SailorStar9: That was Chapter 8. This is Chapter 9. Remember boys and girls, reviews are an author's subsistence. So, please be a dear and read and review. And is it so difficult for you guys to review instead of just putting this fic up in your favorites and alerts?
Disclaimers: I own nothing, not even the plot nor the fan-idea. Heck, not even the pairing is mine!
Chapter 9: Loth-lórien
Exiting Moria, the Fellowship now had the time to grieve the fallen wizard; Boromir restraining the raging Gimli, Merry consoling the crying Pippin, Legolas wearing shock and disbelief, Sam sitting on the ground, his head bowed and started weeping.
"Legolas, get them up." Aragorn instructed, cleaning his sword and sheathing it.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" Boromir argued.
"By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with Orcs!" Aragorn stated. "We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up. On your feet Sam." He pulled Sam up. "Frodo?" he looked around for the Ringbearer. "Frodo!"
The said Hobbit was by the hillside, standing behind Athene and Hecate. Weeping silently, he turned to Aragorn, a single tear running down his chin.
"Farewell, Gandalf." Athene whispered, tossing a crystalized flower down the hill.
With Aragorn leading them, the remaining Fellowship travelled over the dale of icy blue water. Running up onto a rock, Aragorn looked past the mountains to the greengold woods beyond.
The group next jogged across a grassy field, stopping before the leaves of a forest of tall trees.
"Stay close, young Hobbits." Gimli cautioned as they entered the forest. They say a great sorceress lives in these woods. An Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell. Well, here's one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily." He declared. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!" his boast was cut short when he found an arrow poised in his face. Seconds later, other bows were also aimed at the Fellowship; Legolas had his own bow out.
"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Haldir remarked, stepping out.
"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." Haldir greeted his fellow Elf, the group now standing on a platform in the rustling foliage.
"Govannas vîn gwennen le, Haldir o Lórien." Legolas returned the greeting.
"A, Aragorn in Dúnedain istannen le ammen." Haldir turned to Aragorn.
"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves!" Gimli retorted. "Speak words we can also understand!"
"We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days." Haldir stated.
"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Gimli snapped. "Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"
"Gimli!" Athene shot a warning look at the Dwarf. "That was not polite."
"You bring great evil with you." Haldir noted, seeing Frodo. "You can go no further." He looked at Aragorn.
"Boe ammen veriad lîn." Aragorn argued, trying to plea with Haldir. "Andelu i ven! Merin le telim." He added, after Haldir whispered something inaudible to him. "Henio, aníron boe ammen i dulu lîn!" he implored after Haldir answered him quietly. "Andelu i ven." He insisted.
"Gandalf's death was not in vain… nor would he have you give up hope." Athene counselled, noticing the looks everyone else was giving Frodo. "You carry a heavy burden, Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead." She took him into a comforting hug.
"You will follow me." Haldir declared, after Aragorn convinced him, the Elf looking less than happy.
A caravan of Elves led the Fellowship along a ridge, through the golden woods. Boromir gave Frodo a glance from behind.
The group then exited to the end of the high ridge and looked out; a great glade of trees rising above them.
"Caras Galadhon…" Haldir declared. "The heart of Elvendom on Earth. Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."
SailorStar9: Now that's done. Read and review folks.