The Days of Old (LOTR- Book One)

Chapter 17: On the Anduin

Chapter 17: On the Anduin

I quickly jogged back to camp ahead of Frodo, the others were now up and beginning to pack for the departure from Lothlorien. I frowned at the thought of leaving and walked slowly over to where my things were laying and rolled up the bedroll, Legolas side-eyed me.

"Where have you been?" He raised an eyebrow, I opened my mouth to speak but out of the corner of my eye I saw Frodo trot into camp unnoticed by the others. "I'll tell you later." I said softly and threw my pack onto her back quickly and walked over to Aragorn who was waiting for everyone to be ready.

"Rope! Why did I not bring rope." Sam grumbled to himself, fumbling as he tried to gather his things and giving Frodo puppy-eyes, Frodo who rolled his eyes.

"I hate to leave." I sighed as I leaned against a tree and stared at the beautiful valley in front of me, Aragorn nodded silently. "But we must." He said quickly and adjusted himself as Boromir and the others joined us, Boromir eyed Frodo as he threw his shield shield onto his back and adjusted his sword awkwardly. He jumped as he noticed that I was watching him. what was he thinking?

We walked silently to the river where beautiful boats waited for the group and many of the elves were there to say goodbye to the Fellowship and wish us luck on our impossible journey. Galadiel sailed over in a beautiful boat that was carved into the shape of a white swan.

Haldir smiled warmly at me and I smiled back weakly, I hated to be leaving the warmth and beauty of the forest. 

The Fellowship helped load the boats with provisions given by the elves, Legolas plopped several packages onto one of the boats and smiled at Merry and Pippin and pulled out a slice of way-bread.

I smiled over at him, "Lembas! Elvish way-bread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man." He smiled down at the hobbits as he took a bit of the bread, Merry and Pippin nodded, smiling up at Legolas who trotted off happily.

I raised an eyebrow at the hobbits, "How many did you eat?" I asked as I crossed my arms, "Four." Pippin said quietly as he let out a burp, I laughed and followed Legolas over to the other elves that were standing near the boats.

Aragorn was away from the rest of the group talking in hushed tone to Celeborn who seemed worried about something. 

After everything was loaded and most of the goodbyes were said the Fellowship stood in a line in front of a group of elves, "Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes." Celeborn said as the elves clipped a deep green cloak with green, silver-veined broaches. 

Galadriel strode over to the group and smiled at each of them, walking over to Legolas first. "My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." She smiled as she handed bow with what seemed like roots and branches etched into it, Legolas's eyes widened as he pulled back the string.

Galadriel moved down the line to Merry and Pippin who were smiling brightly up at her with wide eyes, "These are the daggers of the Noldorin, They have already seen service in war." She said as she handed the hobbits two matching daggers, they unsheathed them and stared at them. 

Pippin clenched his jaw, Galadriel beamed down at him. "Do not fear, you Peregrin Took. You will find your courage." She said softly and moved to Sam.

Sam clenched his fist, "And for you, Samwise Gamgee: Elven rope, made of hithlain." She handed him a beautifully bound rope, Sam smiled and grabbed the rope.

"Thank you, my lady." He said softly as he eyed Merry and Pippin's daggers, "Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?" He raised an eyebrow, Galadriel laughed. Each member of the Fellowship hopped into a boat after they received their gift.