With peril pressing around the Fellowship in the previous chapter, they have not the time to ponder on the effects Gandalf's death would have, nor what they felt concerning the tragedy. But as they escaped immediate danger and found their way towards the land of Lothlorien, it was inevitable for them to finally let their emotions out. The first thing they obviously felt was sadness and a deep sense of loss, but to it was eventually added hopelessness. As far as this chapter is concerned, I was quite aware that Gandalf alone knew the way they have to take, or at the least had any idea which roads they should use. But without him, where would they go? Does the Fellowship rely solely on him that in his passing, they would have to admit defeat and return to Rivendell? So far, they have not, and they continued to plod on.
To be consistent in counting the Aragorn swoon-worthiness points, I would like to point out his just decision about the blindfolding issue. Sure, it may be difficult to accept that a kin of the dwellers of the land would have to endure such inconvenience, but I believe that Aragorn was merely trying to keep the Fellowship together. They have already lost one member, and there is no need for further harm to be done by such a petty issue. I think this would have been Gandalf's decision as well. Their acceptance of Aragorn's suggestion (albeit hesitantly at first) shows that they have chosen him to replace Gandalf as leader.
Sigh...so many interesting points...so little time. More later (I hope).
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