Sauron...
Robb dropped another pebble into the river, then readjusted his position, crossing his legs.
Why would the Mirror show me Sauron?
Now, if Robb had seen Sauron's current machinations, he would have been elated. But his past? Wasn't that inconsequential? What was there possibly to be gained from seeing that dragon, that statue, from witnessing Sauron's injuries after-as Galadriel had called it-the Fall of Númenor?
Perhaps she had been wrong. Perhaps the person he had seen was not Sauron at all.
But no. Robb sighed, picking up one more stone from the ground he was sitting on-Galadriel had been quite clear, and so had he been, in his description of the man.
And if Galadriel had truly met him personally, well, there really was no chance of her being wrong.
That, however, brought Robb back to the original question: why Sauron?
The rustling of leaves behind him snapped Robb from his thoughts and he turned around. There was Boromir, making his way towards him, a travel pack slung over one shoulder. He looked ever so slightly absent, pondering gods knew what. The fate of his people, if Robb had to guess.
"Are we leaving?"
The question startled Boromir, although he recovered quickly.
"Yes, the others are readying the boats." Boromir nodded. Then, with a slight grimace, "But first, Lady Galadriel wishes to see us off."
Robb huffed a small laugh. Boromir remained visibly cautious about her, even if his courtesy was never lacking. Years of wariness were not so easily shaken off, Robb supposed.
Gimli seemed to be the exception to the rule in this case. In the weeks since their arrival, the Dwarf had become positively enamored with the Lady of the Golden Wood.
Unfolding his legs, Robb rose to his feet and snatched up his own bag before bidding Boromir to lead the way.
When they joined the others, the boats were indeed prepared, Aragorn in the process of climbing onto one. Sam followed, visibly mistrustful of this new, unsteady ground.
"Ah, Robb," Aragorn greeted him, and Sam, paling rapidly, gripped the boat's sides harder as it began to rock.
"Peace, Sam," the man murmured, a hand on the Hobbit's shoulder, before thanking Boromir and turning back to look at Robb.
"Can you steer a boat?"
Robb frowned, tilting one hand from left to right. "I was taught, technically, but it has been some time. If there is no one else, though, I could do it."
Aragorn shook his head. "We are too many people for just three boats, and I would not wish to leave the little ones on their own."
Shrugging, Robb replied, "In that case, it is no problem."
He heaved his pack onto the leftmost boat and climbed on. When Pippin unexpectedly popped up at his elbow, Robb jumped, nearly capsizing the boat.
"Gods, Pippin," he gasped, "I almost brought dishonour to my mother's side of the family, there. A warning next time, if you please?"
"Oh, sorry, Robb," Pippin said, sounding not at all apologetic. He sat down, arms hugging his knapsack, and curiously peered up at Robb.
"Are they seafarers? Your mother's family, I mean."
Robb huffed a laugh. "No, no. They are the ruling house of the Riverlands. So, this should be right up my alley. But... don't take that as a promise, aye?"
And indeed, the few metres over to Galadriel's barge were a rather wobbly affair, as was getting on it.
Soon, they stood lined up before Galadriel and Celeborn, new Elven cloaks clasped around their shoulders, and Robb was surprised to hear they would be given even more gifts.
Supplies, boats, cloaks, not to mention the shelter they had been given in Lothlórien... Robb couldn't believe Galadriel's kindness extended beyond that.
Boromir was handed a new belt, as were Merry and Pippin. Legolas received a bow of the Galadhrim, which looked beautiful even to Robb, who knew next to nothing about archery; and all that which he did know he knew from-Theon.
Well. Best not to think about him, now.
A small box as well as a rope were what Sam was given; to Frodo Galadriel gifted a vial of 'Eärendil's light'-whatever that meant-and Aragorn got some sort of green gem which seemed to hold great meaning to him.
As for Gimli, well, Galadriel freely admitted to not having a single clue what kind of gift the Dwarf would like. Not in those words, of course.
"Nothing," was Gimli's answer, to Robb's great surprise-had not he been the one to gush about Lady Galadriel whenever the opportunity presented itself these past few days?
Ah-Robb suppressed a smirk-there it was.
Galadriel's smile widened, but nevertheless she shook her head.
"No, we cannot let that stand. Do you truly have no other wish?"
Gimli blushed beneath his beard and mumbled something unintelligible. Galadriel must have understood, though, for her eyes lit up mischievously and she turned away, running a hand through her hair before gesturing for something until another small box was handed to her.
Robb had no way of seeing what she put in, but going by Aragorn's snort and Celeborn's faintly scandalised expression, it was something fairly unusual.
Galadriel pressed the box in Gimli's hands, squeezed them with a soft smile at the Dwarf's bow of the head, and then turned to regard Robb.
He had honestly expected something like... gloves, or boots, which was why he had to do a double take when another Elf came up to them with a sheathed sword.
"This is Airilírë, the Holy Song. It was crafted in Valinor, the Undying lands, and will glow in the presence of Orcs and Goblins. An extraordinary gift for an extraordinary man," Galadriel said softly. She trailed her fingertips almost wistfully over the crossguard, which was shaped like two wings of a bird taking flight, and Robb almost protested.
He would have, too, had that not been incredibly rude.
"Extraordinary circumstances, my lady," he replied instead.
Galadriel tilted her head. "Perhaps. But I would not give my brother's sword to just anyone."
Robb's mouth fell open. Now, he had to protest.
"My lady, you cannot-"
"And who would stop me?" Galadriel shook her head, eyes soft but stern. "No, I do not believe Finrod would want his blade to gather dust for another six thousand years when it could be aiding Sauron's downfall instead."
Her gaze flickered down for a second, sad and heavy.
"He was never one for revenge, so let us call it poetic justice-the Young Wolf wields Finrod's sword to defeat Sauron."
It was obvious she could not be dissuaded from her plan. So, when Galadriel took the sword and placed it in his hands-it was lighter than he had expected, but not distractingly so-Robb grasped it firmly and bowed, much the same way Gimli had.
"Then I shall do my best to do you and your brother justice, my lady."
Galadriel put a hand on his shoulder.
"I do not doubt that you will."
___________
❄️
___________
So. This is the chapter with several unintentional references to The Rings of Power show, which I'm not mad about - but it was written months before the show came out, so keep that in mind.
Speaking of the show, what did y'all think about the finale?
Personally, I loved the Sauron reveal, even though I saw it coming from miles away. I'm an absolute Sauron girlie tho so it's not surprising.
I'm super ready for more of him in season two, and more of everyone else as well.
And as always I'm happy to yell about it some more if anyone wants to start up a conversation lmao
You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net