They spent one last night in Lorien as the boats and supplies were being readied. Legolas came to stay with the Fellowship as they discussed what roads to take. No decision was made. Boromir was resolute, however, that his path would only lead to Gondor and he often stared at Frodo that night. He even began to speak to himself, not realizing he was audible, about the folly of throwing away...he stopped himself, and ended with throwing away lives by marching into certain death. Frodo was aware that Boromir had stopped himself; he did not fully know what he originally meant--folly to throw away the Ring? No one else seemed to notice. Perhaps Frodo was growing keener at reading thoughts now possessing the One.
In the morning the Fellowship were shown the many supplies prepared including lembas and Elvish rope (much to Sam's delight). Gimli was impressed with the lembas declaring it better than the honey-cakes of the Beornings who were the best bakers he knew. They each were given a cloak of Lorien, appearing almost grey but able to take on the hue and likeness of their surroundings. Each was fastened with a green leaf inlaid with silver. The Galadhrim who gave the cloaks declared: "'You are indeed in high favour of the Lady! For she herself and her maidens wove this stuff; and never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people'" (p. 386, The Fellowship of the Ring).
After breakfast Haldir came back from the border watches to lead the Company to their boats. News from the mountains were forboding. They climbed in the boats and practiced with them. Aragorn, Sam, and Frodo in one boat. Boromir, Merry, and Pippin in another. Finally Legolas and Gimli, now fast friends, in the third boat. As they practiced in the Silverlode a white swan shaped boat came towards them. They could hear clearly a sad song being sweetly sung. It was Galadriel and Celeborn. They had come for the final parting and bid the company to share a meal with them before they departed (for they had not eaten with the Lord and the Lady). After eating Celeborn told them of the River's ways ahead of them.
He told them to beware of Fanghorn forest, especially those who wished to go to Minis Tirith. Galadriel stood bringing forth a cup of mead. "'Now it is time to drink the cup of farewell,' she said. 'Drink Lord of the Galadhrim! And let not your heart be sad, though night must follow noon, and already our evening draweth nigh'" (p. 390, The Fellowship of the Ring). I get the sense that Galadriel, who by now is probably the only Elf remaining in Middle-earth who had lived in the Undying Lands, understood more than anyone what the Quest means for the Elves: failure meant the defeat and destruction and success meant the waining and departing. And yet in Rivendell (though they weren't as sure of the end as Galadriel) and Lorien the Elves were willing to sacrifice all for the defeat of Sauron and betterment of Middle-earth.
After finishing the cup of farewell the Fellowship received gifts from Celeborn via Galadriel. A sheath for Anduril was given to Aragorn decorated with many gems and runes tracing the lineage of the sword. "'The blade that is drawn from this sheath shall not be stained or broken even in defeat,' she said" (p. 391, The Fellowship of the Ring). Galadriel then asked Aragorn if he would ask for anything else since they may not see each other again. He answered that she knew his desires but she could not grant them. She produced another gift that she hoped might lift his spirits. "'This stone I gave to Celebrian my daughter, and she to hers; and now it comes to you as a token of hope. In this hour take the name that was foretold for you Elessar, the Elfstone of the house of Elendil!'" (p. 391, The Fellowship of the Ring). Indeed, Aragorn looked more kingly to his companions upon receiving that gift. He was overjoyed. "'O Lady of Lorien of whom were spring Celebrian and Arwen Evenstar. What praise could I say more?'" (p. 391, The Fellowship of the Ring).
Boromir was given a gold belt. Merry and Pippen were given silver belts. Legolas was given a bow of the Galadhrim, longer and stronger than his Mirkwood bow, along with a quiver of arrows. She then turned to Sam. "For you little gardener and lover of trees,' she said to Sam, 'I have only a small gift'" (p. 391, The Fellowship of the Ring). She handed him a plain box with a G rune (for Galadriel or garden; Sam's choice). It contained earth from Lorien blessed by Galadriel. While this wouldn't aid him on the Quest should Sam return to the Shire there would be few gardens in Middle-earth to rival his. Sam turned red in the face and bowed as best he could.
She then turned to Gimli and asked what a Dwarf would desire from an Elf. "'There is nothing, Lady Galadriel,' said Gimli, bowing low and stammering. 'Nothing unless it might be--unless it is permitted to ask, nay, to name a single strand of your hair, which surpasses the gold of the earth as the stars surpass the gems of the mine. But you commanded me to name my desire.' The Elves stirred and murmured with astonishment, and Celeborn gazed at the Dwarf in wonder, but the Lady smiled. 'It is said that the skill of the Dwarves is in their hands rather than their tongues,' she said; 'yet that is not true of Gimli. For none have ever made to me a request so bold and yet so courteous. And how shall I refuse, since I commanded him to speak?'" (p. 392, The Fellowship of the Ring). She cut off three strands of hair for him (which he hoped to incase in crystal as an heirloom of his house) and she declared, that if hope did not fail, that his life would flow with gold and yet the gold would not have dominion over him. Interesting words given the desire for wealth and material things often consumed Dwarves.
Lastly Galadriel turned to Frodo and gave him a phial filled with glittering light. It was the light of Eärendil, the most beloved star of the Elves (whose history Galadriel lived through) reflected from the waters of the Mirror of Galadriel. She hoped it would prove a light to Frodo in dark places where all others lights failed. Frodo was overcome with her beauty and queenly state and could say no words in return. He could only bow.
The Fellowship departed in the boats and for some time could see Galadriel watching them. Just before she disappeared from view they heard her sing in the ancient Elven tongue which Frodo ever remembered and was even able to translate in pieces, ancient pieces: Varda, and Valimar. Gimli was almost overcome at the parting, describing the sorrow in his heart leaving the Lady of Lorien to Legolas. He had feared danger but this was far greater pain than he imagined. Legolas encouraged him that he was blessed to meet the Lady when so few outsiders had and it was of the Dwarves own free will that he had travelled thus far with the Company. So with heavy hearts the Fellowship began the journey down Anduin.
Middle-earth timeline: Third Age, 3019, February
Today's reading comes from: The Fellowship of the Ring, pages 382-392
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