise up to my full height. "I am a friend of your cousin, Bilbo Baggins, and have visited him many a time since our adventures together in Erebor. It is to my understanding that that rascal has once again set his foot upon the road and made his way to Rivendell?"
"Yes. He is staying with the elves there for a time to recover his health and strength." Dear Bilbo, you are reaching the ends of your days, how foolish of you to attempt such a journey whilst no longer carrying the Ring to extend your life. Age will finally be catching up with you, I believe. "My lady, you are well known by my companions, and you appear to know me by name also. Who are you, and what intent do you bring?" This time it was Legolas who answered, sliding up beside me and wrapping his arm once more about my waist.
"Halflings, this is my beloved wife, Asta Eleniel. She has been watching our fates since the very beginning and is the reason we were so easily allowed into the protection of Lothlorien. Eleniel is the Ward and Lady of all Elven-Kingdoms, the Greenwood, Lothlorien and Rivendell. It is wise to pursue friendship with one who has admittance into all realms." By the end of my husband's introduction, all four hobbits were once more staring at me with open mouths.
"I am merely a Halfling, daughter of Elf and Man, so there is no need to stare at me in such a manner." I teased them with a chuckle, dipping downwards with a bow of my head which the hobbits hastily returned. "You may call me Asta." One by one they introduced themselves, and I shall admit that I was immediately charmed by the rather cheeky and mischievous grin which Pippin bore and the awkward shyness that Sam hid behind a partial scowl. "Forgive the earlier rudeness of my kin, we are not accustomed to strangers here, but you will be well protected so long as you remain within the borders. Come, I have already prepared food for you all to partake and nourish yourselves."
"We don't have to eat just vegetables, do we?" Sam asked a little worriedly, so with a tinkling laugh I assured him that he would want for nothing. The cuisine of the elves tended to stray from meat, focusing instead upon fruit, plantation and vegetables, but everything was masterfully prepared and flavoursome, so no complaints were heard at the little variation in meat. I myself had hunted and brought the catches back here for them to eat, of which Gimli was happily indulging in one of the seasoned rabbits. Stepping back for a moment I observed them all, content that they were satisfied with the provisions, though I remained troubled for the upcoming days.
"Beloved?" Hearing Legolas whisper to me, I roused myself from my reverie and turned a smile to him. "What troubles you so?"
"Nothing now that you are finally here. I have waited in great anticipation for your arrival these past few days. It has been some time since last we saw one another." Consoling me gently, Legolas held me in his arms and spoke sweet nothings into my ear before leading me away, wanting some time alone away from the curious gaze of others. We climbed one of the silver trees and sat among the boughs, Legolas wrapping his arms around me as I leaned back against his chest.
"I know that you are not telling me your true woes, little starling." He murmured to me as together we watched the moonlight shining down through the canopy in magnificent rays of bright silver.
"There are many things that concern me, but in this moment I can hardly recall what unease feels like for you are with me." Tilting my head so that I could look backwards at him, I smiled. "Legolas, although this time together is fleeting, I am glad that you are come through so many dangers unharmed. It reminds me to cherish moments such as this." In answer Legolas kissed me upon my lips, gently unfurling the petal like folds of my mouth into which he poured his love and utter adoration and spiralled me away into an oblivion of peace and soulfulness from which I did not ever wish to return.