Disclaimer: AU Story. My second large fic because it gave me so much
pleasure writing the last. I do not own any of the characters or places in
this story- both belong to the genius, Tolkien. I know; I torture the
characters but I will do my very best to save them. Hope you enjoy!
The Fellowship of the Nuts: Evil Gala says Yo! Glad you liked it. The end is drawing near..
Elf of Rivendell: I know. I knew I would do something wrong with that chapter. I tried to combine a little of the animation LOTR in it as well. She doesn't go mad at all there. The line: "And I came here to test your heart," was in that and I rather liked it.
MagicalRachel: Yay! You can review! Oh, and I love torturing hobbits. It's a way of life. Teehee.
Debby: Hello again! I think the Uruk-Hai would go for Aragorn because he's wielding a sword at them with a little more prowess than the hobbits and they're fearing losing their heads more than losing their kneecaps. :-) But I do know what you mean. Maybe they were just a bit too thick to go for the Ring or more probably just me being stupid. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Feline Deamon: Praises to you! If not for your review, I never would have noticed- thank yooooou!! Please don't get into trouble on the account of my stories! Wow, reading stories by candlelight- that is definitely "getting the vibe" I will have to try it!
Shirebound: Ah, the ever-changing elves and their mysterious ways. I'm not sure what Legolas will say because he has seen Gandalf fall. It might hurt Frodo to give him false hope..
TrueFan: Thank you so much for my Christmas prezzie! *hugs Frodo plushie* Here ya go *tosses over huge box of choccies* Happy New Year!
There are a few changes to the Giving of Gifts. I have to admit, I preferred the movie version of this to the book. I am very sorry if this offends any avid fans.
~ Chapter Twenty-One ~
At dawn, the Fellowship settled into a ring for their own meeting. This small gathering made Frodo feel safe, somehow. He had come to love those of the company and he felt ashamed at how many terrible dangers they had faced on his account. How many hundreds of truly dire circumstances when death seemed closer every day. They were a Fellowship still. After all of it. They had come through together. Gandalf would have been proud.
"Today we leave," said Aragorn, "The weather has cleared completely now. But here may be the only chance to discuss where each of us are to go. We will make our way down the Anduin until we come to Roarus. After that..well, there comes our decision."
"I will go to Minas Tirith. That is where my path lies," Boromir said resolutely. But his words sounded distant. "I can be no help in destroying the Ring- but if you wish to enter Mordor with force, my people and I can help you."
Frodo shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. His eyes were quite strange. As if he was not quite focused. No one else seemed to notice this and so the conference resumed.
--
"Are these cloaks magic?" asked Pippin in wonder as he was given one of the dark green garmnts. The elf smiled at him.
"They will keep you out of sight from enemies and they will keep you warm on your journey," he said. Pippin gazed down at the mantle in his hands and then, as it was handed to him, at the beautiful leaf-shaped broach.
The Fellowship adorned their cloaks and made ready to leave. They had been given three boats to travel down the Anduin and the hobbits were just coming to terms that they would be moving on water. Sam was much against the idea but Aragorn pointed out it would be faster. Sam was unmoved.
"Why would we want to get to Mordor any faster?"
--
"Before you leave, I have a gift for each of you," the Lady Galadriel said softly. The company bowed their heads as some more elves entered, bearing many items in their hands.
"To you, Boromir of Gondor," Galadriel said, "I entrust Gandalf's staff. Your strength and valour will protect much during your quest."
The man did not speak but retreated, eyes lowered, holding the staff close to him. The Lady turned to Gimli.
"Ah! The dwarf whom is free to walk in our lands. I did not think to prepare a gift for you. Forgive me, Gimli of Erebor. You are welcome to ask for anything that I may offer."
The dwarf pursed his lips, as if mustering some inner courage deep within him. Taking a deep breath, he looked up into the Lady's bright face and said,
"There was one thing; I have never seen so fairer beauty as Lórien. When I return to my homeland, I will speak of this place in revery. Yet there is but one thing that can match the Golden Wood. The Lady of the Galadhrim is more fair than any jewels of the earth..I would ask..I would ask..only for one strand of hair from your golden head. To remember this land forever more."
The elves around gasped. Never had such a thing been asked of before! Did this insolent dwarf realise whom he was addressing? But the Lady uttered a sound never heard before in Lórien. A long trickling laugh that sounded like the chiming of silver bells. The flowing of a stream as it passes under sunshine. She put a slender hand to her head and plucked three hairs from their place. Then, bending low, she pressed them into Gimli's hands.
"And I, Gimli, will only ever speak of dwarves with much joy. For they are most courteous in their words. I wonder that you ask so little. So here, take this gift, if there is truly no other gift you desire."
The dwarf was lost for words. He just nodded over and over again in gratitude then almost ran from the clearing, his face glowing red.
Galadriel hailed for two elves to come forward. They beckoned for Pippin and Merry to come forward and at their Lady's word, gave them belts of gold and silver leaf. They stared at them in awe, their eyes shining with delight.
"Two I have never known so alike and I see fit that you should wear garb of accord. And you are both learning the ways of the world. Soon you will carry swords stained with blood. But do not bear them sadly and with shame, for I admire you both for your courage and compassion. And I cannot see that either one of you would shed blood needlessly."
The hobbits stared at her then at each other and then very quickly left.
"And Sam?"
"Oh, milady, you don't have to give me any gifts.." Sam answered shyly but Frodo grinned at him and prodded him in the side. He went forward.
"You, Samwise, have been a loyal protector of your master. It is easily foreseen that you will not let anyone or thing harm him. Never do you want for yourself. And so I have two gifts for you." An elf stepped forward and bent to give Sam a coil of silvery rope. The hobbit went scarlet.
"I said I needed rope," he said under his breath. Galadriel smiled and then signalled for another elf to come forward. She bore a small box and gave it to Sam with much care.
"This," said Galadriel, "Is for you alone. For you love things that grow and live. May you tend these seeds as carefully as you do your master."
"Thank you..thank you very much," Sam managed to say. He clasped the box to him and then left the clearing.
The Lady looked at Aragorn slowly.
"A leader you have always been Aragorn. And never have you led the Fellowship astray. You bear the only gift I might have given you." And here her cold blue eyes met his. "I only hope that you can guide the Evenstar as well as you have led this company."
Aragorn bowed and then left. Frodo could see his face was hard as stone but his eyes filled with memory.
Legolas stepped up to meet Galadriel and she put a hand to his face with a smile.
"A warrior, no less. You have earned the love and respect of many for your bravery and courtesy. You lost your bow in Moria, I believe? While you stayed in Lórien, we prepared you another."
The remaining elf advanced and quickly handed Legolas his new bow. She blushed when he smiled at her in thanks and ran from the clearing. Galadriel raised an eyebrow. Legolas smiled at her.
"Many thanks," he said, "I will always remember this place and all those within."
He left Frodo and the Lady alone. Galadriel met his gaze and knelt down to him.
"Frodo Baggins," she said quietly, "You have faced many trials these past days. I wished your stay to be a pleasant one but I suppose fate was set against you. And I have little words of comfort to offer. You are alone and I think you have learned that. To bear a ring of power, is to be alone. But you have shown remarkable strength after facing impenetrable darkness. Only more terror lies ahead for you, Ringbearer and yet I believe that you have the power to face it. Lómelindë!"
The last word was a cry and, from the green leaves, she appeared, clad in silver robes and a circlet of white round her brow. In her hands was a small phial that glittered and sparkled in the light. She bowed low and Frodo took the small thing from her hand. Galadriel pressed his hands shut over it.
"You have faced darkness. You will face yet more in Mordor. But this will light your way. I sat last night by my fountain and in this phial, I caught the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Farewell, Ringbearer."
"Farewell, Lady of the Light," said Frodo. And he too left the clearing.
The Fellowship of the Nuts: Evil Gala says Yo! Glad you liked it. The end is drawing near..
Elf of Rivendell: I know. I knew I would do something wrong with that chapter. I tried to combine a little of the animation LOTR in it as well. She doesn't go mad at all there. The line: "And I came here to test your heart," was in that and I rather liked it.
MagicalRachel: Yay! You can review! Oh, and I love torturing hobbits. It's a way of life. Teehee.
Debby: Hello again! I think the Uruk-Hai would go for Aragorn because he's wielding a sword at them with a little more prowess than the hobbits and they're fearing losing their heads more than losing their kneecaps. :-) But I do know what you mean. Maybe they were just a bit too thick to go for the Ring or more probably just me being stupid. Hope you enjoy the next chapter!
Feline Deamon: Praises to you! If not for your review, I never would have noticed- thank yooooou!! Please don't get into trouble on the account of my stories! Wow, reading stories by candlelight- that is definitely "getting the vibe" I will have to try it!
Shirebound: Ah, the ever-changing elves and their mysterious ways. I'm not sure what Legolas will say because he has seen Gandalf fall. It might hurt Frodo to give him false hope..
TrueFan: Thank you so much for my Christmas prezzie! *hugs Frodo plushie* Here ya go *tosses over huge box of choccies* Happy New Year!
There are a few changes to the Giving of Gifts. I have to admit, I preferred the movie version of this to the book. I am very sorry if this offends any avid fans.
~ Chapter Twenty-One ~
At dawn, the Fellowship settled into a ring for their own meeting. This small gathering made Frodo feel safe, somehow. He had come to love those of the company and he felt ashamed at how many terrible dangers they had faced on his account. How many hundreds of truly dire circumstances when death seemed closer every day. They were a Fellowship still. After all of it. They had come through together. Gandalf would have been proud.
"Today we leave," said Aragorn, "The weather has cleared completely now. But here may be the only chance to discuss where each of us are to go. We will make our way down the Anduin until we come to Roarus. After that..well, there comes our decision."
"I will go to Minas Tirith. That is where my path lies," Boromir said resolutely. But his words sounded distant. "I can be no help in destroying the Ring- but if you wish to enter Mordor with force, my people and I can help you."
Frodo shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. His eyes were quite strange. As if he was not quite focused. No one else seemed to notice this and so the conference resumed.
--
"Are these cloaks magic?" asked Pippin in wonder as he was given one of the dark green garmnts. The elf smiled at him.
"They will keep you out of sight from enemies and they will keep you warm on your journey," he said. Pippin gazed down at the mantle in his hands and then, as it was handed to him, at the beautiful leaf-shaped broach.
The Fellowship adorned their cloaks and made ready to leave. They had been given three boats to travel down the Anduin and the hobbits were just coming to terms that they would be moving on water. Sam was much against the idea but Aragorn pointed out it would be faster. Sam was unmoved.
"Why would we want to get to Mordor any faster?"
--
"Before you leave, I have a gift for each of you," the Lady Galadriel said softly. The company bowed their heads as some more elves entered, bearing many items in their hands.
"To you, Boromir of Gondor," Galadriel said, "I entrust Gandalf's staff. Your strength and valour will protect much during your quest."
The man did not speak but retreated, eyes lowered, holding the staff close to him. The Lady turned to Gimli.
"Ah! The dwarf whom is free to walk in our lands. I did not think to prepare a gift for you. Forgive me, Gimli of Erebor. You are welcome to ask for anything that I may offer."
The dwarf pursed his lips, as if mustering some inner courage deep within him. Taking a deep breath, he looked up into the Lady's bright face and said,
"There was one thing; I have never seen so fairer beauty as Lórien. When I return to my homeland, I will speak of this place in revery. Yet there is but one thing that can match the Golden Wood. The Lady of the Galadhrim is more fair than any jewels of the earth..I would ask..I would ask..only for one strand of hair from your golden head. To remember this land forever more."
The elves around gasped. Never had such a thing been asked of before! Did this insolent dwarf realise whom he was addressing? But the Lady uttered a sound never heard before in Lórien. A long trickling laugh that sounded like the chiming of silver bells. The flowing of a stream as it passes under sunshine. She put a slender hand to her head and plucked three hairs from their place. Then, bending low, she pressed them into Gimli's hands.
"And I, Gimli, will only ever speak of dwarves with much joy. For they are most courteous in their words. I wonder that you ask so little. So here, take this gift, if there is truly no other gift you desire."
The dwarf was lost for words. He just nodded over and over again in gratitude then almost ran from the clearing, his face glowing red.
Galadriel hailed for two elves to come forward. They beckoned for Pippin and Merry to come forward and at their Lady's word, gave them belts of gold and silver leaf. They stared at them in awe, their eyes shining with delight.
"Two I have never known so alike and I see fit that you should wear garb of accord. And you are both learning the ways of the world. Soon you will carry swords stained with blood. But do not bear them sadly and with shame, for I admire you both for your courage and compassion. And I cannot see that either one of you would shed blood needlessly."
The hobbits stared at her then at each other and then very quickly left.
"And Sam?"
"Oh, milady, you don't have to give me any gifts.." Sam answered shyly but Frodo grinned at him and prodded him in the side. He went forward.
"You, Samwise, have been a loyal protector of your master. It is easily foreseen that you will not let anyone or thing harm him. Never do you want for yourself. And so I have two gifts for you." An elf stepped forward and bent to give Sam a coil of silvery rope. The hobbit went scarlet.
"I said I needed rope," he said under his breath. Galadriel smiled and then signalled for another elf to come forward. She bore a small box and gave it to Sam with much care.
"This," said Galadriel, "Is for you alone. For you love things that grow and live. May you tend these seeds as carefully as you do your master."
"Thank you..thank you very much," Sam managed to say. He clasped the box to him and then left the clearing.
The Lady looked at Aragorn slowly.
"A leader you have always been Aragorn. And never have you led the Fellowship astray. You bear the only gift I might have given you." And here her cold blue eyes met his. "I only hope that you can guide the Evenstar as well as you have led this company."
Aragorn bowed and then left. Frodo could see his face was hard as stone but his eyes filled with memory.
Legolas stepped up to meet Galadriel and she put a hand to his face with a smile.
"A warrior, no less. You have earned the love and respect of many for your bravery and courtesy. You lost your bow in Moria, I believe? While you stayed in Lórien, we prepared you another."
The remaining elf advanced and quickly handed Legolas his new bow. She blushed when he smiled at her in thanks and ran from the clearing. Galadriel raised an eyebrow. Legolas smiled at her.
"Many thanks," he said, "I will always remember this place and all those within."
He left Frodo and the Lady alone. Galadriel met his gaze and knelt down to him.
"Frodo Baggins," she said quietly, "You have faced many trials these past days. I wished your stay to be a pleasant one but I suppose fate was set against you. And I have little words of comfort to offer. You are alone and I think you have learned that. To bear a ring of power, is to be alone. But you have shown remarkable strength after facing impenetrable darkness. Only more terror lies ahead for you, Ringbearer and yet I believe that you have the power to face it. Lómelindë!"
The last word was a cry and, from the green leaves, she appeared, clad in silver robes and a circlet of white round her brow. In her hands was a small phial that glittered and sparkled in the light. She bowed low and Frodo took the small thing from her hand. Galadriel pressed his hands shut over it.
"You have faced darkness. You will face yet more in Mordor. But this will light your way. I sat last night by my fountain and in this phial, I caught the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out. Farewell, Ringbearer."
"Farewell, Lady of the Light," said Frodo. And he too left the clearing.