LILY / LEGOLAS OC

Embracing the Starlight

The Feast of Starlight was a feast held by the Elves of the Woodland Realm to celebrate the light of the moon.It was a big deal in Mirkwood. It was like the whole valley came alive with twinkling lights, laughter, and music that made your heart dance. And guess who got an invite this year? Me, Lily, the girl who stumbled into Middle-earth from good ol' Earth.

I couldn't help but feel a little jittery as I slipped into the fancy silver gown Elrond had picked out for me. Five years in this place had changed me more than I could've ever imagined. From not knowing how to hold a sword to now, where I could actually stand my ground in a fight. And wisdom? Well, let's just say I've had some pretty incredible teachers.

My journey to Middle-earth began on a seemingly ordinary day back on Earth. I remember it vividly, the way the air crackled with electricity just before everything changed. One moment, I was going about my mundane routine, and the next, I found myself standing in a world straight out of the stories I'd always loved.

At first, I was terrified, lost in a strange land with no idea how I got there or how to get back home. But fate had other plans for me. Just when I thought all hope was lost, Elrond, the wise and noble lord of Rivendell, found me wandering in the woods near his home. From that moment on, my life became a whirlwind of adventure, learning, and growth. Elrond took me under his wing, teaching me the ways of combat and the wisdom of the elves. He saw something in me, something worth nurturing, and I'll forever be grateful for his guidance.

The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into years, as I immersed myself in the culture of Middle-earth. I learned about the history of the elves, their customs, their language, and their way of life. I trained tirelessly alongside warriors who had honed their skills for centuries, determined to prove that I belonged in this world as much as anyone else.

And through it all, I never forgot where I came from. Earth may have been a distant memory, but it was still a part of who I was. I carried the lessons I'd learned there with me, using them to navigate the challenges of this new world with courage and determination.

As we prepared to leave Rivendell, I couldn't contain my excitement. "Are we really going to Mirkwood?" I asked myself, my eyes wide with wonder.,,

We approached the stables, I caught sight of a magnificent stallion, his coat a rich shade of chestnut that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. He stood tall and proud, his mane flowing in the gentle breeze, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

"Wow," I breathed, unable to hide my awe. "He's beautiful."

Arwen smiled knowingly, her eyes sparkling with affection for the noble creature before us. "That is Asfaloth," she said, her voice filled with reverence. "He is one of the finest steeds in all of Rivendell."

Elrond nodded in agreement, his expression serene as he regarded the stallion with a sense of familiarity. "Asfaloth has been a faithful companion on many journeys," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "He is swift and sure-footed, the perfect companion for our travels."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as I watched Asfaloth, longing for a companion of my own to accompany me on this grand adventure. But then, as if sensing my thoughts, another stallion caught my eye.

He stood apart from the others, his coat a light brown hue that seemed to glow in the dappled sunlight. His eyes met mine, and in that moment, I felt a connection unlike anything I'd ever experienced before.

"Who is he?" I asked, unable to tear my gaze away from the stallion who seemed to be calling out to me.

Elrond and Arwen exchanged a knowing glance before Elrond spoke, his voice filled with understanding. "That is Sol," he said, his tone gentle yet assured. "He is a spirited and loyal companion, one who will stand by your side through thick and thin."

My heart swelled with emotion as I approached Sol, reaching out to stroke his soft mane. In that moment, I knew that he was meant to be my companion, my partner in this grand adventure that lay ahead.

"Sol," I whispered, the name feeling right on my lips.  I never left Rivendell's protective embrace, always lingering within its ancient walls, learning and training alongside the elves.

Despite my knowledge of Middle-earth's future gleaned from the books and movies thanks to Tolkien. Elrond never let me go and travel middle-earth. He said that I must wait until I got ready. Instead of this journey to Mirkwood for the Starlight Festival. And as the time came for our journey to begin, I knew that Sol would be by my side, ready to face whatever dangers awaited us. 

"Ready, Lily?" Elrond's voice pulled me out of my thoughts, and I grinned as I twirled around to face him.

"Ready as I'll ever be, Dad," I said, using the nickname I'd given him when I first arrived. He raised an eyebrow but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at his lips.

As we set out, the towering trees of Mirkwood loomed ominously overhead, casting dark shadows across our path. The air grew thick with the scent of moss and damp earth, and I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched.

"Stay close, Lily," Elrond cautioned, his voice low and steady. "Mirkwood is a place of darkness and danger. We must remain vigilant if we are to reach the festival safely."

I nodded, my senses on high alert as we continued deeper into the forest. Every rustle of leaves and snap of twigs set my heart racing, but I refused to let fear take hold. As night fell, we made camp beneath the canopy of trees, the flickering light of our campfire offering a small measure of comfort in the darkness.