30. The Departure of the Fellowship
[In a glade beneath an old stone arch, the Fellowship gathers to bid farewell
to Rivendell. Elrond speaks to them, gazing sternly at the faces before him.
Frodo stands, listening, slightly apart from the others; leaves flutter to the
earth.]
Elrond: "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you
who travel with him no oath nor bond is laid, to go further than you will."
Elrond: "Farewell. Hold to your purpose. May the blessings of Elves and Men
and all free folk go with you."
[Elrond spreads his arms, and Legolas and Aragorn bow their heads, hands upon
hearts.]
Gandalf: "The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer."
[Frodo, turns and walks forward, uncertainly. Before him, the path winds away
to either side.]
Frodo (whispering softly to Gandalf): "Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or
right?"
Gandalf: "Left."
[The Fellowship departs beneath an old arch of lichen-encrusted stone.
Aragorn remains where he stands, and turns to Arwen. Across the path between
them they gaze into one another's eyes. Arwen's face is sorrowful; Aragorn
smiles faintly, and nods a farewell. He walks out. Arwen breaks off her gaze,
looking down.]
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