A Stranger In The Woods

Chapter 28: Goodbye

After all the bags were packed, and weapons loaded into the boats, the fellowship lined up to say their goodbyes. Katie stood next to Legolas and Pippin as Celeborn and several other elves – including Haldir – approached them.

Haldir stood directly in front of her and wrapped a grey cloak around her shoulders. He fastened it in the front with a beautiful leaf broach.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," Celeborn stated after each of the fellowship was cloaked. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," he added, giving Boromir a hard look.

The man turned and walked away, looking frazzled. Aragorn followed him, leaving the rest of the group standing there.

They talked quietly with the elves for a minute until Galadriel appeared and approached them.

She walked up to Legolas and handed him a long, pale bow. "My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhim," she stated, "worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."

Legolas took the bow and studied it in awe. The elf behind her handed him a new quiver and some more arrows.

Galadriel then walked to Merry and Pippin, handing them both small knifes. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin," she stated as they studied the gifts. "They have already seen service in war," she added.

Then she turned to Sam. "And for you Samwise Gamgee, elven rope made of hithlain," she declared handing him the thin cord.

"Thank you my lady," Sam said politely, then cast a glance at Merry and Pippin. "Have you run out of those nice shiny daggers?" he asked softly.

Galadriel just smiled and made her way down the line to Katie. She handed her a beautiful leather belt with an attached holster. "I wouldn't want you to rid an elf of his weapons," she smiled as she presented Katie with a long elven sword.

Katie muttered a thank you as she studied the handcrafted weapon. A detailed design of a rose had been engraved into the sword all the way up to the light silver handle.

She glanced over at Legolas, whom was intensely studying his new bow. Katie couldn't resist the opportunity to tease him. She walked over to him slowly, trying to hide her grin. "That's a nice new bow you have there," she said quietly.

Legolas looked up at her and smiled kindly. "What was your gift from the Lady?" he asked curiously.

"Oh, just a belt," she said nonchalantly, suppressing the urge to smile. "I must say Legolas, that is an awfully nice new weapon you have there," she repeated slowly, making sure to emphasize the word 'new.'

Legolas shot her a puzzled look. Then realization dawned in his clear blue eyes as he recalled their deal. His face twisted into a frown

"You knew!" he hissed accusingly.

Katie just shrugged her shoulders. "Of course I did."

His frown deepened and he was quiet for a long time.

"Fine. I will give you my old weapons," he muttered finally.

"A deal's a deal," Katie said sweetly and chuckled at his sour expression. "I can't wait to try out my new knives," she added softly and began to walk away.

"Wait a minute," Legolas growled, grabbing her arm. "Our deal did not mention anything about my knives."

Katie tried to look as serious as possible. "Yes it did," she stated matter-of-factly.

"You did not specify which weapons you would get," he pointed out.

"I am specifying now," she shot back.

Legolas was beginning to look angry. "Are you really going to take my knives?" he asked her incredulously. "What will I use if I run out of arrows?" He sounded a little desperate.

"Not my problem."

A look of disbelief crossed Legolas' handsome face.

Katie couldn't help but smile. "I'm joking," she laughed. "I wouldn't take your weapons away from you. Besides, Galadriel gave me a new sword and holster," she added.

Legolas' disbelief turned to relief, then annoyance. "You were purposely teasing me," he growled, trying to look mad.

Katie threw her head back and laughed. "Of course I was! I had you going there for a minute too," she chuckled.

Legolas glanced at his feet sheepishly. "Maybe," he muttered.

Then he looked up and met her gaze. "I will give you my weapons if you wish," he stated truthfully.

"It's not necessary."

"We did have a deal," Legolas pointed out.

Katie thought about it for a minute. Finally, she decided a bargain was in order.

"How about you keep your old bow here, in Lothlórien. Just promise me after this war is over, you'll teach me how to use it."

Legolas pretended to consider her proposition. "Alright," he agreed finally, giving her a breathtaking smile.

Katie looked deep into his blue eyes and felt lost. She couldn't help but smile back. They stood there for a minute, staring silently into each others eyes. Haldir walked up to them and spoke, breaking their trance.

"It is time," he stated, clasping Legolas' shoulder.

Legolas turned to Haldir, looking slightly embarrassed. "Namaarie Haldir," he said softly. (Farewell)

"Sana malia en he," Haldir told him quietly and let go of his shoulder. (Take care of her)

"Amin havva," Legolas whispered. (I will)

Haldir turned to Katie and grabbed her hand. "Farewell, Lady Katherine," he said as he kissed it softly.

Katie threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. "I'll see you soon," she promised.

Haldir nodded once. "Be careful," he warned. "There are many orcs near."

"We will," Katie assured him. "Legolas will keep me safe," she added without really thinking.

"I'm sure he will," Haldir muttered teasingly.

Then he turned and walked away with one last goodbye.

"Goodbye Haldir," Katie whispered as she watched him go. She knew the next time she would see him would be at Helms Deep. 'Where he will die,' she thought sadly.

Legolas touched her arm, breaking her thoughts.

"We must go," he said quietly. "The others are waiting."

Katie followed him towards the boats, the feeling of dread heavy in her heart.

"Never give up hope," Galadriel's voice echoed in her mind.

Katie decided that she wouldn't, like Galadriel had said, "even the smallest person can change the course of the future."

They reached the canoes where Gimli was already seated in front, grumbling to himself. Legolas stepped into the back of their boat and reached up for her hand. He clasped it tightly and helped her into the small canoe. His other hand pressed against the small of her back, guiding her to her seat. Legolas made sure she was sitting and the boat was steady before he released her. He sat back in his seat and picked up one of the long oars.

"There is no need for you to row," he told her softly as she reached for the other one. He slid the leaf-shaped oar into the water and pushed off, following Aragorn's example.

Katie looked around at the elves on the shore and sighed. 'Leaving Lothlórien is harder than I imagined it would be,' she realized.

She spied Galadriel on the banks, looking lovely as always. The lady raised a hand in farewell. Katie smiled and returned the gesture in reply. Then she turned around and faced forward once again.