The Uruk-Hai had long since departed Isengard, and now the scene returns to the serene yet somber woods of Lothlórien. The golden light filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor. Galadriel had requested Legolas and Tauriel to join her, to check on Tauriel and their unborn daughter. The elves of Lothlórien had been preparing for their departure, and as parting gifts, each member of the Fellowship was presented with an Elven cloak. Celeborn, with a solemn expression, addressed them as he distributed the cloaks.

"Never before have we clad strangers in the garb of our own people. May these cloaks help shield you from unfriendly eyes," Celeborn said, his voice carrying both pride and concern.

Legolas, always the efficient one, was busily loading supplies into a boat where Merry and Pippin were already seated. As he sorted through their provisions, he pulled out a piece of lembas bread from a pack and held it up.

"Lembas. Elvish waybread. One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man," Legolas proclaimed with a hint of amusement.

Merry's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is that true?"

Tauriel, standing beside Legolas, playfully swatted his arm. "He's only joking," she said with a grin.

"No, I'm not," Legolas retorted, feigning seriousness.

Tauriel rolled her eyes and hit him again, though it was clear her affection was genuine. "Come on, Legolas, don't exaggerate."

Merry, still curious, asked, "How many did you eat, then?"

"Four," Pippin replied before Legolas could say anything more.

Legolas shot a look at Pippin, then back at Tauriel with a smirk. "You see, they are quite filling. Even if Pippin might have overdone it."

The atmosphere was light-hearted, but the weight of their journey was never far from their minds. Celeborn and Aragorn walked among the trees, discussing the dangers that lay ahead.

"Every league you travel south, the danger will increase. Mordor Orcs now hold the eastern shore of the Anduin. Nor will you find safety on the western bank," Celeborn warned, his tone grave. "Strange creatures bearing the white hand have been seen on our borders. Seldom do Orcs journey in the open under the sun, yet these have done so."

He handed Aragorn a finely crafted dagger. "You are being tracked. By river, you have the chance of outrunning the enemy to the Falls of Rauros."

As the Fellowship prepared to set out in their boats, Galadriel approached each member with gifts. Her gaze softened when she reached Legolas, and she presented him with a bow.

"My gift for you, Legolas, is a bow of the Galadhrim," she said. "Worthy of the skill of our woodland kin."

Legolas took the bow in awe, running his fingers along its elegant design. Tauriel leaned closer and whispered playfully, "I hope you won't love that bow more than you love me."

Legolas turned to her with a smile, pulling her close. "Never. I love you and our daughter more than anything."

He pressed a tender kiss to her lips, and Tauriel's eyes sparkled with affection. The moment was intimate, yet touched by the solemnity of their situation.

Galadriel, noticing the exchange, approached Tauriel next. "What I give you, Tauriel, is nothing compared to what you already have," she said softly, her gaze lingering on the thin silver band around Tauriel's finger and her small baby bump. She glanced at Legolas, who stood close by. "Even so, I give you these daggers."

Galadriel presented Tauriel with a pair of beautifully crafted daggers. Tauriel accepted them with a grateful nod.

Merry and Pippin, having observed the exchange, unsheathed the daggers Galadriel had given them. "These are the daggers of the Noldorin. They have already seen service in the war," Galadriel explained. "Do not fear, young Peregrin Took. You will find your courage."

"And for you, Samwise Gamgee," Galadriel continued, handing him a coil of Elven rope, "Elven rope made of hithlain."

Sam took the rope, marveling at its lightness. "Thank you, my lady. Have you run out of those nice, shiny daggers?" he asked, his tone both curious and hopeful.

Galadriel smiled at Sam but chose not to answer directly.

Gimli, standing nearby, could hardly contain his admiration. "And what gift would a dwarf ask of the Elves?"

"Nothing," Gimli said earnestly. "Except to look upon the lady of the Galadhrim one last time, for she is more fair than all the jewels beneath the earth."

Galadriel laughed softly, touched by his words. Gimli, turning to leave, hesitated before turning back.

"Actually, there was one thing," he began, but then seemed to second-guess himself. "No, no, I couldn't. It's quite impossible. Stupid to ask."

Galadriel's eyes were gentle. "What is it you wish to ask, Gimli?"

Gimli hesitated but then spoke with determination. "A single strand of your hair, Lady Galadriel. It would be a great honor."

Galadriel's smile widened. "For you, Gimli, I will grant this request."

She reached out, gathering a few strands of her golden hair and placing them into Gimli's hand. He accepted them with reverence, bowing deeply.

Finally, Galadriel approached Aragorn and touched the Evenstar around his neck. "I have nothing greater to give than the gift you already bear," she said. "For her love, I fear the grace of Arwen Evenstar will diminish."

Aragorn's expression was one of both longing and determination. "I would have her leave these shores and be with her people. I would have her take the ship to Valinor."

Galadriel's eyes were soft with understanding. "That choice is yet before her. You have your own choice to make, Aragorn. To rise above the height of all your fathers, the days of Elendil, or to fall with all that is left of your kin. Farewell. There is much you have left to do. We will not meet again, Elessar."

Turning to Frodo, Galadriel offered her final gift. "Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star."

She handed Frodo a crystal phial, and as she kissed his forehead, her voice was filled with hope. "May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out."

With the gifts and farewells complete, the Fellowship prepared to embark on their perilous journey. The light of Lothlórien would remain with them as they ventured into the unknown, each member carrying with them the hopes and blessings of the Elves.