They arrived at Caras Galladhon after the sunset. But under the tall mallorn trees there was still light. The fellowship was mesmerised by the beauty of the elven tree city. Haldir guided them to the centre of the city. Ahead of them stood the tallest mallorn tree of the forest. The starting going up the stairs, which encircled the tree. They reached the highest of the flets surrounding the tree, an oval chamber with silver and green walls and a golden roof.

They stood for a while until they noticed they noticed the Lady of Lothlorien arriving to greet them. Ithilwen was used to her beauty and majesty, but when she saw her, the unearthly light she was beaming made her turn her gaze elsewhere for several seconds.

They were asked about Gandalf's absence and the future of the Fellowship. Galadriel looked deep inside each of the member of the Fellowship. All the answers she needed were written in each one's eyes. Boromir could not stand this piercing gaze and looked away. When Galadriel looked at Ithilwen she smiled, and said "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true" and she turned her gaze to Sam, who looked at her in awe. "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace".

During the night a lament about Gandalf was heard around the forest. The Fellowship was resting at the roots of a mallorn tree and prepared to sleep. They all needed a good rest, after they had been through. Ithilwen fell fast asleep, hoping for a dreamless sleep. 'Come to my garden' heard inside her head and her eyes opened. It was the Lady's voice.

She entered Galadriel's garden. The Lady was standing over a silver basin, holding an ewer with water. Ithilwen had heard many stories about the Mirror of Galadriel. About what it could show or hide from those who looked at it. Ithilwen looked at the Lady confused and concerned. She could not think of reason why she would invite her to look at the Mirror.

Galadriel smiled at her, like she was reading her thoughts, and without saying a word she started was pouring water in the basin.

A group of elves heading to the Grey Havens. She and her brother running in the forest wearing the uniforms of Lothlorien's guard. Tirnel's lifeless gaze. Arwen giving her bow back. Merry and Pippin being carried by Uruk Hai. An enormous explosion, dust, blood and rain. A rider with a white horsetail as crest flowing from his helmet bringing down two mumakils with his spear. A massive amount of orcs heading towards her outside Mordor. A white tower, with a blooming tree, under a crescent moon. A lady in black, with her face veiled, standing at a green field full of white flowers.

She gasped, lifted her head and stepped behind. Galadriel was peaceful.

"Are these moments of a dark future, or some dark moments of my future?" asked Ithilwen, while trying not to show her concern.

"You have seen images of the past and of a future that may come or it may not" Galadriel replied and walked towards her. Ithilwen bowed her head.

Ithilwen lifted her eyes and met her smile. She sighed and felt her chest heavier than ever. "You should not despair. For if you stop believing, the others will give up hope too. Shield your heart with courage and never stop hoping that in the future will dawn days full of life, not death."

"Thank you, my Lady" she said and bowed. "Have a good night."

"Goodnight Ithilwen" said the White Lady. "And do not fear about the future. Even among the shadows you can find a ray of light."

Ithilwen smiled and left.

The time to leave had arrived. They woke up very early and started preparing to continue their quest. The elves gave them presents so they could continue their mission. They were all given elven cloaks so they could hide from the unfriendly eyes, and packs of lembas bread. Each member of the Fellowship was given a unique gift. Legolas was given the bow of Galadhrim, Merry and Pippin the daggers of Noldorin and Frodo the light of Galadriel's favourite star, Earendil.

Galadriel gave to Ithilwen a velvet envelope. She opened it and found a headdress with six small jewels. The three of them were amber and they had the shape of the Elanor flowers and the other three were made from a diamond like stone and had the shape of the Niphredil flower. "These flowers will always remind you the place where you were born. And at the day when your sorrows are lifted, you will wear them and your elvish shine will be re-established on your face".

Ithilwen smiled to Galadriel. Judging from the gifts her companions had received, she would prefer a sword or a new bow, something closer to her current status. But Galadriel's judgement was not to be doubted, and id she believed that one day she would feel like an elf again, who else could doubt her. She put the envelope close to her heart, so she could have this gentle reminder, as close as possible to her and bowed her head. Galadriel smiled to her and moved on farewelling the Fellowship of the Ring.

Author's note: Thank you very much for your follows and faves!

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