January 17 3019

At noon Haldir received word from Galadriel, he was to remove all of our blindfoldes, even Gimli's. We were then informed that the Lady Galadriel wished to see us.

This honestly petrified me.

I was going to see Galadriel, Galadriel lady of the golden woods and most powerful elf of this age.

We came at last upon a high clearing and saw before us a fountain shimmering. It was lit by silver lights that hung from the boughs of trees, and shone in a basin of silver, from which a stream spilled. Upon the south side of the clearing stood the mightiest tree I had ever beheld. Its bark shone as grey silk, and up it towered until its first branches opened their huge limbs under shadowy clouds of leaves. Beside this tree was a broad white ladder, and at its top sat three elves sat. Upon our arrival they sprang up and came forth to greet us. We climbed the ladder and beheld Celeborn and Galadriel. Vey tall they were and they were both grave and beautiful. They were both clad wholly in white: and the hair of the lady was of a deep gold, the hair of the Lord was of silver, both were long and bright. Neither had any sign of age on them so that you could not tell whether they were old or young-unless you peered into their deep eyes. Their eyes seemed to me to be pools of wisdom and memory.

We approached the elves and the lady said naught, but Lord Celeborn greeted us each by name.

"Here are eight, but nine there were. Tell me, where is Gandalf the grey?"

At this question the Fellowship remained quite, Aragorn looked up to answer.

"Alas! Gandalf the grey fell into shadow. He remained in Moria and did not escape." At his words all the elves in the hall cried out in grief and I felt my heart join in their despairing cries.

Then Aragorn told the full tale of our travels and what had transpired. I felt my heart break once again at the sorrow that overwhelmed me.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. Those that followed him knew no his mind and cannot report his full purpose. But however it may be with the guide, the followers are blameless." Lady Galadriel's musical voice washed over me and I felt a little lighter.

"I it was who first summoned the White Council. And if my designs had not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey, and then mayhap things would have gone otherwise. But even now there is hope left. I will not give you counsel, saying do this, or do that. For not in doing or contriving, nor in choosing between this course and another, can I avail; but only in knowing what was and is, and in part also what shall be. But this I will say to you: your Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true.' And with that word she held each of uswith her eyes, and in silence looked searchingly at each of us in turn. None save Legolas and Aragorn could long endure her glance. Sam quickly blushed and hung his head. When she looked at me I was shocked to here her voice, in my head. She spoke to me of Gondor, and my father. She asked me what I would do if I could return to Gondor with honor. If upon my return I was beheld as greater than my brother and was beloved by father.

I felt a tear slip down my cheek at the thought. I knew she was testing me and I was greatly ashamed to admit that if I knew my father would love me I might abandon this quest.

At length the Lady Galadriel released us from her eyes, and she smiled. `Do not let your hearts be troubled,' she said. 'Tonight you shall sleep in peace.' Then I realized how truly weary, I was. `Go now!' said Celeborn. `You are worn with sorrow and much toil. Even if your Quest did not concern us closely, you should have refuge in this City, until you were healed and refreshed. Now you shall rest, and we will not speak of your further road for a while.'

That night we slept on the ground beneath the trees-and I must admit that I found no peace. I could hear the hobbits gentle snores as they enjoyed a much needed rest. Gimli lay by them with his great axe beside him, a look of peace on his face. Legolas had wandered off to speak with Haldir and I sat alone and awake.

Despite my great weariness I could not sleep. I felt tears fall unhindered from my grey eyes as I beheld the beauty of Lothlorien. So much had happened to me on this quest. I had found friends truer than any, I had found the answers to my questions, I had found my king. Yet, I was troubled. Earlier after I had reflected on what Galadriel had tempted me with. I was so ashamed at how easily she had read in me what I had tried so greatly to hide. She had found my greatest weakness, my father. All I have ever wanted is to be loved by my father. Yet his love has always been denied me and given in abundance to my dear brother.

I felt so unworthy of this fellowship. I doubt anyone else had such thoughts as I did. I truly did not deserve to travel with such great men.

"Faramir, you should take some rest. These borders are well-protected." I looked up from my seat and beheld Aragorn. His raven hair seemed to glow in the ethereal light that shone from the woods of Lothlorien. And he appeared to me to be the very reincarnation of the kings of old

"I fear I shall find no rest here, my Lord." I lowered my head and looked at the ground. I was unworthy to be in this mans presences let alone speak to him. I heard Aragorn lower himself beside me. He raised his arm and laid it on my shoulder. It is odd how his hands are always warm, their very touch can sooth.

"Faramir, what is it that troubles you?"

I spoke so quietly that I could barely hear my own words. " I heard her voice in my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me "Even now there is hope left." But I cannot seem to see it. It is long since we had any hope. My father is a noble man, but he is also hard. Our people lose faith in him daily. He looks to my brother to make things right and I know he will do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored, but She also told me that.." My voice faltered and I felt more tears fall from my eyes.

I gasped when I suddenly felt Aragorn grasp me in an embrace.

"Faramir, we will see the glory of Gondor restored! I will not let its glory fade, not while I yet draw breathe. I would see its glory returned with you by my side."

His words made me shake so unworthy did I feel.

"Faramir, Faramir, tell me what burdens you so!" I heard Aragorn's worried voice wash over me as he grasped me tighter. I felt myself weep all the harder as he held my head to his shoulder. After a moment I managed to compose myself. I slowly pulled back and looked at the ground.

"I fear I would leave the fellowship for my fathers love. I fear I would fall to her temptation. I am bereft of all honor and should be beaten for such treachery!"

Faramir," Aragorn spoke as he gently lifted my chin. "I would not dwell on the ladies words, she knows your heart, and she would not have let you pass should she think you a danger. Faramir, in all my life I have never met one as noble and loyal as you. You have become the brother I always wished for but was denied." I looked in shock as I saw tears fall down his noble face. "Faramir, you are far more honorable than I. You are apart of this mission because of the love you bear for your brother. You took his place even though it may mean your own death."

"But what if I fail? What if I fall to the ring?"

"Then you will be human my brother. I do not fear that you shall have such a fate though, for the ring has less pull on you than any mortal man I have ever beheld! Do not fear Faramir, in this hour I truly believe all we hope for shall be accomplished!" As Aragorn spoke his eyes became distant and he gazed toward the east with a look of longing.

"Have you ever seen it Aragorn? The White tower of Ecthelion, glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"

" I have seen the White City, long ago. My heart ever dwells with it and its people."

I leaned over and grasped his arm "One day, our paths will lead us there. And the tower guards shall take up the call: "The Lords of Gondor have returned!"

He looked at me with his grey eyes and nodded his head. We leaned back against the tree and a few minutes later I was asleep.