Chapter 11

Off We Go Again

Three weeks they stayed in Lothlórien. Most of the time, the Fellowship would tell stories and all. Not much but it was worth their stay. Throughout the days, Aragorn and Boromir contemplated about going to Minas Tirith or follow the river. Boromir, as he was a man of Gondor, wanted the Fellowship to take that path. Yet Aragorn said not, still choosing the way of the river. The Halflings remained cheerful while their vacation lasted.

Haldir, Orophin and Rúmil escorted the other Galadhrim warriors who were tasked to bring back boats for the Fellowship. Their Company decided to take the river, and under Lady Galadriel's supervision, they were given boats. The Lady herself sat in one of the boats, smiling at Frodo as she arrived. In the docks the Fellowship waited, along with Arestel, Lord Celeborn and the Galadhrim. The Fellowship lined up: starting from Boromir up to Gimli. Arestel watched them, half-spirited and half-crestfallen. Lady Galadriel took out the Gifts she and Celeborn prepared for the Fellowship.

For Boromir: a solid gold belt crafted in Lórien.

For Gimli: three strands of Galadriel's golden hair.

For Legolas: Bow of the Galadhrim and arrows, crafted in Lórien also.

For Aragorn: an Elven scabbard.

For Merry and Pippin: a silver belt with golden flower-shaped clasp.

For Samwise: earth from Galadriel's orchard and a Mallorn seed.

And for Frodo: the Light of Eärendil, a small crystal bottle of liquid.

"Thank you, my Lady," bowed the members of the Fellowship.

"Have a safe journey," Galadriel smiled. "You have our blessings."

"Go forth, and may you accomplish what you are after," Celeborn added.

Everyone turned around to prepare their boats. Merry and Pippin already settled themselves on the boat; the latter helped himself by eating lembas. Gimli struggled on his boat, fear of being thrown over. Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas prepared their things and stuffed them away equally on their boats. Arestel only watched them and sighed deeply. Celeborn heard her.

"What's wrong, Estel?" the Lord asked.

Arestel shook her head. "Are you sure I can't go with them?" Her voice echoed with sadness which made Celeborn feel almost as bad as hers. But it was decided.

"I'm afraid not," Celeborn calmly said. "Dangerous is the path they are taking. Also, we need you here." He tried to smile and then patted her shoulder.

She sighed again. "What am I needed for? Errands? Laundry?"

Celeborn laughed heartily. This granddaughter of his always entertained him, the very reason why he wanted her to stay.

"No, Estel," the Lord shook his head lightly. "Lady Galadriel and I have decided that you stay here. You asked for your father's permission to go to Lórien. Now that you're here, you will stay. I mean it, Estel."

Lord Celeborn was starting to sound like Elrond. Arestel sighed again. He already left her on her own as she continued to watch Aragorn run to and fro. She groaned and lazily went behind a tree to sulk. She crossed her arms and huffed, glaring at the river in front of her. She was itching to come with them, have fun and disembowel Orcs. But no. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had to force her to stay put, and be a good little girl. Arestel huffed again and felt an urge to punch someone due to her seething annoyance. However, could she blame her grandparents? Surely they would only want what was best for her: safety. If Elrond and her brothers were there, they could just tie her up or knock her out to stop her from going.

Realization dawned to her. If she forced her way into the Fellowship, they could probably change their minds. She smirked at her genius. Turning around the large branch of a mallorn tree, Arestel bumped into the chest of someone with a familiar sweet scent.

"Ow," she mumbled as she clutched her nose. "I think you broke my nose."

Legolas laughed. "Forgive me, Estel, it was not my intention," he said through stifled laughs. Was Legolas really laughing at her?

"Knock it off," Arestel mumbled again. "What do you want?"

"We're leaving now."

"You're… what?!" Arestel suddenly forgot the little pain in her nose. "Like right now? Or… after I convince Lady Galadriel?"

"What?" Legolas huffed. "You cannot come with us."

"Oh, yes I can."

"You can't."

"Why not?"

"It's dangerous."

"Then, why are you coming?"

Legolas decided to stop. Arguing with her would be pointless, terribly pointless. He let out a heavy sigh and became serious. "We're leaving and the others are already waiting for me," he said with a low voice. "I just thought I'd say goodbye to you."

Arestel frowned. "I am still coming."

Legolas growled. "No, Estel! Can't you listen to your superiors just this once?"

The tone of his voice surprised her. Arestel could mock Legolas every now and then, but he never lost his composure, until now. She fell silent and waited for his next words. He knew how much his raised voice shook her and he instantly felt regret.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "We just want you safe, that's all."

Silence.

And then Legolas, hearing that Aragorn was almost done packaging, sighed. He took a deep breath and leaned in to her. Arestel felt him move and looked up to him. It was happening again, that time in Mirkwood when Legolas tried to get closer. Indeed he was getting closer; his hand slowly lifted up her chin. Arestel held her breath as her heart raced. A few more inches and their lips would touch. When things were about to get better, Arestel cleared her throat.

Legolas flinched and pulled away. He avoided her gaze and tried to reason out with her. Arestel noticed how much disappointed and sad he looked. She felt guilty. His usual cheery expression turned into a sour one that even King Thranduil wouldn't want to see. Legolas' eyebrows furrowed in disappointment.

"I have to go," he whispered and turned around to leave.

Arestel watched him leave and tried to raise a hand to stop him. But Legolas was walking away so fast. She growled and clutched her accursed skirt to run after him.

"Legolas!" Arestel called out.

Turning around, Legolas was caught off guard when her lips were suddenly pressed into his. It was an impulsive, longing kiss filled with worry and sincerity.

"Be careful."

All of a sudden, her voice was soft and caring. Legolas smiled and cupped her cheek, and then leaned in for another kiss. This one was more passionate, and she pressed against him. Their bodies touched, and it felt like they have been this way for many years. Arestel forgot the pain of losing her loved ones; she just gained another one. His hands were settled on her waist, clearly pulling her closer.

Aragorn was about to call out for Legolas when he saw them both. The man smiled to himself and walked away.

Finally, the kiss was broken.

"I'll see you soon," Arestel whispered.

"Real soon." Legolas smiled and kissed her hands.

Arestel cleared her throat again and gestured for him to leave. "They're waiting for you," she said. Legolas turned to look behind him; everyone was settled on their boats. He sighed deeply and looked at her.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," he whispered.

"Sure, you will," Arestel laughed, trying to lighten up the atmosphere.

Again, Legolas turned behind him. Aragorn met his gaze and from what the Elf Prince could see, the man was completely becoming impatient. Legolas understood their situation; no matter how understanding Aragorn could be, their cause was still a far more important subject that his romance with Arestel. He sighed and looked at her with a reluctant look. He didn't want to leave but at the same time, he wanted to help. As if reading his thoughts, Arestel smiled.

"Go ahead. I'll be fine as long as I stay here." Her reassuring voice came.

Nodding, Legolas waved her goodbye. Arestel watched him, being sad and jealous at the same time. No matter how much someone would convince her, she still wanted to take part in the Fellowship. She then went beside her grandfather to bid farewell to them. As they leave, Arestel saw Lord Celeborn turn to her, giving her the warmest smile possible.

"I'm glad you decided to stay here," Lord Celeborn whispered and then patted her silver hair.

Arestel faked a smile, not wanting to disappoint the Lord. She waited until he left and she went off to wander into the Galadhrim's quarters. Orophin welcomed her.

"'Quel re," greeted Orophin. He assisted her into successfully climbing the platform on which their quarters sat. (Good day)

Arestel spent the rest of her day with Orophin and Rúmil; their brother Haldir was busy patrolling the forest and the other two were tasked on staying behind. The brothers provided her comfort for the grief she was feeling throughout the day, and helped her forget her desire for only just a day.

The next morning after the Fellowship's departure, Arestel was awoken by a slight nudge on her shoulder. She groaned and covered her face. She heard someone chuckle in amusement. Removing the blanket off her face, she saw Lord Celeborn smiling down to her. She immediately sat up and yawned.

"Is breakfast ready?"

Celeborn chuckled again and sat on the edge of her bed. "Yes, it is, Estel. But I thought something would perk your interest more than just breakfast."

By then, Arestel started to comb her hair with her hands. Her brow rose, and by what Celeborn had predicted, in interest. "Really? Pray tell me, Adar, what thing is more important than breakfast?"

The Lord flashed a smug-looking smile. "Gareth's back, and with him, came Mithrandir."

"GANDALF?!" Arestel jerked up from her bed and ran all the way down the chamber. Celeborn chuckled one more time as he stood up and started to fix up the bed Arestel had so much abandoned.

The daughter of Elrond had never acted so fast in her 500 years of life. Arestel didn't even bother to change her nightgown. She simply put on her light shoes, grabbed an apple from the kitchen to serve as her quick breakfast, passed some of the Nandor and rushed to where Gareth and Gandalf were. She went so far as to meet some Galadhrim on the way; most of them couldn't understand their Lady's sudden outburst. Finally, she reached Cerin Amroth where Gandalf was supposed to be.

When she arrived, Lady Galadriel turned to her and smiled. Arestel was still panting as she walked towards the Lady with an inquiring look. Her dark eyes scanned the area for Gandalf; he was not there. Was Lord Celeborn been playing tricks on her? No, he wouldn't. The Lord wasn't as mischievous as her and the brothers. But still, Arestel looked around. She growled in frustration when the Grey Wizard she was looking for didn't come into view. She then turned to Galadriel, whose golden hair swayed when a gust of wind came from the East. The superior Lady smiled warmly and placed a hand on Arestel's shoulder.

You seek one Mithrandir, the Grey Wizard, Galadriel's voice echoed in her mind. He is here, and yet, not. You seek not the Grey Wizard, but the White.

Arestel narrowed her eyes. She couldn't understand what kind of riddle Lady Galadriel was giving her. To answer that question, a white figure clouded her peripheral vision. Arestel turned to it and gasped. It was Gandalf, alive and well. In an instant, Arestel ran over to embrace her good friend. Gandalf smiled and patted her hair and back. Galadriel approached them with a smile.

"You're back! And you've changed…" Arestel murmured when she finally released Gandalf. He was clothed in white raiment; everything was white in Gandalf. Now she understood what Galadriel was telling her. Gandalf returned, not as the Grey Wizard everyone once knew, but a White Wizard like Saruman. "But how?"

Gandalf smiled. "It is a long tale, Celeb-vuil. Come with me, I will tell you everything. But it can wait. You need to fix yourself first."

She blinked and then realized that she was still a mess. Her hair was tangled and all; her nightgown was lined with soil. Galadriel turned to the younger elf.

"Will you not fix yourself first, Estel?"

She shook her head. "That can wait." She immediately went beside Gandalf and followed him around. Galadriel kept silent to herself as she watched the two lifelong friends share a walk.

"What happened, Gandalf? I thought we'd lost you forever!" Arestel exclaimed in a voice full of worry.

"Everything is back to the way it is," Gandalf commented. "I cannot stay here too long, though. I have heard news from Lord Celeborn that the Fellowship departed yesterday." His face suddenly became displeased.

"They sure did," came her voice again. There was a smile on her face that hadn't left ever since Gandalf came back. It amused the wizard greatly. "What do you plan on doing now?"

Deep inside her, Arestel was still hoping that she could find a decent reason to join the Fellowship. Maybe it was Gandalf who could help her.

"I will go after them," said Gandalf, turning to look down to her. "I'm afraid it would be too hard to track them now."

Arestel smirked. "Gareth and I can help."

The wizard smiled but shook his head. "No, thank you, Celeb-vuil. Gareth has helped me more than he should."

"What do you mean?"

"Gareth found me on the peak of Celebdil, in midst of my battle with the Balrog," Gandalf began to narrate his story. "As I lie there, almost lifeless, his burning gaze looks down upon me. He stoops down to carry me away from the place and it took us a few days to get through the Mountains. It is revealed by Lady Galadriel that she herself sent Gareth to look for me."

"So, that's why Gareth wasn't around…" Arestel murmured to herself. "Will you let me come with you, Gandalf?" She looked up to him with obvious pleading eyes.

"I am sorry, Celeb-vuil, but the Fellowship's business is our own," Gandalf replied as he refused to meet her gaze. Knowing Arestel, she wouldn't let this pass.

She furiously stopped walking and tried to keep her calm. Gandalf closed his eyes, readying himself to another heated argument with the younger one.

"That's not what you told me 80 years ago," Arestel said sternly.

Ah, yes. Remember? She was a member of Thorin's Company eighty years ago. Gandalf himself recruited her, thinking that an elf companion would ease the tension between Dwarves and Elves. Thanks to Arestel's natural friendly nature and childlike disposition, she was able to mend the bond between some Elves and Dwarves, particularly that of the Dwarves of Erebor and Elves of Mirkwood.

"Last time, you said the same thing: it is a dangerous journey. But here I am, safe and sound. And I want to come again. Why won't you let me? Why won't anyone let me come?!"

She walked in front of Gandalf, looking up to him in frustration. The wizard sighed. "Estel, this isn't Thorin's Company. This is not another Quest to Erebor. We are not going to reclaim a kingdom or fight a dragon. This is Sauron! This is the Dark Lord! He is more dangerous than Smaug and by avoiding this conflict will keep you safe… well, safer! Please, listen, Estel."

Gandalf was obviously losing his temper. But to this girl, whom he'd watched as she grew throughout the years, he kept his composure and tried to sound as gentle as possible. He wanted to explain everything why she shouldn't come, but Arestel had a very thick skull that even a Balrog couldn't penetrate.

Slowly, Arestel took a few steps backwards. She refrained herself from crying and bit her bottom lip instead. Gandalf held his breath as Arestel ran away from him with a heavy heart.

Once again, she was rejected.

Notes:

Del is Arestel's nickname for Glorfindel. He was called as such ever since Arestel was still but a young elf. For more information about this, see An Unexpected Adventure.

Thank you for reading! Hoped you liked it!