Hey there...

So sorry about the long time it took me to update, things have been a bit crazy and I haven't gotten time to write.

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Anyways, here's the next chapter!

Enjoy!

Conversations in italic are in Sindarian

Chapter 13

Though it would have been easy to languish in Lothlorien for much longer, it was decided that the Fellowship must be on their way. They arrayed themselves on the banks of the Anduin River, packing their things into the delicate boats that would take them as far as the Falls of Rauros. The elves were gracious enough to give them cloaks, ones rarely given to those not of the fair folk.

Galadriel gave them each gifts to help them on their way; an elegantly crafted bow for Legolas; daggers for Merry and Pippin; rope for Sam; an elvish sword for Aragorn; and the light of a precious star for Frodo.

I wish that we did not have to part again in this way. I will wait for your safe return. Galadriel spoke into Manwathiel's mind.

I only hope that I will return, and that I may make the right decision. She thought back with a touch of bitterness.

Galadriel smiled, you will return, Manwathiel. And when the time is right…you will know. She handed Manwathiel a silver necklace with a pendant like that of the full moon. It was a perfect and iridescent clear globe, filled with something cloudy that sparkled in the sunlight.

Manwathiel felt her breath catch. You cannot be giving me this. I am not worthy of it.

You are the only one to ever live who deserves such a gift. She laughed, No, it will not break until you need it.

I don't think I'll ever get used to you sensing my thoughts. Manwathiel shook her head and smiled, still in disbelief.

Galadriel kissed her on the forehead. "Namarie, precious one."

"Namarie."

Manwathiel climbed into her boat and looked back longingly at the shore. The sunlight was filtering down through the golden leaves and silver trees, and Galadriel stood in a boat shaped like a swan, raising her hand in farewell. Manwathiel raised her hand in return, and pulled her gaze forward. She never looked back, if only to keep herself from crying.

…oOo…

Manwathiel dipped her paddle into the river, pulling it smoothly through the glassy surface. She sat in front of Gimli and Legolas, leading the way.

"What was her gift to you?" Legolas asked them.

Gimli sighed. "I asked her for one of her golden hairs. She gave me three."

Manwathiel heard Legolas' low chuckle and couldn't help but smile herself. It seemed that the dwarf had quickly become smitten by the fair lady, despite his earlier misgivings.

"Manwathiel? What of your gift?" Legolas prodded.

"She gave me a necklace."

"What sort of necklace?"

"A silver one." She turned and winked. He shook his head at her secrecy.

"May I see it?"

"You may indeed not, darling Prince of Mirkwood."

Gimli grumbled unhappily. "Aragorn!" he shouted.

"Yes?" Aragorn looked over.

"If anyone would care to trade boats with me, I would much rather not be stuck between these ridiculously lovesick elves!"

Manwathiel laughed and hit him with her paddle, almost causing the boat to capsize in the process.

"Auugh!" Gimli gripped the sides of the boat nervously. "If there's one thing I like less than elves, it's being dumped into a freezing river!"

"Sorry Gimli." Manwathiel smiled sweetly at him.

He shook his head, "Mark my words lassie, I'll get ye back before my time on this earth is through!"

The boat shook with laughter, and for a moment, there was peace.

…oOo…

They made camp that night on the western shore, enjoying the respite from the monotonous paddling. Aragorn and Boromir were having an intense and hushed conversation, Boromir arguing that they should take the ring to Gondor.

"I would not take the ring within leagues of your city." Aragorn hissed.

Boromir stomped away angrily, slumping against a rock some distance away from their camp.

"They will be fine." Manwathiel heard Legolas whisper in her ear.

She frowned, "I fear that the ring's sway over Boromir is growing stronger."

"As it is over us all." Legolas replied solemnly. "Now come, let us not think of these troublesome things now."

Manwathiel laughed bitterly. "If there was ever a time to be plagued by troublesome thoughts, it would be now. You see it as well as I do; Frodo doesn't sleep, he hardly eats, and the ring bears down on him with greater force every step he takes. I wish I could help him…I wish that I could carry it for him, but I know that this is a burden he must bear alone."

Legolas took her hand, pulling her deeper into the forest. "There is nothing to be done Manwathiel. We must simply do our best to take care of him, and protect him from as much as we can."

"Where are we going?" Manwathiel looked up, suddenly noticing her surroundings. She could still hear the other members of the Fellowship, but they were hidden by the layers of brush.

"Somewhere we can be alone." Legolas smiled mischievously and hoisted himself into the lower branches of the nearest tree, climbing swiftly.

Manwathiel grinned, leaping up after him until they reached a sold branch that would support their weight. It was a perfect vantage point, for they could just see their companions without being spotted themselves.

The elves were quiet for a moment, feeling the cool breeze whisper on their skin. The earthy smell of the forest was calming for both of them, the feeling of uneven bark familiar.

Manwathiel almost shrieked as Legolas caught her off guard, pulling her close and kissing her. She snuggled into his side and relished his warmth, the feeling of his love surrounding her.

Legolas tugged on the end of her braid, setting her hair flying free. He ran his hands through it, watching the golden strands reflecting in the sunlight.

Manwathiel kissed him again, pressing her forehead against his.

"It's going to be alright Manwathiel. We'll make it through this together."

She entwined their fingers together, smiling softly. "Together."