Authors Note: Sorry about the gap in updates I haven't been well recently. But all better now so the updates should get back to being regular. Thanks for all the reviews and favorites :)
Chapter 20 - Moments Passing
Waking up each day in warmth, comfort and security was almost like a dream. Gone were the days of cold and damp, arranging shifts throughout the night to keep watch. Now she could lay there for a few moments waiting for reality to catch up with her, whilst beams of sunlight invaded the room to dance on her porcelain skin.
Each dawning of a new day meant that their departure came ever closer.
Although she had persuaded herself and her grandmother that she intended to carry on, there was always that small doubt that lay at the back of her mind, creeping forward to try and make her think otherwise.
She had not thought that they would have stayed this long but none of them seemed to want to leave this safe haven. The same could not be said for the other Elven inhabitants of Lothlorien who clearly feared that their presence would lure some unwanted visitors to their realm. The forest patrols had doubled since their stay.
Every day they seemed to find something else to keep them occupied. Whether it was washing their clothes, replenishing the supplies in their packs, or lounging at the side of the water as they retold stories of their pasts. Never in all these stories did they mention their current journey. It was not that the subject had been banned, yet everyone seemed to steer the conversation away whenever it strayed near. If they could avoid thinking about it for a little while longer then they would.
Yesterday they had gone to the armory, a trip that they had been trying to delay for as long as possible as it was one of the last preparations they would need to make.
Hadafang needed to be sharpened, the edge had become dull after hacking through many a skull in Moria, the blade scratched so badly that the metal looked brushed. The Elven smiths had got the blade looking as good as new, if not better. She had glimpsed herself in the blade's edge, the bruises had almost faded from her face and her healthy complexion had returned, another reminder of the length of their stay.
The smiths worked through everyone's weapons in turn, daggers, axes, hobbit swords each being returned to its owner gleaming.
He was usually good at retrieving his arrows from the corpses of his kills but Legolas had been unable to do so in Moria. He was given a new quiver-full, and he decided to spend some time loosing the arrows at a man shaped target constructed of densely compacted straw. Boromir took to training the hobbits some more, carrying on with the basics of swings and footwork that he had started near the base of Caradhras.
The man of Gondor seemed somewhat restless in Lothlorien whereas the rest of them seemed to have found a peace. When she had asked him what was troubling him he had quickly denied it was anything but his eyes told another story. Still she did not push him further. Aragorn had later told her that Boromir had mentioned that he had heard her Grandmothers voice in his head, telling him that there was 'hope left' but she was unsure of why this encouraging sentiment would trouble the man so.
When the morning of their departure finally arrived it seemed like Lothlorien itself was saddened by the realisation. A mist had settled low under the canopy and sat atop the river, shrouding everything in a cold dampness. It was as though it was breaking them back into living in the wilds once more but she cursed silently that they could have just had one more day of warmth.
Down at the riverside things were already being piled into the three ornately carved wooden boats that awaited them. They would use the boats to take them as far as the Falls of Rauros, after that they would have to continue on foot for the rest of the way. Yet that was long way off , one step at a time she told herself as she placed her pack into one of the boats.
It would be a tight fit to accommodate the fellowship and their provisions but at least this restriction would help them to pack only what they needed.
"Elvish way bread," she heard Legolas say to Merry and Pippin as he lifted a small container and then placed it into a boat "One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man" he continued walking off from the hobbits and back towards the shore to fetch another box that was further down.
"How many did you eat?" Merry asked quickly turning to Pippin once the blond elf was at some distance but not out of earshot.
"Four" Was all Pippin said sheepishly.
"Four!" Arwen exclaimed the confession stopping her in her tracks "You mean four bites?" she questioned him.
"No...four pieces of Lembas" Pippin said his eyes lowering to the floor like a child who knows that they are about to be told off.
"How in the world are you not bursting at the seams?" Arwen chuckled. She had known few Halflings in her time and now living among them she found their ways to be somewhat baffling but never dull.
"I dunno, but I'm still a little hungry now" Pippin replied his eyes lighting up when he realised she was not angry with him.
She let out another laugh and patted his shoulder as she continued past him to help Legolas with one of the other boxes.
The boats were filled with more than was needed but it felt good knowing that it was there even if they would not use it all. All that remained to complete the boats was each of them and they stood on the small wooden dock ready to bid Lothlorien and the Elves farewell.
Although the Elves had not been impressed with their stay, they had still come to see them off on their journey. After all if they were successful in their quest then this moment would be documented in history. At least they could say that they had witnessed it firsthand when they recalled it to younger generations.
Galadriel and Celeborn were part of the last procession of Elves to reach the docks and as her Grandmother approached Arwen could see the sadness underneath her beautiful exterior , feel a tension cracking over her skin like lightning. Behind them nearly a dozen elves carried items covered with a light silvery fabric, parting gifts she presumed as they halted in a line mirroring each of the fellowship in turn.
Taking a step forward Galadriel first stopped at the Elf facing Legolas, pulling the silver material off from what lay underneath. Legolas' face lit up the instant he saw what it was.
"My gift for you Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin" she informed him taking the bow from the Elf and placing it delicately in Legolas' grasp.
Studying the bow with awe he ran his fingers over the carved surface, marveling at the craftsmanship in the exquisite piece, pulling on the bow-string to test the resistance.
Carrying on she came to stand before Merry and Pippin who both bounced on the balls of their feet, excited no doubt about the presents they had in store. When the shroud was removed from their gifts they still could not see what was in store until the Elf who was holding them lowered the dark sapphire pillow to reveal two gleaming daggers that lay atop.
"These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in war" Galadriel spoke as she handed each of the two Hobbits a dagger and small scabbard to go with it. Pippins face paled slightly, the excitement wearing off now he felt the cold steel in his grasp. His thoughts perhaps flashing back to the last time he wielded such an implement and what had happened.
"Do not fear young Peregrin Took, you will find your courage" Galadriel comforted him having seen his change as well.
He gave her a weak smile but his colour did not improve, Merry on the other hand beamed at the beautiful dagger in his hand and proudly he attached it to his belt.
Next in the line was Sam who looked slightly nervous once all the attention was solely focused on him.
Removing the fabric, the pillow was lowered to him the same as Merry and Pippin before, but this time a shining bound rope was revealed. The early morning sun that tried to break through the mist reflected over its surface in the same way it danced over the ripples on the water.
"For you Samwise Gamgee, Elven rope made of hithlain" Her Grandmother spoke handing him the coil.
Turning it over in his hands he gave a small smile.
"Thank you my Lady" he said before his gaze returned to the daggers that Merry and Pippin were still brandishing "Have you run out of those nice shiny daggers?" he asked her innocent to the fact that his rope was just as worthy a gift.
Her Grandmother did not say anymore, she only smiled and carried on along the line until she came to face Gimli who awaited her anxiously.
His eyes remained fixed on the floor as she stood before him, as though he were afraid that if if he were to look directly at her, then he would be caught in the web of her blue orbs.
"And what gift would a Dwarf ask of the Elves?" she asked him quietly.
"Nothing" He answered gruff and rapid trying to get his turn over and done with as quickly as possible.
His eyes finally drew themselves up to meet hers, his features softened and he breathed in a long gulp of breath.
"I wish for nothing, except to look upon the Lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth" he complimented her, a blush sweeping across his ruddy cheeks.
The sentiment brought a lump to Arwens throat, the tenuous relationship between Dwarves and Elves had always been at best strained but it seemed that they had at least persuaded one Dwarf that they were not so bad after all.
Galadriel too smiled at Gimli's kind words and was about to move off to face Boromir when Gimli stuttered, making her stop.
"Ah, actually there was one thing..uh ...But it's quite impossible. Stupid to ask." he mumbled, his head returning to gaze at the floor as Galadriel continued on to Boromir.
The man of Gondor had been wary of the Elf ever since he had confided to Aragorn that he had heard her voice in his head, but now on the brink of their departure he seemed to have grown a new confidence standing there before the Elf Queen, straight and proud awaiting his token.
When the cloth was removed she saw a flash and glint of gold before her eyes focused on what it was.
A solid gold belt, crafted in the shape of interwoven leaves. The perfect gift from Lothlorien conveying both their craftsmanship and an insight into the place itself, the golden hues of its leaves being a common topic of conversation for many.
Like she had done with the gifts before she placed the belt gently into Boromirs outstretched hands and watched his face intently as he mused over the intricate design.
"This is a kingly gift, I thank you for it, and for the shelter you have given us" he said , bowing his head in a sign of respect.
"You are most welcome Boromir of Gondor" Galadriel replied bowing her head in the same fashion before moving on to stand before Aragorn.
"I have nothing greater to give you than the gift that you already bear" Her Grandmother said to Aragorn motioning towards the Evenstar jewel that hung sparkling around his neck.
"And I need nothing else" Aragorn agreed, casting a sidelong look in her direction.
"Instead I will give you some advice. You have a choice to make Aragorn, 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" She finished with a sudden cruel harshness although her words were no directed as such.
Aragorn did not reply, instead he bowed his head low in a show of respect. After all her words were not unknown to him, he had often spoken to Arwen of these worries, he knew that when his time finally came he would need to put away his doubts and step up to his destiny as King.
After her words with Aragorn she came to Frodo, giving him a beaming smile, her white teeth seeming more so against her white dress. There was no pillowed gift in front of him either, which made Arwen question whether he would receive a gift at all. Instead her Grandfather walked in from the sidelines with a small glass vial filled with clear liquid clasped in his hands.
"To you Frodo Baggins we give the Light of Earendil our most beloved star" she said taking the vessel from Celeborn's hands and then passing it to Frodo leaning in close.
"May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out" she whispered into his ear before returning to her normal height.
Frodo nodded at her to show that he would heed her words as he inspected the vial, holding it lightly as though it were the most precious thing in the world.
Arwen did not expect a gift. She had everything she needed in abundance, jewellery, weapons, accessories. She was only glad that the others had each been given something that they could keep and cherish. Hopefully whenever they looked at the gifts they would be reminded of this moment and it would help raise their spirits for whatever lay ahead.
So when her Grandfather handed her Grandmother a small brooch her breath caught in her throat.
She recognised the piece instantly, had often played with it as it adorned her mothers riding jacket. The base was silver and inlaid into it was a mass of different coloured stones and gems. Amber, rubies, amethysts, all complimenting one another for the overall effect. She had not seen the brooch for such a long while that the memories all came flooding back to her in a wave.
"I know how you always loved this when you were younger, and I have meant to send it to you for a long time. It seems fitting that we should give it to you now. Your mother would have wanted it, for I know that she would be very proud of what you are doing" Galadriel said, pinning the piece gently to the dark blue jacket that Arwen wore.
"Are you sure?" Arwen asked as tears threatened to spill.
"Yes, and whenever you feel despair, look upon it and hopefully it may help to calm your woes" Her Grandmother said leaning forward to kiss her forehead.
"Thank you" Arwen said gratefully putting her arms around her Grandmothers shoulders and then turning to do the same with Celeborn "
"Thank you both " she revised not wanting her Grandfather to feel left out " I hope that it is not long until I see your faces again".
The remaining Elves removed the cloths from the pillows that they were holding to present each of the fellowship with a heavy green cloak. All had a clasp shaped like a leaf with an intricate silver veining embellishment. The cloaks in themselves would have been a worthy gift and they all stood proudly as the cloaks were pinned around their shoulders.
"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes" Celeborn explained to the others as an Elf arranged the cloak around her. It was softer than it looked and extremely warm, she knew she would be glad of it in the cold nights to come.
Once the gifts had been presented there was nothing else left to do but get into the boats and be on their way. However each of them hesitated not wanting to be the first one to step in. Staring at the boats as if they were waiting there to take them to their deaths and perhaps for some of them this were true.
Still they could not appear weak, not when most of Lothlorien had gathered here to see them off. A fellowship of wary and nervous companions was not how they should be remembered. The stories should be told of a brave and courageous group that once set out from here to do the impossible.
"Gimli" Galadriel said softly to the Dwarf and motioned for him to come to her. He did instantly and once he came level with her she led him off away from the crowd to speak in privacy regarding some matter.
Boromir was the first to enter the boats, quickly followed by the rest who took an audible breath between them.
Into Boromirs boat piled Merry and Pippin who were not too steady on their feet as they entered. They swayed the small boat from side to side as they tried to sit down , threatening to drench themselves and Boromir before they even started. Luckily Legolas helped to hold the boat until they were still and then moved off to the second boat to join Gimli who had returned from speaking with Galadriel and already clambered in to his seat, rearranging his axe and putting something into his pack that lay beneath his feet.
This would be the boat she would sit in, as two elves and a dwarf should hopefully balance it out.
Legolas waited at the side offering his hand to help steady her and she took it gladly, holding onto it firmly as she lowered herself into the seat at the front. Gimli behind her and Legolas sitting at the back. At her feet was her sword and pack and she opened it slightly and checked inside although she knew that she had already checked it four times that morning. Still she always had the feeling that she had left something behind.
Frodo and Sam took a more delicate approach than Merry and Pippin as they went to sit in the last of the three boats, Aragorn steadying it from the dock.
Before he climbed in after them he turned to speak to Celeborn who had come up behind him. They walked away from the boats over to one side away from the other elves.
This was strange, her Grandfathers face was grave and soon Aragorns was too, she tried to strain to hear them over the chatter of the other members of the Fellowship but she only managed to catch a few words.
"... have been seen at our borders" Celeborn said looking back towards Haldir who stood among the other elves.
"You are being followed" He continued speaking now in their native tongue and from underneath his robe he lifted a dagger and handed it over to him.
Aragorn unsheathed the dagger slightly but not completely, still it was enough for her to see the flash of the silver blade catching what little of the light had made it through the mist and canopy.
It looked as though he got a gift after all. He bid farewell once again to her Grandfather and returned to his boat to take his seat, lifting his oar and using it to push off from the bank.