Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

Author's Note:

And back we are with one short Chapter before the action begins!

This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)

~ XLVII: Farewell to Lórien ~

Caras Galadhon, 3019 TA, February 15

The gang deliberated for two days on what they should do and how they should try to accomplish their mission with the Ring. They would have followed a leader over the River and into Mordor's shadow; Aragorn's mind was still torn, and Frodo saw Boromir's change of heart. Boromir's evil side will possess the Ring. Similar to what he did in Elrond's council.

The night was ageing rapidly. After the conclusion of the argument, everyone fell asleep. As they began to pack their few belongings in the morning, the Elves who could understand their language approached them and presented them with numerous presents of food and clothes for the trip. It was also decided which of Xena's garments would accompany her and which would be left behind. Legolas appeared to get his belongings.

Exterior, more food was provided in the shape of extremely thin cakes made of a meal that was browned on the outside and cream-coloured on the interior. Gimli was compelled to try it, although he seemed to have consumed too much. The elves had to explain that a tiny portion could sustain him for the whole day.

The Elves then unwrapped and distributed to each member of the Company the attire they had provided. For everyone, they had fashioned a hood and cloak out of the Galadhrim's light yet warm silken fabric, according to the individual's size. The colour resembled silver-veined green leaves.

Xena donned her freshly cleaned armour, along with her leather corset and the new black elfin leggings that had been handed to her. Her dark brown hair had been straightened. She donned the hooded cloak that was also handed to her. As she observed the other members of the fellowship, she admired the fabric of their cloaks.

"Are these magic cloaks?" asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder.

"I'm not sure what you mean by that!" answered the leader of the Elves.

"They are Pippin! You wear those and all the food you wish appears in front of you!" she mocked him.

The Company said goodbye to the grass near the fountain after breakfast. Their hearts were sad because while they could not recall how many days and nights they had spent there, it had become like home to them. Haldir appeared to bid them farewell and inform them: "Come! Your path now goes south."

As they walked through Caras Galadhon the greenways were empty, but in the trees above them, many voices were murmuring and singing. They themselves went silently. Haldir walked them through the white bridge to their boats. Three small grey boats had been made ready for the travellers, and in these, the Elves stowed their goods.

"Come! All is now ready for you. Enter the boats! But take care at first!" Said Haldir.

The Company was arranged in this way: Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam were in one boat; Boromir, Merry, and Pippin in another; and in the third were Legolas, Xena and Gimli, who had now become fast friends. In this last boat, most of the goods and packs were stowed.

As the Elf spoke, the Fellowship climbed into the boats. Legolas helped Gimli on board. Xena, jumped into the boat, refusing to get any help from Legolas. Sam tried to steady himself. Meanwhile, Aragorn and Celeborn wander and exchanged a few last words.

The Fellowship rowed through the river, past the Elves onshore. They were departing from Lothlórien. 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.

A song could be heard at the back as the boats float away, following the river. Mixed feelings were showing on their faces. Sadness and bliss, as they remembered the gifts they received from the Lady of Lorien.

"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." The Lady of Light said as she gave the first gift to Legolas. The elf smiled and thanked her as he accepted the gift.

Galadriel smiled and turned to Merry and Pippin. "These are the dangers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in the war," she said."Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage." She added, smiling at the hobbits.

The Hobbits remembered the meeting as they sail downriver. Sam also recalled the Lady's gift to him. "And for you, Samwise Gamgee: Elven rope, made of hithlain," said Galadriel.

"Thank you, my lady," he responded, although he was also hoping for a shiny dagger-like Merry and Pippin got.

The Lady of the Galadhrim smiled and turns to the next Fellowship member in line. She gazed at Xena with the same smile on her face. Galadriel gave her a case with arrows. "Arrows of the Galadhrim, Is my gift to you, Xena. Although, you seek many answers. Don't worry young one, they will come to you in time." she said. Xena bowed and accepted the gift confused though. As she had not bowed to use the arrows.

Though Galadriel was not done with the gifts she offered one more gift, one gift that was promised to Xena since she went earlier to gather her sword. But she was informed by blacksmith Aegnor that he could not repair her blade. Though he explained that another sword would be given to her. Xena was not the human who would accept losing her blade. However, there was nothing he could do.

Nothing until Galadriel offered her one more gift the Agaraic [Bloodsword] blade the weapon that Celebrían wielded. She spent a long time observing the unique craft of the blade. It was lighter than her own sword, there was elvish texture written in gold. "Agaraic of the Galadhrim, it was not much use of Lady Celebrían, it will be of great use in your hands." the Lady of Lothlórien ensured her.

The human accepted the gift, as it was clearly a sword of great importance but the hilt and balance of it were one of a kind. She thanked Galadriel again and went on trying to secure the sword behind her back. The quiver was held in her hands as the human did not know exactly the use of it without owning a bow.

"Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Eärendil, our most beloved star." he gave Frodo his gift.

"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" The lady of Light asked him as she faced him.

Gimli grunted "Nothing, My lady! Except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is fairer than all the jewels beneath the earth."

Galadriel smiled at the Dwarf. He turns to walk away, then halts and turns back. "Actually, there was one thing... That's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." Said Gimli, though, he asked for one of her golden hair. Though, Galadriel gave him three. Gimli thanked her.

From another boat, Aragorn glanced towards them, then away. He too was remembering the farewell on the shores of Lothlorien. Galadriel stood before Aragorn and places her hand on Arwen's Evenstar pendant. "I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear. Am meleth dîn. I ant e-guil Arwen Undómiel…pelitha." (For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar… will diminish) she revealed honestly.

The two shared sorrow in their eyes. "Aníron I e broniatha ar periatham amar hen. Aníron e ciratha a Valannor." (I would have her leave these shores, and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor) he said sadly.

"That choice is set before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragon, to rise above the height of all your fathers since the days of Elendil, or to fall into darkness… with all that is left of your kin." The lady of Light gave him choices.

The Fellowship crossed towards a great, roaring waterfall. They saw no sign of an enemy that day, nor the next. The dull grey hours passed without event. As the third day of their voyage wore on the lands changed slowly. The trees thinned and then failed altogether. Upon the west, to their right, the land was treeless also, but it was flat, and in many places green with wide plains of grass.

The group of nine decided to camp. They leapt out of the boats and clambered onto the wooded shore.

Aragorn paused as he gazed at them, he said "We'll cross the lake at nightfall. Hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the north."

Gimli responded "Oh, Yes! An impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks! And after that, it gets even better! Festering, stinking marshlands, far as the eye can see!"

Pippin glanced at Gimli and then at Xena worried. Xena shook her head signing him not to worry and that they would be fine.

"That is our road. I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf." Aragorn verified Gimli's words, causing Pippin and Merry to worry more.

Gimli mumbled a few words, while Legolas got closer and whispered at Aragorn "We should leave now."

Aragorn refused "No. Orcs patrol the eastern shore. We must wait for the cover of darkness."

"It is not the eastern shore that worries me. A shadow and a threat have been growing in my mind. Something draws near, I can feel it." Legolas said with an eerie feeling surrounding him. He gazed over the dark pine woods, with a dark, brooding statue nestled among their needles.

((Upcoming Chapter Forty-Eight))

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