Chapter 9

I awoke a few hours later and walked down the path to the Fellowship with a heavy heart knowing they would be leaving. It was a sad and anxious feeling all around them.

'Lady Samantha.' Aragorn states with a sad smile when he saw me walk in

'Legolas came and told me the news.' I state giving Aragorn a sad smile

'I had a feeling he may. Will you help us pack up?' Aragorn replied and with a yes he started directing me on what do to.

I had to say that there were grey clouds over the Fellowship as they took down their camp and started to pack. Trips to get supplies were starting in order to make sure they had enough supplies. However, we did not have to go and get food supplies because Elves came with gifts, of food or clothing and wishing them luck on the rest of their journey. I watched with humor as Gimli opened the packet of thin cakes.

'Cram.' Gimli states grimily but soon his face lit up and continue to eat more

'No more, no more!' Some of the Elves stated laughing, 'you have already eaten much for a long march.'

It was explained that it wasn't Cram but lembas bread and that they should preserve the food until the rest had spoiled, because this would last a lot longer. Each of the Fellowship received a hood and cloth according to their size and was similar to what the Galadhrim wore. Their color seemed to change from greys to browns or light silver and each had a brooch shaped in the fashion of a green leaf outlined in silver.

'Are these magic cloaks?' Pippin asked examining the cloak

'They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land. They are not amour but they will serve you well for they are light to wear and warm or cool for what your need is for. You will also find them a great aid in keep out of the sight of unfriendly eyes.' An elf answered

I sat next to Frodo and Aragorn during breakfast and watched as they said farewell to their camp site. Haldir came and led us through Caras Galadhon and to the Great River.

'Someone is upset you will not walk with him.' Aragorn states with a smirk

'I know, but I wanted to talk to you. How goes the plans for which path you'll take?' I ask in a quiet tone, glancing briefly at Legolas who had been glancing our way every so often.

It was explained that after the meeting with the Lord and Lady they had a discussion with each other, but that they were divided on the path. Obviously Boromir was hoping to go to Minis Tirith and Aragorn had planned to follow Boromir before Gandalf fell. I again told him to follow where his heart led him but I cautioned that the Ring and Frodo must not go to Gondor.

'You should go walk with him, if I get any more looks I may get killed.' Aragorn joked before grabbing my arm in once last thought 'You should tread lightly, Elves especially Legolas feel deeply. He will not be like Aegnor and you know of the hardships that face those that are mortal and immortal.'

'I know, and there's nothing going on between us. We're just friends.' I state patting his arm, ignoring his comment about Aegnor.

He seemed to accept that I was aware of what could happen and seemed happy that I was not trying to push into anything more than friendship with Legolas. I was a little confused, what was I doing with Legolas? I could easily see how his face lit up when I finally walked over to him. It was almost noon and we still had a lot more walking to do.

'You have been sending me dirty looks, why?' I state slightly teasing

'I was hoping you would walk with me.' He states slightly abashed that I noticed

'I see. Well later you should tell Aragorn that you weren't trying to kill him with your eyes. It's a sad day but a beautiful one is it not.' I state with a smile, the sun was out and it was warm.

'Yes, it is a good day for traveling.' Legolas replies as we walk

'Have you slept?' I asked realizing now that I was pretty certain he didn't

'Elves do not have to sleep as much as Men, but no I have not. Do not worry I will be fine.' Legolas states with a laugh at my shocked look

'I forget that you don't have to, but it still seems strange.' I reply

We walked for a while and I enjoyed looking at everything and pointing out any new flowers I saw and showing them to Legolas. I watched and saw that the Fellowship made light conversations as they started to focus on what lay ahead. When we arrived to where the boats were docked I heard Sam talking to one of the Elves about the material of the rope and smiled. He would finally get the rope he has been wanting.

'Come, all is now ready for you. Enter the boats! But take care at first!' Haldir states to them

The Fellowship was arranged where in one boat it was: Aragorn, Frodo and Sam. The next boat was; Boromir, Merry and Pippin and the last boat was Legolas and Gimli and their boat held their goods and packs. I hugged each and every one of them; saying encouraging words as I tried not to cry seeing them leave. I hugged Boromir the longest and looked at him knowing I was not to see him again in this world. Legolas was the last to greet me as the others started to climb into the boats.

'I'll see you later Legolas. Please do be careful.' I state with smile looking up at him, he had unreadable face

'Goodbye Lady Samantha, until we meet again.' Legolas stated softly returning the hug and placing a light kiss on my forehead. Making my heart jump from the gaze that he gave me before turning around.

When all was ready Aragorn let them on a trial up the Silverlode and I chuckled as I watched Sam clutching the sides and looking back at me mournfully. I was then led to a boat shaped like a swan and greeted Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel.

'Do not be sad. Come child we shall say farewell to them one last time.' Lady Galadriel states with a smile and I stared out into the water as we came up upon their boat. Lady Galadriel sat with a harp and sang into the cool air until we were parallel with Aragorn, did she break the song to speak to him.

'We have come to bid our last farewell and to speed you with blessings from our land.' Lady Galadriel states

'Though you have been our guests,' Lord Celeborn began 'you have not yet eaten with us, and we bid you, to a parting feast, here between the flowing waters that will bear you far away from Lorien.

Our boat took over and directed the Fellowship to park at the shores and we sat and ate together. I sat between Legolas and Frodo on the other side and I listened as Lord Celeborn talked to them about their journey. Giving them guidance on the path they should take and what to look for. When it was settled, Lady Galadriel got up and poured a glass for each of us.

'Now it is time to drink the cup of farewell.' She states, 'Drink, and let not your heart be sad, though night must follow noon and already your evening draweth nigh.'

After we finished our glasses she spoke once again, 'we have drunk the cup of parting and the shadows fall between us. But before you go, I have brought in my ship gifts that we now offer.'

She called each of them to her one at a time to give them their gift. Aragorn received a sheath that had made to fit his sword, to Boromir she gave a belt of gold, Merry and Pippin were given silver belts. To Legolas she gave a bow of the kind the Galadhrium used, Sam she gave him a small grey box which had earth from her garden. Gimli asked for a lock of hair and nearly swooned when she gave him three. Last but not least was Frodo which she gave him a phial for light in the darkness.

We were led back to the boats where Legolas stopped me, handing me his Mirkwood bow. 'I want you to have this, as a parting gift.' Legolas said softly

'Are you sure.' I asked taking the bow unsure on what he would give it to me

'Yes, I have a new one and I would like you to have it. So when you practice you may think of me.' Legolas whispered.

'Well thank you. I'll keep it safe for you until the end.' I state a bit unsure of myself.

We smile once more and we part ways. So there we were, the Fellowship took their places in the boats and standing next to the Lord and Lady we said our farewells and watched them until they were but a speck on the water. I sighed, it felt so sad to see them go.

'Come we will head back and I would like you to join us for dinner in the hall.' Lady Galadriel states with a smile ushering me into the boat 'tonight is not a night to be alone.'

So this was the beginning of a life I would start to Lorien as my friends went on without me.