Please tell me how I am doing. Thanks.
Author's notes: I know that in the book, it says that the trees of the Golden Wood do not shed their leaves. But in the movie, I know I saw leaves falling. So, for the sake of our little one here, I'm taking the movie part.
The Fellowship Of The…Baby?
Six: In Lothlórien Part I
The Fellowship entered the Golden Wood when Aragorn deemed that they had rested enough, and called them to him.
Legolas handed Aragorn's sword and pack to him, and the Man took them, careful not to catch Gaelin's attention yet again.
He did not have to worry, however, for the baby was captivated by the golden-red leaves floating down gently about them. He giggled, did an odd little dance, and tried to catch the leaves as they fell.
The Hobbits brought up the rear, for they liked children by nature and were willing to watch over the young one when they could.
Gimli saw them lagging behind and beckoned them over to him. Sam took hold of Gaelin's hand and pulled him gently along.
"Stay close, young Hobbits," the Dwarf whispered, and added, making sure Gaelin heard him, not mattering whether he understood. "And you, young one. They say a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell, and are never seen again."
The baby gazed up at Gimli, dark eyes big and round, as if he was listening to a story being spoken. Yet it was not the words—for he was too young indeed to have learnt many—but the dramatic flair Gimli spoke with that intrigued him.
"But this is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily!" He boasted, strutting forward. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"
As he completed his sentence, the bushes at either side of them rustled. Ere any of the Company could move, arrows were pointed at them.
"You breathe so loud we could have shot you in the dark." An Elf directed that to Gimli, who had made his claim about having sharp eyes and ears.
Aragorn stepped forward, placed his hand on his chest, and bowed slightly. "Haldir o Lórien. Henion aníron, boe amen i dulu lîn. Boe amen veriad lîn.:
"Aragorn, it was a mistake coming here!" Gimli rumbled, not daring to move. "We should leave now."
"You enter the realm of the Lady of the Wood," Haldir proclaimed, "you cannot go back. Come, the Lady awaits you."
Just as he turned, Gaelin, evidently thinking that it was some sort of a new game, pulled out of Sam's hand and ran forward.
"Haldir, e thiro a chon!" Legolas called out in warning. (Watch out for him!)
But it was too late. Ere anyone could stop him—and the Elves could not shoot a baby—Gaelin went up to the Elf of Lórien, and as he did earlier with Legolas, hugged Haldir's leg, making gurgling noises and wetting a spot on the Elf's leggings.
Haldir glared at the Company. "Can no one take care of him?"
"Gaelin, come here!" Sam scolded.
The baby remained wrapped around Haldir's leg, and with a sigh, the Elf picked him up and carried him.
***
Haldir led the way up a set of steps encircling a great tree, climbing upwards. Gaelin's face looked over his shoulder at Aragorn, who was behind the Elf.
Spotting the tail ends of Haldir's arrows sticking out of the quiver, Gaelin went, "Gaheeeeeeeee!" And grabbled a feathered tail, crushing it in his hand.
"Gaelin!" Aragorn exclaimed, alerting Haldir to some problem.
"What is wrong, Aragorn?"
The Ranger steeled himself. "I will carry him. Look after your arrows."
Haldir frowned and handed the baby to the Man, and un-slung his quiver. He saw the damaged arrow. "Ai Elbereth!" He glared at the baby.
"My apologies, Haldir," Aragorn said as the Elf continued on in cold fury.
They presently arrived at a talan built on the great branches of the tree, and there the Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel met them. They did not yet see Gaelin, for the baby stood behind the Big People with Sam.
"Nine it was that set out," Celeborn spoke, "yet eight here stands. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."
None answered him, and Galadriel saw the answer in their eyes. "He has fallen into the shadow." She saw also their distress. "Your Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail to the ruin of all." Her eyes met theirs. "Yet hope remains while the Company is true."
None could hold her gaze for long save Aragorn, and it was then, in the tensed silence, that Gaelin made his appearance.
Galadriel frowned in surprise. "You bring a child with you. The messenger from Rivendell said naught of this."
"We found him on Caradhras, L-Lady," Sam stammered.
"We must decide on what is to be done. What is his name?"
"We have named him Gaelin," Frodo informed.
Celeborn nodded. "As my Lady have said, we must decide on what is to be done. But for tonight, you shall sleep in peace."
Gaelin only laughed and clapped his hands in joy.