A small party was gathered in the library of Prince Faramir. The morning sunlight glistened on the hair of Legolas and Haldir, who bent their fair heads over a large map with Faramir and Radagast. Rebecca sat by the open window, listening to the songs of the birds.
Éowyn entered the room, carrying a large silver tray with a pitcher. "Merry sent the lemons," she explained as she poured tall tumblers of lemonade for her guests. "They come from Sam's garden which, by all accounts, is the finest in all the lands of the King."
"I'm not surprised," smiled Radagast. "Lady Galadriel made him a gift of the soil of Lorien, when it was still full of her magic."
"Magic lingers there yet," replied Haldir. "My Lord Celeborn is not without power."
"Nevertheless it was Galadriel who was the gardener," said Radagast gently. "Many things have passed with the Ringbearers' departure."
Rebecca disliked this kind of talk, of which she had heard much in Rivendell. "But many great things remain and are yet to be done, Uncle, or our mission is pointless," she noted.
Radagast sighed and smiled at her. "Of course, my love. Our business is at hand and Yavanna herself holds it dear."
"Then let us be about it," said Legolas as he bent over the map. "According to Treebeard and Entish lore, the Entwives had great gardens here," he said, pointing to the expanse between Eryn Lasgalen and Northern Ithilien. That would have been in the days of my youth and I remember them not, save in song."
"Nor do I," said Radagast. "Gandalf and I arrived after the War of the Last Alliance of Men and Elves. In that battle, Sauron blasted the lands of the Entwives against the advance of the armies. Their lush gardens are known evermore as the Brown Lands. His scorched earth tactics left nothing standing."
"Perhaps not even the Entwives," mused Faramir. "Isn't it most likely, albeit tragic, that they perished in the fires?"
"No, I think not all of them," replied Radagast. "Remember, we arrived after the battle, and we were sent to aid the peoples of Middle Earth against the threat of Darkness. At the time of our sailing, Yavanna entrusted to me my mission. Early in the morning of the world did she create the Ents; she would have spoken of their passing rather than instruct me to reunite them after the fall of the Dark One."
"Would that she had told you of their location," sighed Faramir. "If they fled Sauron's destruction they may have flown to many lands, save Mordor to the East."
"Did not Merry suggest he and the hobbits take up the search?" asked Éowyn. "Treebeard requested they send word, for he believed the Entwives would have loved the gentle gardens of the Shire."
"I have spoken long with Sam; he knows the Shire better than any Hobbit of this age," replied Radagast. "His cousin – Halfast, I believe - saw an elm tree walking beyond the North Moors. It was no elm tree but, alas, it was not an Entwife either! It was an Ent, one Fingolad by name, who had long ago left Fangorn to search, in fact, for the Entwives. After I spoke with Sam, Tom and I combed the Old Forest and found a small band of Ents dwelling there. Fingolad assured me that the Entwives had not come their way. The Great Wood stretched long ago from Fangorn to the Old Forest, you know. Fingolad and his band remembered some of the trees and decided to remain there, as the trees were greatly in need of herding, albeit they have given the Ents a great deal of trouble. Much less now that Old Man Willow sleeps."
"No," Radagast continued. "I do not believe that the Entwives traveled over the mountains. I believe that, when they fled into the Wilds, they came to pollen-rich Ithilien and its meadows. None would have marked their coming. They posed no threat to Sauron so he would not have taken note of them. They did not travel north to your woods, Legolas, for your people would have met them. And we know they did not go west, or they would have been united with Fangorn and we would be saved the trouble of searching!"
"But men of Gondor dwelt in Ithilien for many a year after the War of the Alliance, before the Nazgul took Minas Ithil and we named it Minas Morgul," said Faramir. "Surely walking trees would have been a curiosity to them, yet there is no mention of them in our histories."
Radagast smiled. "All of us are woodsmen here and accustomed to the ways of the forest. Legolas and Haldir have long dwelt in secrecy in the depths of their woods and you, my prince, have led battalions of soldiers from your hidden fortress at Henneth Annûn. One who wishes to may remain in peace and secrecy hidden among tree and stone, particularly if you resemble a tree to begin with."
"The Entwives must have felt a great deal of mistrust after the destruction of their gardens, Uncle," added Rebecca thoughtfully. "I doubt if they would have initiated contact with other peoples."
"If they dwelt in Ithilien, which they may have done," conceded Faramir. "Why then have they not come forward? All of Middle Earth heard the songs of the eagles heralding Sauron's defeat."
"What if they could not hear the songs, sir?" asked Rebecca. "Treebeard said many of his Ents have become 'tree-ish' of late and only he was able to rouse them. Maybe the Entwives are fast asleep, like old Leaflock in Fangorn?"
"Perhaps they are, if they still exist," said Legolas. "But we must find them to wake them."
They turned again to the map. "Most of the northern country here is rocky and not to an Entwife's liking, I'd imagine," said Faramir. "Yet there are meadows closer to Emyn Arnen and they increase in size and number to the South. Perhaps we should concentrate our search in this area."
"The land becomes rather hilly again as it approaches the Fords of Poros," remarked Legolas. "My people are at work there, near the Haudh in Gwanur. We may travel south and fan out here," he pointed to the map below the Emyn Arnen. "What say you, cousin?"
Haldir looked at the map. "I will go wherever you direct, my lord," he replied. "I think I could tell an Ent from a tree of many years, even if they have grown to resemble each other."
"My men will help also, as best as they may," said Faramir. "How many would you like?"
Radagast shook his head and smiled at Rebecca. The white gem of Aulë glittered in the hollow of her throat. "I thank you, my prince, but I believe we can make a beginning with our little party of three."
Faramir bowed. "As you wish, sir, but know that we stand ready to aid you, if need be."
"Let my folk give you provisions," added Legolas. "We may send you lightly on your travels and receive you in our camp to the south upon your arrival there."
"I would beg your leave to accompany them, my love," said Éowyn unexpectedly. "Do not forget your words to me in the Houses of Healing: we will make a garden in fair Ithilien, and all things will grow with joy if the White Lady comes. Perhaps it is time for me to go abroad fulfill your promise."
Radagast smiled. "The White Lady of Rohan is indeed welcome!" he replied.
"Very well," agreed Faramir. "But be of haste in your errand, for I do not wish to part from my lady for long!"
That afternoon they left the camp of the Silvan Elves, after being well provided with food and necessities. They set out on foot as their horses would have been of little use in the hilly terrain. For a time they traveled due south until they reached the foothills of Emyn Arnen. Here the land opened unto vast meadows girded by forests of pine and poplar, beech and oak. The Ephel Duath raised their craggy peaks to the east and the mighty Anduin glittered nearby. To the west, across the river, lay the vast plains and woods of Lebennin.
"Here we shall part for a time," declared Radagast as they stopped to rest. "I propose that the ladies explore the land along the river, while Haldir and I travel east beyond the Harad Road and find what we may. We will meet at nightfall, here," he said, pointing to the map. "This spot, where the River Erui meets the Anduin. We will camp there tonight."
Haldir did not seem to care for the arrangement but the wizard's mind was made up and he had to yield. He cast a backward glance as they departed. Radagast chuckled. "You shall see her ere long, my friend. Put your mind to the task at hand!"
Rebecca and Éowyn ambled through the meadowland, chatting easily while they were about their errand. Wildflowers grew in great drifts of yellow, purple and white, reaching to their knees. Glad she was of exchanging her dress for more practical trews. She was pleased to note that Éowyn had done the same.
"It reminds me of my days as Dernhelm," remarked the lady as they waded through the flowers. "It was so long ago, indeed, almost a decade now, and yet it often seems as if it were yesterday."
"Tell me about those days, Éowyn, for I long to know of your adventures!" Rebecca said eagerly.
Éowyn frowned. "Yes, I had an adventure, no mistake. The memory of it lies hard with me. It was as Dernhelm that I beheld the death of my beloved king and after…"
"You slew the dreaded Nazgul lord! I have heard it in song! How brave you are!" cried Rebecca.
"Name him not," replied Éowyn darkly. "It is a foul memory. We will not speak of that, but of the bravery of Meriadoc the Magnificent and of my brother and the lord Aragorn, now King of Gondor and Arnor!"
Rebecca started at the name of her brother. "Yes, I would like to know of them. They say that Aragorn is mighty indeed."
"That he is. Mighty and yet humble. Gentle is perhaps the better word. I have never met his like." For many moments Éowyn was silent with her own thoughts. Then she continued. "Before he healed me I sought my own destruction in war. Afterwards, I knew peace, such as I had never known before. I have exchanged my shield and sword for a garden hoe! Now I love all things that grow and are not barren."
She laughed merrily and Rebecca was cheered. They continued on while Éowyn talked about Merry and her brother Éomer. "Treebeard calls Merry hasty but he would deem my brother far worse! He is ever going here and there in his kingdom and to Gondor. Such a king my people have not known since Helm the Hammerhand!"
"It must be wonderful to have such a brother," said Rebecca, well aware of the irony of her words. "You must miss him!"
"Yes. Yet I am content with my lot and reign in bliss over Ithilien with my lord. And Éomer finds time in his travels to visit. Indeed, we expect a great party soon, of my brother and the King himself!"
Rebecca blanched and turned her face away. "When do you expect them?" she asked weakly.
"In a fortnight. Then you shall meet the royalty of the land and we shall have such a feast as Ithilien has not seen since the days of old!" she said with a smile.
"Indeed," replied Rebecca, feeling more apprehension than she had in Rivendell. She thought of Elrohir and was calmer. She would speak to Radagast of this. Perhaps it was best if they could be on their way before a fortnight. She told herself to concentrate with great resolve and hurry to find the Entwives.
That afternoon they passed many promising groves of trees yet they could not discern any to harbor a forest of Entwives. After one such foray Éowyn asked, "How many Entwives are there, Rebecca?"
"Well, let's see. Treebeard told me some of their names. There is Fimbrethil – she is dearest to Treebeard. He calls her Wandlimb the lightfooted. Then there's Ossiríel – she's wife to Fingolad and very like an elm tree. Oromírië is precious to Bregalad, or Quickbeam, and resembles his beloved rowans. Loveliest of all is said to be Nimbrethil, white limbed as the birch, from whose native forest Eärendil was granted the wood for his ship. I suppose there are as many Entwives as Ents, and that's about fifty. But the Entwives have been harder pressed than the Ents in Fangorn and in the Old Forest. I fear some of them must have died in the ravaging of Rhovanion."
"Then we are searching for a wood of several dozen, at least."
"Yes, unless they spread out a bit. Perhaps there are stands of them throughout Ithilien. We must find out."
At dusk they reached their point of encampment. The smaller Erui flowed gently into the broad Anduin from Lossarnach. Here, in the angle between the two rivers they found Radagast and Haldir cooling their feet in the water. Yellow irises bloomed in profusion along the riverbanks. A small fire burned beside them and they had laid out their provisions for the evening meal. Haldir's face lit up as they approached.
"Have you had a pleasant afternoon, then?" he asked as Rebecca sat down beside him.
She pulled off her boots and paddled her feet in the river. "It was a lovely day but unfruitful to our cause," she replied.
He patted her hand as it rested beside him. "Our news may cheer you, then."
Her eyes opened wide. "Indeed? Have you found any Entwives?"
"No, we did not meet any, but we have heard news!" he smiled. "Near to the Harad Road lies an old knoll, moss-covered and ancient. Gathered round it are trees – the oldest this land has to offer. Most of them are mute but I was able to converse with an oak – your favorite," he noted.
"Yes? And what had it to say?"
"His reckoning of time is not ours, but it was very long ago indeed. Many seasons past, when he was but a tiny sapling, there was a great marching of trees. He tried to follow but found his roots stuck fast to the earth. He was full of wonder at such trees that could move, albeit slowly. He was aware of a great sadness among them, for their walking song was full of lament."
Rebecca clapped her hands. "Then we are on the right trail!"
Radagast lit his pipe. "So it seems," he said thoughtfully. "Tomorrow we shall examine the land between the river and the Harad Road, for farther east it grows too rocky in the foothills of the Ephel Duath; no Entwife would have sought haven there, so near to the enemy in Mordor."
"The meadows proceed south along the river," noted Éowyn. "We passed any number of groves today which seemed promising."
"Then we will all continue southward together," he concluded, smiling to himself as he saw the effect this news had on Haldir.
In fact, the Elf grew quite merry and as the stars began to sparkle in the heavens he told them many tales of his homeland, of fields full of niphrodel and elanor, of great feasts beneath the boughs of the mellryn and the ever-changing song of the Silverlode.
Éowyn shook her head. "How many years I dwelt near your land in ignorance, Haldir. Had I known Lothlorien to be so lovely I surely would have visited it!"
Haldir frowned slightly. "Indeed, lady, we had grown so watchful during the War that we admitted few outsiders. The Nine Companions were the only exception, save messengers from Rivendell."
Éowyn sighed. "Glad I am that such times have passed, and peace is now the coin of the realm."
Rebecca sipped her wine, lost in her own thoughts. There were so many lands she wished to see – Gondor, Rohan, Lothlorien, Dol Amroth. Where would her Uncle travel next? Her destiny was entwined with his and wither he went so too would she.
She was awakened from her reverie when she heard the name of Legolas.
"Perhaps he may be persuaded to take his vows when his friends are about him," laughed Éowyn. "For Gimli the Dwarf shall be in the King's party and it has been said that Legolas pays him greater heed than his own father!"
"That may be, lady," agreed Haldir. "But I've never heard of a Dwarf being much interested in matters of marriage!"
"Neither is Legolas, apparently," retorted Radagast with a broad smile.
"What think you of his lady?" asked Rebecca, blushing at once at her boldness.
Haldir shrugged and seemed evasive. "She is lovely, of course…"
"But proud," answered Éowyn. "Oh, yes she is, Haldir. You know I speak the truth. I, too, was proud before I learned of better things. It is a malady that can be mended."
"For you, perhaps, lady, but I am not sure of… Well. It is my cousin's business," he concluded firmly.
"So the King shall arrive in a fortnight?" asked Radagast, tactfully steering from the subject at hand.
"Yes, a great feast is being prepared for him!" said Éowyn. "My brother will be in his party, as will Prince Imrahil."
"Splendid!" exclaimed the wizard. "Fine company indeed, eh?" He winked at Rebecca, who had gone quite pale.
"Perhaps we shall have achieved our mission by then, Uncle," she suggested.
"Perhaps. We shall see."
"It is your turn for tales, Radagast!" exclaimed Haldir. "Tell us what you know of our quarry, so that we may search the better on the morrow!" So saying, he reclined on his elbow, leaning close to Rebecca.
The old wizard blew several smoke rings. "What shall I tell you? For me the tale begins in my youth. Do not try to estimate the years – it has been many an age since the world and I were young together! Let's see. My first memories are of Yavanna and the fruits of her song. Long sat I at the hem of her garments, learning the lore of all living things. Together we tended Telperion and Laurelin, and tragic was their passing to all in Valinor. But that is a separate tale. The world goes ever onward and her creatures grew and withstood the evil. Her Eldest were awakened in Middle Earth, just as the Children of Ilúvatar, and they matured in wisdom and stature. Mind you, even Yavanna and Aulë had their differences of opinion - note that Yavanna created the Ent, while Aulë created the Dwarf and his axe! When Manwë granted Yavanna her wish, that something of hers would live to withstand the will of others, she spoke proudly of the Ents to Aulë. Her husband's response was simply, Yes, and there will still be a need for wood!" He laughed and tapped his pipe against a rock. "It is, perhaps, the will of Yavanna that at last her Eldest will return to her, just as the Elves to Valinor. Their fëar may seek the Undying Lands, once their bodies have withered. I believe that Beechbone and some of the Ents who have recently died in battle have done so."
"But tell us about the Ents! What are they really like? Though I have lived long in Middle Earth my journeys have never taken me to Fangorn," said Haldir.
"Ah, what is an Ent like? If you were to ask one of them you'd be several years in getting an answer, and that would not be nearly enough for them! They are a learned race and a patient one, although they can be roused to great acts, as Isengard has witnessed. Yavanna created them so that their branches would sway in the winds of Manwë while their roots would plumb the depths of Utumno. What was that rhyme that Gandalf used to sing? Let's see… 'Ere iron was found or tree was hewn, When young was mountain under moon; Ere ring was made, or wrought was woe, It walked the forest long ago.' Great in stature, stalwart in spirit, wise as Elrond himself. Some resemble the beech, some the tall fir, others the chestnut, or the rowan, or the oak. Once you meet an Ent, dear Haldir, I can assure you my description will fail utterly. How, indeed, would I describe an Elf, or a Dwarf, for that matter? To each race his purpose, and to the Ents is entrusted the guardianship of all that Yavanna created: to shepherd her trees and beautify her gardens. Alas, it is their very purpose that sunders them, for the Ents take their joy in the wild forests while the Entwives delight in the tilled soil, the flowering and ripening of field and grain. All would have been well, and each to their own task be content, were it not for the blistering of Mordor."
"All may yet be well, Uncle," said Rebecca hopefully. "You shall see. Tomorrow we may find them, sound asleep in some leafy bower."
"Indeed we might, my love. We must look sharp to the trail, and speak as often as we may, Haldir, to the oldest trees. For they shall have memories long enough, perhaps, to speak of the passing of the Entwives."
"Perhaps we shall meet the cousins of that oak. They may have a tale to tell us."
The camp then slept. Rebecca listened to the murmur of Anduin while she watched the stars wheel in their courses and thought of the Entwives, and of Aragorn who would soon come to Ithilien.
The following morning dawned clear and warm. Haldir awakened them, his face full of joy. "Sleep no longer, for the day calls us!"
After breakfast they packed up their camp and made their way along the Harad Road, which bisected the slim stretch of Ithilien from north to south. They spent the morning weaving between it and the glades that sprung up to the west. Haldir spoke to several ancient oaks. Yes, they indeed remembered the passing of strange trees, when their own roots were slim threads of green. Wither they went they did not know, but the sound of their footsteps was hushed and mournful.
They paused at midday in a pleasant glade beside the road. Radagast seated himself upon a large rock. Cupping his hands about his mouth he uttered a series of cries, to the bemusement of the company save Rebecca, who raised her eyes to the heavens. Shortly there came from many directions birds of various sizes and sorts. They assembled upon the grass before the wizard, who spoke to them in their tongue. Then he bowed and the birds took flight, some to the west along the river and some to the east.
"We are in need of assistance, my friends, for the span between the river and the foothills becomes broader. Now that we have confirmed the passage of the Entwives, our allies with wings shall avail us. I have sent them to search through the forests, for those with long beards of lichen and the oldest growth. We shall proceed to the camp of Legolas in the south and await their news."
The following day brought another long march. Late in the afternoon the terrain began to swell and heave before them. The mighty Anduin grew wider and drew away from them into the West. They kept now to the Harad Road. At dusk they beheld a great grassy mound, surrounded on either side by the pine-draped hills that bordered the Fords of Poros.
"There is the Haudh in Gwanur, where the sons of Folcwine forever sleep," said Haldir. "We are come to the southern camp of the Woodland Elves!"
Haldir now led the party from the road into the hills. They could hear the sound of rushing water and felt the cool breath of the forest as dusk fell about them. The path was covered with pine needles and fell off to their right into the banks of the Poros. Soon they were well into the woods and began to discern the faint twinkling of lights ahead.
"Well-met!" cried a voice from the shadows. Before them was Tessel, carrying a small lantern which emitted a slender silver beam. "I must say you took your time! We have had the evening meal set for you for an hour! Perhaps your guide was slow," he remarked with a grin at Haldir.
Radagast interrupted before the Elf could form a suitable retort. "Have there been any messages for me?"
"Aye, there is quite a flock assembled in our trees here!" replied Tessel. "They, too, have been awaiting your arrival."
"Excellent!" replied the wizard. "I will have a word with them, and then a fine supper, I hope!"
Radagast took Rebecca with him to speak with the birds. Shortly they joined the others, who were seated at a large table in an open glade girded by tall firs. The fare was not as elegant as that of the northern Elvish camp, but it was delightful to the travelers.
"What say the sparrows, Aiwendil?" asked Legolas, lifting his glass to the newcomers.
Radagast smiled. "They bring us good tidings. Good tidings indeed! On the morrow we shall begin our search afresh. There are several locations due south of the Erui; ancient trees amongst newer growth. These sound promising. And there is another forest, silent and moss-covered, that stands just north of the downs before the Poros. The birds said the trees are most strange; they've never seen their like in these woods."
"Excellent!" exclaimed Legolas. "You shall have our help – some of my people can explore the lands near the Erui, and I myself will join you on the north downs."
"May I go to the downs as well, Uncle?" asked Rebecca. "I would like to see these strange trees."
"Of course, my love. You will be most needed there," replied Radagast with a knowing smile.
"I, too, shall join you!" said Haldir.
"You are too obvious, cousin," muttered Tessel. Haldir took no notice of his remark.
The meal was pleasant, with the mainstay of discussion focusing on the efforts to repair damage done to the Fords. Éowyn expressed her pleasure and asked that she may see the restoration on behalf of her husband. Legolas readily agreed. "We shall visit first thing in the morning, before exploring the downs." He glanced at Rebecca and smiled. "You will join us, lady?"
Rebecca blushed and nodded. "Of course."
Radagast laughed and pushed back from the table. "Well I shall not join you, by your leave, my prince. I have no intention of rising early; I will await your return over my morning coffee! And now, to bed!"
Tessel rose. "I will show Aiwendil to his flet, sire."
"Please escort me as well, for I am weary from our days of walking," said Éowyn with a yawn.
Rebecca looked at Radagast imploringly. "Uncle?"
He patted her on the head as he passed by. "Yes, my love, you may stay for awhile, if you wish. Haldir will look after you, I'm sure."
Haldir beamed. "Of course! It would be a pleasure!"
Legolas smiled. "Let us not stay at table on such a night! Come, I will show you the Amon Thoron, the eagle's hill. The view over the Poros is exceptional!"
Rebecca followed them from the glade into the depths of the forest. Legolas carried a small lantern that cast its beam onto the path. Haldir walked closely behind her, catching her several times when she stumbled upon a root or some broken ground. They had walked some way through the woods when Legolas drew them to the right. The path ascended before them and soon they were in the open air atop a hill. Below them the Poros rushed over its rocky bed. "Let us sit upon the hilltop and speak with the stars!" said Legolas.
Rebecca settled herself beside him, drawing her knees to her chin and gazing up at the sky. It twinkled with starlight. Legolas pointed. "There is the Valacirca, the great sickle of the Valar!"
"My uncle calls it the Great Bear," said Rebecca. "How clear it is tonight!"
"And there is Menelmacar, the hunter, just setting on the horizon," added Haldir.
"There are red Carnil and his sister, Helluin the sapphire," Legolas said as he lay back upon the grass, clasping his hands behind his head.
Rebecca and Haldir followed suit. She pointed to a bright star to the east. "Which one is that?"
"That is Alcarinquë the Glorious; he is one of Elbereth's first-born," replied Legolas.
The night air was soft and fragrant. "The very air here is perfumed," she sighed. "What flowers mingle their scent with the pine?"
Legolas grinned. "The ward of Aiwendil has a keen sense of smell. That is the wild rose, eglantine. You call it sweetbriar in your tongue. In the daylight you will see its blossoms entwined about the boles of the trees; it grows all over this land."
"How lovely!" she exclaimed, picturing a forest full of roses. "What a blessed place this is!"
"It is not called the fairest of the Westlands for naught," said Legolas.
A melodious birdsong filled the night air. From above their heads a small nightingale flew, alighting on the ground beside them.
Rebecca sat up in delight. The bird twittered for several minutes. She replied in a series of soft whistles and the bird cocked its head, listening closely. It uttered a song in reply and then returned from whence it came, into the dark night.
Legolas propped himself up on his elbow. "What had it to say?" he asked curiously.
"She was bringing news to Radagast, but she found him sound asleep! He had asked her to watch the glade in the downs after the sun set. She came to report that there is a faint light about the trees, as if they are answering the light of Vingilot upon the western sky. She has never seen this before. She also wished us a pleasant evening."
Legolas laughed merrily. "I see! Henceforth I shall call you aiwë. It means 'little bird' in my tongue."
Rebecca smiled. "Aiwendil and Aiwë! He will like that!"
Haldir shook his head. "Nay, cousin, surely alqua would be better, for she is like a swan!"
Embarrassed, Rebecca lay back upon the grass and focused intently upon the stars. "What is that one called, then?" she asked, pointing to the blue Luinil. Legolas identified it for her and they continued their stargazing, albeit the cousins found their minds straying from the distant stars to points of interest nearer home.
Next: The Awakening