Disclaimer: These are really becoming quite tedious. I do not own the rights to the Lord of the Rings, or any of the characters or places therein.

Chapter 26-The Parting Glass

I awoke the day after the banquet with a heavy heart. I laid in bed for several moments just staring at the ceiling, not wanting to rise and start the day that would bring me one step closer to departing. I wished, not for the first time, that I had not been involved in this quest. How was I going to endure watching Boromir die? That's assuming I don't do something stupid like try and stop it, I thought bitterly. Sighing, I rose from my bed and began my morning ritual. I emerged into the sitting room to see Almira already up and eating breakfast. She motioned to a bowl next to her, and I joined her.

"Thanks," I said.

She waved a hand dismissively. "No big. I heard you moving around and it was easy enough to fix two bowls."

We were dressed for training and made our way to the training fields swiftly and silently, the weight of departure trapping us in our own thoughts and therefore contemplative silence. We joined Legolas and Aragorn in the training circles for sword fighting and began dueling. When we finished, Legolas and I began to move toward the archery targets when I happened to see a most unwanted figure approaching.

"Bugger," I muttered lowly.

Legolas met my gaze with a questioning one, and I directed it over to the elleth stalking across the training fields. "Hide me!" he hissed.

I fixed him with a dubious glance. "Sorry," he stated sheepishly. "'Tis instinct now."

I cracked a smile which swiftly fled when Nimmir stopped before Almira. There was a tense moment of silence, before Almira inclined her head slightly and softly said, "Good morrow Nimmir. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"Ha! As if you find it pleasing!" Nimmir stated dramatically, then frowned as she realized she had just insulted her self.

Almira did not quite manage not to smile and Nimmir's frown deepened as she plunged ahead haughtily. "I came to discuss your apparent fascination with a certain warden."

"Uh oh," Aragorn said as Legolas and I exchanged uneasy glances.

Almira flushed but her gaze was unwavering. "Is that so?" she asked tightly.

"Indeed. I will not suffer some low-class, power-hungry wench to steal the love of my life!"

"Why you dirty-"

I quickly intervened despite Legolas' frantic whisper to let it alone as Almira's hand had drifted to the hilt of her sword. "Now ladies, there is no need for this to get heated. Why don't you each just take a few calming breaths and reconsider?"

"Speaking of power-hungry and low-class," Nimmir drawled.

"I would have asked you to count to ten but that's five more than your personal best," I shot back.

Her face flushed in anger and her eyes narrowed. "You obnoxious slut, you have no right to interfere."

I heard Legolas' quick intake of breath and could feel his indignation. Praying he would not interfere, I adopted a haughty expression and stated coolly, "Such defamation is ironic coming from a woman who has been served in more places than McDonald's."

She spluttered angrily and I grabbed a silently shaking Almira. "Come on," I stated lowly, "She's not worth it."

"I am afraid that you are the unworthy one as Rúmil will soon find out." Almira started to turn but I restrained her. "Let it go," I whispered desperately.

"Hence the reason you have been running to that pathetic Gondorian man for an ego boost. Whatever will you do when he kicks it?" she taunted, thankfully in English. Even she seemed to have her limits.

I did not even try to restrain Almira. "Oops," I said in faux concern as Almira tackled Nimmir. Aragorn shot me a withering stare as he rushed to try and pry them apart. My eyes widened when I realized who finally restrained Almira.

Astonished, I turned to Legolas who had joined me just a moment before. "Where the hell did he come from?"

"He was on the Archery fields and arrived immediately after Nimmir appeared."

I turned a speculative gaze on Rúmil, who was still restraining a struggling Almira. However she calmed as Nimmir was led away and Rúmil loosened his hold. She pushed away from him abruptly and stalked off, however Rúmil followed hot on her heels. "How interesting," I murmured.

"Indeed," Legolas agreed. We watched their retreating figures a moment longer before Legolas said, "Let us go. I want to take advantage of what few hours we have left here." I heaved a heavy sigh and nodded in agreement. We parted ways briefly to freshen up. I entered to find the talan empty. Glorfindel had returned to Imladris and Eruanna had gone with him since her reason for sojourning in the Golden Wood was no longer applicable. I lingered over my bath since it would be many days before I would have the luxury of warm water again. Once finished, I combed and braided my hair in a simple style before donning the gown Glorfindel had gifted me. I heard the door to the talan open and a moment later there was a knock on my door. I called for the person to enter and smiled when the door opened to reveal Legolas.

"You look lovely," he stated. I blushed as I usually did when he complimented me.

"Thank you." I ran a hand down the side of the dress. "I am going to miss wearing such gowns and feeling so feminine."

He grinned. "I am going to miss hot meals."

"Soft bedding."

"Warm water."

We shared a light laugh but sobered quickly. "I do not know if I am ready for this next phase, Legolas," I admitted softly.

He cocked his head to the side, gaze guarded. "Are you considering staying behind?"

I shook my head. "Not seriously." I fixed him with a troubled gaze and seeing the tears therein he crossed the room quickly. I nuzzled into his neck and took a deep, bracing breath. "I want to go, I do," I continued softly, throat tight, "I am just afraid I won't be able to cope." I gave a frustrated sigh and pushed away from him. "I do not even know how to put this fear into words!" I cried. I crossed my arms and looked at the floor. "I am not as brave as you nor do I have the experience you do. What's coming…" I trailed off unable to speak about Boromir's death. He approached me again and placed his hands on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eye for a long moment.

"I know of what you speak. And I will tell you what I told you in Imladris: that what must come to pass is out of your hands. And I will add that I will be by your side through it all." My tears spilled over my lashes and he gathered me close. I clung to him as I sobbed and he pressed gentle kisses to my temple and dropped them into my hair. As I calmed he wiped the tears from my cheeks then led me over to the basin so I could splash cool water on my face.

"Better?" he queried.

"Yes," I responded softly.

"Then come." Legolas took my hand and led me out of the talan towards the Lady's Garden. We reached the garden and Legolas seemed to have a specific spot in mind as he elected upon a particular path purposefully. I resisted the impulse to ask where we were going as I knew he would tell me it was a surprise. Five minutes of walking later and we were in a rather secluded part of Galadriel's garden. There was a beautiful arbor that was bedecked in vibrant, purple blooms which looked similar to wisteria. Surrounding the small clearing were various flowering shrubs, some grape hyacinth, yellow fantana and other blooms that were not familiar to me.

"Legolas, this is absolutely gorgeous," I breathed.

"It was my mother's favorite garden. My father proposed to her here." My heart nearly stopped. He approached me slowly and resolutely. When he was standing only a few inches in front of me he cupped my face gently. "I will not ask for your hand yet, as your choice is far off and we have much to learn about each other still, but I will declare my intentions. I desire to actively court you when able with the aim of making you my wife some day."

I blinked once then twice. I tried to speak, but it did not work out so well. I frowned at my incoherency and Legolas asked softly, "Can it be that I have shocked you into silence?"

I gave an inelegant snort and fixed him with an incredulous gaze. What else did he expect? However, I knew he deserved some reply and since words failed me I utilized the only option left to me. I leaned up and kissed him soundly. He drew me closer and I could feel him smiling against my lips. I pulled away slightly and finding my voice stated softly, "I have no objections to such a course. Moreover, I eagerly anticipate the day when we are able to pursue it." His smile widened before he claimed my lips once more. We passed the afternoon under the arbor sharing our hopes and dreams for the future, and unburdening ourselves of our worries and fears for the present.

We left the garden around sunset and proceeded towards the Fellowship's Pavilion, both wearing absurdly happy smiles. However, they quickly faded upon entering the encampment and sensing everyone's melancholy.

Aragorn approached us. "We have been summoned to meet with the Lord and Lady. Now we only await Almira's arrival." I nodded and he walked back to speak softly with Boromir. I sighed deeply prompting Legolas to turn to me. "We knew it was coming," he murmured lowly in Elvish.

"I know, but that does not make it any easier," I replied disconsolately. We seated ourselves on the root of one of the enormous mallorn trees and lapsed into silence. Almira arrived a few minutes later and we proceeded to Celeborn's chamber. When we reached the chamber the Lord and Lady greeted us with kind words, but before long Celeborn began to speak of our imminent departure.

"Now is the time," he said, "when those who wish to continue the Quest must harden their hearts to leave this land. Those who no longer wish to go forward may remain here, for a while. But whether they stay or go, none can be sure of peace. For we are come now to the edge of doom. Here those who wish may await the oncoming of the hour till either the ways of the world lie open again, or we summon them to the last need of Lorien. Then they may return to their own lands or go to the long home of those that fall in battle." (1)

No one moved or uttered a word. "They all resolved to go forward," said Galadriel. (1)

"As for me," said Boromir, "my way home lies onward and not back. (1)

"That is true," said Celeborn, "but is all this Company going with you to Minas Tirith?" (1)

Aragorn shifted uncomfortably as he explained we really did not know what road we wanted to take. Once again Boromir asserted his desire to travel to Minas Tirith, but we said nothing and Aragorn looked troubled.

"I see that you do not yet know what to do," said Celeborn. "It is not my part to choose for you; but I will help you as I may. There are some among you who can handle boats: Legolas, whose folk know the swift Forest River; and Boromir of Gondor; and Aragorn the traveler." (1)

"And one Hobbit!" cried Merry. "Not all of us look on boats as wild horses. My people live by the banks of the Brandywine." (1)

Celeborn looked expectantly at me and Almira. I directed a silent question to her and she gave a quick nod.

"Both Almira and I can handle a boat," I answered quietly.

"That is well," said Celeborn. "Then I will furnish your company with boats. They must be small and light, for if you go far by water, there are places where you will be forced to carry them. You will come to the rapids of Sarn Gebir, and maybe at last to the great falls of Rauros where the River thunders down from Nen Hithoel; and there are other perils. Boats may make your journey less toilsome for a while. Yet they will not give you counsel: in the end you must leave them and the River, and turn west – or east." (1)

Aragorn thanked him profusely and his obvious relief was a reflection of the relief of our entire company. Using boats was about fifteen times better than walking in my opinion.

"All shall be prepared for you and await you at the haven before noon tomorrow," said Celeborn. "I will send my people to you in the morning to help you make ready for the journey. Now we will wish you all a fair night and untroubled sleep."

"Good night, my friends!" said Galadriel. "Sleep in peace! Do not trouble your hearts overmuch with the thought of the road tonight. Maybe the paths that you each shall tread are already laid before your feet, though you do not see them. Good night!" (1)

As we were leaving, Galadriel's words reminded me of my afternoon in the garden and my brow furrowed. What if being here and, more importantly, staying here was my destiny? I had never really believed in such things, but the idea was hard to ignore. I shook my head as if to remove the thought from my mind. That would have to be dealt with later. I saw Legolas smiling and wondered how he could be happy at a time like this. I saw him nod towards the Lady and noted her amused gaze. They must be speaking with mind powers or whatever. I made a mental note to discover if all elves could do that.

Our company returned to our pavilion and once settled, began to discuss what we should do and how we meant to fulfill our Quest. Most of the members desired to first go to Minas Tirith and from there face the Enemy. It seemed better to face the Enemy from a secure place than out in the Wilds. Under normal circumstances I would have agreed. But since I knew whatever plans we made were just going to be completely fucked by an orc attack, I kept my silence. Why contribute when it was futile? In the end no definite decision was made and I could tell Legolas was frustrated. Frodo said nothing and Aragorn seemed discomfited.

"I shall go to Minas Tirith, alone if need be, for it is my duty," said Boromir. He lapsed into silence, gaze trained on Frodo. After several moments he spoke again, sounding uncertain. "If you wish only to destroy the Ring," he said, "then there is little use in war and weapons; and the Men of Minas Tirith cannot help. But if you wish to destroy the armed might of the Dark Lord, then it is folly to go without force into his domain and folly to throw away." He paused suddenly, as if he had become aware he was speaking his thoughts aloud. I shifted uncomfortably and dropped my gaze to the ground. His almost slip-up was way too close for comfort. "It would be folly to throw lives away, I mean," he ended. "It is a choice between defending a strong place and walking openly into the arms of death. At least, that is how I see it." (1)

Silence greeted his words. I could tell Legolas was suspicious about his pause. Most of the rest of the Company seemed similarly unconvinced but unwilling to pursue such an undesirable vein of conversation. Merry and Pippin were already asleep, and Sam was nodding, and since no one else had anything to say our debate ended. Almira rose and left the pavilion and I followed swiftly.

"Almira, wait up!"

She halted and I could see her tension reflected in her stance. She had not turned around so I came to stand in front of her. Her eyes were suspiciously bright.

I sucked in a deep breath. "Okay, it's going to be alright," I said which sounded lame to me.

"Is it?" Almira queried softly and rightly, I amended, before brushing by me.

I paused for a moment before turning and catching up to her. I fell into step with her as we made our way to Malthenwen's talan. "Okay, so I have no fucking clue but here's hoping."

"Sorry. I did not mean to be a bitch. I just-"

"I know."

We finished our walk in silence and ascended the stairs to the talan. Malthenwen was there waiting for us. "Hello," she said softly. "I packed most of your belongings already. Hopefully they pass inspection," she finished with a small smile.

Almira and I murmured our thanks before entering our respective rooms. I took a moment to look around the room and sort of let it sink in that we were leaving. Part of me just wanted to say 'no way' and just get the hell out of here but another part of me knew I did not have it in me to quit. "Blast," I muttered, grabbing my pack and weapons. I exited the room to find Almira and Malthenwen talking quietly. We said our goodbyes and I managed to get out of there before sobbing my eyes out.

Entering the pavilion, I saw most of the Company were preparing to turn in for the night. I made my way over to Legolas who was just finishing and began setting up my own bedding. I was so beyond tired. I kept my eyes on my hands as they worked and then another pair joined them. When Legolas began fluffing my pillow I suddenly grabbed his hand and just held it for a moment. I needed his strength. He gave me a questioning glance but I just shrugged before removing my outer tunic and crawling into bed. I had no words. Legolas sat next to me and stroked my hair until I slipped into slumber.

Next thing I knew I was being shaken awake by Legolas. He gave me a wan smile and I grimaced as I left my warm bed and got ready to leave. As we were packing, Elves that spoke the Common Tongue arrived bearing gifts of food and clothing. Legolas was pleased to discover lembas was included and smiled when Gimli gobbled one down before finding out one bite was enough to fill you for a whole day. Next they unwrapped and presented us with cloaks of the Galadhrim.

"Are these magic cloaks?" asked Pippin, looking at them with wonder (1). I could see Legolas grinning like a sinner. Yes, your people are cool and crafty. We get it.

As the leader of these Elves explained to Pippin the qualities of the cloaks and how they were made, I noticed breakfast was being set up. Our morning meal was a dismal affair since everyone was miserable about having to leave. After we were finished and spending a last moment admiring the glade, Haldir came walking towards us. I smiled and he was greeted with delight by the members of our Company.

"I have returned from the Northern Fences," said Haldir, "and I am sent now 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 goes south." (1)

We left the glade and proceeded through Caras Galadhon. The greenways were empty, but singing and murmuring floated down to us from the pathways above, hinting at their fullness. However, our Company remained silent. Eventually we passed out of the city leaving the paved road for a path that went off through a deep thicket of mallorn trees and descended towards the shores of the River.

By midday we had traveled ten miles. We came upon a green wall and passing through found ourselves on a long lawn studded with elanor blooms. The lawn ended in the meeting of the Silverlode, on our right, and the Great River, on our left. Some distance from the meeting of the streams there was a hythe* of white stones and white wood where boats and barges were moored, four of which had been designated for our use and were packed with our goods by the Elves who had presented them to us and carried them this far for us.

"Come!" said Haldir. "All is now ready for you. Enter the boats! But take care at first!" (1)

"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 deep landing-place, before you set off downstream." (1)

I watched as Gimli practiced stepping in and out of the boat. He wobbled, but quickly righting himself glared at Legolas who I could tell was trying not to grin and returning his gaze innocently.

When everyone was deemed proficient at getting in and out of the boats, we arranged ourselves and took the boats for a trial up the Silverlode. Aragorn, Sam and Frodo were in the first boat; Boromir, Merry and Pippin in the second; Legolas and Gimli in the third; and Almira and I in the last boat. Most of the supplies were split between our two boats as we had the least people. We fought our way upstream slowly, but thankfully without incident.

We turned a sharp bend and saw a large swan sailing towards us downriver. I quickly discerned it was an elven ship and as it drew nearer I could see Celeborn seated in the center with Galadriel standing behind him. She was singing, her song sad and sweet. We stalled our boats as they pulled alongside. The Lady had ended her song and invited us to dine with them. We turned our boats and returned with them to the hythe where on the green grass we ate our parting meal. Once we had finished Celeborn offered more advice about which course to take. After which Galadriel rose, and taking a cup from one of her maidens she filled it with white mead and gave it to Celeborn. (1)

"Now it is time to drink the cup of farewell," she said. "Drink, Lord of the Galadhrim! And let not your heart be sad, though night must follow noon, and already our evening draweth nigh." (1)

Then she brought the cup to each of us in turn and bade us farewell. And when finished, chairs were set for her and Celeborn and for awhile they gazed at us in silence. I resisted the urge to make a run for it.

At last she spoke again. "We have drunk the cup of parting," she said, "and the shadows fall between us. But before you go, I have brought in my ship gifts which the Lord and Lady of the Galadhrim now offer you in memory of Lothlorien." (1)

Aragorn was called first and received a beauteous sheath for his sword and a silver brooch. I had a feeling the brooch was not just any brooch given the way he was staring at it and the knowing smiles the elves were exchanging, including Legolas. Boromir then received a belt of gold; and Merry and Pippin received belts of silver with a clasp wrought like a golden flower. Legolas was called next and received a bow such as the Galadhrim used and a quiver of arrows. He tested the tension of the string and grinned. I was next. I approached nervously and Galadriel handed me a slim frame. It held a portrait of Legolas and I. I just stared at the small object for several seconds before looking up at Galadriel, my eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, milady," I stated softly, voice tight. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Perhaps not; Malthenwen assured me such keepsakes were a common gift in your world," she replied, obviously pleased with her gift.

I just nodded, once again staring at the gift. Almira received a similar framed object and had a very similar reaction. She softly thanked the lady and bowed her head in gratitude.

Sam was next and received a box of earth from Galadriel's orchard. He blushed deeply and softly thanked the lady. Last of all, Frodo received a phial of water in which was trapped the light of Earendil. It was a most appropriate gift for the Ringbearer who was bound to travel in great darkness. I thought of how it would be used and shuddered slightly. He bowed, but remained quiet, finding no words to speak.

The Lady rose, as did Celeborn, and we returned to our boats. The time had come at last for us to leave and we took our places in our boats. Silently, the elves guided us into the river with long poles and we floated away slowly. All of us were turned, watching Lórien drifting away from us, the Lady, alone and silent, shrinking as we joined the Great River which bore us away swiftly southward. Yet, of a sudden, the Lady's voice rose above the distance, piercing and clear, singing a song in the ancient tongue. And though I had no clue what she was saying, I knew it was a song of farewell. Abruptly, we were swept round a bend in the River and Lórien was lost to us. Our company turned our faces to the front, and tears filled our eyes. I could hear Gimli weeping and was mildly surprised at the depth of his feeling. I could just make out his words to Legolas.

"I have looked last upon that which was fairest," he said to me. "Henceforward I will call nothing fair, unless it be her gift. Tell me, Legolas, why did I come on this Quest? Little did I know where the chief peril lay! Truly Elrond spoke, saying that we could not foresee what we might meet upon our road. Torment in the dark was the danger that I feared, and it did not hold me back. But I would not have come, had I known the danger of light and joy. Now I have taken my worst wound in this parting, even if I were to go this night straight to the Dark Lord. Alas for Gimli son of Glóin!" (1)

"Nay!" Legolas said. "Alas for us all! And for all that walk the world in these after-days. For such is the way of it: to find and lose, as it seems to those whose boat is on the running stream. But I count you blessed, Gimli son of Glóin: for your loss you suffer of your own free will, and you might have chosen otherwise. But you have not forsaken your companions, and the least reward that you shall have is that the memory of Lothlórien shall remain ever clear and unstained in your heart, and shall neither fade nor grow stale." (1)

"Maybe," said Gimli, "and I thank you for your words. True words doubtless; yet all such comfort is cold. Memory is not what the heart desires. That is only a mirror, be it clear as Kheled-zaram. Or so says the heart of Gimli the Dwarf. Elves may see things otherwise. Indeed I have heard that for them memory is more like to the waking world than to a dream. Not so for Dwarves." (1)

"But let us talk no more of it. Look to the boat! She is too low in the water with all this baggage, and the Great River is swift. I do not wish to drown my grief in cold water." (1)

After that, it was eerily silent along the River. We traveled for many long hours and the sun grew paler and colder as it wore on. Far into the night we floated on. I could see most of the Hobbits nodding off and I envied their ability to sleep just about anywhere.

Near dawn, I noticed Aragorn signaling for us to pull ashore for a brief respite. I heard my sigh of relief echoed by Almira. It had been a long night. Our boat scraped the bank and Almira and I hopped out to pull it ashore. Legolas and Gimli were doing the same beside us and when finished we huddled together.

"Damn, but it's dreary," I murmured, stamping my feet to try and get some feeling back into them.

"And chilly," Almira affirmed, wrapping her cloak more tightly about her.

We fell silent as Aragorn approached and we waited expectantly. "We shall rest here for a few hours, break our fast and then be on our way before the morning has grown long," he stated quietly. We nodded our agreement and set about unloading what we would need for the next few hours. I took my supplies and moved further up the bank where Legolas had found a decent spot to sleep. Once I was settled, Legolas turned to me and I looked at him expectantly. "What was it the Lady gifted you?" he asked.

I reached into my pack and pulled out the frame wordlessly handing it to him. His expression softened as he took in the image. "So a portrait is a common parting gift in your world?"

"In a manner of speaking; given our advanced technology we have machines that capture an image…it's sort of like freezing time." At his confused and slightly horrified expression I once again dug through my pack and pulled out a photo album I kept with me. Handing it to him I said, "It's a photo album."

Opening it his eyes widened in shock. "How…"

I shrugged tiredly. "It is beyond my skill to explain really. The image results from a chemical reaction to light."

Legolas shook his head in wonder. "Is this your family?"

"Yes." I could not bear to say more than that. I was already sad enough, discussing my family was not at the top of my list of things to do, but I scooted closer and identified them for him at least: father, mother, sister, and stepmother.

"You look like your father," Legolas stated.

I smiled sadly albeit fondly. "That's what everyone says."

He handed the album back to me and I rubbed a hand over it lovingly before tucking it into my pack once more.

"Rest," Leoglas said softly. "I will keep watch." I nodded tiredly, gratefully curling up on my side and slipping into oblivion.

As usual, I awoke to Legolas gently shaking me. "I feel like I just went to sleep," I murmured, sitting up slowly. "How long after dawn?"

"Only about an hour, Aragorn is anxious to be on the river once again." I sighed resignedly and picked up my plate of breakfast he had set next to me. "Thank you," I whispered not wanting to be ungrateful despite feeling rather grouchy. It was difficult sleeping on the hard ground after the luxury of Lórien. Our Company ate swiftly and silently before packing up and proceeding to our boats. We drifted with the stream, conserving our strength. We started early each day and journeyed late into the evening. I could tell Aragorn was anxious and I knew he was right to feel that way. We traveled this way for two days and our journey was uneventful thankfully, the hours passing slowly and monotonously. As the third day progressed the landscape began to change: the trees thinned and then disappeared altogether. On our left, long formless slopes stretched away towards the horizon. There was not a spot of green to be seen, it was a complete wasteland. On our right, there were forests of great reeds and often wide plains of grass. Far in the distance could be seen rolling hills and then the southernmost tip of the Misty Mountains. The only other living things present were birds. Over the couple of days the feeling of insecurity grew to encompass the entire company. Uneasily, we rowed for a whole day, hastening forward, each busy with our own thoughts. The River became broader and shallower, and careful steering was needed as there were gravel-shoals in the water. I felt exhausted as we camped on the fourth night on a small eyot* near the western bank. Not only had the increased physical exertion necessary for navigating the shoals taken its' toll, the uncertainty plaguing me had also wreaked havoc on my mind and body. Almira lay curled in her blankets next to me. Legolas was lying on my other side gazing intently at the stars. I could hear Sam whispering to Frodo about a 'log with eyes.' And therefore knew Gollum had once again picked up our trail. I rolled so I could face Legolas. "Are you listening to Frodo and Sam?" I whispered in Elvish.

He nodded almost imperceptibly. "We are being followed," he returned just as softly. "Gollum."

I shivered and he turned to me concerned. "I wish we had lost him," I muttered, unconsciously shifting closer to Legolas.

He grimaced and reached out a hand to stroke a few wayward strands of hair behind my ear. "You are not alone in that wish." I reached up and grabbed his hand, stroking it with my thumb.

His brows furrowed. "Kate…?"

I shook my head quickly. "I'm just stressed out," seeing his confused look I amended my statement. "I'm worried."

He nodded again. "As am I." Those were the last words we spoke as soon I slipped into sleep.

When the next day dawned, we were warned about our pest. Almira's eyes widened like saucers and she looked at me. I resolutely ignored her gaze thus preventing her from asking questions. She seemed to get the hint and toned down her anxiety. We lay low the entire day, waiting to travel at night in hopes of eluding Gollum. When we were signaled it was time to leave, Almira approached me. "What's on your mind? Are you worried about Gollum?" I asked in English.

She nodded, a slight frown marring her brow as well. "I have a sense of foreboding I have not felt before. Boromir…has been acting really strangely," she finished on a whisper. "I have seen him watching Frodo…it's creepy."

I scoffed frustrated and scared as we shoved off from the shore and hopped into our boats. "Please, that is the understatement of the year. He has been angsting more than the entire cast of Beverly Hills 90210." Almira emitted a startled and slightly guilty laugh.

"So it has begun?" she continued a moment later.

"What?"

"His temptation?"

I sighed heavily. "That began a long time ago. It is almost over now." I glanced at her and noticed her eyes were filled with tears. When she sniffled I reached forward and quickly squeezed her shoulder.

"I do not think I have it in me to sit back and watch him die," she whispered morosely.

"Me either," I stated softly.

"Then what are we going to do?"

"I have no clue. But we'll do it together." I paused, and then said, "God, that was corny."

"But oddly appropriate," she replied with a half-hearted smile. These days no one truly smiled.

A moment later she asked, "How long to Amon Hen?"

"About five days," I responded.

She swore. "That's so little time to figure something out," Almira whispered desperately.

"I know, but God willing it will be enough."

We fell into silence, gloomy and riddled with anxiety. Three more days past without incident and as night fell on the seventh day, pale pools of yellow and green light emerged in the West. Almira shot me a questioning glace over her shoulder, but I shrugged. I did not remember such an ominous sign but I knew it signaled nothing good. The next day our landscape changed once more, becoming rockier and darker. We lay in camp that day, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. There were many birds living in this craggy landscape and I watched them fly over head listlessly. I stirred as twilight fell, and began to make ready to depart with the rest of the Company.

I started when Aragorn's voice broke the silence. "What is that, Legolas?" he asked, pointing to the northern sky. "Is it, as I think, an eagle?" (2)

"Yes," said Legolas. "It is an eagle, a hunting eagle. I wonder what that forebodes. It is far from the mountains." (2)

I froze at Aragorn's next pronouncement. "We will not start until it is fully dark," said Aragorn. (2)

We waited in apprehensive silence until darkness descended completely, and then hurried on. It was near midnight when I heard Sam's startled cry and noticed the sound of racing water. We were swept along and out boats huddled together.

"Hoy there, Aragorn!" shouted Boromir, as his boat bumped into the leader. "This is madness! We cannot dare the Rapids by night! But no boat can live in Sarn Gebir, be it night or day!" (2)

"Back, back!" cried Aragorn. "Turn! Turn if you can!" (2)

Almira and I strained against the current to halt our forward movement and turn our boats. We were carried closer to the eastern bank and I felt myself edging closer to panic.

"All together, paddle!" shouted Boromir. "Paddle! Or we shall be driven on the shoals." (2) Almira and I matched the rhythm of our strokes to the rest of our Company as best we could. But Fate, deciding we were not already in dire enough straits, sought fit to add one more complication. The twang of bowstrings caused my heart to skip a beat and I could hear arrows whistle overhead. "Duck as best you can," I cried to Almira.

"Yrch!" said Legolas, falling into his own tongue. (1)

"Orcs!" cried Gimli.

"No shit, Sherlock," I heard Almira mumble, edgy and fearful.

We struggled on and slowly but surely we escaped the rapids and reached the middle of the stream. Then we made for the western shore, taking cover in some bushes upon reaching it, stopping to catch our breath.

I saw Legolas leave his boat and climb up the bank a few feet. He fitted his bow and aimed at the eastern shore, searching for a target. I watched with baited breath until an unexpected dread stole it. Rising out of the South, dark clouds advanced towards us. Out of the approaching darkness, a great and terrible shape sped towards us. Fierce voices from across the water rose in greeting to the black creature. Suddenly, I heard Legolas' bow sing. It was followed by a harsh cry from the creature as it fell from the sky. There was groaning, cursing and whining in the east. And then silence. I drew a deep, shaky breath. I could see Almira clutching the sides of the boat so hard her knuckles were white.

Awhile later, Aragorn led us back upstream and we stopped for the night in a small shallow bay. We lay huddled in our boats which were moored close together and awaited the dawn. I ignored the whispered conversation around me. I jumped when Almira grasped my hand. "Sorry," she murmured. I simply squeezed her hand in response. We passed the rest of the night in somber silence, praying for a swift sunrise

Passage quoted from LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II: Chapter 8, Farewell to Lorien

Passage quoted from LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, Book II: Chapter 9, The Great River

NOTE: The chapters are off from previous quotes because I got a new version of LOTR.

A/N: I have decided to add definitions and apologize for not doing so sooner. It was brought to my attention (and rightfully so) that not all readers are as well-versed in Tolkien's lore as others. So, without further adieu…

*hythe-a small haven

*eyot- a little island in a river or lake

Ellon/ellyn-male elf/male elves

Ellith/elleth-female elf/female elves

Talan-elven dwelling, specific to Lothlórien