And now I present Chapter 12. It contains a good deal of foreshadowing.

Can you guess what will happen later in the story?

Chapter 12: The Golden Wood

The Fellowship rushed through the countryside, following Aragorn. Eventually, they entered a deep wood, the great trees shedding their golden leaves onto the ground.

Gimli beckoned to the hobbits. "Stay close young hobbits," he warned. "They say a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch of terrible power. All who look upon her fall under her spell, and are never seen again."

Peyton glanced over at the hobbits and noticed that Frodo looked startled and worried, which was not normal for the hobbit, even after the ordeal they had all been through. "Frodo?" she asked, walking over to him.

"Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily," Gimli continued, not noticing Frodo's troubled expression. "I have the eyes of a howk and the ears of a fox…Oh!" Gimli nearly walked straight into an arrow point. Figures with drawn bows surrounded the company. Peyton and Legolas armed their bows, ready to fire at any moment. Kayden placed her hand on Veryan's hilt.

A tall, golden haired figure stepped out of the circle of arrows. "The dwarf breathes so loud we could have shot him in the dark," the elf stated. Gimli growled in response, while the three girls tried to stifle their first laughs since Moria.

~o*o*o*o~

Night had fallen as the elf led the company to a terrace. It was then that the elf surveyed the Fellowship for the first time.

"Welcome, Legolas, son of Thranduil," he greeted in the elven tongue.

"Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lórien," Legolas replied.

Haldir then turned to Aragorn. "Ah, Aragorn of the Dúnedain, you are known to us."

Aragorn nodded. "Haldir."

Gimli had become extremely frustrated by now. "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves," he spat. "Speak words we can all understand!"

Haldir faced Gimli, a haughty expression on his face. "We have not had dealings with the Dwarves since the Dark Days."

"And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" Gimli retorted. "Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!"

Kayden promptly slapped the Dwarf's shoulder, having understood the insult. "That was not very nice!"

Haldir now turned to Frodo and Sam. "You bring great evil with you," he stated. Quickly, he turned around. "You can go no further."

Aragorn and Kayden stepped towards the elf, avidly arguing with him. The rest of the Fellowship sat down on the terrace, waiting. Frodo separated himself from the group, looking uncomfortable and grim. Peyton noticed this and walked over to the hobbit, trying to comfort him. Boromir had also noticed the hobbit's sadness. "Gandalf's death was not in vain, nor would he have you give up hope," he stated softly.

"You carry a heavy burden, Frodo," Peyton added. "Don't carry the weight of the dead."

Suddenly, Haldir stepped towards them. "You will follow me," he instructed. The Fellowship traveled through the wood as the sun rose in the sky. Finally, Haldir led them to a hilltp overlooking a section of the forest. "Caras Galadhorn, the heart of Elvendom on Earth," he explained. "Realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light."

Robin had just one word. "Wow."

~o*o*o*o~

Night had fallen once more as the Fellowship climbed the winding staircase wrapping around a great silver tree. Finally, they reached the top platform. Two figures bathed in a soft white light greeted them. One was the Lord Celeborn, clothed in flowing robes of silver. The other was the Lady Galadriel, her flowing golden hair rippling gracefully over her beautiful white gown. Lord Celeborn spoke first. "The Enemy knows you have entered here. Whatever hope you had in secrecy is now gone." Celeborn gazed at the Fellowship in front of him. "Eleven there are here, but twelve there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf, for I much desire to speak to him. I can no longer see him from afar."

"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land," Galadriel answered sorrowfully. "He has fallen into shadow." Celeborn turned to the Lady, grief in his eyes.

"He was taken by both shadow and flame," Legolas informed them. "A Balrog of Morgoth, for we went needlessly into the net of Moria." Robin felt Gimli shift uncomfortably beside her.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his whole purpose." Her gaze rested on Gimli, staring glumly at the floor. "Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-Dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands, love is now migled with grief." As she spoke, Galadriel gazed at Robin, and her voice rang out in the hobbit's mind. You have much energy within you, young hobbit. Use it wisely, for the ones you love may one day need it.

Galadriel then directed her gaze at Boromir, who seemed really affected by her words. His face was pained, and after of few moments of silence, Boromir began to weep. As Peyton gently patted Boromir's shoulder in an attempt to comfort him, Galadriel's voice echoed through her mind. Take courage, young one, for many trials await you. Not everything may occur the way you would like, but bravery will help you through those times.

"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Celeborn asked. "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."

There was a moment of silence, during which Galadriel locked eyes with Kayden. The Lady's voice reverberated through the younger elleth's mind. There is great strength within you. You will face the death and pain of many, the ones you love and cherish, and even yourself. Remember, there is no more noble death than to die protecting your friends.

Galadriel then addressed the entire Fellowship aloud. "The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fall to the ruin of all." She paused for a moment, smiling slightly. "Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be trouble. Go now and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight, you will sleep in peace."

The Fellowship was led to a beautiful terrace, upon which tents and beds were set up for them. Robin sat with Merry in a tree, admiring the scene before them. Kayden sat next to Aragorn, sharpening Veryan near where Gimli was sleeping. Soon, the Elves began singing.

A Olórin i yaresse
Mentaner i Numeherui
Tírien i Rómenóri

Maiaron i Oiosaila,
Manan elye etevanne
Nórie i malanelye?

Legolas strolled about the terrace, deep in thought. "A lament for Gandalf," he remarked upon hearing the soft melody.

"What do they say about him?" Robin asked quietly.

Legolas turned towards her, sorrow evident in his eyes. "I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near."

Robin and Merry lightly hopped down from the tree to help Sam with the bedding. "I bet they don't mention his fireworks," Sam muttered. "There should be a verse about them." Suddenly, Sam stood up.

"The finest rockets ever seen,

They burst in stars of blue and green,

Or after thunder, silver showers,

Came falling like a rain of flowers."

As Sam finished his impromptu poem, applause sounded from the three girls. "Aw, that doesn't do them justice by a long road," he mumbled, blushing.

Gimli chose this moment to let out a loud snore. Peyton, who had been watching Kayden and Aragorn sharpen their blades, slapped the dwarf's pillow in annoyance, causing Kayden to burst into laughter. Surprisingly, neither woke up the dwarf.

Smiling, Peyton gazed around their camp. She noticed that Boromir was sitting alone, far away from the others. Peyton quietly walked towards him. "Hey, Boromir," she greeted as she approached the man. "You should get some sleep. We are leaving tomorrow."

"I will find no rest here." Boromir replied, his voice shaking slightly. "I heard her voice inside my head. She spoke of my father and the fall of Gondor. She said to me, 'Even now, there is hope left.' But I cannot see it. It is long since we had any hope." Peyton sat down next to Boromir, looking at him in concern. "My father is a noble man, but his rule is failing. And now our…our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right and I – I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored." Boromir sighed, turning to face Peyton. "Peyton, I miss it. I miss being called home by the clear ringing of silver trumpets as I lay my eyes upon the White Tower of Ecthelion once more." A small smile began to form on his lips. "One day, our paths will lead us there. Together, we will ride into the White City. You and I Peyton, together."

Peyton smiled as she placed her hand on Boromir's shoulder. "I would like that very much," she replied. "Come on, let's get some sleep."

~o*o*o*o~

Robin woke up abruptly. She didn't know why, all she knew was that she could not go back to sleep. Finally, she decided to take a walk around the woods. Quietly, she slipped out from under Merry's arm, which he had subconsciously placed around her, and began to wander. Eventually, she found herself in front of an ornately engraved stone pedestal, on top of which rested a shallow silver dish filled with water.

"Will you look into the mirror?" a voice asked. Robin whipped around to see the Lady Galadriel standing beside a gurgling waterfall.

"What will I see?" Robin queried nervously.

A small smile played on Galadriel's lips. "Even the wisest cannot tell."

Cautiously, Robin stepped up to the basin and looked. At first, the mirror just reflected the stars above, but then suddenly, images began to flash before her eyes.

Peyton was surrounded by orcs in a forest glade. "BOROMIR!" she screamed, but she was alone.

Kayden's limp body floated down a green river. Her face was battered and bruised, and there were several cuts along her arms.

Merry rolled about on a battlefield, clutching his arm in pain.

Kayden and Lagolas were happily running through a great forest, laughing, jumping, having fun.

Peyton rode on a dark gray horse. Beside her rode a man Robin had not seen before. He was quite muscled and had a look of a seasoned warrior. His long dirty-blonde hair blew in the wind as he galloped. They too were laughing.

Robin and Merry sat underneath a great apple tree. Merry put his arm around Robin in a warm hug as he whispered, "Isn't this great? Just the two of us, together."

Orcs were everywhere, cracking their long whips, a foul fume and dust surrounding them. A great black tower rose above all, emitting a sense of malice and dread. A battlefield lay before it, and Kayden, Peyton, Robin, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Boromir, Merry, and Pippin all lay dead upon it.

Robin gasped in horror as she pulled away from the mirror. "What you have seen, the good and the bad, may or may not come to pass," Galadriel informed her. "You and your friends were destined to come to Arda in our time of need. However, what occurs here is dependent upon your actions and the actions of your friends." Robin gazed at the ground in shock. "Do not fear, Robin. The visions you have seen are nothing more than a glimpse of what could happen should you succeed or fail on your quest. There is still hope within you. Do not let it waste away over these visions."

Robin nodded, and slowly made her way back to camp, deep in thought over what she had seen.

~o*o*o*o~

As dawn broke the next morning, the Fellowship was made ready to depart Lothlórien. As Legolas helped pack the silver leaf-shaped boats given to them, he was overjoyed to find what had been placed in their packs.

"Lembas!" he exclaimed. Robin, Merry, and Pippin looked at him in confusion. "Elvish waybread," he explained. "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." Legolas then left to help Kayden and Peyton with the other boats.

Merry turned to Pippin, a smile on his lips. "How many did you eat?"

"Four," Pippin burped. Robin burst into laughter.

Before they left, Galadriel and Celeborn came to see them off and bestow upon them gifts to aid them on their quest. Celeborn stepped forward, along with eleven other elves.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people," the Lord stated as the elves fastened grey cloaks around each of the Fellowship members with beautiful emerald leaf brooches. The cloaks were marvelously light and tailored specifically for its wearer. "May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes."

Galadriel then stepped forth. She presented each Fellowship member with a different gift. First, she approached Robin.

"To you, Robin Hill, I give you this dagger." The dagger was small and light, with the word "hope" engraved upon its blade. "Bear it with honor, and do not give up."

After giving Legolas, Merry, Pippin, and Sam their gifts, Galadriel spoke to Peyton. "My gift for you, Peyton Spears, is a quiver of mallorn arrows, worthy of Galadhrim." Peyton gasped in amazement upon seeing the quiver. It was ivory, with silver designs of leaves and flowers adorning the outside. The arrows were magnificent, their shafts made of the silvery wood of the mallorn tree, fletched with golden mallorn leaves.

Finally, Galadriel came to Kayden. "For you, Kayden Whitte, I give you these." From under her cloak, she produced two knives, each sheathed in a strange holster-like device. Kayden looked up at Galadriel questioningly. "These are boot-knives, easily concealed, yet swift and useful in battle. May they serve you well."

Kayden took them from Galadriel, gazing at them in awe. "Thank you, milady."

Once the gift-giving was done, the Fellowship boarded the boats: Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam in one boat, Merry, Pippin, and Robin in a second boat, Boromir, Peyton, and Kayden in the third, and lastly, Legolas and Gimli in the fourth boat. As they sailed down the river, Peyton examined her arrows for what seemed like the fiftieth time, and Kayden's hand went unconsciously to her boot as she thought about her gift and what Galadriel had said to her before she left.

"Remember, there is no more noble death than to die protecting your friends."

Robin: Dude, how many times did you look at your arrows?
Peyton: I can't help it. They are so AWESOME!

Me: Please Review!