Moving On

Chapter 9

The Fellowship walked through the forest, getting deeper and deeper into the woods. The hobbits gave nervous glances to the elves who walked on all sides of them. Watching them. Making sure that none of them made an all too hasty move out of line.

There was heavy tension in the air as the group made way to one of their outposts. Haldir mentioned that there would need to be a discussion before he takes them further into Lothlorien. He mentioned also that there would be more medicinal supplies for Samantha at their outpost.

Samantha was dead weight on Boromir's back. He had not heard her uttering a word in what felt like hours. The only thing to let him know she was alive was the combination of her body heat and the small quick breathes he could feel on his neck. He focused on that as he too gave weary glances to the elves. Before Legolas he had not had much dealing with them in the past. Merely stories.

The sun had finally set when the group reached the outpost. The moonlight illuminated the surroundings as it did every other night. But on this night, it felt almost eerie.

Haldir said a few quick words in Elvish and a few elves came forward, reaching for Samantha. Boromir gave a questioning look to Legolas and Aragorn. The two nodded and he untied her hands form in front of him. As gently as he could, he lowered her so the elves could take her to a bed not too far out of sight.

There was silence as the fellowship seemed to hold their breath as their friend was taken away. They hoped and prayed that she would be alright. Elves were skilled healers, they did their best to put faith in that fact.

Haldir turned and looked at the fellowship. He noticed how the elvish prince in front of him was transfixed by the woman being carried away. Small beads of sweat could be seen on his brow and the look in his eyes was unmistakable. Fear. Legolas did a good job of hiding it, but Haldir was experienced. Many battles with young warriors had made him accustomed to the look. He decided to bring the prince and the Fellowship out of their trance of worry.

"Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil."

Legolas broke eye contact with the doorway Samantha had been taken through. He looked at Haldir, "Our Fellowship stands in your debt."

Haldir continued through the Fellowship, "Aragorn of the Dunedain... you are known to us." He finished in a greeting.

Aragorn gave a small reply but was cut off by Gimli, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand!" Gimli was fed up with not knowing what was being said. He needed to know what was going on. What if they were keeping something important from him and the others in the fellowship? They all deserved to know.

Haldir turned toward the dwarf, less than pleased with the rude outburst. "We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the dark days."

Not being one to take insult lightly, "And you know what this Dwarf says to that?" There was nothing but the sound of the wind as Gimli said very un-courteous things in his native tongue.

Aragorn groaned internally and put a firm hand on the dwarves shoulder, "That was not so courteous"

Haldir let the comments roll off of him as he eyed the last few members of the fellowship. The hobbits. Nothing of great importance. Hobbits were not known to be troublesome creatures. Let alone to be away from their shire for so long. He didn't have much of anything to say until his eyes landed on Frodo. A creeping chill ran up his spine and he knew, "You bring great evil with you." He gave a look to Aragorn, "You can go no further."

There was stunned silence as the other hobbits turned to Frodo. One look, and just like that?

Aragorn and Haldir had a long conversation. Legolas butted in once or twice as he was the only one who understood the elvish being spoken. Aragorn had to make Haldir understand that they had to make it through their forest. That they had to have refuge. That their journey was important and that Samantha may not survive without their help.