The Fellowship walked up the spiral stairs that seemingly went endless around the trees. Solatiri looked down to see they were well above the ground. She looked up to see Elves watching them from every tree. Above them appeared to be what looked like a courtroom with Elves waiting for them. Everyone looked in awe as they watched two Elves descend the stairs before them, hand in hand. This must be the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
Solatiri looked at Galadriel feeling her eyes looking at her…looking into her soul. Solatiri looked upon her face which was framed by her long golden hair which a silver crown rested upon. Her blue eyes stared at the Fellowship. With her was Celeborn who had long blonde hair.
"The enemy knows you have entered here", he spoke. "What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine there are here, yet ten were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar."
Galadriel looked into Aragorn's eyes and saw the horror and sadness he held in them.
"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land", she said. "He has fallen into Shadow."
Aragorn looked at her and nodded at her words. Celeborn looked lost as he strayed into thought.
"He was taken by both Shadow and flame", Legolas said. "A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria."
The Fellowship lowered their heads feeling ashamed of their decision to go into Moria. But none were more ashamed than Gimli who vented the idea in the first place.
"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life", Galadriel said. "We do not yet know his full purpose."
Solatiri looked at them feeling confused. The Elves do not know his purpose? What did that mean? Gandalf was gone and yet she spoke as if he were still alive. Galadriel looked at the Fellowship who were feeling the pain of sorrow weigh heavy on their hearts.
"Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dum fill your heart, Gimli son of Gloin", she said. "For the world has grown full of peril…and in all lands…love is now mingled with grief."
Galadriel turned her sight to Boromir who looked back at her. As she looked into his eyes, he began to break out in a sweat as sadness filled his eyes once more. He turned away from her giving a shaking sigh as a tear fell from his eye.
"Boromir?" Solatiri softly whispered.
She softly gasped as she heard a voice in her head.
"Solatiri…daughter of Hama and Eithrin of the Rohan kingdom of Men. Your long awaited hopes do not end lightly. He is in great danger. You know this…you have from the very start. Go now and make this moment yours to remember…for you will never have the chance to do it in times of peace."
Solatiri shook her head as she tried to fight back a sob. She turned away not wanting to hear anymore.
"What now becomes of this Fellowship?" Celeborn asked. "Without Gandalf, hope is lost."
"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife", Galadriel said. "Stray but a little and it will fail…to the ruin of all."
Boromir and Solatiri turned back to Galadriel seeking a glimmer of hope.
"Yet hope remains while the Company is true", she said. "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."
Solatiri looked at the Fellowship who started to rest comfortably in the beds provided by the Elves. Her ankle had been wrapping in bandages with healing herbs to help. In the distance they heard the sweet sound of the Elves singing in their language.
"A lament for Gandalf", Legolas said.
"What do they say about him?" Merry asked.
"I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near."
"I bet they don't mention his fireworks", Sam said. "There should be a verse about them."
Everyone watched as he stood and spoke a verse he thought of.
"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."
"Oh, that doesn't do them justice by a long road", he said sitting back down.
"It was very sweet of you to do, Sam", Solatiri said. "I'm sure Gandalf would be proud to hear someone praise his fireworks."
She looked to see Boromir sitting away from the rest of the Fellowship. She got up and limped to him to see a distant look on his face.
"Boromir?" she said sitting down. "What's troubling you?"
"Take some rest", Aragorn said helping. "These borders are well-protected."
"I will find no rest here", Boromir said. "I heard her voice inside my head."
"She spoke to you?" Solatiri asked.
"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."
"Boromir…"
Solatiri gently raised her hand touching his cheek. Aragorn watched the two before sitting down with them.
"My father is a noble man", Boromir said. "But his rule is failing and…and our people lose faith. He looks to me to make things right, and I would do it. I would see the glory of Gondor restored."
"He asks too much of you", Solatiri said. "Boromir, you are not the answer to everything."
He nodded as he began thinking about home. How he wished to return home with Solatiri.
"Have you ever seen it, Aragorn?" he asked. "The White Tower of Ecthelion. Glimmering like a spike of pearl and silver. Its banners caught high in the morning breeze. Have you ever been called home…by the clear ringing of silver trumpets?"
"I have seen the White City", Aragorn said uninterested. "Long ago."
"One day our paths will lead us there. And the tower guard shall take up the call: "the Lords of Gondor have returned."
Aragorn looked away before getting up and returning to his bed. Solatiri took Boromir's hand.
"Come with me", she said leading him away from the Fellowship.
Ok big announcement. All you readers be sure to look for the next chapter for a surprise!