A/N: Just a reminder: I'm using the movie-verse, not the books for this story, wherever it is necessary. BUT Boromir didn't get a gift in the movie, so I went back to the book for his. Also, in the book, Sam got a box of earth, and in the movie, the rope. Hope it's not too confusing. I love both the books and the movies, but I think more people are familiar with the movies. Thanks for reviewing, and keep reading!

DISCLAIMER: LOTR not mine.

FOOL OF A TOOK

Chapter Nine: The Search for Pippin

What was left of the Fellowship was rowing hurriedly down the river, in search of their friend. They had taken the three Elven canoes, Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in one, Boromir and Merry in another, Legolas and Gimli in the last.

Celeborn and Galadriel had a few more gifts to give the brave company; all received Elven cloaks, with shining leaf pins, like the one Pippin had found, to shield them from unfriendly eyes.

Legolas had been presented with a new bow, a bow of the Galadhrim, and the white arrows of Lorien.

Frodo was given a phial, with water inside that seemed to glow. "This is the Light of Earendil," Galadriel had said to him. "Let it be a light for you, when all other lights go out."

Boromir received a belt of gold, and Merry was gifted with a dagger, identical to the one Pippin had picked up in the guardhouse earlier. He fingered the carved leaves with an awed expression on his face.

Sam had received a length of rope. Not just any rope, but soft Elven rope, both supple and strong. Although he cherished his gift, being Elf-made, he couldn't help wishing for something a little more exciting, like the dagger Merry had been given.

Galadriel had looked down at Evenstar pendant Aragorn wore, and touched it gently. "You can receive no greater gift than that which has already been given. For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish."

Aragorn had sighed and cast his eyes down. "I would have her leave these shores. I would have her go into the West with her people."

Galadriel had smiled sadly at him.

Aragorn had bowed his head in respect and gratitude. "We owe much to you for your protection and aid. If ever we pass this way again, you will be very well met indeed."

Galadriel looked at him and sadly shook her head. "Alas, we shall not meet again in this lifetime, Elessar. Farewell, and do not despair."

It was this conversation that was ringing in Aragorn's ears as they paddled down the Anduin, in search of Pippin, and he sat quietly with his thoughts.

Gimli was also lost in thought, with his own memory of Lady Galadriel. He had waited his turn in the line of the Fellowship, watching silently as the others had received their gifts. When at last Galadriel had come to stand in front of him, he cast his eyes downward. Galadriel was amused and asked, "And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?"

Gimli had reddened to his ears, and replied, "None, Lady, it is enough to have seen the fair Lady of the Woods and to have heard her gentle words."

Galadriel was touched and asked him again, "Yet, surely, Gimli, son of Gloin, there is something that I could give?"

Gimli looked up and said, "Well, there is just one thing."

Now, as they paddled the river together, Legolas noticed his new friend's silence and asked him, "What did the Lady give you, Gimli?"

Gimli sighed and replied, "I asked her for a single hair from her golden head."

Legolas smiled and prompted him, "And?"

Gimli sighed again, as if one love struck. "She gave me three."

Legolas' smile widened and he shook his head. Dwarves, he thought. His head happened to turn towards the western shore of the river, and he spied something that made him sober sharply. "Gimli! Turn the canoe to the shore, quickly!"

Gimli complied and the Elf and Dwarf paddled in the direction of what Legolas had seen. Aragorn noticed this movement, and followed with Sam and Frodo. Boromir and Merry were so lost in their own thoughts that they did not notice the others, and kept rowing downstream.