From Wyoming, to Middle-earth

Chap. 17 - Lothlórien

I burst into the fresh, clean air of the outside world. I caught my breath, and sat down. My cut burned, and my eyes started to tear up. Aragorn walked past me, and placed his hand on my shoulder, and went to the edge of the rocky hill.

He looked across the grassland, and into a forest. I looked around at the Fellowship. Legolas stood by himself, looking solemnly at the rocks. Sam, Merry, and Pippin were crying. Gimli looked angry, and Boromir came up to me. He wrapped his arms around me, and I started to sob into his shoulder.

Aragorn's voice rang out, "Legolas! Get them up."

Boromir glared at Aragorn, "Give them a moment! For pity's sake!"

"By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli! Get them up." He looked at me, and stiffened at the sight of Boromir and I.

I pulled away from Boromir, and said, "Thank you."

Aragorn seemed slightly hurt, and he walked over to Sam, and patted his back, "On your feet, Sam."

He looked for Frodo, "Frodo?"

Frodo stood alone, so I walked towards the lonely hobbit and put my hand on his shoulders.

"Come, Frodo," I said gently.

Frodo looked up at me with tear filled eyes. That made me want to cry. Tears filled my eyes, and I looked away. He had just lost a best friend. I led him to Aragorn.

Even though I agreed with Aragorn, the poor guy needed a break. I blinked, and the warm tears left my eyes and hit the rock. Aragorn gently wiped the tears away, his gray eyes filled with sadness, and he started to walk towards a huge forest. Sam, Merry and Pippin caught up with Frodo and I, and we walked together.

After awhile of walking in silence we entered the woodland. Gimli walked next to the hobbits, "Stay close, young hobbits. They say there's a great sorceress that lives in these woods. An Elf Witch of terrible power! All who look upon her fall under her spell and are never seen again!"

I wondered if Gimli's story was true. I looked at Legolas, who seemed alert. His hand was on his bow. Just in case, I reached for mine. I glanced at Boromir, who was looking at me. He smiled quickly, and looked away. I smiled slightly, and started to listen to Gimli again.

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

Suddenly, an arrow appeared in front of my face. I froze, and stared at the tip of the arrow. Elves surrounded us.

"Oh!" Gimli said, surprised. I reached for my sword, but Aragorn shook his head. Legolas had his bow up, ready to fire.

"The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," An elf said, stepping forward.

Gimli frowned, and grunted. They led us to a huge tree, and we climbed a set of spiral stairs. The elf introduced himself as Haldir.

I listened to Haldir, Legolas and Aragorn speak elvish to each other. Gimli seemed to get frusterated by that, "So much for the legendary courtesy of the Elves! Speak words we can all understand!"

"We have not had dealings with the dwarves since the Dark Days," Haldir turned to Gimli.

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

Aragorn glared at Gimli, "That was not so courteous!"

I hid a smile, and walked over to the staircase railing. The sun was setting, and the forest was bewitching. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Haldir walked up to Frodo. I heard arguing in elvish, so I went back to the group. Aragorn was talking swiftly, and was getting frustrated.

Haldir stood up straighter, "You will follow me."

Haldir led us back to the ground, and took us on small forest paths until we reached an overlook.

"Caras Galadhon. The heart of Elvendom on earth. Realm of Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light," Haldir said.

We walked up another set of spiral stairs and come to a landing. Two elves approached us, with a glowing aura around them. I stared at them, not meaning to be rude, but I couldn't help it. They were.. Beautiful.

"The Enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Nine that are here yet ten there 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," Lord Celeborn said.

I looked at Lady Galadriel, and looked down.

"Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land. He has fallen into Shadow," Lady Galadriel said.

"He was taken by both Shadow and flame. A Balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria," Legolas said.

"Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khazad-dûm fill your heart, Gimli, son of Glóin. For the world has grown full of peril. And in all lands love is now mingled with grief," she said, and looked at all of us. She stared at Boromir, who looked down, and started to shake.

"What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost," Lord Celeborn said.

"The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while the Company is true," Lady Galadriel said. She looked at Sam, "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."

Haldir led us to an area that had been prepared for us. Merry, Sam, and Pippin eagerly settled in to their sleeping pads. Frodo slowly joined them.

Our area was set in a hollowed out tree, and lit with candles. I chose my sleeping pad, which was near the entrance. I walked outside, and sat on the mossy ground. Elves were singing in the trees. I listened. Even though I couldn't understand it, it sounded beautiful.

"A lament for Gandalf," Legolas said quietly, and sat down near me.

Merry joined us, "What do they say about him?"

"I have not the heart to tell you. For me, the grief is still too near," Legolas said.

I looked up at the lit up tree tops. Pippin came and sat down next to me, "I'm hungry."

I laughed, and put my arm around his tiny shoulders, "Me too, Pippin, me too."