SailorStar9: That was Chapter 10. This is Chapter 11. 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 11: Farewell to Lórien
"You really like pinning me to things, don't you?" Athene breathed, the couple breaking apart for air.
"You love it and you know it." Legolas gave a throaty chuckle, nipping her exposed neck.
An elegant boat, carved in the likeness of a swan, flowed through a river with Galadriel standing in it.
On shore, cloaks were fastened around the Fellowship with green, silver-veined leaf-brooches.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people." Celeborn remarked. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."
The elves prepared for the departure of the Fellowship; Legolas among them, shifting parcels into a set of boats provided by the Galadhrim. He held up a thin wafer for Merry and Pippin to see, as they sat in a boat.
"Lembas!" the Elf explained. "Elvish Way-bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man."
"Every league you travel south, the danger will increase." Celeborn stated, the rest of the Fellowship climbed onto the boats. "Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank. Strange creatures bearing the mark of the White Hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open, under the sun, yet these have done so!" and handed Aragorn an ornate dagger.
Aragorn unsheathed the blade, the dagger glinting.
"Le aphadar aen." Celeborn warned. "By river you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros."
A paddle splashed into the water as the Fellowship rowed through the river, past the Elves onshore.
"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." Galadriel presented the Elf his new weapon. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war." She turned to Merry and Pippin. "Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage. And for you, Samwise Gamgee: Elven rope, made of hithlain." She turned to Sam. "And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" she looked at Gimli.
"Nothing." Gimli looked away. "Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth." Causing Galadriel to giggle and smile at the Dwarf. ""Actually, there was one thing — ah, agh, that's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." He started.
"I have nothing greater to give, than the gift you already bear." Galadriel turned to Aragorn. "Am meleth dîn. I ant e-guil Arwen Undómiel… pelitha."
"Aníron i e broniatha ar periatham amar hen. Aníron e ciratha a Valannor." Aragorn assured.
"That choice is yet before her." Galadriel reminded. "You have your own choice to make, Aragorn… to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness… with all that is left of your kin. Namárië." She bade Aragorn farewell, glancing at the pendent. "Nadath nâ i moe cerich."
"Dan…ú-'eveditham, Elessar." Aragorn replied.
"Farewell, Frodo Baggins." Galadriel's next gift was to Frodo; a crystalline vessel shaped like a teardrop, filling with clear water and a shining light. "I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you, in dark places, when all other lights go out. As for the Lady Valar and the Lady of Darkness," she brought out two items. "I merely return the symbols of your powers: the Sceptre of Victoria." She handed Athene the slim stick. "And the Amethyst of Rhea." She gave Hecate a shimmering amethyst.
The Fellowship sailed out onto the river, leaving Lórien behind. White mountains raised starkly beneath blue skies and green trees.
"I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest." Gimli informed Legolas who was sailing their boat. "Haugh, henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me."
"What was it?" the Elf inquired.
"I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three." Gimli replied, causing Legolas to smile.
SailorStar9: Now that's done. Read and review folks.