A\N: I am so completely and totally sorry that I have not updated in
forever. I have been awfully busy since school's started back with tests,
projects and end-of-terms coming so please bear with me. I have hardly had
anytime to write at all these days but I'm trying my best to fit my writing
in between all my other stuff. My humble apologies, darlings. Your notes
are at the bottom of the page!
MONDAY JUNE 2ND WAS MY BIRTHDAY! YAY! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE!
Now for the dedication. CHAPTER 18: FAREWELL TO LÓRIEN IS DEDICATED TO.ANIME PRINCESS AND WANDERING-RANGER. I'm SO SO SO SO SORRY that two people had to get dedicated to this one chapter but anime princess gave me three reviews and then Wandering-Ranger (you, darling, you!!!!) gave me six reviews altogether and she keeps reviewing (hug, hug, hug, hug) and reviewing and reviewing till pretty soon she might be the only one getting dedications. So why don't you'll give her a little competition? ;) ;) Try to see if you can get dedicated before her. (Yeah, yeah cheap review bribe tactic!)
Oh and this is ALMOST COMPLETELY bookverse. It has a teensy little bit of movieverse. Have had to remove some of the book parts to accommodate the story :) But there is a lot of stuff directly from the book LOTR: FOTR. They are very easy to recognize: anything that makes sense :) Also I DO NOT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF THIS. The book inserts in this story is property of J.R.R. Tolkien NOT ME. Also the parts taken from the book are labeled with this *.
Disclaimer: I ONLY OWN THIS STORY AND MYSELF. I MAKE ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY OFF THIS. Lestat and Louis do not belong to me. They belong to the wonderful author Anne Rice. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Stuart Townsend all belong to themselves. Or their parents. Whichever one works.
Chapter 18: Farewell to Lórien
"LEAVING? WHAT DO YOU MEAN LEAVING?!" Becky shouted at Aragorn and Legolas the next morning.
"We are leaving Lothlórien," Aragorn repeated patiently. "We decided last night that we would be leaving today."
"NO ONE TOLD ME WE WERE LEAVING!" Becky howled at them. "I CAN'T LEAVE MY HALDIRYKINS JUST WHEN WE WERE BEGINNING TO KNOW EACH OTHER SO WELL!"
"I DON'T KNOW YOU!" Haldir yelled from the bushes, where he'd been posted to keep an eye on the girls. from sources that were not from Lothlórien.
"Of course you know who I am, sweet," Becky replied, running and hugging him. "I'm Becky! And that's Missy dear over there!"
"Okay, okay," Haldir said, struggling to detach her. "I give up. Just go bother Legolas."
And with that Haldir disappeared back into the bushes.
"Okay!" Becky dove at Legolas and hugged him tightly. "MY LOVELY LEGOLAS."
"Good Elbereth," Aragorn grabbed Becky's arms and pulled her away from Legolas. "We do not have time for this!"
"Ooh!" Becky in turn wrapped her arms around Aragorn in a hug. "I WUV YOU HOT RANGER DUDE!" Then she pulled away wrinkling her nose.
"You're surrounded by water. I think you should take a bath," Becky said, digging through her bag for her bottle of perfume. "Where did that bottle of Victoria's Secret body spray go to?"
"Erm, never mind," Aragorn backed far away from Becky, remembering that incident in Rivendell.
*Elves that could speak their tongue came to them and brought them many gifts of food and clothing for the journey. *
"LEMBAS!" Becky shrieked and swooped down on the Lembas. Gimli quickly followed her lead, as he'd secretly loved them since Rivendell.
"Stop! That's enough!" the Elves cried. "Gimli you've eaten enough for a day's march. Becky you've eaten enough for four!"
"I'm hungry," Becky pouted and folded her arms.
"Just let her eat," Legolas replied tiredly. "You've heard her temper tantrums."
"That's why I love you Leggy! You're so sweet to me!" Becky said, grinning widely at Legolas.
Legolas sighed and stalked off in another direction.
"Leggy loves me!" Becky repeated, with the same stupid smile plastered on her face. "Doesn't he?"
"I'm sure that somewhere deep down in Legolas' heart it's true," Boromir reassured, trying to keep a straight face.
"Oh Boromir. You say the sweetest things!" Becky said and then she burst into near hysterical tears. "OH NO BOROMIR!"
She and Missy hugged each other and the latter began to sob with her cousin. "Tragic.so tragic!"
Poor Boromir and the rest of the present Fellowship just blinked. The Elves stared but quickly shook their heads in sympathy to the rest of the Fellowship.
*"All the same, we bid you spare the food," they said. "Eat little at a time, and only at need. For these things are given to serve you when all else fails. The cakes will keep sweet for many many days, if they are unbroken and left in their leaf-wrappings, as we have brought them. One will keep a traveler on his feet for a day of long labour, even if he be one of the tall Men of Minas Tirith."
The Elves next unwrapped and gave to each of the Company the clothes they had brought. For each they had provided a hood and cloak, made according to his size, of the light but warm silken stuff that the Galadhrim wove. It was hard to say of what colour they were: grey with the hue of twilight under the trees they seemed to be; and yet if they were moved, or set in another light, they were green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk-silver as water under the stars. Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
"Are these magic cloaks?" asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder. *
"Ooh! Magic cloaks!" Becky giggled maniacally. She immediately put on the cloak and began dancing around.
"A cute little leaf pin!" Missy shrieked, touching the delicate pin. "It's sho cute!"
*"I do not know what you mean by that," answered the leader of the Elves. "They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land. They are elvish robes certainly, if that is what you mean. Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lórien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make. Yet they are garments, not armour, and they will not turn shaft or blade. But they should serve you well: they are light to wear, and warm enough or cool enough at need. And you will find them a great aid in keeping out of the sight of unfriendly eyes, whether you walk among the stones or the trees. You are indeed high in the favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people."*
"I always knew we were Galadriel's favorite!" Becky shrieked, jumping up and down. "I'm gonna go thank her right now! Come on cousin!"
"Oh no you're not!" Aragorn caught hold of each cousin's wrist before they could take off anywhere. "You are not going anywhere right now. You have your entire luggage to pack and we have to pack up what we have. And the two of you shall have double duty as your darling Legolas has run off to find the nearest cliff to jump off of. Valar knows he won't find one around here."
"But I wanna go see Galadriel!" Becky said. "I don't wanna pack!"
"You better begin packing now!" Aragorn said, almost as if he hadn't heard Becky. "You have so many of those.suitcases, is it?"
"Yes it's suitcases," Missy said, sighing resignedly. "Come on Becky. Let's listen to Hot Ranger Dude."
"But I don't wanna leave Lothlórien! I wanna stay here. It's so beautiful!" Becky whined. "I haven't even gotten a chance to braid Galadriel's hair!"
"Maybe later," was Aragorn's terse reply.
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*After their morning meal (and after Legolas had returned from his unsuccessful mission to find a cliff) the Company said farewell to the lawn by the fountain. Their hearts were heavy; for it was a fair place, and it had become like home to them, though they could not count the days and nights that they had passed there. As they stood for a moment looking at the white water in the sunlight, Haldir came walking towards them over the green grass of the glade, wearing a sulky expression. Frodo, Becky and Missy greeted him with delight. *
*"I have been forced to come back by the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn," Haldir said, through gritted teeth, "and I am sent to be your guide again. The Dimrill Dale is full of vapour and clouds of smoke, and the mountains are troubled. There are noises in the deeps of the earth. If any of you had thought of returning northwards to your homes, you would not have been able to pass that way. But come! Your path now goes south."
As they walked through Caras Galadhon the green ways were empty; but in the trees above them many voices were murmuring and singing. They themselves went silently. At last Haldir led them down the southward slopes of the hill, and they came again to the great gate hung with lamps, and to the white bridge; and so they passed out and left the city of the Elves, Becky and Missy both crying hysterically. Then they turned away from the paved road and took a path that went off into a deep thicket of mallorn-trees, and passed on, winding through rolling woodlands of silver shadow, leading them ever down, southwards and eastwards, towards the shores of the River.
They had gone some ten miles and noon was at hand when they came on a high green wall. Passing through an opening they came suddenly out of the trees. Before them lay a long lawn of shining grass, studded with golden elanor that glinted in the sun. The lawn ran out into a narrow tongue between bright margins: on the right and west the Silverlode flowed glittering; on the left and east the Great River rolled its broad waters, deep and dark. On the further shores the woodlands still marched on southwards as far as the eye could see, but all the banks were bleak and bare. No mallorn lifted its gold-hung boughs beyond the Land of Lórien.
On the bank of the Silverlode, at some distance up from the meeting of the streams, there was a hythe of white stones and white wood. By it were moored many boats and barges. Some were brightly painted, and shone with silver and gold and green, but most were either white or grey. Three small grey boats had been made ready for the travellers, and in these the Elves stowed their goods. And they added also coils of rope, three to each boat. Slender they looked, but strong, silken to the touch, grey of hue like the elven-cloaks.
"What are these?" asked Sam, handling one that lay upon the greensward.
"Ropes indeed!" answered an Elf from the boats. "Never travel far without a rope! And one that is long and strong and light. Such are these. They may be a help in many needs."*
"Skipping ropes!" Becky giggled, now over her sadness. She ran over to a boat, picked up a coil and began jumping rope. "I haven't skipped in ages!"
Aragorn sighed tiredly and gestured at the Elves. One of them came up to Becky and took away the rope. Becky burst into tears.
"I was skipping!" Becky protested through her tears. "You're a party pooper Aragorn II, son of Arathorn II! Yes you are!"
"Dina!" Aragorn commanded, knowing that one of the only ways to shut her up was in Elvish. Becky ceased her tears but still she pouted.
The Elves blinked but the one who'd spoken to Sam gestured for him to continue as it was obvious he'd been about to say something when Becky had taken the rope.
*"You don't need to tell me that!" said Sam. "I came without any, and I've been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it's in the family as you might say."
"They are made of hithlain," said the Elf, "but there is no time now to instruct you in the art of their making. Had we known that this craft delighted you, we could have taught you much. But now alas! unless you should at some time return hither, you must be content with our gift. May it serve you well!"
"Come!" said Haldir. "All is now ready for you. Enter the boats! But take care at first!"
"Heed the words!" said the other Elves. "These boats are light-built, and they are crafty and unlike the boats of other folk. They will not sink, lade them as you will; but they are wayward if mishandled. It would be wise if you accustomed yourselves to stepping in and out, here where there is a landing-place, before you set off downstream."
The Company was supposed to be arranged in this way: Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam were in one boat; Boromir, Merry, and Pippin in another; and in the third were Legolas and Gimli, who had now become fast friends. In this last boat most of the goods and packs were supposed to be stowed. *
Unfortunately (for most) things were NOT arranged that way. In this version this was the arrangement: Becky, Missy, Aragorn and Legolas were in one boat; Boromir, Merry, Pippin and Gimli in the other and all the goods were in the last boat.
"But this is overloading!" Aragorn protested, trying everything to get away from Becky and Missy. "Can we please get another boat if that's possible?"
"But the Elves said we could overload and we wouldn't sink!" Missy piped up.
"Someone needs to steer the boats with the goods," Legolas interjected, praying to the Valar that that might work.
"No they don't. We could use one of these pretty skipping ropes and tie the goods boat to our boat!" Becky said, grinning at her own intelligence.
"Just figures she'd have to go and get smart now," Legolas muttered under his breath.
"What was that, Legolas my love?" Becky asked, gazing up at him with a big, stupid grin.
"Nothing. Never mind," Legolas rolled his eyes and moved to the furthest end of the boat.
Becky plopped down right next to Legolas and Missy hooked herself onto Aragorn's arm.
"Ooh! Look! The thingies that you put in the water to make the boat move look like leaves!" Becky giggled, now discovering the fact.
The Fellowship sighed and shook their heads sadly.
*When all was ready Aragorn led them on a trial up the Silverlode. The current was swift and they went forward slowly. Sam sat in the bows, clutching the sides, and looking back wistfully to the shore. The sunlight glistening on the water dazzled his eyes. As they passed beyond the green field of the Tongue, the trees drew down to the river's brink. Here and there golden leaves tossed and floated on the rippling stream. The air was very bright and still, and there was silence, except for the high distant sound of larks. *
"Are those gulls?" Becky shrieked, a murderous glint in her eyes. "Gulls are evil! They stole you away from me!" This she directed at Legolas who moved further away from her.
"Gulls are not evil, cousin," Missy said. "Did they physically pick up Legolas and move him? That's very likely: the Elf's skinnier than spaghetti!"
"I take offense!" Legolas and Becky yelled simultaneously.
"What's spaghetti?" Legolas asked at the same time Becky said, "He's not that skinny! He's got muscle somewhere!" And with that she poked Legolas on his forearm with her finger. "Yep. That's muscle."
"It's called a forearm!" Legolas protested and plucked his arm away.
"It's a cute forearm!" Becky giggled and hugged his arm.
*They turned a sharp bend in the river, and there, sailing proudly down the stream toward them, they saw a swan of great size. The water rippled on either side of the white breast beneath its curving neck. Its beak shone like burnished gold, and its eyes glinted like jet set in yellow stones; its huge white wings were half lifted. A music came down the river as it drew nearer; and suddenly they perceived that it was a ship, wrought and carved with elven-skill in the likeness of a bird. Two Elves clad in white steered it with black paddles. In the midst of the vessel sat Celeborn, and behind him stood Galadriel, tall and white; a circlet of golden flowers was in her hair, and in her hand she held a harp, and she sang. Sad and sweet was the sound of her voice in the cool clear air. * She was singing about Lórien.
*Aragorn stayed his boat as the Swan-ship drew alongside. The Lady ended her song and greeted them. "We have come to bid you our last farewell," she said, "and to speed you with blessings from our land."*
"Yay!" Becky cheered. "I get to braid Galadriel's hair now!"
*"Though you have been our guests," said Celeborn, "you have not yet eaten with us, and we bid you, therefore, to a parting feast, here between the flowing waters that will bear you far from Lórien."*
"What are you talking about Celeborn dear?" Becky asked, eyebrows lifted. "We feasted a lot at our party here!"
Celeborn coughed, turning red with embarrassment. Becky was about to say something when she caught sight of a boat coming upstream towards them.
"OMYFUZZY! It's Haldirykins!" Becky shrieked and began paddling the water with her hands, trying to pull the boat closer to Haldir's boat. "Eee! It's Rúmil and Orophin too! Hi guys!"
"Stop that!" Aragorn shouted, but it was too late. Missy had joined in on the paddling and their boat was drifting closer and closer to Haldir's.
Aragorn was about to say something but Legolas elbowed him and nodded slightly. Fortunately Becky and Missy didn't catch the movement.
Finally, their boat drifted close enough to Haldir's and the cousins made a leap for it. At that moment, Aragorn and Legolas began paddling as hard as they could in the next direction. The cousins missed Haldir's boat (and their own) and fell face first into the water.
Moments later they both resurfaced, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"I'm drowning! Save me! Save me!" Missy yelled. "Aragorn! Aragorn!"
"Save me! I'm drowning too!" Becky spluttered, taking in a mouthful of water. "LEGGY, MY LOVE! HEEEEEEEELP!"
"How many times must I tell you?" Legolas shouted back. "My name is LEGOLAS. And I'm not your love. I barely know you!"
By this time on their swan boat, Celeborn and Galadriel were both struggling to suppress their laughter.
"How could you not know me?" Becky replied. "I know EVERYTHING about you that there ever is to know! Are you sure you don't know me?!"
"I sadly DO know you," Aragorn cut in. "How could we not know about you? You talk so much! You also talk too much about this Orlando Bloom person.and this Viggo Mortensen. I do not know of them."
"Well duh, you wouldn't know of them," Missy rolled her eyes and giggled. "They're you! Well not exactly. I think Viggo bathes at least once a day."
"Of course Viggo bathes!" Becky shouted at her cousin, incredulously. "What do you think, silly?!" She splashed water at her cousin, who sputtered and splashed back.
"And vampires!" Legolas interrupted the water fight. "She is obsessed with vampires!" He turned to Celeborn and Galadriel who both immediately pasted innocent looks on their faces.
"Yes she is," the rest of the Fellowship chimed in. "We're fed up of hearing about this Lestat person.and this Louis person. And this Tom Cruise person and this Brad Pitt person and this Stuart Townsend person!"
"Lestat IS NOT A PERSON," Becky cried indignantly. "HE IS A VAMPIRE! A VAMPIRE! Louis IS NOT A PERSON EITHER! HE IS A VAMPIRE! HE IS A VAMPIRE!"
"That's extremely unhealthy," Haldir put in. "Vampires!"
"Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt make the dreamiest vampires," Becky giggled, forgetting to kick her feet underneath the water. She sunk slightly but came back up, screaming. "And I didn't really like Stuart Townsend Lestat at first but then I realized that he was a dreamy vampire too!"
"Is it me or every vampire you see is 'dreamy' all of a sudden?" Missy asked.
Becky pouted. "Not every vampire I see is dreamy. There was.there was.this vampire movie from like 1902 or something like that. The lead vampire wasn't dreamy. Or was he? I can't remember."
Celeborn and Galadriel both finally burst into hysterical laughter and fell off the boat, face first into the water, soaking everyone else with water. Moments later, they resurfaced still giggling insanely.
"Vampires," Galadriel choked.
"Dreamy," Celeborn said, causing the two of them to break out hysterically again.
Becky looked at them strangely but just smiled. "Ooh.and there was this other vampire movie I saw the other day."
"STOP TALKING ABOUT VAMPIRES!" Aragorn commanded. "It is a very bad time to be talking about evil demonic creatures who do not roam under the sun."
"LESTAT'S NOT EVIL NOR IS HE DEMONIC!" Becky defended with a pout. "Lestat is tall, blond and he was born on-"
"Shh!" Legolas said and with that he grabbed her hands and pulled her back onto the boat. "Come on Missy." He grabbed Missy and put her on the boat, next to her cousin.
"You no like Lestat?" Becky asked, giving Legolas an innocent wide-eyed look.
"I don't even know who Lestat is!" Legolas said, through clenched teeth. "I have never seen nor heard of him."
"How could you not hear of him?" The Fellowship asked simultaneously. "We hear about him and YOU every minute of the day!"
Legolas gave them the Evil Elf Eye and they got wide innocent smiles on their faces.
"Ooh!" Becky began digging through her bag that she carried everywhere with her. "I might have the books in here somewhere. I may have some pictures too."
"Never mind," Missy pulled Becky's hands away from her bag. "We don't want to see pictures. We don't want TO KNOW."
"But..but.don't you wanna hear about Orlando and Viggo too? And Elijah?" Becky pouted, eyes watering. "What about them?"
"We'd love to hear about them!" Celeborn called from the water where he and Galadriel still were. "We'd love to know about.Orlando? Viggo? Elijah?"
"It's Vee-go, not Vig-go," Becky corrected. "Always remember to get the name right. Okay?"
"Alright. Shall we feast?" Galadriel said, as she and Celeborn began making their way back to their boat.
*The Swan passed on slowly to the hythe, and they turned their boats and followed it. There in the last end of Egladil upon the green grass the parting feast was held.*
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After they had eaten; and Celeborn had spoken to them of their journey; and after everyone had dried off; Galadriel presented them with gifts. Aragorn received a sheath for his sword and a great stone of clear green which was set in a silver brooch that was in the likeness of an eagle (the latter was left in Galadriel's care to give to Aragorn, should he ever pass through Lórien); Legolas was given a bow strung with a string of elf-hair and a quiver of arrows; Boromir received a belt of gold; Merry and Pippin received silver belts; Sam was given a little box with earth from Galadriel's orchard; and Gimli received three golden hairs from Galadriel's head.
"What do you wish from us?" The Lady Galadriel turned to Becky and Missy eagerly. She truly wanted to hear their response. "Ask anything of us."
"Well, can we have Haldir?" Becky and Missy asked, wide grins on their faces.
"Well-" Galadriel began but she caught the look of horror on Haldir's face. "I'm sorry, girls. That is one thing I cannot grant."
"Can we have Rúmil and Orophin then?"
"No, I'm afraid. Those two are impossible to grant," Galadriel said.
"Well, I guess I want three strands of your hair too," Becky said. "I could tie them in with my own hair and tell people I have three strands of Cate Blanchett's wig!"
"I do not know of a Cate Blanchett," Galadriel replied. "But I shall give you the strands." She gave Becky and Missy three strands of hair each.
"Oh and Celeborn I want some hair too!" Becky bounded up to him and held out her hands. "I'm NOT taking no for an answer, mister."
Celeborn sighed reluctantly but plucked out six strands of his silver hair and gave them to Becky and Missy.
"And we want hair from Haldir too," Becky demanded.
"Of course you may!" Galadriel said. "Since it is so small a thing you require of us."
Becky giggled maniacally and tackled Haldir's hair. She came back with a handful of silver hair.
"Ouch!" Haldir howled. "I have a bald spot!"
"Oops," Becky smiled from ear-to-ear and handed over several strands to Missy. "Now Galadriel, I would like six strands of hair from Legolas."
"Of course," Galadriel gestured for a horrified Legolas to come closer.
"But my Lady!" Legolas protested. "Please.no." He tried to escape but Becky and Missy swooped down and plucked out their six strands, none too gently.
"Ouch!" Legolas began mumbling several angry words in Elvish under his breath. "That hurt!"
"Well there's something I really want," Becky said. "Several things actually but I'm a little embarrassed." She beckoned for Galadriel to come closer.
Galadriel came closer and bent to hear Becky's requests. At the first one she smiled sadly and slowly. She shook her head gently but firmly.
"I can never grant that wish," Galadriel replied sadly. "No matter how many of us would like that, no matter."
"Well then how about." Becky continued whispering into Galadriel's ear.
Everyone subconsciously leaned forward to listen but they couldn't hear anything.
The sad look immediately disappeared from Galadriel's face and a huge smile appeared in its place. The Lady looked ready to break down into hysterical bouts of laughter.
"I'll try," Galadriel said, allowing herself a giggle. "I'll try my best but if nothing happens well.I'm very sorry."
"What did you ask for? What did you ask for?" Missy demanded as soon as Becky was back hovering over her shoulder. "Tell me!"
"No.I can't tell you that!" Becky said with an evil smile. "You'll find out later."
The rest of the Fellowship gazed at them curiously but they didn't say anything.
The Lady smiled at the cousins and went to Frodo to present him with his gift.
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(MOVIEVERSE)
"Buh-bye, Frodo Baggins, you, cute little hobbit, you. I give you the light of Eärendil, our prettiest star. Lataz," Galadriel said.
Frodo stared at her, big blue eyes as wide as could be and mouth agape. "WHAT?"
"Um, I meant this," Galadriel said with a sheepish smile. "Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. Namárië."
She put into his hand a small crystal phial. She bent and kissed the top of Frodo's head.
"Gracias, merci, and all that stuff," Frodo replied. He caught Galadriel's confused look and shook his head. "I've been spending too much time near Becky and Missy. What I meant to say was thank you!"
The Fellowship got into their boats and made ready to set off, Becky and Missy weeping hysterically.
"WAIT! WAIT!" Becky yelled, grabbing several packages from her backpack and scattering back onto shore. "Your gifts! I almost forgot the gifts!"
She gave Celeborn and Galadriel two packages wrapped in bright pink gift paper. The Lord and Lady immediately ripped into them.
"Ooooh!" Galadriel said, eyes wide in amazement as she gazed in admiration at her gifts. "These are so pretty!" She held up a large packet of multi- colored rhinestone-looking clips and a packet of blue flower-shaped and white flower-shaped rhinestone-looking hair decals.
"But what are these?" Celeborn asked, lifting one of his gifts. He'd gotten a new brush, strawberry scented hair gel and hair spray plus a set of fake blue braided hair. Galadriel had gotten the pink braided hair set. "Is it REAL hair?"
"No, it's not real hair," Becky said, wiping away her tears. "But it will look totally good in your hair!" She and Missy pounced on the Lord and Lady and began braiding the fake hair into their real hair.
"You look so beautiful!" Missy said and broke into another round of tears. "WAHHH!"
"And these are for you," Becky said, flinging random gifts at Rúmil, Orophin and Haldir. "Oh these are for you too, Random Elves!"
Rúmil, Orophin and Haldir got new brushes and a whole line of hair-care products and The Random Elves received brushes and bags of chocolates.
"We must be off now," Aragorn said, from the boat. "NOW."
"Oh sorry, Hot Ranger Dude," Becky said, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. "Bye Galadriel, bye Celeborn. Bye Haldir, bye Rúmil, bye Orophin, bye bye Random Elves."
"Bye bye," Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil and the Random Elves replied.
Becky and Missy got back into the boat, still scrubbing furiously at their tear-filled eyes.
"WAIT! WAIT!" it was Celeborn's turn to yell.
Aragorn groaned in frustration and buried his head in his hands.
"Yes?!" Becky and Missy immediately leapt back out of the boat, causing the boat to rock violently and for Legolas and Aragorn to hold onto the sides for dear life.
"We had these made for you," Galadriel handed the cousins a large white box wrapped up in purple velvet. "The blue one is for Missy and the purple is for Becky."
"Ooh!" Becky began pulling off the purple velvet but Galadriel stopped her.
"Wait," was all she said.
"But for how long?" Missy whined, pouting. "I wanna see! I wanna see!"
"Wait until we are out of sight," Galadriel said, with a secret smile. "You will like the gifts, no doubt."
"Is it?" Becky asked, realization dawning in her eyes. "Could it? Could it?"
"No. I doubt what you want would be able to fit into a large white box," Galadriel chuckled.
Becky and Missy gave one last round of hugs, giving Haldir an extra-tight one and nearly strangling the poor Elf. They hurried back to the boat, now in another fresh round of tears.
Galadriel watched them row off and she lifted her hand to them in a silent farewell.
"May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out," Galadriel said, inside Frodo's head.
"Ooh! I know when you'll use the lighty thingie!" Becky cried triumphantly. "You'll use it-" Missy clamped a hand over her cousin's mouth.
"Hannon le, Missy," Becky said, giggling sheepishly. "I was almost gonna give away another part of the story, huh?"
"Yes you were cousin dearest," Missy replied. "But now let's say our last goodbyes to beautiful Lórien!"
So cameras flashing, hands waving, Aragorn and Legolas groaning in annoyance and tears in everyone's eyes, the Fellowship passed out of Lothlórien, which they would never see again. Well not in this story anyway.
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Well there it is, folks. Chapter 18: Farewell to Lórien. Hope you enjoyed it. Thank you all so much for bearing with me and waiting so long for this chapter. I'm really sorry about it but I've been really busy and I tried to get this chapter to be as long as possible for you guys. I'm working on Chapter 2 for The Prisoners of the House of Elrond. Here's the link:
Check it out and please review! Ooh and thank you all for reviewing! Your notes are not far below :) Oh and BTW, I have a Yahoo! Club now. It's called The Borders of Middle-Earth. Come join sometime. You're more than welcome =) Here's the linky link:
Translations:
Dina-Be silent.
Review Replies:
aimie hopeful writer-Thanks for the comment :D Of course I'll review the next chapter of your story and don't forget to keep coming back for more madness ;)
Guess-Eh, thanks for the compliment? Greenleaf doesn't belong to any of us dear. Sorry to burst your bubble. Legolas Greenleaf is the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. =) You're not him by the way are you? Can I have Legolas? ;)
anime princess-yeah I know it's a little on the short side. Hope this makes up for it!
Wandering-Ranger-A CUTE BALROG!!! Ahem....did you get your review yet dear?
Celtic Dawn Star-Thankies for the compliment. (Again!!) Oh well, just more reviews for me! Woo-hoo! Here's the update!
MONDAY JUNE 2ND WAS MY BIRTHDAY! YAY! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEE!
Now for the dedication. CHAPTER 18: FAREWELL TO LÓRIEN IS DEDICATED TO.ANIME PRINCESS AND WANDERING-RANGER. I'm SO SO SO SO SORRY that two people had to get dedicated to this one chapter but anime princess gave me three reviews and then Wandering-Ranger (you, darling, you!!!!) gave me six reviews altogether and she keeps reviewing (hug, hug, hug, hug) and reviewing and reviewing till pretty soon she might be the only one getting dedications. So why don't you'll give her a little competition? ;) ;) Try to see if you can get dedicated before her. (Yeah, yeah cheap review bribe tactic!)
Oh and this is ALMOST COMPLETELY bookverse. It has a teensy little bit of movieverse. Have had to remove some of the book parts to accommodate the story :) But there is a lot of stuff directly from the book LOTR: FOTR. They are very easy to recognize: anything that makes sense :) Also I DO NOT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF THIS. The book inserts in this story is property of J.R.R. Tolkien NOT ME. Also the parts taken from the book are labeled with this *.
Disclaimer: I ONLY OWN THIS STORY AND MYSELF. I MAKE ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY OFF THIS. Lestat and Louis do not belong to me. They belong to the wonderful author Anne Rice. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Stuart Townsend all belong to themselves. Or their parents. Whichever one works.
Chapter 18: Farewell to Lórien
"LEAVING? WHAT DO YOU MEAN LEAVING?!" Becky shouted at Aragorn and Legolas the next morning.
"We are leaving Lothlórien," Aragorn repeated patiently. "We decided last night that we would be leaving today."
"NO ONE TOLD ME WE WERE LEAVING!" Becky howled at them. "I CAN'T LEAVE MY HALDIRYKINS JUST WHEN WE WERE BEGINNING TO KNOW EACH OTHER SO WELL!"
"I DON'T KNOW YOU!" Haldir yelled from the bushes, where he'd been posted to keep an eye on the girls. from sources that were not from Lothlórien.
"Of course you know who I am, sweet," Becky replied, running and hugging him. "I'm Becky! And that's Missy dear over there!"
"Okay, okay," Haldir said, struggling to detach her. "I give up. Just go bother Legolas."
And with that Haldir disappeared back into the bushes.
"Okay!" Becky dove at Legolas and hugged him tightly. "MY LOVELY LEGOLAS."
"Good Elbereth," Aragorn grabbed Becky's arms and pulled her away from Legolas. "We do not have time for this!"
"Ooh!" Becky in turn wrapped her arms around Aragorn in a hug. "I WUV YOU HOT RANGER DUDE!" Then she pulled away wrinkling her nose.
"You're surrounded by water. I think you should take a bath," Becky said, digging through her bag for her bottle of perfume. "Where did that bottle of Victoria's Secret body spray go to?"
"Erm, never mind," Aragorn backed far away from Becky, remembering that incident in Rivendell.
*Elves that could speak their tongue came to them and brought them many gifts of food and clothing for the journey. *
"LEMBAS!" Becky shrieked and swooped down on the Lembas. Gimli quickly followed her lead, as he'd secretly loved them since Rivendell.
"Stop! That's enough!" the Elves cried. "Gimli you've eaten enough for a day's march. Becky you've eaten enough for four!"
"I'm hungry," Becky pouted and folded her arms.
"Just let her eat," Legolas replied tiredly. "You've heard her temper tantrums."
"That's why I love you Leggy! You're so sweet to me!" Becky said, grinning widely at Legolas.
Legolas sighed and stalked off in another direction.
"Leggy loves me!" Becky repeated, with the same stupid smile plastered on her face. "Doesn't he?"
"I'm sure that somewhere deep down in Legolas' heart it's true," Boromir reassured, trying to keep a straight face.
"Oh Boromir. You say the sweetest things!" Becky said and then she burst into near hysterical tears. "OH NO BOROMIR!"
She and Missy hugged each other and the latter began to sob with her cousin. "Tragic.so tragic!"
Poor Boromir and the rest of the present Fellowship just blinked. The Elves stared but quickly shook their heads in sympathy to the rest of the Fellowship.
*"All the same, we bid you spare the food," they said. "Eat little at a time, and only at need. For these things are given to serve you when all else fails. The cakes will keep sweet for many many days, if they are unbroken and left in their leaf-wrappings, as we have brought them. One will keep a traveler on his feet for a day of long labour, even if he be one of the tall Men of Minas Tirith."
The Elves next unwrapped and gave to each of the Company the clothes they had brought. For each they had provided a hood and cloak, made according to his size, of the light but warm silken stuff that the Galadhrim wove. It was hard to say of what colour they were: grey with the hue of twilight under the trees they seemed to be; and yet if they were moved, or set in another light, they were green as shadowed leaves, or brown as fallow fields by night, dusk-silver as water under the stars. Each cloak was fastened about the neck with a brooch like a green leaf veined with silver.
"Are these magic cloaks?" asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder. *
"Ooh! Magic cloaks!" Becky giggled maniacally. She immediately put on the cloak and began dancing around.
"A cute little leaf pin!" Missy shrieked, touching the delicate pin. "It's sho cute!"
*"I do not know what you mean by that," answered the leader of the Elves. "They are fair garments, and the web is good, for it was made in this land. They are elvish robes certainly, if that is what you mean. Leaf and branch, water and stone: they have the hue and beauty of all these things under the twilight of Lórien that we love; for we put the thought of all that we love into all that we make. Yet they are garments, not armour, and they will not turn shaft or blade. But they should serve you well: they are light to wear, and warm enough or cool enough at need. And you will find them a great aid in keeping out of the sight of unfriendly eyes, whether you walk among the stones or the trees. You are indeed high in the favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people."*
"I always knew we were Galadriel's favorite!" Becky shrieked, jumping up and down. "I'm gonna go thank her right now! Come on cousin!"
"Oh no you're not!" Aragorn caught hold of each cousin's wrist before they could take off anywhere. "You are not going anywhere right now. You have your entire luggage to pack and we have to pack up what we have. And the two of you shall have double duty as your darling Legolas has run off to find the nearest cliff to jump off of. Valar knows he won't find one around here."
"But I wanna go see Galadriel!" Becky said. "I don't wanna pack!"
"You better begin packing now!" Aragorn said, almost as if he hadn't heard Becky. "You have so many of those.suitcases, is it?"
"Yes it's suitcases," Missy said, sighing resignedly. "Come on Becky. Let's listen to Hot Ranger Dude."
"But I don't wanna leave Lothlórien! I wanna stay here. It's so beautiful!" Becky whined. "I haven't even gotten a chance to braid Galadriel's hair!"
"Maybe later," was Aragorn's terse reply.
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*After their morning meal (and after Legolas had returned from his unsuccessful mission to find a cliff) the Company said farewell to the lawn by the fountain. Their hearts were heavy; for it was a fair place, and it had become like home to them, though they could not count the days and nights that they had passed there. As they stood for a moment looking at the white water in the sunlight, Haldir came walking towards them over the green grass of the glade, wearing a sulky expression. Frodo, Becky and Missy greeted him with delight. *
*"I have been forced to come back by the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn," Haldir said, through gritted teeth, "and I am sent to be your guide again. The Dimrill Dale is full of vapour and clouds of smoke, and the mountains are troubled. There are noises in the deeps of the earth. If any of you had thought of returning northwards to your homes, you would not have been able to pass that way. But come! Your path now goes south."
As they walked through Caras Galadhon the green ways were empty; but in the trees above them many voices were murmuring and singing. They themselves went silently. At last Haldir led them down the southward slopes of the hill, and they came again to the great gate hung with lamps, and to the white bridge; and so they passed out and left the city of the Elves, Becky and Missy both crying hysterically. Then they turned away from the paved road and took a path that went off into a deep thicket of mallorn-trees, and passed on, winding through rolling woodlands of silver shadow, leading them ever down, southwards and eastwards, towards the shores of the River.
They had gone some ten miles and noon was at hand when they came on a high green wall. Passing through an opening they came suddenly out of the trees. Before them lay a long lawn of shining grass, studded with golden elanor that glinted in the sun. The lawn ran out into a narrow tongue between bright margins: on the right and west the Silverlode flowed glittering; on the left and east the Great River rolled its broad waters, deep and dark. On the further shores the woodlands still marched on southwards as far as the eye could see, but all the banks were bleak and bare. No mallorn lifted its gold-hung boughs beyond the Land of Lórien.
On the bank of the Silverlode, at some distance up from the meeting of the streams, there was a hythe of white stones and white wood. By it were moored many boats and barges. Some were brightly painted, and shone with silver and gold and green, but most were either white or grey. Three small grey boats had been made ready for the travellers, and in these the Elves stowed their goods. And they added also coils of rope, three to each boat. Slender they looked, but strong, silken to the touch, grey of hue like the elven-cloaks.
"What are these?" asked Sam, handling one that lay upon the greensward.
"Ropes indeed!" answered an Elf from the boats. "Never travel far without a rope! And one that is long and strong and light. Such are these. They may be a help in many needs."*
"Skipping ropes!" Becky giggled, now over her sadness. She ran over to a boat, picked up a coil and began jumping rope. "I haven't skipped in ages!"
Aragorn sighed tiredly and gestured at the Elves. One of them came up to Becky and took away the rope. Becky burst into tears.
"I was skipping!" Becky protested through her tears. "You're a party pooper Aragorn II, son of Arathorn II! Yes you are!"
"Dina!" Aragorn commanded, knowing that one of the only ways to shut her up was in Elvish. Becky ceased her tears but still she pouted.
The Elves blinked but the one who'd spoken to Sam gestured for him to continue as it was obvious he'd been about to say something when Becky had taken the rope.
*"You don't need to tell me that!" said Sam. "I came without any, and I've been worried ever since. But I was wondering what these were made of, knowing a bit about rope-making: it's in the family as you might say."
"They are made of hithlain," said the Elf, "but there is no time now to instruct you in the art of their making. Had we known that this craft delighted you, we could have taught you much. But now alas! unless you should at some time return hither, you must be content with our gift. May it serve you well!"
"Come!" said Haldir. "All is now ready for you. Enter the boats! But take care at first!"
"Heed the words!" said the other Elves. "These boats are light-built, and they are crafty and unlike the boats of other folk. They will not sink, lade them as you will; but they are wayward if mishandled. It would be wise if you accustomed yourselves to stepping in and out, here where there is a landing-place, before you set off downstream."
The Company was supposed to be arranged in this way: Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam were in one boat; Boromir, Merry, and Pippin in another; and in the third were Legolas and Gimli, who had now become fast friends. In this last boat most of the goods and packs were supposed to be stowed. *
Unfortunately (for most) things were NOT arranged that way. In this version this was the arrangement: Becky, Missy, Aragorn and Legolas were in one boat; Boromir, Merry, Pippin and Gimli in the other and all the goods were in the last boat.
"But this is overloading!" Aragorn protested, trying everything to get away from Becky and Missy. "Can we please get another boat if that's possible?"
"But the Elves said we could overload and we wouldn't sink!" Missy piped up.
"Someone needs to steer the boats with the goods," Legolas interjected, praying to the Valar that that might work.
"No they don't. We could use one of these pretty skipping ropes and tie the goods boat to our boat!" Becky said, grinning at her own intelligence.
"Just figures she'd have to go and get smart now," Legolas muttered under his breath.
"What was that, Legolas my love?" Becky asked, gazing up at him with a big, stupid grin.
"Nothing. Never mind," Legolas rolled his eyes and moved to the furthest end of the boat.
Becky plopped down right next to Legolas and Missy hooked herself onto Aragorn's arm.
"Ooh! Look! The thingies that you put in the water to make the boat move look like leaves!" Becky giggled, now discovering the fact.
The Fellowship sighed and shook their heads sadly.
*When all was ready Aragorn led them on a trial up the Silverlode. The current was swift and they went forward slowly. Sam sat in the bows, clutching the sides, and looking back wistfully to the shore. The sunlight glistening on the water dazzled his eyes. As they passed beyond the green field of the Tongue, the trees drew down to the river's brink. Here and there golden leaves tossed and floated on the rippling stream. The air was very bright and still, and there was silence, except for the high distant sound of larks. *
"Are those gulls?" Becky shrieked, a murderous glint in her eyes. "Gulls are evil! They stole you away from me!" This she directed at Legolas who moved further away from her.
"Gulls are not evil, cousin," Missy said. "Did they physically pick up Legolas and move him? That's very likely: the Elf's skinnier than spaghetti!"
"I take offense!" Legolas and Becky yelled simultaneously.
"What's spaghetti?" Legolas asked at the same time Becky said, "He's not that skinny! He's got muscle somewhere!" And with that she poked Legolas on his forearm with her finger. "Yep. That's muscle."
"It's called a forearm!" Legolas protested and plucked his arm away.
"It's a cute forearm!" Becky giggled and hugged his arm.
*They turned a sharp bend in the river, and there, sailing proudly down the stream toward them, they saw a swan of great size. The water rippled on either side of the white breast beneath its curving neck. Its beak shone like burnished gold, and its eyes glinted like jet set in yellow stones; its huge white wings were half lifted. A music came down the river as it drew nearer; and suddenly they perceived that it was a ship, wrought and carved with elven-skill in the likeness of a bird. Two Elves clad in white steered it with black paddles. In the midst of the vessel sat Celeborn, and behind him stood Galadriel, tall and white; a circlet of golden flowers was in her hair, and in her hand she held a harp, and she sang. Sad and sweet was the sound of her voice in the cool clear air. * She was singing about Lórien.
*Aragorn stayed his boat as the Swan-ship drew alongside. The Lady ended her song and greeted them. "We have come to bid you our last farewell," she said, "and to speed you with blessings from our land."*
"Yay!" Becky cheered. "I get to braid Galadriel's hair now!"
*"Though you have been our guests," said Celeborn, "you have not yet eaten with us, and we bid you, therefore, to a parting feast, here between the flowing waters that will bear you far from Lórien."*
"What are you talking about Celeborn dear?" Becky asked, eyebrows lifted. "We feasted a lot at our party here!"
Celeborn coughed, turning red with embarrassment. Becky was about to say something when she caught sight of a boat coming upstream towards them.
"OMYFUZZY! It's Haldirykins!" Becky shrieked and began paddling the water with her hands, trying to pull the boat closer to Haldir's boat. "Eee! It's Rúmil and Orophin too! Hi guys!"
"Stop that!" Aragorn shouted, but it was too late. Missy had joined in on the paddling and their boat was drifting closer and closer to Haldir's.
Aragorn was about to say something but Legolas elbowed him and nodded slightly. Fortunately Becky and Missy didn't catch the movement.
Finally, their boat drifted close enough to Haldir's and the cousins made a leap for it. At that moment, Aragorn and Legolas began paddling as hard as they could in the next direction. The cousins missed Haldir's boat (and their own) and fell face first into the water.
Moments later they both resurfaced, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"I'm drowning! Save me! Save me!" Missy yelled. "Aragorn! Aragorn!"
"Save me! I'm drowning too!" Becky spluttered, taking in a mouthful of water. "LEGGY, MY LOVE! HEEEEEEEELP!"
"How many times must I tell you?" Legolas shouted back. "My name is LEGOLAS. And I'm not your love. I barely know you!"
By this time on their swan boat, Celeborn and Galadriel were both struggling to suppress their laughter.
"How could you not know me?" Becky replied. "I know EVERYTHING about you that there ever is to know! Are you sure you don't know me?!"
"I sadly DO know you," Aragorn cut in. "How could we not know about you? You talk so much! You also talk too much about this Orlando Bloom person.and this Viggo Mortensen. I do not know of them."
"Well duh, you wouldn't know of them," Missy rolled her eyes and giggled. "They're you! Well not exactly. I think Viggo bathes at least once a day."
"Of course Viggo bathes!" Becky shouted at her cousin, incredulously. "What do you think, silly?!" She splashed water at her cousin, who sputtered and splashed back.
"And vampires!" Legolas interrupted the water fight. "She is obsessed with vampires!" He turned to Celeborn and Galadriel who both immediately pasted innocent looks on their faces.
"Yes she is," the rest of the Fellowship chimed in. "We're fed up of hearing about this Lestat person.and this Louis person. And this Tom Cruise person and this Brad Pitt person and this Stuart Townsend person!"
"Lestat IS NOT A PERSON," Becky cried indignantly. "HE IS A VAMPIRE! A VAMPIRE! Louis IS NOT A PERSON EITHER! HE IS A VAMPIRE! HE IS A VAMPIRE!"
"That's extremely unhealthy," Haldir put in. "Vampires!"
"Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt make the dreamiest vampires," Becky giggled, forgetting to kick her feet underneath the water. She sunk slightly but came back up, screaming. "And I didn't really like Stuart Townsend Lestat at first but then I realized that he was a dreamy vampire too!"
"Is it me or every vampire you see is 'dreamy' all of a sudden?" Missy asked.
Becky pouted. "Not every vampire I see is dreamy. There was.there was.this vampire movie from like 1902 or something like that. The lead vampire wasn't dreamy. Or was he? I can't remember."
Celeborn and Galadriel both finally burst into hysterical laughter and fell off the boat, face first into the water, soaking everyone else with water. Moments later, they resurfaced still giggling insanely.
"Vampires," Galadriel choked.
"Dreamy," Celeborn said, causing the two of them to break out hysterically again.
Becky looked at them strangely but just smiled. "Ooh.and there was this other vampire movie I saw the other day."
"STOP TALKING ABOUT VAMPIRES!" Aragorn commanded. "It is a very bad time to be talking about evil demonic creatures who do not roam under the sun."
"LESTAT'S NOT EVIL NOR IS HE DEMONIC!" Becky defended with a pout. "Lestat is tall, blond and he was born on-"
"Shh!" Legolas said and with that he grabbed her hands and pulled her back onto the boat. "Come on Missy." He grabbed Missy and put her on the boat, next to her cousin.
"You no like Lestat?" Becky asked, giving Legolas an innocent wide-eyed look.
"I don't even know who Lestat is!" Legolas said, through clenched teeth. "I have never seen nor heard of him."
"How could you not hear of him?" The Fellowship asked simultaneously. "We hear about him and YOU every minute of the day!"
Legolas gave them the Evil Elf Eye and they got wide innocent smiles on their faces.
"Ooh!" Becky began digging through her bag that she carried everywhere with her. "I might have the books in here somewhere. I may have some pictures too."
"Never mind," Missy pulled Becky's hands away from her bag. "We don't want to see pictures. We don't want TO KNOW."
"But..but.don't you wanna hear about Orlando and Viggo too? And Elijah?" Becky pouted, eyes watering. "What about them?"
"We'd love to hear about them!" Celeborn called from the water where he and Galadriel still were. "We'd love to know about.Orlando? Viggo? Elijah?"
"It's Vee-go, not Vig-go," Becky corrected. "Always remember to get the name right. Okay?"
"Alright. Shall we feast?" Galadriel said, as she and Celeborn began making their way back to their boat.
*The Swan passed on slowly to the hythe, and they turned their boats and followed it. There in the last end of Egladil upon the green grass the parting feast was held.*
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After they had eaten; and Celeborn had spoken to them of their journey; and after everyone had dried off; Galadriel presented them with gifts. Aragorn received a sheath for his sword and a great stone of clear green which was set in a silver brooch that was in the likeness of an eagle (the latter was left in Galadriel's care to give to Aragorn, should he ever pass through Lórien); Legolas was given a bow strung with a string of elf-hair and a quiver of arrows; Boromir received a belt of gold; Merry and Pippin received silver belts; Sam was given a little box with earth from Galadriel's orchard; and Gimli received three golden hairs from Galadriel's head.
"What do you wish from us?" The Lady Galadriel turned to Becky and Missy eagerly. She truly wanted to hear their response. "Ask anything of us."
"Well, can we have Haldir?" Becky and Missy asked, wide grins on their faces.
"Well-" Galadriel began but she caught the look of horror on Haldir's face. "I'm sorry, girls. That is one thing I cannot grant."
"Can we have Rúmil and Orophin then?"
"No, I'm afraid. Those two are impossible to grant," Galadriel said.
"Well, I guess I want three strands of your hair too," Becky said. "I could tie them in with my own hair and tell people I have three strands of Cate Blanchett's wig!"
"I do not know of a Cate Blanchett," Galadriel replied. "But I shall give you the strands." She gave Becky and Missy three strands of hair each.
"Oh and Celeborn I want some hair too!" Becky bounded up to him and held out her hands. "I'm NOT taking no for an answer, mister."
Celeborn sighed reluctantly but plucked out six strands of his silver hair and gave them to Becky and Missy.
"And we want hair from Haldir too," Becky demanded.
"Of course you may!" Galadriel said. "Since it is so small a thing you require of us."
Becky giggled maniacally and tackled Haldir's hair. She came back with a handful of silver hair.
"Ouch!" Haldir howled. "I have a bald spot!"
"Oops," Becky smiled from ear-to-ear and handed over several strands to Missy. "Now Galadriel, I would like six strands of hair from Legolas."
"Of course," Galadriel gestured for a horrified Legolas to come closer.
"But my Lady!" Legolas protested. "Please.no." He tried to escape but Becky and Missy swooped down and plucked out their six strands, none too gently.
"Ouch!" Legolas began mumbling several angry words in Elvish under his breath. "That hurt!"
"Well there's something I really want," Becky said. "Several things actually but I'm a little embarrassed." She beckoned for Galadriel to come closer.
Galadriel came closer and bent to hear Becky's requests. At the first one she smiled sadly and slowly. She shook her head gently but firmly.
"I can never grant that wish," Galadriel replied sadly. "No matter how many of us would like that, no matter."
"Well then how about." Becky continued whispering into Galadriel's ear.
Everyone subconsciously leaned forward to listen but they couldn't hear anything.
The sad look immediately disappeared from Galadriel's face and a huge smile appeared in its place. The Lady looked ready to break down into hysterical bouts of laughter.
"I'll try," Galadriel said, allowing herself a giggle. "I'll try my best but if nothing happens well.I'm very sorry."
"What did you ask for? What did you ask for?" Missy demanded as soon as Becky was back hovering over her shoulder. "Tell me!"
"No.I can't tell you that!" Becky said with an evil smile. "You'll find out later."
The rest of the Fellowship gazed at them curiously but they didn't say anything.
The Lady smiled at the cousins and went to Frodo to present him with his gift.
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(MOVIEVERSE)
"Buh-bye, Frodo Baggins, you, cute little hobbit, you. I give you the light of Eärendil, our prettiest star. Lataz," Galadriel said.
Frodo stared at her, big blue eyes as wide as could be and mouth agape. "WHAT?"
"Um, I meant this," Galadriel said with a sheepish smile. "Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star. Namárië."
She put into his hand a small crystal phial. She bent and kissed the top of Frodo's head.
"Gracias, merci, and all that stuff," Frodo replied. He caught Galadriel's confused look and shook his head. "I've been spending too much time near Becky and Missy. What I meant to say was thank you!"
The Fellowship got into their boats and made ready to set off, Becky and Missy weeping hysterically.
"WAIT! WAIT!" Becky yelled, grabbing several packages from her backpack and scattering back onto shore. "Your gifts! I almost forgot the gifts!"
She gave Celeborn and Galadriel two packages wrapped in bright pink gift paper. The Lord and Lady immediately ripped into them.
"Ooooh!" Galadriel said, eyes wide in amazement as she gazed in admiration at her gifts. "These are so pretty!" She held up a large packet of multi- colored rhinestone-looking clips and a packet of blue flower-shaped and white flower-shaped rhinestone-looking hair decals.
"But what are these?" Celeborn asked, lifting one of his gifts. He'd gotten a new brush, strawberry scented hair gel and hair spray plus a set of fake blue braided hair. Galadriel had gotten the pink braided hair set. "Is it REAL hair?"
"No, it's not real hair," Becky said, wiping away her tears. "But it will look totally good in your hair!" She and Missy pounced on the Lord and Lady and began braiding the fake hair into their real hair.
"You look so beautiful!" Missy said and broke into another round of tears. "WAHHH!"
"And these are for you," Becky said, flinging random gifts at Rúmil, Orophin and Haldir. "Oh these are for you too, Random Elves!"
Rúmil, Orophin and Haldir got new brushes and a whole line of hair-care products and The Random Elves received brushes and bags of chocolates.
"We must be off now," Aragorn said, from the boat. "NOW."
"Oh sorry, Hot Ranger Dude," Becky said, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief. "Bye Galadriel, bye Celeborn. Bye Haldir, bye Rúmil, bye Orophin, bye bye Random Elves."
"Bye bye," Galadriel, Celeborn, Haldir, Orophin, Rúmil and the Random Elves replied.
Becky and Missy got back into the boat, still scrubbing furiously at their tear-filled eyes.
"WAIT! WAIT!" it was Celeborn's turn to yell.
Aragorn groaned in frustration and buried his head in his hands.
"Yes?!" Becky and Missy immediately leapt back out of the boat, causing the boat to rock violently and for Legolas and Aragorn to hold onto the sides for dear life.
"We had these made for you," Galadriel handed the cousins a large white box wrapped up in purple velvet. "The blue one is for Missy and the purple is for Becky."
"Ooh!" Becky began pulling off the purple velvet but Galadriel stopped her.
"Wait," was all she said.
"But for how long?" Missy whined, pouting. "I wanna see! I wanna see!"
"Wait until we are out of sight," Galadriel said, with a secret smile. "You will like the gifts, no doubt."
"Is it?" Becky asked, realization dawning in her eyes. "Could it? Could it?"
"No. I doubt what you want would be able to fit into a large white box," Galadriel chuckled.
Becky and Missy gave one last round of hugs, giving Haldir an extra-tight one and nearly strangling the poor Elf. They hurried back to the boat, now in another fresh round of tears.
Galadriel watched them row off and she lifted her hand to them in a silent farewell.
"May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out," Galadriel said, inside Frodo's head.
"Ooh! I know when you'll use the lighty thingie!" Becky cried triumphantly. "You'll use it-" Missy clamped a hand over her cousin's mouth.
"Hannon le, Missy," Becky said, giggling sheepishly. "I was almost gonna give away another part of the story, huh?"
"Yes you were cousin dearest," Missy replied. "But now let's say our last goodbyes to beautiful Lórien!"
So cameras flashing, hands waving, Aragorn and Legolas groaning in annoyance and tears in everyone's eyes, the Fellowship passed out of Lothlórien, which they would never see again. Well not in this story anyway.
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Well there it is, folks. Chapter 18: Farewell to Lórien. Hope you enjoyed it. Thank you all so much for bearing with me and waiting so long for this chapter. I'm really sorry about it but I've been really busy and I tried to get this chapter to be as long as possible for you guys. I'm working on Chapter 2 for The Prisoners of the House of Elrond. Here's the link:
Check it out and please review! Ooh and thank you all for reviewing! Your notes are not far below :) Oh and BTW, I have a Yahoo! Club now. It's called The Borders of Middle-Earth. Come join sometime. You're more than welcome =) Here's the linky link:
Translations:
Dina-Be silent.
Review Replies:
aimie hopeful writer-Thanks for the comment :D Of course I'll review the next chapter of your story and don't forget to keep coming back for more madness ;)
Guess-Eh, thanks for the compliment? Greenleaf doesn't belong to any of us dear. Sorry to burst your bubble. Legolas Greenleaf is the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. =) You're not him by the way are you? Can I have Legolas? ;)
anime princess-yeah I know it's a little on the short side. Hope this makes up for it!
Wandering-Ranger-A CUTE BALROG!!! Ahem....did you get your review yet dear?
Celtic Dawn Star-Thankies for the compliment. (Again!!) Oh well, just more reviews for me! Woo-hoo! Here's the update!