Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 10

The Fellowship swiftly ran across the green meadow and into the silver wood. They walked through the trees with caution, eyes trained for any signs of danger.

"Stay close young hobbits. They say there's 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." Gimli whispered,

Ruive snorted to herself as Gimli continued to tel his "scary story."

"Well! Here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk, and ears of a fox."

As Gimli boasted about his enhanced senses, he failed to notice the Elves that surrounded them until arrows were held in his face.

"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Haldir drawled stepping forward.

"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion." (Welcome Legolas, son of Thranduil.) Haldir greeted.

"Govannas van gwennen le, Haldir o Lorien." (Our Fellowship stands in your debt, Haldir of Lorien.)

"Aragorn in Dunedain istannen le ammen." (Aragorn of the Dunedain, you are known to us.)

"Haldir." Aragorn greeted, bowing in respect.

Haldir's eyes turned to Ruive, both looking at each other with stony expressions.

"Ruive."

"Haldir." Ruive nodded.

Ruive looked Haldir over with a judgmental expression.

"lle maa iant." (you look old) Ruive smirked.

Haldir looked her up and down, a similar expression in his face. 

"lle maa ai" (you look short) Haldir countered.

Legolas and Aragorn watched the conversation with confusion and amusement.

"Amin'm perya Naugrim, mani uma lle duila?" (I'm half Dwarf, what do you expect?) Ruive scoffed.

Haldir and Ruive shared a smile and gripped each other's forearms in friendship.

"So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves. Speak words we can also understand." Gimli grumbled.

Haldir looked down at the dwarf with a stern expression.

"We have not had dealings with the dwarves, since the dark days."

"And do you know what this Dwarf says to that? Ishkhaqwi ai durugnul!" (I spit upon your grave!) Gimli spat.

Ruive slapped her hand on the dwarf's shoulder.

"That, was not so courteous!" She snapped.

"You bring great evil with you. You can go no further." Haldir stated, looking at Frodo.

Ruive stepped forward and reasoned with Haldir.

"Boe ammen veriad len. Andelu i ven! (We need your protection. The road is fell!)

Haldir and Ruive continued their argument while Frodo looked around uncomfortable. The others looking at him sadly before turning away. 

"Ruive." Haldir argued.

"Andelu i ven." (The road is very dangerous.) Ruive pleaded.

Frodo looked around, feeling more alone now than before, until Boromir spoke up.

"Gandalf's death was not in vain. Nor would he have you give up hope You carry a heavy burden Frodo. Don't carry the weight of the dead."

Ruive finally convinced Haldir to let them pass into their realm.