We reached Lórien, and found great reason to praise the Gracious Lady, who had watched over and guided us through her land, unto the present hour, and had food, beds, and everything else, neat and clean. In the Wood, I found a lively and generous people, many of whom were hungering and thirsting for news outside their little land. I obliged them with tales of our ventures south, and wandered round the place, in all the high and low places, talking to whomever I could find. A crowd gathered round as I stood under a spreading mallorn, and they seemed to drink in every word that was spoken; I strongly warned them to strengthen the things that remained, and told the tale of how we were taken prisoner by an immense mob of roaring Horse-men. This made the people gape and stare, and seeing that I had their full and serious attention, I then told them of the vast encampments of the Enemy, and how great fires were burning, so that the face of the country was much changed for the worst; now these most favored people begin to understand what I have seen!
It is not that I wished to stir up and excite my cousins, only to acquaint them with matters of the outside world, but the moment I had done speaking, I suppose fifty of them were talking all at once; and they seemed as a people who had lost their wits, and one fluttering lady burst into tears, wringing her hands, and weeping bitterly. It is to be hoped that these Elves of the Wood will hold up their heads, and perhaps they will be reminded of what they were some years ago, before the Shadow came, and caused us to dwindle and drift apart. I decided to leave them to their wild discussion, and found a flower-covered hillock, at a small distance from a little clear brook, and after an extraordinary good dinner and a sack of wine, such an agreeable time I had not known before, since I left the Valley, only I was alone, and that is mighty dull company. I returned to my companions, and found the Lord Veryacano announcing that we would be venturing towards the Greenwood. The words seemed to sink deep into every heart. We all ceased our talk, and the House became as serious as death. The Greenwood is not what it used to be, for my people cannot now control the ever-increasing evil, so I cannot blame them for not wishing to go there. Then he commanded me, as Ambassador of the House, to accompany him as he visited the Lord and Lady, and so I followed Lord Veryacano up to the Lady’s talan, and a great pleasure it was to see her, bare-headed and with her tresses flowing down to her waist, wearing all white raiment, and with her consort Lord Celeborn close by. But I did not speak to them, as Lord Veryacano thought it best after examining me closely and not believing I was sober. I admit I am not used nowadays to drinking so much wine, but I assured him my judgment in any business was sound. Still, he did not think it wise, so I hung back, lest I make him angry, and he came forth, and kneeled before them, and took the Lady’s counsel.
In the morning we went on to the docks; it being a calm sunshiny day, I riding along in silence, my mind halted between two opinions. We have searched long, and have not recovered Lord Anglachelm, and have only but ill news of his being carried off to a dark place, and a vision of his torment by his wicked captors. Lord Veryacano seems to think it possible that we can rescue him; yet he is near despairing, though he hides it well. Many of our people have gone away to a better place, scarce any of the noblest and wisest are left to provide counsel; and from what Lord Veryacano saw in his visions, we probably will never return to the Golden Wood. No doubt the Men will sink more and more unto savage degradation until the waves sink the land again; all the days of my brethren seem at an end, but still we strive together for the hope, and love, of our lost lord. Is this folly? I was determined not to say anything of these dour reflections to anyone, for everyone was sad to leave the Wood, everyone but the Lord Estarfin.
This reminds me of a melancholy event that fell out the day before we left – I met Lord Estarfin on the lighted foot-path, and very tired and dirty he looked, covered all over with black soot, for he had been at the forges trying to repair Lord Anglachelm’s broken shield, but he could not: he said the flames were not hot enough. I said that Lord Anglachelm would likely never be needing a shield in this world, nor the next, but poor Lord Estarfin was inconsolable. I do not believe he took any sustenance, or got any rest, so intent was he on his craft. Until a person can have peace within, he can enjoy none of the things that are round about him; so I suggested to Lord Tindir that we send the shield back to the Valley, hoping that Lord Estarfin would soon forget his failure, if he was not constantly reminded by its sight, but Lord Tindir does not think it should be entrusted to a stranger.
I think more than a few Galadhrim were glad to see us go. And we never had a more solemn parting.
