Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 11

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Celeborn announced.

The Fellowship stood in a line as the elves of Lothlorien fastened cloaks around their shoulders. Haldir smirked as he attached Ruive's cloak.

"Eller lle naa." (There you are) Haldir said, adjusting the cloak over Ruive's broad shoulders

"Diola mela." (Thanks love) Ruive replied back with sarcasm.

Ruive and Haldir had a very casual and sarcastic friendship, but it was formal when need be. 

Galadriel went along the line and presented a gift to each member of the Fellowship. To Legolas; she gave the bow of the Galadhrim. To Merry and Pippin she gave them each a dagger of the Noldorin. And to Sam she gave Elven rope made of hithlain. 

"And what gift would a dwarf ask of the Elves?" Galadriel asked, smiling down at Gimli.

"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."

Gimli turned away for a moment, before turning back again.

"Actually, there was one thing. No, no, I couldn't. It's quite impossible. Stupid to ask..."

Ruive smiled at the dwarf, before looking up at Galadriel when she stopped in front of her.

"The gift I give to you, Ruive, is long over due."

Galadriel turned to another Elf behind her who held a medium sized wooden box. She lifted the lid and withdrew a copper cuff. 

"This cuff belonged to your ancestor; Cathaoirmore, the first dragon slayer. He too had the gift of Dragon Sight. This was forged from the scales of the dragon Nainkyan, the strongest of the dragons, brought down by the strongest of warriors."

Galadriel placed the cuff around Ruive's left wrist. Ruive felt a new strength in her, as though the strength of her ancestor's now flowed through her.  

"Diola lle, heriun Galadriel." (Thank you, lady Galadriel)

Legolas and Gimli were loading the boat while Aragorn spoke with Celeborn. Ruive and Haldir were standing off to the side, saying their farewells and such.

"I' coiasira en' i' Edhelrim naa thar." (The time of the elves is over) Haldir said as they watched the Fellowship prepare the boats.

"innas lle renia?" (Will you sail?)

Haldir nodded.

"Uma." (Yes)

Ruive turned to him and smirked.

"I might actually miss you."

Haldir shook his head and laughed.

"How could you not?"

"Ruive, it's time to leave." Aragorn called.

Ruive nodded and looked back at Haldir.

"Lotesse i' ann en' i' Valinor tiria  lle." (May the grace of the Valinor watch over you.) Haldir said.

Ruive placed a firm hand on Haldir's shoulder, him returning the gesture, before bringing him into a friendly hug. Surprisingly, Haldir returned it.

"Diola lle Mellonamin" (Thank you, my friend)

Ruive and Legolas pushed their boat which already held Gimli before jumping in and paddling along behind the others.

"I have taken my worst wound at this parting, having looked my last upon that which is fairest. Henceforth I will call nothing fair unless it be her gift to me." Gimli said wistfully.