Disclaimer; I don't own any of this. It all belongs to JRR Tolkien, Peter Jackson and others.

Edit 2017: changed things up a bit regarding Arwen's gift and the story behind it - I took some liberties with that. I thought this better fit with the story overall.

10. Farewell to Lothlórien

"Boromir!" Aragorn called as the other man rose from his bed among the trees.

The Gondorian turned around as he rubbed the last remains of sleep from his tired eyes. The sun shimmered over the elven realm and cast a warm light over the ranger who stood further away. Aragorn walked closer to him with a smile on his face and his grey tunic swayed in the gentle morning breeze. He placed a friendly hand on Boromir's shoulder and the Gondorian looked down at it in confusion. He couldn't help but wonder what had brought the man into such a good mood this morning.

"The other night you and I talked," Aragorn began and waited 'til Boromir's tired eyes looked at his. "You talked of the White City and asked me to one day go there with you. My reply was far from affirmative last night."

"Yes," Boromir yawned. "You said you would not set foot in my city if you could avoid it..."

"I have other news for you this morning, son of Gondor," Aragorn smiled yet again. He paused a second to ponder his decision and then nodded. For some reason, the words that followed felt right within, "I will ride into Minas Tirith beside you one day."

Boromir felt his tired feelings evaporate into thin air as his mind instead filled with amazement. He laughed and placed his own hand on the ranger's shoulder. "That pleases me greatly to hear, Aragorn. You will be most welcome. Nevertheless, I cannot help to wonder what it was that made you change your mind?"

Aragorn merely nodded his head cryptically before turning around. In truth, the ranger had been up most of the night thinking about it. He and Arwen had talked long about their own future as well as the choice that lay before the ranger. The elf's wisdom had helped shine some light upon his worries, but a decision was still far away on the horizon. Even after they had parted ways, Aragorn had pondered what lay ahead. Words spoken by both Elrond and Gandalf had replayed in his head and at last the ranger had decided to at least see the White City of his forefathers with his own eyes.

Aragorn picked up his sword from the ground and started sharpening it. Boromir watched the ranger with a mixture of disbelief and amusement upon realizing that no answer would be forthcoming. The ranger remained somewhat of an enigma to the Gondorian, yet Aragorn had proved himself to be a worthy man.

"You conceal many secrets, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. The ranger I first saw is emerging as a promising leader," The Gondorian exclaimed and the ranger glanced up at him. "Who knows, perhaps one day you will even take back the throne."

"Let us not get ahead of ourselves," Aragorn said with a pointed glare. "First, we must destroy the One Ring. Then we shall see what the future holds for any of us."

"Your words are wise," Boromir nodded. "Irregardless of the reasons behind your choice, I feel in my heart it is the right one for both of us. I cannot wait to introduce my younger brother, Faramir, to you. I am sure you will get along better than you and I have."

"I will be honored to meet him."

Boromir smiled and looked around. He suddenly realized that the two men were alone in the small clearing between the trees. "Did I wake up late?"

Aragorn shook his head as he examined if his sword was sharpened enough. "It is still early. Legolas walked off in the first rays of morning, accompanied by Gimli."

"Gimli?" Boromir asked. He blinked in wonderment. "I did not know the two of them had formed a friendship, other than their bickering."

"Neither did I, though I had my suspicions," Aragorn confessed. "And Arwen took the hobbits for a stroll not long before you woke up. They should be back by midday."

"And what do we do until that time?" Boromir asked. "Is there anything to be done before then?"

"You may do what you wish," Aragorn said. "I must speak to the elves later to ask them a favor, but that can wait. For now, let us simply enjoy the good company of friendship and the peace of our hosts. Come, tell me more of your family. Tell me about your father, the steward of Gondor."

"Ah..." Boromir hesitated as he sat down on the ground and leaned back against a tree. "He is a stubborn, proud man who takes his responsibilities of being the steward of Gondor most seriously. I believe he will not like your presence in Minas Tirith..."

A few hours later, when the sun had risen high in the sky, the men's carefree conversation was interrupted as they heard voices approach. The turned as the four hobbits merrily walked back into their small camp. Merry was laughing at his own joke, as was Pippin, and neither seemed able to control their joy. When finally their laughter subsided, they were able to greet both men properly.

"You seem merry this day," Boromir pointed out and couldn't help but smile himself as he saw their faces shine bright with happiness.

"It is this land, I swear. It has brought me great peace," Merry explained, almost wistfully. Then he inhaled and continued, "... And the elves offered us a drink I have never tasted until this day. It tasted of cinnamon and honey-"

"-And a little bit of happiness," Pippin added.

"Yes," Sam agreed as he sat down next to the Gondorian and sniggered. "I think it is the drink which has caused our merriment. The grief of Gandalf is still existent in the back of my mind, but I feel an ease about today. I think the drink offered us just what we needed, even if its effects wear off shortly."

"And you, Frodo?" asked Aragorn as he saw the forth hobbit gaze at the others with a small smile hidden in the corner of his lips.

Frodo looked over at the ranger and his smile grew wider. "I too feel merry. It is a new day... filled with new hope."

"I am glad to hear it," Aragorn grinned. He gazed about and a wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows. "Where is Arwen? I hope you did not run away from her."

Sam shook his head. "Galadriel arrived and the two of them walked off to talk of things between private eyes."

Aragorn nodded and seemed to let go of the subject as the hobbits sat themselves on the ground and started retelling all the things they had seen in Lorien. Soon Gimli and Legolas returned, walking side by side as close friends. They joined the others and sat down with the group to share their own morning with them.

"When I volunteered for this fellowship... I didn't know what to expect," Merry admitted suddenly as he felt the effects of the drink start to wear off and reality crept back into his thoughts. The others turned to him in surprise. It was not often the hobbit took such a serious tone. "Now, I am beginning to understand what I should have expected. But in retrospect... I am also amazed at what we have seen so far. Caradhras, Rivendell... Moria - which would have been grand if one could have overlooked the orcs, Gimli - and now, Lothlórien."

"It's surely a far cry from the Shire..." Sam nodded in agreement. His eyes were glazed over with thought, seemingly miles away, as he reminisced about their journey. "I always knew the world was big, but I don't think I ever appreciated just how big."

"As for our adventures..." Pippin began and glanced from Sam to Merry. "I agree with you both. But I do believe the worst is behind us. Or, at least, I hope it is..."

Legolas placed a comforting hand on the hobbit's small shoulder. "Hold on to that hope, Peregrin, and may you never lose it."

"Aye, if I will admit to one thing," Gimli began and looked between the four small ones, "it would be my ever growing respect for the four of you. None of you are warriors or even travelers of the world. But you have all done well, both with a sword and keeping your spirits high... You have exceeded all my expectations."

"Same goes for you, Gimli," Pippin smiled back.

Gimli threw the hobbit a suspicious look. "What's that supposed to mean? Did you have low regards for a dwarf?"

"Settle down, Gimli," Aragorn spoke up and the dwarf grumbled in malcontent. "As far as compliments go, I think they are better saved for the end of our journey. For many trials still lay ahead of us."

"Which brings me to the question..." Gimli started and turned his full attention to the fellowship's new leader. "Where does our road take us after we leave the safe woods of Lothlórien?"

Aragorn grimaced. "I will discuss it with Celeborn later. He will know the safest road. We have a lot of ground to cover and the faster we can do it, the better."

The leaves suddenly rustled behind Aragorn and everyone turned to see Arwen walking into the clearing to join the others. This morning she wore a simple, grey dress and a silver circlet in her long tresses. As she approached, she seemed to glow beneath the bright sun.

"We thought we wouldn't see you until tomorrow," Merry greeted.

Arwen smiled at them but kept silent as she stepped close. She knelt in the grass next to Aragorn. In her right hand they all saw a dark-blue cloth which she held out to the man in question. Her ethereal smile widened as he raised his eyebrows at her. Arwen's eyes sparkled, but gave nothing away. The others looked on curiously as she wordlessly urged the ranger to take the cloth from her waiting hands.

With a wondering frown, Aragorn took it from her grasp and slowly opened the folds. Inside the cloth, a green stone lay enveloped. The green gem shimmered atop a silver eagle-shaped brooch and it seemed to have the light of the sun within. Aragorn gazed down at the beautiful item in wonder.

"Your mother left that stone in Imladris with my father before she passed, and he in turn gave it to me many years ago for safekeeping," Arwen explained gently. "I had elven blacksmiths make the brooch for it. I left the brooch here on my last visit because I hoped my grandmother would pass it on to you if the need should ever present itself. I desire you to wear it, to find the hope you are meant to bring. The hope your mother always saw in you."

Aragorn smiled and gently stroked Arwen's cheek before attaching the brooch on the fabric above his heart. "Thank you."

Arwen turned to the others. "Lady Galadriel has invited us to see her and Lord Celeborn this evening in their court."

They fellowship nodded and grinned widely down at her, more than one smile was given due to the tender moment they'd witnessed and the thoughtful gift given. Legolas at last bowed his head, "We shall be honored to be received by the Lord and Lady of Light."

"You know, I have often wondered," Pippin suddenly breathed. His curious gaze flew from Legolas to Arwen, something mystified flowing like mist through his pale orbs. "... if there are any feats you elves have not mastered? We are taught from a young age of the fairness and wisdom of the ancient elves, and all those who come across your realms say that you are well-skilled in any feat you choose."

"It's true," Frodo nodded. "I once asked Bilbo if he could name anything negative about the elves he had come across upon his journeys, for he always seemed to have something to say about the dwarves. But he could not."

Gimli harrumphed loudly at that, turned his back to them all and stomped over to a grand root further away. He roughly sat down upon it, still turned from them.

Frodo offered the others an apologetic smile. "That is, nothing except that they were very unkind to the dwarves."

"Which brings me back to my question," Pippin said and turned back to the two elves in the fellowship. "I watched the elves in Rivendell, as I've watched the elves here in this fair city, and I cannot find any flaw of those who here dwell. Is there something you cannot do?"

Legolas and Arwen exchanged a glance and neither quite knew what to say. At length, Legolas turned back to the hobbit and meekly offered, "Both Arwen and I are thousands years old, we've had the advantage of time to learn many things."

"... Arwen cannot whistle," Aragorn chipped in from the sideline. As the others turned to him, the ranger kept his focus upon the pipe in his hands and upon the lighting of the same. At length, he turned back to the others and upon seeing their attention upon him, Aragorn merely shrugged.

"I can whistle!" Legolas said.

Arwen turned back to Pippin. "I am certain Aragorn can think of more things I do not master."

"Oh, yes," Aragorn said. Wide-eyed, Arwen slowly turned to gaze down at Aragorn. The ranger smiled a dazzling smile in response and winked up at her. She suppressed a grin as she turned away before her emotions betrayed her.

"I assure you, Pippin," Aragorn said as he rose from the ground. He took a puff from his pipe and slowly exhaled the smoke that swirled upwards in ringlets. "Not all elves are as collected and stoic as the stories will have you believe."

"I do not know what you're talking about," Arwen said as she glanced up at Aragorn from beneath heavy lashes. Aragorn's lips curved up into a grin around the mouthpiece.

"Well, can you name anything else, Strider?" Pippin inquired.

"I will gladly tell you all about it, Peregrin, but it will have to wait until tonight. I have already lingered in this great company too long," Aragorn said. "There is something I must do. I take my leave of all of you and will not return 'til tonight."

With those words, Aragorn walked off and Merry turned his confused eyes to the others. "Where is he going?"

"I believe he is going to ask a favor of the elves. He mentioned something of it this morning," Boromir said. All eyes turned to him, and the man shrugged. "That is all I know."

"Tell me, Arwen..." Merry began and spun back towards the elf. "Do you have any more of that drink we tasted earlier?"

The fellowship did not see Aragorn for many hours, indeed the sun was setting when he finally returned and told the others the time had come for their meeting with the Lord and Lady of Light. Together, the nine moved up the winding stairs to the illuminated court they had seen the day before.

Celeborn and Galadriel were already there waiting for them. The fair-haired lord wasted no time as he spoke up, his voice both sweet and rough at once, "The time has come for those who wish to journey forth on your quest. When you set out from Rivendell you were told you could stop at any time, and that promise still holds. If no one wishes to journey further then you may remain in our lands or return home."

Galadriel looked at them all and her eyes rested on her granddaughter a second longer before she turned to Frodo. The young hobbit smiled up at her and bowed his head. The talk they had shared in the night still echoed in his head. With a fleeting smile, Galadriel turned back to her husband. "They have all decided to continue forward on their quest. None shall remain behind."

"Then I must inform you that the enemy is moving fast across the lands," Celeborn continued, his words a clear warning to them all. "Danger will only increase as you come closer to your goal. Indeed, you will find no safe shelter between here and Mordor."

Pippin glanced up at Legolas by his side and whispered, "So much for keeping my hope up..."

Celeborn turned to Boromir and said, "I am sorry to be the bringer of ill news, Boromir, son of Denethor. Reports have reached us that the city of Osgiliath has fallen to ruins at the hands of the orcs, a small band of soldiers remain to defend it but they have little chance of success."

"Faramir!" Boromir breathed as panic spread through his entire being. "When I left we had just managed to push back those blasted creatures. This is sad news, indeed. I am sorry to hear my brother could not hold them back." The Gondorian turned to face his leader and friend. His pale gaze was left bare for the world to see his distress, which seemed to tremble through his soul. "Aragorn... by any and all means that I am capable, I must help my brother. If you will grant me, I will follow you to the borders of Gondor, but there I must turn to my home. To help my people step back from the abyss. I cannot let my brother fail..."

Aragorn clasped the man's shoulder in reassurance. Soothingly, he assured, "Of course. You must do what is right by your heart."

"Let it be known," Celeborn began and exchanged a look with his wife, "you do not have to go alone, son of Gondor. If anyone else in your fellowship wish it, they may also fight back the evils in Gondor instead of entering Mordor. I sense in some of you uncertainty about the future. I know this is an unforeseen option and a new, difficult choice. It must not be made today. But whatever path you choose to travel, do not falter from it now."

Aragorn stepped forward and opened his mouth to speak, but the elf lord beat him to it. "I know the question on your mind, Aragorn. The safest and swiftest road for you now is by the river. Three boats shall be prepared for your departure tomorrow, if you will accept it."

The ranger felt some needed relief enter his mind and bowed low. "Hannon le. It will be most appreciated." (Thank you)

Galadriel then spoke with a voice so serene it managed to calm the fellowship once more, "Now, return to your beds, for the hour is late. Sleep well. Tomorrow we shall say farewell, but not tonight." A small smile played at the corner of her lips as she turned to Aragorn. "And who knows, perhaps your chosen path is already laid before your feet..."

With the dawn of the new day, the fears and anxieties which had haunted the fellowship earlier slowly crept back into their spines. It was not helped by the fact that all their belongings had vanished from their small clearing when they awoke in the morning. As they searched for them, Haldir suddenly appeared.

The elf captain bowed to them and managed a tight smile. "I have come to guide you to the river and your boats. Do not be worried, your belongings have already been moved to the boats."

The fellowship followed Haldir as he led them out of the city and further into the woods. About an hour later they reached the mighty river among the autumn colored leaves. In the river by the bank, three elven boats lay anchored and elves were loading the fellowship's belongings and some elvish food into the cargo. Haldir led the fellowship to a clearing near by, where Galadriel and Celeborn waited.

"Before you depart, we have a few gifts for you," the Lady spoke and stepped aside so that nine elves could step forward with large, green cloaks. The elves hung the cloaks over the fellowship's shoulders. The fabric was surprisingly light and shifted to whatever color of the background it was held in front of.

Galadriel then stepped forward. "Now I have one personal gift to each of you."

She first stepped in front of Boromir and handed him a gilded belt, "Let this belt hold a heroic sword of Gondor, and do not forget the light it shall give you in your darkest days."

Then she moved to Merry and Pippin and handed them each a silvery belt, and a warning, "Let these belts contain your small swords, for as long as your swords are returned safely to these belts you will not lose them. Be sure to keep your swords at close hands, Meriadoc and Peregrin, and remember that strength will come from your own hope."

Then she moved to Legolas and gave him a bow of finest elven design, "Your aim is the most excellent, Legolas, son of Thranduil. With this bow you will not miss your intended target."

He bowed his head in awe and Galadriel then walked over to Gimli and asked him what she could give him. The dwarf hesitated but then leaned in close to whisper his request to her. She smiled down at him before nodding, she moved her hand and cut off three strands of hair from her head and gave them to him.

"Do not forget the kindness of others," she said to the speechless dwarf. "Perhaps the friendship of dwarves and elves, which has been so strained for many years, will now be restored."

She glanced back at Legolas and then nodded to Gimli before moving to Arwen. The Lady paused before raising her hand to her grandchild's cheek.

"To you, I give one of the finest daggers produced in our lands," Arwen took the dagger from Galadriel's outstretched hands. "You will need it, Arwen, before the end."

Galadriel then moved to stand before Sam and handed him a tiny box. "To you, dear Gardener, I give this. It is no mere trinket. Within is earth from my own garden. It will not help you against the dangers you are about to face, but perhaps one day, when you have returned home, you will use it to spread the hope this world needs more of."

Sam glanced at the dagger in Arwen's hand and seemed almost disappointed by his own gift, but he still held it close to him and smiled genuinely at Galadriel. The elf lady smiled and then moved to Aragorn. The ranger had just fastened the green brooch upon his cloak and looked up at the elven lady.

Galadriel moved her hand to the stone, "You have received what you were meant to get." Her hand then traveled to touch the Evenstar. "And you already bear the greatest of gifts. I have no other gift for you, Aragorn, but a warning to be watchful of every corner. The day is soon upon us when you must choose your path and either rise or fall with your people. I also ask of you to trust in your heart, Elessar, for you will need to in the dark days that lie ahead."

The ranger smiled up at the fair elf and she moved to the last member of the fellowship. Frodo looked up at her and returned the smile. He would miss Galadriel and her words of wisdom. Though she had given him a glimpse of what the Ring could have done to her, and it had frightened him, she had also been the only one to understand him, being a Ringbearer as he was.

"You, Frodo Baggins, our fellowship's Ringbearer, I have saved for last. And I give you the most precious of gifts," she handed him a vial that shimmered with a clear, bright light. "The light of our most beloved star, Eärendil. May it lighten your dark path."

When she has done, Galadriel stepped back to her husband and took his hand in hers. Together they watched the fellowship before them and the lord spoke, "Now has come the time of our farewell... Namarië. May you have a safe journey on the river Anduin."

The nine of the fellowship bowed and expressed their gratitude of the days of peace they had shared in Lothlórien. When they were done, one by one they all walked towards the boats. As Aragorn walked up to say his farewell of Celeborn, the elf lord stopped him with a gentle hand on his elbow. The elf led the ranger aside to keep their conversation private. He handed the man a sheathed dagger. Aragorn looked down at it and nodded in understanding as he stuffed it into his belt.

"Aragorn, as their leader you must know the dangers you are about to face. By the falls of Rauros, you will have to make your choice, to stop at the western or eastern bank. It will be your choice, Aragorn, but you must understand that neither is safe. You are put at great risk already, for strange Orcs bearing the white mark of Saruman, have been seen not far from our own land. Le aphadar aen." (You are being followed.)

"Thank you, Celeborn. I will remember your advice when the time calls for it," Aragorn promised grimly.

As the ranger turned to walk away, Celeborn called him back with a strained plea, "I have but one more thing to ask of your already burdened mind, Elessar."

"Anything, my lord."

"Take care of our Arwen. Where you will go, we can no longer look after her and protect her. Lord Elrond and myself are counting on you to keep her out of harms way."

And so the three boats bearing the fellowship set off. In the first sat Frodo and Sam, and Aragorn who rowed. In the second Boromir rowed, with Merry and Pippin in front of him. And lastly, in the third boat, sat Arwen, Gimli and Legolas, the latter equipped with the oar in his strong hands.

On land, the magnificent elves of Lothlorien watched them as they went down the river. There was a seldom felt melancholy in the air that seemed to engulf them all. The joy that had been shared within the realms of the elves had passed and seemed nothing more than a distant memory to the fellowship. Now, their thoughts were all on what lay ahead and none could hide their worries and fears.

Arwen turned to watch her grandfather on the banks. Celeborn smiled and warmth radiated from his strong figure. Arwen raised her hand in a sign of farewell and he returned the sad gesture. Further down stood Galadriel, and the Lady of Light smiled at each of them as they passed her on the river. Arwen gazed between her grandparents, trying to paint their faces into her memory as to last her through tough days ahead.

With a sigh, Arwen turned her gaze away from her kin and watched the river bend ahead. She felt hot tears burn behind her eyes and she closed them tight. Deep inside of her, she felt an indescribable feeling that this would prove to be her last journey.

"Do not fear, my lady," Gimli reassured soothingly as he glanced at the elf behind him in the boat. "You will be reunited with your family again some day, when this is all over."

"Oh, Gimli," Arwen breathed. "I am not sure I will."

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