The Quest

The Quest: Chapter 8

Alannah opened the bundle to find an outfit similar to what Legolas wore. The knee length tunic was made of a beautiful yet lightweight fabric, a deep shade of grey similar to that of river stone. The coordinating grey pants would fit close to her legs enabling her to run faster and be more flexible. Also included was a pair of knee high boots that would wrap around her resembling large leaves, the same as Legolas's in all but color. Alannah bowed down in gratitude before being directed by Galadriel to change behind the tapestry and to adjourn with the rest of the fellowship by the river so they could send them on their way.

Many gifts were presented to the fellowship by the river, including elven cloaks to hide themselves from unwanted eyes. Legolas admired his new bow as did everyone else who was handed a priceless gift from the high elf. Alannah waited patiently as she stood in her new clothes, relieved to leave the manly clothes behind.

"You look lovely." Aragorn leaned over and whispered. "I'm pleased to hear of your betrothal to Legolas. He is a dear friend."

Alannah smiled as he looked at the silver ring on her finger. "Thank you." She replied quietly. Her eyes caught Boromir's and she smiled softly at him, hoping her friend would also be joyous for her as well. He returned the smile before averting his attention to the boats they would soon depart on. Galadriel handed Alannah a small flask, filled with a dark blue liquid. She turned it over in her hands and inspected it before Galadriel further explained.

"I gift to you Alannah, the elixir of knowledge. When you're heart is ready, drink this before you sleep and all your questions from your past will be revealed to you in a dream. I cannot promise it will not bring you temporary distress, however it will bring you what it is you have longed to know." Galadriel smiled softly as Alannah bowed down in gratitude before joining Legolas and Gimli in a canoe, ready to resume their journey towards Mordor.

The fellowship felt comfort and renewal as they paddled down the great river Anduin. Legolas smiled as he watched Alannah paddle at the front of the boat, able to see the true form of her body in her elvish attire. Her hair blew gently in the breeze, tickling Gimli in the face. She turned as she heard him mumbling, swatting the locks from him.

"I'm so sorry Gimli!" She pulled her hair over her shoulder to one side only for it to blow back into his face, causing him to spit as a large lock landed in his mouth. Legolas laughed aloud at the sight as he continued to paddle, still keeping his eyes on her.

"No matter. A bit more hair won't make much a difference to this face." Gimli spoke kindly to Alannah, to which Legolas was grateful. Given the relationship between elves and dwarves, he admired it and began to find himself warming up to the dwarf more than he thought possible.

"If it was him I'd have chopped it off by now." Gimli grunted as he pointed in Legolas's direction. Alannah giggled as she smiled at both of them.

"I'd love to see you try dwarf." Legolas nudged him with his knee, laughing again at the playful banter between them.

The fellowship followed the river many miles, passing through the Argonath. They all marveled at the giant statues of kings, more so resembling ancient gods as they towered over the river. As her friends admired the ancient statues, Alannah couldn't help but feel as if their extended hands were signaling caution to her, their stone hands begging her to stop and turn around. She scanned the area as they passed them, the trees on each side of the river growing thicker. Legolas suddenly turned his head in one direction, able to see many miles away through the tree line. They pulled the canoes off to the side of the river, just before the great falls of Rauros.

A campfire was quickly lit as they settled into a camp for the night. They would cross the lake at nightfall and hide the boats, once again continuing on foot to Mordor. Alannah watched Legolas as he stood guard, focusing on the tree line and continuously scanning the woods for any threat. Frodo walked quietly away from the camp and Alannah assumed it was to stretch his small legs after the long ride in the canoe.