The entire Fellowship resolves to continue beyond Lothlórien, but they are divided as to what direction they should take. Boromir plans to return to his home in Minas Tirith, and many would prefer that destination to Mordor. Aragorn had planned to go to Gondor himself, but he hesitates to choose between his own desire and the need of the Ringbearer. The elves outfit boats to navigate the Great River, but this only delays the decision. The Fellowship receive elven cloaks, which change color to match their surroundings, coils of elven rope, and lembas, a highly nourishing food for travel. Galadriel bestows gifts upon each member of the company. To Aragorn, she gives a sheath for his reforged sword as well as a green elfstone as a token from Arwen, his love. Boromir receives a belt of gold, and Merry and Pippin get silver belts. Legolas's short bow is replaced with a longbow of the Galadrim. To Sam, in recognition that he is a gardener, she gives a small box filled with enchanted earth from her own orchard and the seed of a mallorn tree. She does not know what to give Gimli, because the elves and dwarves have been unfriendly for many years, and he hesitantly asks for a strand of her hair. She gives him three. Lastly, she gives Frodo a small phial that shines with the light of Eärendil's star, to shine for him "in dark places, when all other lights go out."
For several days, the company travels downstream through barren countryside. One evening, Sam describes a strange sight — a log with eyes that seems to be following them. He and Frodo suspect it is Gollum, who has been following them since Moria, and Aragorn soon confirms their guess, but they are unable to catch him. A party of orcs attacks them near the rapids of Sarn Gebir without causing significant damage, but they are accompanied by a great flying creature that inflicts terror on all beneath its shadow. Legolas shoots the creature with the bow of the Galadrim and it falls, but now the party knows that the Black Riders have taken to the air.
