Arador and the twins embark on an adventure to Minas Tirith, Gandalf and Figwit go along for the ride. A theft and a dead tree. Now, how did you suppose Gandalf knew there was a seedling of the White Tree on that hill (LOTR book-verse) waiting for King Elessar?
Deadwood
Outside Imladis, Laire, T.A. 2872
Dear Journal
I do not like this at all. Arador was feeling a bit miffed about the Steward's heavy-handed treatment of his people the last time a band of Dunedain went so far south for trade. Say what you will but nothing beats Gondorian steel in this age. Elven steel is terrific but we don't do mass production any more. Can't blame the city guards for locking them up after a drunken brawl in the streets. The lashing at dawn might be a bit excessive though, still…
Arador is all agog with those misleading sagas about his grandfather and aspires to be a mighty hero like him. Thankfully, he had the sense to ride in to get some advice from his foster father. Too bad Lord Elrond is off visiting Lord Cirdan with Glorfindel. I do not understand why Mithrandir is encouraging him in this mad escapade. Letting the twins accompany him might have the Steward of Gondor waking up with his beard dyed pink or something. Perhaps I should go along just in case. Lindir is far too flighty and Erestor, well, let's say I do not trust that sneaky elf not to drop Gondor off as some huge peace offering to Mordor.
I seriously hope Mithrandir will be able to talk the twins and Arador into turning back before long. Being away from the valley makes me uncomfortable.
Minas Tirith, Laire, T.A. 2872
Dear Journal
I am surprised I am actually enjoying the sights and sounds of Minas Tirith, although the filth and stench leave much to be desired. My lords really know how to travel in style. After two weeks in the saddle, we are living it up in a fancy inn with warm baths, delicious food and very obliging maids. Must keep an eye on the purse though.
There was some Steward's birthday fest in the streets and Mithrandir performed a few magic tricks to add on to our travel funds. Elrohir and Elladan did some singing and juggling but I doubt their antics will amuse their adar. Arador took off on some personal Dunedain business. They are still out there… Hm, I wonder what is taking them so long-
Sweet Eru! Is that part of the White Tree? What have you done now, my lords? We best be away quick! (ink blot)
Imladris, Quelle, T.A. 2872
Dear Journal
Gildor Inglorion and band brought news from down south. The White Tree of Gondor has withered and the Steward Belecthor II is dead. There, hope you three are pleased with yourselves now. Stealing a fruit of the White Tree indeed. I trust you did not mean to break off that branch the fruit was hanging from. Isildur wasn't that clumsy or he would never have made it out of Numenor. Why did you not talk Arador out of that madness, Mithrandir? It would be nice if we actually have a seedling but no, someone had to forget the bag with the fruit in it on some hill outside Minas Tirith. The only thing worse is if Belecthor had not passed from overall old age but was bashed over the head during the theft. None of you ran into anyone during the theft, did you?
On the upside, without a seedling to show for his adventure, no one will believe Arador if he claims he pulled off an Isildur-style stunt. I think it must have been a walk in the park stealing the fruit given the guards were all drunk from the birthday party. Arador's common sense kicked in too on the return leg of the trip. Argonui will not appreciate his son's escapade so we all swore never to speak of this matter. Nothing said about writing it down in my private journal.
Never more will I be persuaded to leave the safety of Imladris unless it is to sail.
Author's Notes:
I know in the movie the had the Dead Tree reviving with Aragorn's return as King, but this little behind-the-scenes storyline is too good to pass up. In the book-verse, the Dead Tree stays dead and was buried in the House of the Dead after King Elessar brought the seedling of the White Tree he found into Minas Tirith.
