Many days have passed since my last entry, and I have tried to deepen my conviction to not use up too much of this little journal too fast.
However, developments have been ongoing during the time the ink was absent from these pages. My exploration of this forest has led me deeper and deeper among the shadow of its trees, careful to not upset its sensitivities, yet determined regardless to find what ever knowledge it has to offer.
This has hailed great rewards indeed. The other day I finally came to cross path with one of the beings, father had told me about. A beautiful lady, who appeared lost in thoughts, her gaze fixed upon the waters of the Withywindle. I picked up all my courage and approached her, then found myself greeted with the warmest smile, once she turned, after having noticed my presence. We ended engaged in conversation for what felt like hours, and maybe one day I shall recall on these papers all which was spoken, yet not today, as I am rather tired this evening.
The beautiful Lady, who introduced herself to me as Goldberry, proved herself kind enough to explain to me where I was to find the herb, I had been seeking. She agreed on its many powerful medicinal properties, but refused to reveal them all to me. Instead she told me it was up to me to discover them, and she added further mystery through remarking that this herb does not produce stable, predictable results, but that in fact it would depend on the spirit and dedication of the healer, which properties it would come to display.
Needless to say I am beyond intrigued by this, and I hope I shall find opportunity to explore what results I might be granted, but before all else, I guess I must hope that my preservation methods will succeed. I was able to gather a good amount of leaves and also some of the petals, without ravaging the stock. Some I have decided to dry, others I have added to a bottle, hoping the preservation agent I am using for this potion, is suitable for this herb.
The kind lady also instructed me to seek this herb upon the fields of ancient battles, which clearly makes sense, as father referred to it by name as 'The Tears of the Fallen'. Its name though appears to vary, dependent on region, according to the Lady Goldberry.
All this has obviously been exciting beyond measure, yet I must admit, as much as this forest draws me (despite its bad reputation), my patience is being put to the test through my prolonged stay here. The man to guide and shelter me on my way to Gondor, has still not arrived, and worry is growing within me that maybe unforeseen circumstances have delayed this event indefinite. How many more days shall I spend on this wait, before deciding it to be fruitless? And should I come to decide it fruitless, what shall my next step be? To return to Bree, in hopes I may can secure a different trustworthy travel companion? Or should I do the unthinkable and brave the journey alone?
The teeth of uncertainty are shape, and their gnawing intensifies with every passing day that lacks a sign of my travel companion, but I must try to keep myself in high spirits. Worries are the food of unwellness, as every healer knows, and I must not give into them. All will come to be fine. I just need to keep faith, and so I shall!
