Good day, readers! My name is MisticLight and I shall be your author this evening/afternoon/morning/night. Before this adventure takes flight, we here at this secret establishment would like to inform you that the game Lego: Lord of the Rings was released last week and I have played all the levels. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the adventure you have chosen to partake in is written by one crazy person.

I assure you that you readers are all appreciated and thought of in the highest regard. So at the end of the adventure, feel free to give your feedback in the comment box provided below. If you especially enjoyed your visit, do not hesitate to write "Luinil" in your review. Until then, Happy Reading!

~MisticLight

P.S. Yeah, I have no idea why I did that xD Just wanted something different. So the Author's Challenge is written above (you'll learn what "Luinil" is by the end of this chapter), and sorry this took a bit longer to post. Some personal issues unexpectedly came up.

~.~.~.~.

Well I had certainly made my decision to join just in time because the Fellowship planned on leaving the following morning. None of them outwardly said anything, nor were they forced from Caras Galadhon; there was just a silent agreement internally made. So when I awoke early that day, presumably for the last time in the flet of my parents, I sensed the need to prepare for the upcoming journey.

Traveling light was essential. None of the travelers carried much with them, and so I would do the same.

Weapons. My longbow and accompanying white-feathered arrows was a must! It was my greatest trade, and I considered myself among the best within the marchwardens. Not that I was bragging or anything. I just had yet to be proven otherwise. Besides my bow, it would be wise to bring my two-handed sword as well. This single sword has been a friend of mine upon many occasions when close range combat was needed. Additionally adding a small dagger wouldn't hurt much either.

These dear weapons of mine I fastened atop my new traveling attire. They were not the same grey cloaks of the marchwardens, I had casted thatdraped uniform away. I exchanged them for something more fitted and easier to move around in, where surprising my enemies would be easy on any terrain. In all reality, I was actually quite content with my new wardrobe. But as I stood beside the Fellowship along the river Silverlode later that morning, a certain Dwarf saw things a bit differently.

He took one look at me, a side glance at Legolas, then back at me and grumbled, "Elves. They all dress alike."

"We do not," I immediately snapped back. To better prove my point, I stepped aside to compare the costume of myself and the Elf. Except, to my greatest horror, the Dwarf was correct; what Legolas and I wore was in fact quite similar. The only difference between us, besides my jerkin being longer, was our colors. Where his attire reflected Mirkwood with dark shades of green and brown, mine bore Lórien through soft hues of purple and grey. Although Gimli was actually correct, I refused to take back my statement and surrender to his claim.

"We have different colors," I rationalized, to which the Dwarf raised a brow. "And…" my eyes darted to Legolas, locking onto the pattern stitched into his jerkin. "The designs! I have leaves with curled vines within the darker portion of my jerkin, whereas Legolas has a waved shape."

Gimli stared at me a long moment before shaking his head and muttering "Elleths" as he walked away. Not being the least bit thrilled with this comment, I instantly charged after the Dwarf, but was stopped by a sudden hand on my shoulder.

"Arguing will lead you nowhere, Nia," Legolas softly smiled once our eyes met. "Come, assist me with loading our new supplies into the boats and allow Gimli's statement to be forgotten."

"You have become far too attached to that Dwarf for me to take your words seriously," I cried, pushing his hand away but complying with his recommendation nonetheless.

The Lord and Lady had arrived at the shores the same moment I reached the river's edge. They floated to land in separate boats shaped as swans, with another grey boat in tow. This smaller vessel was stocked with supplies for the Fellowship: leather pouches to carry water, numerous packs of food, and rolled blankets were just some of the provisions given to us. Each item was individually unloaded by some Elves accompanying the Lord and Lady, and arranged before three light grey boats that had also been given to the Fellowship.

It then became our task to load the supplies into the boats. At least this was what Aragorn instructed the Fellowship to do before he and Lord Celeborn disappeared into the woods by means of speaking privately.

Of the eight of us remaining, only Boromir, Legolas, and I were actually being productive. I had no inkling as to where Frodo, Sam, or Gimli went off to, but Merry and Pippin were close by. They simply sat in one of the boats, watching with amusement as Legolas and I loaded supplies into their boat. At one point I became so annoyed with their inactivity that I purposely unraveled one of the blankets and threw it at them with instructions to retie it. Merry eagerly jumped at the opportunity, but Pippin didn't even flinch. I huffed at the young Hobbit before continuing on with my duties.

The simple act of securing and loading provisions quickly became more difficult for me because a daunting thought swept through my mind: Haldir, Rúmil, and Orophin don't even know of my leaving… am I to depart from them without a final farewell?

This thought, for obvious reasons, saddened me to the point that I fell still; though I failed to notice my stance until a soft call from Pippin cleared my mind. He looked at me with a great deal of concern, a shocking amount for him only knowing me a few days. When the only means of my comprehension of him was a few blinks, Pippin tried again. "Nia? Is there something bothering you?"

"No," I replied after a short pause. I dropped the parcel of food I held into the boat and forced on a smile, "Of course not, Pippin. What is there to be troubled by?"

"Well you were just standing there. I thought perhaps you were nervous or-"

"Me? Nervous?" I nearly laughed at the Hobbit for such an absurd statement, yet still I had to turn from him as the dark thought of Haldir and his brothers returned. "That is impossible." My voice sounded far softer than it had been.

I briskly returned to my work before Pippin could question me further. However, my actions failed to prevent the observing Legolas from doing so as I sat to refasten a poorly tied knot atop a parcel of food. He crouched down to my level, "Ci drastod. Man i boe? ~You are troubled. What is it? ~"

"Boe alsuinad, Legolas. ~It is nothing, Legolas. ~" I quietly assured without looking up.

Truly, I was fine. Not saying farewell to the Elves I consider brothers was difficult to grasp, but I knew we each had our own destinies to fulfill. If fate wished for my path not to crosses with theirs one final time, then that was how it would be. Besides, it is probably for the best. If they had come, I am uncertain of what emotion would come forth.

Despite my reassurance, I sensed Legolas's unconvinced state by the small sigh he released. He may not have been able to read my thoughts, but he really should trust what I say. I would not intentionally lead others astray with my words.

At any rate, what Legolas chose to do next left me a bit speechless. Without even asking, he took hold of the parcel I was fiddling with and stood, pulling out one of its contents in the process. He smiled at the light, square-shaped food, "Lembas." The Hobbits appeared a bit perplexed by the cake, but Legolas seemed more than happy to explain in a more Westron approach. "Elvish waybread."

"Yes…" I scrutinized his actions and obvious statement, deciding they were more of a distraction for me than an explanation towards the Hobbits. "The waybread is quite useful for long journeys, so it is only rational we be given the cakes. Now wrap it back in the leaf before it grows stale."

"All the more reason to enjoy the nutritious treat now," he shrugged before nibbling on the crisp corner. My hand immediately shielded my eyes from his foolishness. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."

"Well now you've done it!" I cried once he was finished explaining the treat to the Hobbits. I then leapt to my feet and snatched the lembas from him. "You above all those assembled here should know lembas only stays sweet and fresh if they remain in their leaf wrappings and unbroken, yet you have gone against both." I waved the cake in his face, "This will not last as long as the others now."

Legolas gently pushed my hand away, and I am certain I saw an amused smile flash across his face. "Then we will have to finish this piece off first."

"Evidently," I mocked through a glare. "Now go pack something else! The Fellowship cannot afford to have you soiling the remainder of its perfectly good lembas."

Although I turned from the Elf to, hopefully, salvage the lembas he so rudely tarnished, he did do as I said; I could tell by the sound of his retreating footsteps. I rewrapped the cake in the leaf packaging and placed it into the parcel, gently tossing the whole thing into the boat beside Pippin's feet when I was sure everything was relatively back in order.

Both Hobbits eyed the bag as it descended to the boat before returning their gaze to my satisfied smile. Without even looking away, Merry slid closer to Pippin. "How many did you eat?" Despite his voice being lowered, I was easily able to detect his words.

"Four," Pippin quickly responded before belching rather loudly.

"Four pieces of lembas?" My eyes widened at the impossible thought, somehow growing when Pippin nodded. I then turned to Merry, "And you ate the same amount?"

"More or less…" he shrugged.

"How did you ever manage to do that? My stomach nearly hurts by simply picturing the act."

Merry and Pippin shared a smile before the latter leaned back and patted his middle. "It's all in the stomach."

The small boat tipped slightly from the shift of weight, but Merry compensated by leaning in the opposite direction. "Pippin!" he scolded, but Pippin merely shrugged and smiled.

"Hobbits," I shook my head with a sigh. "I may not remember much about you, but your appetite astounds me."

~.~.~.~.

Once everything was adequately packed, Lord Celeborn bid us come away from the river's shores and into the woods. Seeing as this would be the final time I would walk among familiar trees for some time, I eagerly led Merry and Pippin up the rather steep hillside. Lord Celeborn directed us to a small clearing within the trees, where he and numerous other Elves waited for us in a single line. Aragorn was already present with Gimli, and they stood at the far end in a separate line.

Merry and Pippin ran ahead as soon as we crossed through the bordering thicket, filing in at the second line slowly being formed. This ultimately placed me on the opened end of the line, next to Pippin, and the only one to not have an Elf standing before them. I frowned at this oddity because the Elves here in Lórien would never oversee something as simple as counting. Refusing to accept the miscalculation, I focused my attention on what lied behind the line of Lórien Elves.

Someone was slowly walking behind them and passing out some sort of cloak. They appeared to be a shade of green, and judging by the way each Elf gracefully held the material, I deduced it was made of soft but warm silken material that the Galadhrim wove. Apparently each member of the Fellowship was to be receiving the cloak. Seeing as I was now part of this ensemble, I assumed I would be graced with one by the Elf passing out the cloaks.

I expected this Elf to be Lady Galadriel since she and her maidens had a tendency of weaving the silken Galadhrim material. However, she was not the Elf to finally step before me. Instead, it was someone who brought an effortless smile to my lips.

"Suilaid, Nia. ~Greetings, Nia. ~" Haldir whispered to me as he unfolded my new cloak.

His appearance stunned me, shocked me into such an excited state that the only form of response I could offer was to continue that same smile. I wanted to embrace him, although neither of us was too fond of the action, yet at the same time I wanted to stand and just look at him; to take in this final image of Haldir before sailing with the Fellowship. Fortunately Lord Celeborn unintentionally decided what course I should follow by commanding the cloaks to be fastened around each Fellowship member's shoulder.

In unison, all the gathered Elves swayed the fair garment behind each of us. My own cloak gracefully cascaded down my back until floating to a halt somewhere around my legs. I felt some fabric gather together between my shoulders, just below my neck, telling me this cloak also possessed a hood. When I reached back to pull the blonde strands of my hair from beneath the cloak, I intentionally made sure to check my theory. I was correct, but my action caused Haldir to lose focus on his task of pinning the cloak together. He playfully scowled up at me, to which I shrugged. This only messed him up more.

Before Haldir could make another face though, Lord Celeborn spoke up as he himself pinned something to Boromir, "Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people."

Together the Elves backed away from the line of Fellowship members, just as they had when they placed the cloaks on our shoulders. I instantly looked down to see what had been used to pin our robes together: a brooch in the form of a green leaf veined with silver. The small trinket was something I had never seen before, yet I knew it would be a constant reminder of my home throughout the journey.

"May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," Lord Celeborn continued. I allowed my vision to trickle from the fair brooch to the Lord as he spoke of the cloaks' ability to keep its bearer hidden from foes. "Now go forth a small ways until you find a second clearing, as Lady Galadriel wishes to bestow her own gifts upon this Fellowship."

The eight men did not take a single step in the direction Lord Celeborn pointed out. Rather, each set of eyes turned to me with an underlying expecting spark. Even the Lord and Haldir glanced my way, although their features expressed pride and amusement. At length I sighed because apparently the Fellowship felt they had no knowledge of where to go although Lord Celeborn had clearly marked it.

"Follow me then," I commented with clear exasperation. Their senselessness better not be a result of my former caretaker image. I would despise the lingering of that title.

Before stepping back to lead the Fellowship towards the second clearing, I snuck in another look at Haldir. He had only just arrived and now I was to leave him. Will we not have a formal farewell?

Apparently my concern was clearly displayed upon my face because Haldir offered a single nod. A slow dropping of the head, almost a bow, which registered in my mind as: We shall have time to speak soon.

I flashed a smile his way and, with a clear head, lead the Fellowship a bit deeper into the woods. The trek to Lady Galadriel wasn't too long, just a few weaves around drooping branches, and we were greeted by her as soon as I emerged from the trees. She stood just off-center of the oval-shaped clearing, a small cluster of supplies lying behind her glowing form. I bowed my head in greeting before leading the Fellowship the remaining yards between us.

Another line was formed, although slightly different from the one that had faced Lord Celeborn, Haldir, and the other Elves. I suppose having to turn around had jumbled the order slightly. Regardless, I took an additional step away from the group for I didn't expect to receive a gift from Lady Galadriel.

This thinking of mine was not a form of modesty. I simply thought Lady Galadriel had done enough for me already. She allowed me to learn of practices granted solely to males, pushed for my acceptance into the marchwardens, and then allowed me to leave said position to join the Fellowship. In my mind, she had given me enough gifts to last many a Man's life.

"Nia," she called aloud. I looked up to her, expecting the explanation I had already formulated in my head. "I see you have decided to heed my words and so join Frodo Baggins with his quest."

"That I have, my Lady. It was agreed upon by his mouth too." I nodded to the back of Frodo's head before returning to Lady Galadriel. Our eyes instantly locked. "Although I would not be here had your faith in me wavered. Nothing of this world is grand enough to express my gratitude to you, my Lady. Your gift to me has truly left me at a loss for words."

"Gift? I have not presented you with a gift yet." There was a knowing smile dancing across Lady Galadriel's face as she spoke. She had probably sensed my thoughts as soon as I slightly separated from the Fellowship line. However, rather than become annoyed with her intrusion into my mind again, I fell into a state of confusion.

"My Lady? You have already graced me with many opportunities, surely there cannot be something more? And if there is, you need not give such a gift to me."

Lady Galadriel answered with another smile as her hands beckoned me to step forward. I complied, although it was simply out of respect for her. She then reached her right hand out and dangled before me a thin silver chain. At the base of this necklace, two silver leaves from either side came together to wrap around a medium sized, light blue stone. The stone was oval-shaped and I realized, upon Lady Galadriel dropping the necklace into my cupped hands, that it was actually clear. There some something inside the stone that gave the light blue appearance.

I was given some time to analyze the trinket before the Lady spoke once more, "That stone, Nia, is filled with the water of my fountain, and inside those waters lays a portion of the star Luinil. When at rest the light of the star radiates the soft blue you now behold, but if you so speak 'Light for me' in our tongue, it shall shower you in its true splendor. If you bid Luinil to rest, it will follow."

She gave me a soft nod, gesturing I practice with Luinil's light. "Galad Enni," I whispered into my cupped hands. Instantaneously the blue light grew, a striking brightness that somehow did not harm the eyes of those standing nearby. It was captivating and I wished to gaze at the calming, marvelous light for hours, but knew such an action was foolish as it would be best if the Fellowship left as soon as possible. So I did as Lady Galadriel suggested and command my new friend to rest, "Posto, mellon nȋn."

"Let Luinil ease your discomfort when darkness arises," the Lady spoke once the light had faded. Her revealing of my, for lack of a better word, fear caused my body to stiffen. The last thing I needed was to give this Fellowship a notion as to what weaknesses I possessed. "The light may even guide you through the darkest of caverns so long as you accept its assistance."

Without another word she turned to her pile of remaining gifts. She hadn't even allowed me a moment to thank her for such an honorable gift.

Expressing my gratitude was not nearly as important as preserving my image in the eyes of these men though. I quickly turned to whoever stood beside me, Legolas, and whispered my defense, "I assure you I am not frightened of something as trivial as the dark." A very small chuckle caught in his throat, and I glowered at him. "I am not!"

Lady Galadriel turned back before anything else could be said on the matter, a silver longbow greatly resembling mine clutched tightly in her pale hands. She presented the tool to Legolas, who looked astounded that he would be the wielder of such a weapon. As he examined the bow, Lady Galadriel outwardly explained her gift, "My gift to you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim; worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." It is certainly time Legolas has a more superior weapon, I mentally scoffed as I fastened Luinil around my neck. "One other already carries this weapon with them. My hope is together these bows will only benefit the Fellowship."

Legolas and I very briefly shared eye contact. It was only obvious that I, the only other Elf and belonging to the Lothlórien realm, was the second bearer. Our weapons were not of equal value, as Lady Galadriel claimed they were, because I believed my longbow far outdid his. And I would continue to believe this until such was proven otherwise.

My attention along with Legolas's turned back to the Lady as she presented Merry and Pippin with small daggers. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war." Both Hobbits, such as Legolas had, examined their gifts. Merry traced the silver belt of the dagger, while Pippin merely held fast to it. "Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage."

The Hobbit visibly relaxed at her calming words, but no words of his own spilled from his mouth, resembling a similar reaction the rest of us. Lady Galadriel did not appear phased by the lack of outward thanks as she turned to Sam, an Elven rope now in her hands. "And for you, Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope made of hithlain."

"Thank you, my Lady." Sam quickly said which lightened my heart to know at least someone was able to thank her for us. "Have you run out of those… nice, shiny daggers?"

Sam's added questions brought a smile to the fair Lady's face but a frown to mine. That gratification departed swiftly.

The next one to receive a gift was Gimli, except the Lady hadn't even turned to her supplies to fetch something for him. I was rather curious as to what Gimli would say, him being rather fond of general equality yet completely infatuated with Lady Galadriel.

"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" she asked to his downcast face.

"Nothing," Gimli shuffled from behind the comfort of his walking ax before slowly looking up to the face of Lady Galadriel. "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time… for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."

This act of flattery actually caused laughter to spill from the Lady, yet Gimli to turned away in embarrassment. I was actually quite surprised by Gimli's words. I was unaware Dwarfs could express such charm.

"Actually… there was one thing," he continued, much to the amusement of all. His stuttering was quite humorous in my mind. "No, no, I couldn't. It's quite impossible… Stupid to ask."

Gimli's rambling consisted of many unfinished sentences and timid attempts at asking for whatever it was he wished for. This mysterious object did not once spill from his lips, and yet Lady Galadriel gracefully nodded her head. "If you so treasure what it is you desire, I will gladly grant you your request."

"Long would I cherish such a gift, my Lady. I would encase it in imperishable crystal for it to forever become an heirloom of my house." The Dwarf was very red in the face as he spoke. He was probably embarrassed by the Lady entering his thoughts.

"Then let your words be true, Gimli, son of Glóin," the Lady smiled before pulling something from behind her here. When she presented this gift to Gimli, I attempted to look upon it before he hid the gift away in his breast pocket. Oddly enough, I found difficulty doing so.

However, Legolas's breath sharpened. "Curious," he softly muttered.

Apparently he could see the object whereas I could not. A very displeased frown befell my face, but I nodded my head in agreement nonetheless. I did not wish him to think his sight was superior to mine. Besides, I assumed what she gave the Dwarf was her hair, although such a thought seemed impossible. I would have to ask Gimli of the gift's true form at a later time.

Next was Boromir, and he refused to lift his eyes to the Lady Galadriel as she presented him with a golden belt. "This was crafted here in Lórien, Boromir. Only you have the ability to wear such a belt with pride." Although the Lady's compliment brought a small smile to Boromir's face, he still refused to look up. It was almost as though he were afraid of her.

Now that is a silly fear. I thought as a confident smirk overtook my former frown. Even more so than darkness. However, this smile of mine didn't last very long because the Lady said something far more troublesome when she turned to Frodo.

"Farewell, Frodo Baggins," she softly smiled as she handed the Hobbit a crystal phial. "I give you the light of Eärendil…" I felt my eyes widen at the sound of dear Eärendil, and I inadvertently took a small step forward. "Our most beloved star." Lady Galadriel slowly kissed the top of Frodo's head once he accepted the phial. I was still concerned with what she'd told him though.

I turned to Legolas, "The Lady did say 'the Light of Eärendil,' correct? My ears do not deceive me?"

"Your ears are fine, Nia, for she did proclaim Frodo's gift to be of Eärendil's light." Legolas confirmed. His reassurance of my ears only pained me.

"Then I do not understand why I am the only one troubled by this. Eärendil is of great importance to us in Lórien."

There was a possibility Legolas meant to respond to my comment, but Lady Galadriel raised her voice once more. And all who are wise should fall silent when she spoke. "May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out."

And it shall be protect throughout the journey, I mentally vowed. Although simply the light was stored within Frodo's gift, such as mine was with Luinil, it was still a portion of Eärendil's star. I refused to have even a portion of the star be lost.

As before, Lady Galadriel seemed to comprehend my thinking. She sent a slow nod my way as she approached the final member of the Fellowship: Aragorn. "I must ask you for a word in private council, Aragorn."

"You needn't ask, my Lady," he bowed. When Aragorn straightened himself up again, he turned to the remainder of us, "Go to the boats and prepare to depart. I don't believe we shall be long." Lady Galadriel then led him into the trees opposite from which we came.

Once they were out of sight, Boromir took the first steps back towards the boat. All followed him. Even I followed him until I heard footsteps and a light touch graced shoulder. I wasn't at all surprised to find Haldir now standing beside me. "A word?"

"Of course, Haldir." I quickly agreed, but looked over at the Fellowship just to be sure. I was able to catch the eyes of both Frodo and Legolas, and both seemed to understand I needed a few moments to bid a final farewell to my friend. Legolas visually answered me, though, by nodding his head as he left with Frodo.

I waited until Frodo and Legolas had disappeared behind the trees before turning back to Haldir. Although I previously decided all would be well if I did not see my proclaimed brothers before I left, I still found myself disappointed by the lack of two faces. "Where are Rúmil and Orophin? Why have they not come to see me off as you have?"

"We could not spare to send many away from the Northern border," Haldir frowned upon noticing my displeasure. "Rúmil, Orophin, and I are of the strongest marchwardens, you know this. When we learned of your departure late last night, we agreed I was to travel here since it is evident we hold the greater bond."

"Such a pity they could not journey with you, though I do understand your reasoning," I softly shrugged. "I shall miss them dearly."

"And they you," Haldir added. I flashed a half smile, for truly that was all I could offer. I never knew how much their presence meant to me until I was suddenly denied it. When the time finally came for Haldir to separate from me… I could not even fathom what emotions would unexpectedly arise.

Haldir and I knew our remaining time together was short, yet silence was still able to find us. I didn't speak because I've always had trouble expressing my softer emotions: sorrow, hurt, fear, and deep affection. The last one was an assumption for I've never had reason to display such feelings. Sorrow was the factor of this current situation; I was pained by the thought of leaving my dearest friend.

At length Haldir straightened up, "I also came with news for Lord Celeborn, but I feel as though you should also know of them." A serious tone had entered his voice, which only intensified my curiosity. "Along our borders, strange creatures bearing the White Hand have been spotted."

"Are they Orcs of Saruman the White?"

"Not Orcs for Orcs normally prefer the moon to the sun. These new creatures are larger and have been seen many times over the past week, mostly along the Western border. Lord Celeborn and I predict they will follow the Fellowship down the river along that same side."

I felt my brows furrow, "How was I not notified of these creatures before?"

"The reports have only just reached my ears from the small groups patrolling the Western side. Had I known sooner, all would know of their danger. Now, though, they have been spotted further South. This is why Lord Celeborn and I are certain the Fellowship is being tracked." Haldir cupped my shoulders within his hands, an almost worrisome expression crossing his face. "Nia, you have an advantage by passage of the river, yet do not let down your guard. Mind your surroundings, and not just the Western bank. These creatures are foreign to us at the moment, thus their behavior is still unpredictable. They may cross to the other side, although it is unlikely. Promise me you will be careful."

"Haldir, you know I am more than capable of taking care of myself," I smirked. He seemed unconvinced, thus I sighed. "So long as you and your brothers remain safe, I promise to remain in a similar state."

He raised a brow, clearly becoming amused by something. "And no more rash actions?"

"That… I cannot promise you," I confessed, nodding my head to either side. "My actions are not so much rash as they are justifiable. I only act on what I see fit."

My own personal thinking caused a laugh to tumble from Haldir. When I glared at him for it, he hardly noticed. Instead he placed they very top of his forehead to mine, a more personal way for Elves to say their farewells. "Nia, I will truly miss you and your 'justified' actions."

"I admit I will miss you too; the most of all other Elves," I sighed. A weighted burden took hold of me, forcing my eyes to close. I had felt this heaviness only once before when my parents left, and the feeling was just as terrible. It felt as though a treacherous cloud of sadness, frustration, and somehow, excitement, coursed through my body. I could only stand such a horrible sensation for so long. "Even your overbearingness will be missed! Who else am I to argue with?"

"There is always the Dwarf…" I could almost see the smile Haldir most likely wore through my closed eyes. Even I couldn't suppress a smile from forming or a chortle from emerging.

"He is actually not so bad, but he does have his irritating moments. Though Gimli is nothing compared to you, Haldir." I took a step back to take a final look at my friend. However, the longer I stared, the more something—a small, unfamiliar voice in the back of my head—told me this was not the last time. "We will meet again, my friend. I have this unshakable feeling that it is so."

"Yes, because your instincts are always correct."

My eyes instantly narrowed. How much longer must he refer to the latest Orc incident? "Regardless of what you may think, my instincts always succeed in the end."

Haldir simply shook his head, marking our final conversation as being one of our foolish feuds; the perfect ending for us, in my opinion.

Thus I retreated back to the boats. Just before I entered the surrounding forest, I took one final look back. The image of Haldir peacefully standing alone in the middle of that clearing, fully clad in his Warden of Lórien attire, was exactly the image of my friend I wished to carry with me throughout this adventure. I briefly bowed my head and raised a hand, "Farewell, Haldir, my dearest brother."

"Farewell, Nia." Haldir returned, raising his hand with a smile. "May blessings go with you as you travel down this path with the Fellowship. I have faith in you."

I flashed one final smirk his way before confidently turning on my heels and heading for the boats. This time I did not look back.

~.~.~.~.

We left Lórien with the mist of morning floating all around us.

Three boats pushed forth from those docks. At the rear was Boromir with Merry and Pippin; ahead of him, Aragorn with Frodo and Sam; and in the lead position, with the most supplies tucked into the crevices of the boat, were Legolas, Gimli, and myself. The Men used the grey, leaf-fashioned paddles to row their own boats, while Legolas and I both had to because of the added weight of supplies.

This order of ours remained as we paddled down the Silverlode, pass Lady Galadriel and her glowing sendoff, and into the merging of the river Anduin, the Great River. Then our boats spread out. Those in the lead changed as quickly as the current.

All were quiet throughout, as still as stone. I sensed a definite melancholy disposition from the surrounding males, the same that had taken hold of me as I bid my farewells to Haldir. That feeling was no longer attached to me though. Now I felt pure excitement for leaving Caras Galadhon. Although I had been slightly farther from home than our current position, I was positive that by nightfall it would surely be passed. This new form of adventure invigorated me.

"I have taken my worst wound at this parting," Gimli eventually cried from his position ahead of me, "having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."

"What was her gift?" Legolas called from behind.

When the Dwarf took no breath to respond, I inclined my head forward slightly. "Do share, Gimli. I am quite intrigued by what you wish Lady Galadriel give you so you could incase such a gift in imperishable crystal."

"I asked her for one hair from her golden head." The Dwarf sighed. Apparently he had been in a daze rather than stubborn about answering. "… She gave me three."

This generous act between an Elf and a Dwarf surprised me, yet I felt my heart warmed by it. As the Dwarf dreamily patted his breast pocket, I looked back at Legolas. The smile planted upon his face easily brought one to my lips. The sadness seemed to clear from the air after that.

Silence befell the Fellowship once more as we rowed along the river Anduin. A silence I could not decipher as being peaceful… or utterly dangerous.

~.~.~.~.

~: Notes :~

Luinil is a star, an actual star in Middle-Earth. One of the brightest ones in the sky that supposedly shines blue and links to our planet Neptune. It may even mean "blue friend" or "blue companion." So have fun with this Author's Challenge

Notice a lot of silver colors? I promise I'm not trying to be repetitive. It's just the color I associate with the city. I mean, just look at it! It's basically glowing in silver!

Please keep these forms of Elvish handy as I am not going to constantly translate them (it would ruin the flow): -Galad Enni = Light for me, -Posto = Rest, - Mellon nȋn= My friend. At least this is how they will translate in this particular story…

"The Hobbit" is almost here! Just a few more weeks! It's saddening to know Legolas is now ONLY in the THIRD movie, but whatever. I'm just excited to have Middle-Earth back. Does anyone else agree?

~MisticLight (Again)