"Why do we have to go this way?" asked Pippen. "It would be much quicker if we just took the road east if we are going to Bree. This is taking us far out of our way!"
"We're going this way because it is the way Anna has told us we must go, and we must restore the correct timeline as closely as we can. Besides that, we may be found if we travel the road, so this route will confuse any enemies," answered Aragorn.
"I have to admit, this place is a little scary," remarked Anna. The party had entered the Old Forest and was making their way slowly to the town of Bree.
"Yes, the trees do seem rather menacing. There is an awareness in this forest, and I do not think that it approves of us being here. Best to move through as quickly as possible," answered Aragorn.
"I don't know what you mean, this is a forest, like any other," said Pippen. "I don't feel anything different about it."
"Then I suggest you begin to take care in noticing your surroundings, young hobbit. The trees have been pushing us towards something for the last few hours. I doubt we will like what we find when we reach it," replied Aragorn.
"Guiding us? Then we should switch course!" exclaimed Frodo.
"Alas, this path is also the quickest to Bree, which we must reach and soon. The longer we delay, the sooner the Maidens from Rivendell will find us. We must continue."
Anna shivered and felt somewhat afraid. She knew that the hobbits had traveled through the Old Forest, but had insisted that her father skip the boring parts and get to the action. He had sighed at her impatience and continued the story when the Hobbits arrived in Bree, and met Strider. Now she had no idea of what they were about to face and she cursed herself for being so impatient with her father's reading.
"They passed this way, only a few days ago," stated Wynter.
"Yes, sister. It appears they make for the Bree," replied Rayne.
"We shall arrive there soon. We will ask the commoners there if they have seen any sign of our quarry."
Rayne regarded her twin austerely. "You are wise, sister."
The day grew darker, and more gloomy. Anna's sense of dread grew stronger and stronger until she felt as if she would scream from the tension. The Forrest was utterly silent and she strained to hear any small noise, yet there was nothing.
"Well, hey doll, merry dell!" a voice chimed seemingly out of nowhere.
Anna screamed at the sudden noise and promptly slapped her hand over her mouth. Aragorn shot her a withering look and she blushed under his gaze. If an enemy were around, they would soon know where they were due to Anna's yell.
She looked around wildly for any clue to whom the mysterious speaker was. Anna felt a tap on her shoulder and spun around. Behind her was an odd little man dressed in yellow and blue.
"Hey doll, merry doll! Tom Bombadil is here!" sang the cheery little man.
Anna took a step back. "Who…are you?" she stammered.
"Tom Bombadil!" he shouted merrily back.
"But…what are you doing in the middle of the forest? Who are you?" she asked again.
"Anna, the man has answered you once. This is Tom Bombadil, denizen of the Old Forest, and a most welcome ally," supplied Aragorn.
The little man grinned in response to Aragorn's introduction. "Yes, yes! But we must not speak here. There are enemies about. Come with me, and dine with Goldberry and I tonight. Quickly, follow!" At that, Tom sprinted away and did not spare a look behind to see if the party was following.
Anna looked to Aragorn and shrugged. "What should we do?"
"Follow the man!" replied Aragorn as he sprinted after Tom. The rest of the party followed suit.
They finally came to Tom's abode. "Come in, come in! My Goldberry awaits!" he cried as he ushered them in.
The party was led to an eating area and Anna beheld the loveliest being she had ever seen. The woman was surrounded by an aura of mist and had golden hair cascading down her back. "This must be Goldberry", thought Anna. The other Maidens would have turned green with jealously at the sight of this woman.
A woman smiled at the party and gestured to them to sit. "Tom has told me of your coming. Please sit," she said in a gentle tone. "We have much to discuss."
"So, you see, tis lucky our meeting! Old Man Willow was about to get you in his trap, if Tom Bombadil had not met you!" cried Tom. It seemed to Anna that the little man was never still; he fidgeted and danced around constantly, even while eating.
"Yes, thank you Sir, we are in your debt," Anna said.
Goldberry laid a hand softly on Anna's. "You are in more danger, however, from more than just Old Man Willow," she said softly. "Others of your kind will seek to stop you. And I fear that as you make more progress, other dangers, older dangers, will emerge."
"What do you mean?" asked Anna.
"Already, your tiny steps have caused a ripple throughout the land. The Ring has moved from the Shire, its resting place of many years. The rightful Ringbearer carries it. Old Evils have sensed this change, and are stirring. They are weak, but as you set things to right, they will get stronger. He is waking."
"Sauron," stated Aragorn flatly. Anna felt a chill go down her spine.
"Yes," replied Goldberry. "He again seeks what is his. Soon both his agents and the Maidens will seek you. You must seek out more powerful allies to aid you."
"We are doing so, Lady. Already we plan to head for Bree, and from there to Mirkwood to rescue Legolas. We hope to find the others as well."
Goldberry smiled. "Yes, and Tom and I can give you news of one who will aid you greatly. It is time to welcome a new guest to our party."
Goldberry cocked her head to the side, as if she could hear something. "Yes, it seems our guest as arrived. Please, come in, Gandalf the Grey!"
