Visenya Targaryen, now Lady Stark, thought her journey was done when her husband took his final breath. Yet, a single step into the godswood sends her into a new world entirely-Middle-earth. With her youth restored and no one to trust, Visenya must...
The journey had been long, but as the group of Elves and their mortal companion crested the final hill, Visenya's breath caught in her throat. Before her sprawled the valley of Rivendell, its cascading waterfalls shimmering in the light of the setting sun. The city itself seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding mountains, carved out of rock and adorned with delicate elvish architecture. Towers of white and silver rose high, glinting against the vibrant hues of the foliage. The air smelled of pine and fresh water, and the faint sounds of rushing streams echoed through the valley.
Visenya couldn't help but stare in awe, her eyes wide with wonder. She had never seen anything like it, not in Westeros, and certainly not in Winterfell. The closest comparison she could make was Dragonstone, where the ancient castle seemed to have grown out of the very rock it stood upon, but even that paled in comparison to the majesty of Rivendell.
Legolas, riding beside her on his own horse, noticed her silence and smiled softly. "You've finally found something that quiets your tongue," he teased, his voice light with amusement.
Visenya blinked and glanced at him, her mouth quirking into a grin. "If you think Rivendell will silence me for long, you underestimate me."
Legolas chuckled, clearly enjoying her wide-eyed wonder. "I suppose we shall see. Rivendell has a way of leaving people speechless, even those who think they've seen it all."
As they made their way down the winding path toward the city, Visenya's eyes roamed the landscape, drinking in every detail—the marble bridges arching over streams, the flowers blooming in hues of red, gold, and violet, and the elegant curves of the buildings that seemed more like works of art than places of residence. There was something about Rivendell that felt timeless, a place untouched by war or the wear of centuries.
They passed through the main gates, where elves greeted them with serene nods. Legolas led her through the winding pathways of the city, and soon they arrived at a grand set of stairs that led up to her guest quarters.
"You will stay here during your time in Rivendell," Legolas said, dismounting and helping her down from Silvershadow's saddle. "Elrond has ensured that you are comfortable."
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The door to her chambers opened, and Visenya stepped inside, her breath catching once more. Unlike the dark, earthen tones of her rooms in Mirkwood, everything here was white and light, the walls bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Delicate light blue and green accents lined the curtains and cushions, creating an ethereal atmosphere that was calming yet grand. The room felt airy, open, as though it could breathe with her.
In the corner, an intricately carved desk stood, its surface laden with scrolls and books. A large balcony opened out to one of the many waterfalls Rivendell was known for, the sound of rushing water providing a constant, soothing rhythm. Beyond that, a garden bloomed, its flowers swaying gently in the breeze.
Visenya stepped toward the balcony, her fingers grazing the smooth stone railing as she leaned over to take in the view. From here, she could see nearly the entire valley, the river winding its way through the mountains, the waterfalls cascading into the pools below. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time.
She turned as Legolas entered behind her, observing her reaction. "How do you like your rooms?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.
"They're beautiful," she said with a soft smile, her voice thick with gratitude. "I've seen many things in my travels, but Rivendell..." She trailed off, shaking her head in disbelief. "I'm thankful. Of all the places I could have ended up, I am glad it was in the hospitality of your people."
Legolas' brow lifted slightly at her words. "You sound surprised to be treated as a guest and not a prisoner."
Visenya laughed quietly, though there was a seriousness in her eyes. "Where I come from, kindness and hospitality are luxuries, especially for someone with my past. I've spent years being judged for what I am, or more precisely, for what people think I am. So yes, I am thankful to be treated as more than just an outsider."
Legolas regarded her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. "You are not an outsider here. You may come from a world we do not know, but you have earned the respect of many in Greenwood. Your bravery speaks louder than your origins."
She nodded, appreciating the sentiment, though a part of her still felt like she was treading on fragile ground.
"Elrond wishes to meet you," Legolas said after a moment. "He has heard much of your story, but he will want to hear it from you."
Visenya's expression sobered as she turned from the balcony. "I suppose it's time then," she said, following him out of the room and down the long corridors of Rivendell.
As they walked, the silence between them was filled with the soft sounds of the city—the wind rustling through the trees, the gentle murmur of elvish voices, the ever-present melody of waterfalls. Visenya marveled at how serene it all seemed, as though Rivendell was untouched by the troubles of the world beyond its borders. But she knew better. There was an unspoken tension in the air, a sense that something dark was on the horizon.
They reached a large door, flanked by two elvish guards. Legolas nodded to them, and they stepped aside, allowing Visenya to enter.
Inside, Lord Elrond stood by a tall window, the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over his features. He turned to greet them, his sharp eyes settling on Visenya with an unreadable expression.
"Welcome," Elrond said, his voice smooth and commanding, yet laced with a quiet kindness. "I have been looking forward to meeting you, Visenya Stark."
Visenya inclined her head respectfully, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts. She had been through much since her arrival in Middle-earth, but now, standing before Lord Elrond, she felt as though the true weight of her journey had only just begun.
