Travling for days, I finially realized where we were headed. Everyone remained silent for the most part, still grieving.I spoke mainly to Legolas, making small talk most of the time. I was glad to have him here with me. Just standing next to him I felt secure.When he touches me my heart speeds up, when he looks at me I feel flushed, and whenI think about him I cannot help but smile. I did not know what was happening but one thing was for sure. I did not want it tostop.
We jogged across a grassy field.A smile graced my lipsupon ushalting under the eaves of a forest of tall and shapely trees, lichen and moss covered them. Leaves twirled down to the earth.
"Isn't this the Lothlorien border?" Legolasasked quietly to me as we walked side by side. I smiled before nodding my head and placing my index finger to my lips. Legolas smiled and nodded his head.I winked at him, before placing my hood on my head. Grabbing Legolas's hand I slowly pulled him into the woods. After walking deeper into the woods I looked around.
"Their watching us..." I whispered to Legolas. He looked around and gave me a questioning look. I just smile, though he couldn't see my face due to the hood of my cloak and the shadow it casted over my face. I just squeezed his hand.
"Stay close, young Hobbits! They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell…" Gimli whispered. I laughed at his nonsense, my grandmother may have power, but they are not terrible. "...and are never seen again."
"Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!" Gimli said. I did my best not to laugh as an arrow, notched, appeared before his face. I saw that coming. "Oh…"
Other bows at the ready appeared around the us. Legolas has his own bow out, pointing it at the owners of the other weapons. I place my hand on Legolas's arm and brought it down.The rest of The Fellowship looked around, alarmed. A tall, golden-haired Elf appeared before us. I smiled happily at the familiar face, but I did not move from my spot.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Haldir said, I again tried not to laugh. "Now follow me."
Haldir was like a brother to me. I missed him greatly, as I missed the rest of my family, but I still stayed hooded. I would reveal myself eventually. Aragorn looked at me, he knew what I was doing so he said nothing. Night is deepening amongst the windy trees as we followed Haldir.
Soon we stood on a platform in the rustling foliage.
"Why haven't you shown yourself to them, I'm sure they wouldn't treat us like pisoners if you were to." Boromir said to me.
"They are not going to harm us. Please, trust me, do not say anything about me. I will show myself at the right time." I told everyone.
"Glad to see you have arrived" My Grandmother's voice sounded in my head. I once again smiled to myself before Haldir returned.
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion. (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.)" Haldir greeted Legolas.
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien. (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien.)" Legolas responed. Haldir glances at Aragorn.
"A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen. (Oh, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us.)" Haldir then said to Aragorn.
"Haldir." Aragorn smiled
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can also understand!" Gimli said roughly.
"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." Haldir told him.
And you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" Gimli said rudely. I held my tounge and pursed my lips. I'll let him hear it for that remark later.
"That was not so courteous." Aragorn scoled. It was then Haldir looked at Frodo.
"You bring great evil with you. You can go no further." Haldir told us looking back at Aragorn, before walking away. My jaw dropped at this.
"Boe ammen veriad lîn. Andelu i ven! (We need your protection. The road is fell!)" Aragorn whispered harshly. Haldir said something in response, even with elven ears I could not hear it.
"Merin le telim. (I wish we may come with you.)" Aragorn contuinuded. Haldir answers quietly, again so that only Aragorn can hear his words.>
"Henio, aníron boe ammen i dulu lîn! (Please, understand, we need your support!)" Aragorn insisted. Legolas gave me a small smile andturned to look at Frodo, who looked uncomfortably away, and his eyes fell on Sam. Sam looked away, a hurt expression in his eyes. Merry and Pippin did likewise. Gimli glanced at Frodo. Aragorn continued to argue loudly with Haldir. Frodo, looking at us, sees blame that does not truly exist anywhere but in his mind. Aragorn is now pleading with Haldir.
"Andelu i ven. (The road is very dangerous.)" He pleaded.I looked at Frodo, heappeared downcast. But through all of his worry, his loneliness, I had to let him know it was okay.
"Gandalf's death was not in vain...nor would he have you give up hope. You carry a heavy burden, Frodo...don't carry the weight of the dead." I told him before I had enough of the arguing. I gave Legolas's hand a last squeeze before stepping forward to Aragorn, still hooded
"As much as I would love for us to stand here all day and argue, I believe everyone is tired and would like to rest. Haldir,you will take us to Galadriel and Celeborn" I spoke clearly and calmly.
"I do believe you are not in the postion to be telling me what I should do" Haldir saidturning to me.
"Oh but my dear friend, I do believe I am." I replied removing my hood.
"Nimtireil, I'm sorry" Haldir gaped, bowing his head.
"Haldir don't apologize, you are a warden, this is what your suppose to do. Just please take us to my grandparents." I told him.
"As much as I do not want to. I can not deny your orders. You all will follow me." Haldir said to everyone before grabbing my arm, placing it under hisand pulled me forward to walk with him.
"I knew there was a Fellowship, but I did not know that you were in it." Haldir spoke to me.
"The Fellowship has to keep low. Who we are is not as important as to what we carry amoung us." I told him.
"That is true, how are you feeling? You look worn and tired." He said to me.
"I am tired and worn out, but I expected to feel as much." I smiled as we walked.
"That is great, and as much as I would like to catch up, you should return to Prince Legolas. For I'm afriad he'll shoot me with an arrow if I keep you any longer." He whispered so low, I could barely hear. I looked over at Legolas who looked envyous of Haldir. Jealous almost.
"He's lucky to have found you princess and you are lucky to have found him." Haldir said before letting go of my arm and walking ahead. I thought about what he said and rejoined Legolas at his side. He didn't look at me. I sighed and looked around as we reached Caras Galadhon.
"I never realized what I got myself into when acceptingthis quest. I thought I would just have to kill beasts and get Frodo safely to Mount Doom. Never once did I realize I would find someone I care for so deeply as I do for you..." I spoke softly before walking over to the hobbits, who looked amazed at all the sights. We wereclimbing a winding way among the great trees as the last rays of evening sun stream through their trunks.We ascended this path until night fell.
In the blue glow of a moonlit night,we climb a twisting stair around the trunk of a tree, passing glimmering lights of silver and blue. Far above, the silhouetted shapes of the shadowy tree-branches loomed. Passing numerous platforms,we came to a great palace in the trees, lit with silvery lights. A curving walkway lied before us, leading up a low stairs to an archway. Three-pronged, golden leaveswere scattered about. Slowly,we gathered before the arch as Haldir stepped to one side, and look up. With a glow issuing forth from them, my Grandparents, descend to meet us, hand in hand. The Fellowship stared in awe as I stood to the side smiling. Aragorn touched his head reverently in greeting. Upon reaching us, Celeborn and Galadriel halted, and the glow around them dimmed. Looking at me Galadriel opened her arms. Smiling I ran forth and embraced her, eyes tearing up. Releasing her I stood at her side and turned my attention to Celeborn.
"The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone.Nine there are here, yetten there were, set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf?" My Grandfather asked. Galadriel looked at my eyes as sadness filled them. Then her eyes flickered to Aragorn as he looked up. "For I much desire to speak with him...I can no longer see him from afar."
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into shadow." Galadriel stated in sorrow. Aragorn nods slightly. Celeborn turns to Galadriel, who had taken my hand into her's, in a comforting manor.
"He was taken by both Shadow and Flame: a Balrog of Morgoth." Legolas told them. Celeborn’s sorrow and surprise is evident as he turned to look at me in the eyes. I nodded, confirming what Legolas said.
"For we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Legolas added as Gimli bowed his head, sadly. Galadriel let go of my hand and step forward. Celeborn then gestured me over. I smiled weakly and embraced him in a hug. After pulling away I faced my Grandmother as Celeborn rested his hand on my shoulder.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands, love is now mingled with grief." She spoke gracefully.
"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost." Celeborn said. I shook my head.
"Hope is not lost Grandfather." I replied softly. My Grandmothernodded at me.
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all." Galadriel told us. Boromir looked at her unsure. "Yet hope remains while the company is true."
Galadriel looks at Sam and smiles. Sam continues to gaze at her, unlike Boromir, who has now looke away.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace." She stated, before grabbing my hand a leading me else where, Celeborn followed.
"We've missed you" She said as she stood me infront a room. It was my room.
"How is my ada? Arwen? Elladan and Elrohir?" I asked in one breath.
"They are fine. Though I'm afraid for Arwen, she is tied to the ranger. His path will decide her's. Your father is worried about her and it won't be long until he looks into her future. Elladan and Elrohir, are just fine, they miss picking on you. Everyone misses you my child. From your troops in Rivendell to the trees here in Lorien, everything and everyone misses you. Now get cleaned up, I shall see you soon." She told me before leaving with Celeborn. I walked into my room and smiled with content. Though I still held greif in my heart, I wasn't going to let it hold me down. Washing up I changed into a gown and sent my traveling clothes to be washed.
Later, I walked back down to the ground,where anareawas provided for the Fellowship to rest in. The Hobbitswere settling down to rest. While everyone else was looking around.
In the trees, the Elves’ singing could be heard. Sadness washed over me. Closing my eyes I started to sing along.
A Olórin i yaresse… (Olórin who once was…)
Mentaner i Numeherui (Sent by the Lords of the West)
Tírien i Rómenóri… (To guard the Lands of the East…)
Melme nóren sina (Our love for this land)
núra ala (Is deeper than the deeps)
Eäro… (Of the sea…)
"A lament for Gandalf." Legolasstated, snapping me out of my trance.Aragorn wassharpening his sword as Gimli slept beside him, beneath a lily-shaped lamp glowing in the dark.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked making a bed for himself.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near." Legolas replied as I nodded my head sadly in agreement. I smiled as Sam began to talk about Gandalf's Fireworks, the laughed at Aragorn, whom swatted at Gimli for snoring. Aragorn smiled at me before getting up and walking to Boromir. I smiled at the hobbits.
"Get some rest little ones, we are safe here." I told them smiling. I glanced at Legolas before walking toward the garden. I loved the trees and sky. Being in Moria made me ill. I guess that's one thing that makes Dwarfs and Elves dislike one another.
"Nimthireil, did you mean what you said?" A voice asked from behind me as I tended to some of the flowers.
"Legolas I would not lie to you. I meant every word I said." I replied, turning around to face him. A smile appeared on his lips as he pulled me close to him ina loving embrace.
"When I first met you all I could think was 'Never in my life have I laid eyes on such a beautiful sight.' I wanted to get to know you, be near you. I would be lying if I said the only reason I joined the fellowship was fully on the purpose of saving all of Middle Earth. Though it was one of the reason, the other reason was you. It's been months since we met and I feel myself falling for you more and more." He spoke so softlymaking my heart flutter. I pulled myself away slightly, so I could look in his eyes.
"Le melon" I said, my eyes not leaving his.
"I love you too" Legolas replied smiling, dipping his head down and capturing my lips in his. We kissed for what seemed like forever when really it was only seconds. Pulling apart we smiled at eachother and returned to theresting area, hand in hand.
The mists of morning laid heavily along the river. Bare-branched trees arched through the fog, stray beams of light fell on the cold, blue waters. An elegant ship floated before us out on the river, carved in the likeness of a swan, and Galadriel stood silently in it, clothed all in white. On shore, cloakswere being fastened around uswith green, silver-veined leaf-brooches.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." My grandfather stated. I had already said my farwells to him, Galadriel, Haldir and his brothers. Elves helped prepare forour departure. Legolas and I were among them, shifting parcels into a set of boats provided by the Galadhrim. Smiling he held up a thin wafer for Merry and Pippin to see, as they sat in a boat.
"Lembas!" I stated smilingas putting more parcels into the boat.
"Elvish Way-bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." Legolas told the hobbits upon seeing their confused look. He thengrabbed my hand and we walked up onto shore, leaving the Hobbits by themselves.
The light of early morning set the leaves of the trees along the shore on fire with a blazing yellow. The sunlight streamed through the trees, but beneath their great trunks the land is yet dark, cast in blue. The swan-ship of Galadriel sailed by.
A paddle splashed into the water.We rowed through the river, past the Elves onshore. The sunwas reaching its rosy fingers over the hills, Caras Galadhon rised far away, in the mists. Voices sung with the rising dawn:
Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrien,
Yéni úntimë ve rámar aldaron!
yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni…
(Alas! Like gold fall the leaves in the wind,
long years numberless as the wings of the trees!
The long years have passed like swift draughts
of the sweet mead in lofty halls beyond the West,
beneath the vaults of Varda wherein the stars
tremble in the song of her voice…)
The voices continued to sing.A song of the sorrow of the Elves, of Lothlórien. I frowned, tears welling in my eyes as I remembered what had happened before we loaded the boats.
"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." Galadriel said handing him a beautiful bow. Legolas Streched the bow, testing it in awe. Galadriel smiled, turning to Merry and Pippin.
"These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war. Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage." She then told the two hobbits, whom smiled happily."And for you, Samwise Gamgee: Elven rope, made of hithlain."
"Thank you, my lady. Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?" Sam asked looking at Merry and Pippin's gift. I supressed a laugh and my Grandmother smiled him.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" She asked Gimli a smile still gracing her lips.
"Nothing. Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth." Gimli flattered. Galadriel giggled and smiled at the Dwarf. He turned to walk away, then halts and turned back.
"Actually, there was one thing -- ah, agh, that's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." He told her looking at the ground.
Snapping out of my thought I looked at Gimli, who was sitting in the boat with Legolas and I.Gimli had a faint smile on his face, and I wonder what he asked of my grandmother. Ignoring Icontuined to thinkback.
Galadriel now stood before Aragorn and placed her hand on Arwen‘s Evenstar pendant.
"I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear. Am meleth dîn. I ant e-guil Arwen Undómiel…pelitha. (For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar…will diminish.)" She told him. I tried not to listen, but found myself doing so anyways.
"Aníron i e broniatha ar periatham amar hen. Aníron e ciratha a Valannor. (I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people…I would have her…take the ship to Valinor.)" Aragorn stated sadly.
"That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn…to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness…with all that is left of your kin." Galadriel said wisely. Therewas asilence for a moment. Branches shook, a spider web’s glimmering strands swayed in the wind. Galadriel glanced at the pendant, and smiled.
"Namárië. (Farewell.) Nadath nâ i moe cerich. (There is much you have yet to do.)
Dan…ú-'eveditham, Elessar. (We shall not meet again, Elessar.)" She said, eyes filled with sorrow and joy. Galadriel then turned and handed Frodo a crystalline vessel shaped like a teardrop, filled with a clear water and a shining light.
"Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star." She stated giving him a kiss of the forehead. "May it be a light for you, in dark places, when all other lights go out."
"Nimthireil, my dear grandchild, in your hands I leave Lothlorien. Your Grandfather and I willpass over the seas, once everything has come to past. I'll explain everything after your journey has ended." She spoke softly. I felt honored, but sad at the fact my grandparents where leaving me. A tear ran down my cheek as I nodded. She pulled me into a hug, where I clung tightly. "I will tell your father that you are safe and I shall see you when you return. Farwell."
Wesailed out onto the river and left Lórien behind. White mountains rose starkly beneath blue skies and green trees. In the boats, Gimli talke to Legolas and I.
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Haugh, henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me." Gimli said.
"What was it?"Legolas asked curiously.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three." Gimli answered. Legolas smiled and I giggled.
"I think someone has taken a huge liking to my Grandmother" I said smiling.
"Well my lady, I can now tell what side you got your beauty from. And no offense to Lord Elrond, but I don't find him that attractive." Gimli stated causing me to laugh along with Legolas.
"I would hope not dear Gimli" I replied, my sad mood lifting, as wepassed out onto a larger branch of the Anduin beneath sheer cliffs.
Itwas nowgetting dark.We decidedtorests upon a small island. I looked out from behind a large rock, silvery webs of lights reverberating from the water.I looked worriedly at a log floating in the river. A small hand clutched it, and the top of a head was barely visible over the log‘s edge, where its eyes glint softly.
"Something is following us." I whispered to Aragorn.
"Gollum. He has tracked us since Moria." He told me looking over my shoulder at the log. "I had hoped we would lose him on the river. But he's too clever a waterman."
"And if he alerts the enemy to our whereabouts it will make the crossing even more dangerous." Boromir said as he too looked at the log. "Minas Tirith is the safer road. You know it. From there we can regroup…strike out for Mordor from a place of strength."
"There is no strength in Gondor that can avail us." Aragorn stated.
"You were quick enough to trust the Elves. Have you so little faith in your own people? Yes, there is weakness. There is frailty. But there is courage also, and honor to be found in Men. But you will not see that. You are afraid! All your life, you have hidden in the shadows!" Boromir argued. "Scared of who you are, of what you are."
"I have heard enough! You only want us to take the road to Minas Tiriths so you can find away to get the ring from Frodo and use it! You made your intentions clear at the council meeting. Heed my warning Boromir, if you go near Frodo or that ring I will not hesitate to put an arrow through your heart. And if I donot kill you, I'm sure the way of the Valar will." I snapped pushing him aside and stalking off. I am by no means a Violent person, but he just never quit.
"I will not lead the Ring within a hundred leagues of your city." I heard Aragorn say. Legolas came and wrapped me in his arms.
"He gets me so angry!" I said talking into Legolas's chest.
"I know, but I do not believe it's really him talking. I think it's the ring talking" He spoke softly as we both looked out at the water. Once again I knew something was going to turn out wrong. With darkness rising in my mind, I was more on alert. In my mind I knew Gandalf was not the only one we would be loosing...
