They made their way into the forest of Lothlorien, despite Gimli's warnings. They had been traveling within the wood long and were growing weary. They all needed sleep even if for only a few hours. Gimli pointed out that it was not safe on the ground for the orcs might venture into the trees to find them. Aragorn decided to do as the people of Lothlorien did and seek refuge within the treetops.
Anna was ecstatic. Being the one who had been sleeping among the sparse trees of Hollin and elsewhere in Middle Earth, she was the first one climbing the trees and Legolas, being an elf of the Mirkwood forest, was the second up. Anna ever spoke as she climbed. 'I have climbed many trees yet I have not found a forest like this in all my travels.' She went on about the leaves and thickness and structure of its branches as she sought stronger ones. She was already high among the branches when Legolas sprang lightly and caught a branch, which was instantly countered by a commanding voice from the tree-shadows above him and Anna.
'Daro!' it said and Legolas dropped back to the earth in surprise and fear. Only a second later, Anna thudded to the ground in a heap, startled by the voice. Luckily she had plenty of practice falling and, even from that height, had not hurt herself.
There was a soft sound of chuckles all around and above them. 'Stand still,' Legolas whispered and Anna stayed squatting on the ground. 'Do not move or speak!' The laughter grew as elves seemingly popped from behind trees, meeting the Company with bow and arrow.
A more prominent elf came between two elves. 'You breathe so loud, we could have shot you in the dark,' Haldir said. Sam clasped his hands over his mouth. Legolas had his bow ready, not sure where to aim but Anna just stood wit her hands raised in defeat. This was just not her month. Already she had been caught twice now after years of hiding.
After many arguments and long paths, they were led to the heart of Lothlorien. They now stood before the Lord and Lady of the Wood. Enchanting she was but in a more wholesome air any of them ever expected. A majestic vision from some white plain where the light was not from the sun or moon but from the beauty of souls.
'The enemy knows you are here. What hope you had in secrecy is lost,' Celeborn said. 'Nine there were set out from Rivendell, or so the first messages described. Yet I see one had been replaced.'
'Not replaced,' Anna interjected quickly, then looking down and whispering, 'Certainly not replaced.'
After Anna quieted, Celeborn continued. 'Tell me where is Gandalf for I much desired to speak to him. He had not crossed our borders and I can no longer see him from afar.'
Galadriel spoke for the first time since they had met. Her voice was clear; still she seemed to speak to someone not yet there. 'He has fallen into darkness and is now consumed by shadow.'
'He was taken by both shadow and flame. He was attack by a Balrog of Morgoth,' Legolas replied.
'For he went needlessly into the mines of Moria,' Anna added. The presence of the Lady of the Wood certainly had not made her modest.
'Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf,' Galadriel countered. 'Do not be sad, Gimli, son of Gloin, for often love is mingled with grief.' Now, she spoke to all. 'Your quest stands on the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all.' It seemed like each were listening to two things, Galadriel's clear voice and the sound of their own thoughts. 'Yet hope remains, while the Fellowship is true.' She looked at them each in turn and all feeling differently from the experience. Only Aragorn and Legolas could endure her gaze for long.
She released them from her many-sparkled eyes and smiled. 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Let them rest for you are tired and weary with woe.'
Anna grappled with herself to speak or not but she wanted a clear answer for once from this woman. She wanted to know what happened to the messages she sent out herself. 'You mentioned the first messages. Then you have also received the second messages. How are you sure the people before you are the quest?' she persisted.
Celeborn responded, 'We knew the second messages were not from Elrond. Elvish ways allow us to know of the senders though they may shroud themselves in secrecy.' If her skin was not tanned, the rest could see her cheeks flush.