Chapter 9: Farwell Gifts
After what seemed days in Lothlorien, the Fellowship got ready to leave. Eldiriel had spent most of the time with his family and showing the hobbits around Lothlorien. Legolas and Gimli became closer and walked about things at hand. Boromir watched over the hobbits and Aragorn filtered in and out of the groups. They were just about to leave when Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn stopped them.
'I came to see you off. But before you will dine with us.' Lady Galadriel said. They followed the Lady to an open meadow, which had food for them set out. After they had eaten what the Lady and Lord had provided for them. Lady Galadriel stood up and motioned for 8 other elves to come forward. Each holding something covered.
'These are our farwell gifts for you.' Lady Galadriel said looking over at the elves standing in a line. Lady Galardriel motioned for one elf to come forward.
'To the leader, Aragorn son of Arathorn, I give you a sheath to fit Andruil.' Lady Galadriel spoke and set the impressive sheath in Aragorn's hands. Aragorn nodded and was beginning to back away when Lady Galadriel stopped him.
'I know what your one desire is, Aragorn. I hope this will give you hope on your journey into darkness. ' With that, Lady Galadriel lifted a silver brooch from her hand. 'I gave this to my daughter, Celebrain. She to hers and now to you.'
Aragorn smiled as he took the brooch and put it on, still smiling. The Lady smiled and walked up to Boromir. To him she gave a gold belt. Merry and Pipin silver belts with golden flower clasps. Legolas received a Lothlorien bow with a quiver of arrows. To Sam she gave a box with a 'G' on top, inside there was dirt from Lothlorien.
'This stands for Galadriel. But in your tongue it may stand for garden.' Lady Galadriel smiled. Sam smiled back and looked back at the box with aw.
'What would the Dwarf ask of the elfs?(that is close to what Lady Galadriel actually said...I give full credit to her and to Tolkien!)
'There is nothing, I could ask for.' Gimli replied. Lady Galadriel looked around and proclaimed that no elf should ever call dwarfs greedy or ungracious.
'There must be something Master Dwarf.' Lady Galadriel said.
'Nothing. Nothing, unless it is premitted to ask for one strand of your hair. It is fair than gold and the jewels in mines. I have told you Lady, what my desire is.' Gimli said bowing. The surrounding elves gasped, Lord Celebron gased wonderingly at the dwarf with a light smile on his face. Lady Galadriel smiled and untied one of her many braids, took a clipper and clipped off one golden hair from her head.
'Master Dwarf, here is your desire. I hope it comes in to use.' Lady Galadriel smiled handing the hair to Gimli. Gimli was looking in awe at the gift he recieved. Gimli bowed to the Lady of the Wood as she walked past him and to Frodo.
‘Ring Bearer, even though I come to you last, you are not last in my thoughts. I have made this for you.’ Lady Galadriel said pulling out a phial.‘A light when all other lights go out.’
Frodo took it and looked at it with wonder.
‘It contains light from Earendil’s star. Remember Galadriel and her mirror!’
Lady Galadriel had given all of her presents and walked back to Lord Celeborn. They joined hands and walked back to Lothlorien. The Lady’s voice was heard in each of the fellowship’s mind….
‘Namarie.’
Aragorn lead the fellowship into the boats that the Lothlorien elves had provided for them.
‘Eldiriel, can I sit with you?’ Pipin asked.
‘Yes, you may Pipin.’ Eldiriel said lightly. ‘Why wouldn’t you want to sit with your friend Merry?’
‘I’m not that good with water.’ Pipin said. ‘Brandybucks are known to have been on boats before….I know Merry has. I haven’t. Hobbit’s aren’t made for water.’ Pipin said nervously. Eldiriel smiled and nodded as he helped the hobbit into the boat. Aragorn, Frodo and Sam in the leading boat. Eldiriel and Pipin second. Boromir and Merry in the next and Gimli and Legolas bringing up the rear.
