Starcrossed Losers - [A Kili X OC fic]

Chapter VII.V

Will someone please teach Bilbo to defend himself

Tw: Slight (playful) violence, literally that's it

———

———

As much as she hated being back, Rivendell held a certain magic to it. Even now, as cold midnight air flew over the gardens, it felt peaceful. The entirety of Middle-Earth could be at war and you wouldn't be able to tell it from here.

She had returned to her chambers shortly after her talk with Kili, needing some time to cool off. Perhaps she had overreacted. He was right to question her, but part of her was reluctant to share too much about herself. Especially considering his kin was the one who had made her life the hell it was. But Kili did not deserve the anger she had directed towards another.

Farris had visited Raewyn's balcony once before taking off for the rest of the night. This was customary for them. Owls were, after all, night animals.

Peaceful as it was, the Asha could not find rest that night. So much was wrong. She shouldn't have left for the Shire, and she most certainly should not be here. Frustrations and doubt kept her off. She must have spent at least an hour tossing and turning before finally jumping off of her bed. Maybe a midnight walk would clear her mind.

It came as no surprise to her that most halls and gardens were deserted around this time. A handful of elves stood watch at the gates, but most of them had long returned to their chambers. Even the singing, laughing and belching of the dwarves could no longer be heard. Perhaps they finally decided they would need time to rest too.

As if it was natural, her feet led her to the main hall, where Elrond had led the company to the dining area only hours prior. It would always be a rare sight to see a hall as such completely void of life at night. Candles were still lit, but no voices nor music could be heard. No sound, but the soft patting of footsteps.

But not hers.

Turning towards the source of the noise, she found Bilbo entering the hall from the south entrance, across from her. A slight smile built on Raewyn's face as she saw him.

"You should be sleeping."

"As should you."

She sniffled at that, turning around to face Bilbo. "Ranger," She stated. "Never truly asleep."

He nodded at her words, staring around the room as if he was lost. Raewyn followed his eyes for a short second.

"What are you doing up?" She wondered. Bilbo didn't answer her immediately. Instead, his eyes slowly met her, before wandering around again.

"I've been told of this place ever since I was a child," He began. "Being here...it doesn't feel real."

She didn't really have a response to that. She didn't grow up on tales about kingdoms and houses, except for when it was of a concern to her family. She hadn't even heard of Imladris until Gandalf had taken her there. She couldn't place herself in Bilbo's shoes.