The Lost Princess: [Legolas Fanfiction]

9. Farwell To Lothlórien

Anira...

I managed to quietly walk over to where the Fellowship was camped at. I was in daze still as I sat down on the grassy ground. I have to clear my thoughts before I attempt to fall asleep. Despite Lady Galadriel's reassurances, I didn't feel ready and I feared that I would never be. It was as though I was drowning with all of this pressure placed upon me.

"Anira."

I grin slowly crept upon my face. "Do you ever sleep?"

"Not truly," Legolas replied sitting next to me. "Why is it that you're awake? You were asleep last I saw you."

"I was awoken by something shuffling and then Lady Galadriel requested me. We had important matters to discuss." I said as I sat next to Legolas.

"Is that what worked you into this state?"

"In what state?"

"You look as though the weight of the world has come crashing down upon your shoulders."

"Oh," I let out a deep breath and closed my eyes. "I'm in such a mess." I whispered.

I didn't know what Legolas' reaction would be, but he moved closer to me draping his arm cross my shoulders. I stiffened at first, startled and then I rested my head on his chest.

"Why me, Legolas?" I whispered under my breath. "What is so special about me? What qualities do I possess that make me so different?"

He didn't hesitate to answer. "Because, Anira, I have seen you in battle and out of battle. You are fierce, trustworthy, and you do not stopping at anything. You are fearless, loyal, and determined. Once you set your mind to something, you continue to persevere until you achieve your goal."

I felt hope spark within me and I peered into Legolas' eyes. "You, really think that about me?"

"No. I know that about you." Legolas smiled reassuringly at me. "The Fellowship is behind you, Anira. We will support you through all of this."

I smiled at him with gratitude. I nestled back into his chest, allowing the safety I felt with him calm me down.

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The new sun peeked through the trees and a peaceful atmosphere was setting over Lothlórien. I'm going to miss Lothlórien once we move on. It was calming and tranquil, I could spend the rest of my days here.

Here, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel stood waiting, with elves standing next to them. We stood in a line, I stood beside Legolas. The elves stepped forward and fastened cloaks around our necks. Each cloak was the same pale green color and made from the same material. Each cloak was held in place by a broach shaped like the leaves of Lothlórien.

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

We all bowed our heads in respect. Lady Galadriel stepped forward, she gestured to the elves who stood behind her and they stepped forward with various objects. The first to receive an object was Legolas. It was an elegant bow.

"My gift to you, Legolas, is the bow of Galadhrim, worthy of the skill of our woodland kin." I smiled at Legolas. His eyes shown with wonder. He proceeded to pull the string in order to test the bow.

Lady Galadriel walked to where I stood. She placed a necklace around my neck. I looked down at the necklace she gave me slowly gliding my fingers across the gem. I felt as though I seen this necklace before.

"Anira Eldar, I give you many gifts. Your father's bow and sword, they both have seen service in war. You also wear your mother's necklace, her necklace is infused with the magic of the elves. You will find yourself fearless as long as you wear it."

I bowed my head in respect. "Thank you." I said.

With one final smile, she moved to stand before Merry and Pippin. She handed small, sheathed daggers. "These are the daggers of Noldorin," she said as Merry and Pippin unsheathed them, gazing upon the daggers with wonder. "They have already seen service in war."

She then smiled. "Do not fear, Peregrin Took," she murmured consolingly to Pippin. "You will find your courage."

She moved past him to strand before Sam. She handed him a coil of silvery rope. "And for you, Samwise Gamgee, elven rope made of hithlain."

"Thank you, my lady. Have you run out of those nice shiny daggers?"

Lady Galadriel only smiled before moving on. I couldn't see down the rest of the line, so I stood back admiring my bow and sword. My sword's blade was engraved with the word "Elenathon" which means "The Stars" in Sindarin. I ran my fingers on the blade, flinching when I pricked my finger on the tip of the blade.

I sheathed my sword and grabbed my bow that was behind my back. My bow fitted perfectly in my hands, it beautifully made, and designs were engraved onto the bow. I see why Legolas was in a wonder at his new bow, I pulled the bowstring to test it myself.

Once everyone received their gifts the Fellowship stepped over to where three boats were moored. Elves were already packing for us, giving us supplies of food. Legolas began to assist with the packing and I walked over to join him.

"Hi." I greeted giving him a small smile. I grabbed a small parcel wrapped in green cloth.

"Lembas!" He exclaimed. "Elvish waybread." I watched as he took a small bite out of the bread. I took a small bite out of the Lembas as well, it's been years since I had Lembas. He looked at Merry, Pippin and I grinning. "One small bite is enough to fit the stomach of a grown man."

Legolas tossed the Lembas into the boat. I walked over to him and picked up another bundle. Soon we were loaded and ready to go. The rest of the Fellowship assembled into the boats. Boromir went with Merry and Pippin. Aragorn with Frodo and Sam. That left me with Gimili and Legolas.

This made me smile a bit. Legolas and I have grown to becoming good friends and I got along with him rather well then anyone else in the Fellowship. I stepped into the boat and found myself sitting in front of Gimli. Legolas then took both the oars.

"Would you like me to help?"

"No, I'll do fine on my own." He reassured me.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Anira, there is no need to worry."

I sighed as he pushed off the water's edge. The calm water was ruffled my the movement of the boats and light splashes of the oars. I turned around to catch one last glimpse of Lothlórien before it vanished from my sight. I also caught a glimpse of Lady Galadriel with a white hood draped over her fair head. As we drifted away she raised her hand in farewell.

When Lady Galadriel vanished from sight, Gimli looked rather disappointed.

"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."

"What was her gift?" Legolas questioned.

Gimli looked in a daze, a look I never thought I'd see from Gimli. "I asked her for one hair from her golden head. She gave me three."

I smiled at Gimli's words. Gimli appeared to be infatuated with the Lady of Light. "That was nice of her."

"Indeed it was, Lass," Gimli nodded. "Indeed it was."

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