It was late evening when Druda passed through the large gates of Caras Galadhon several days later than she had planed due to her stay with the Elven hunters in the Forest. The many lanterns and lamps were already lit and Elves were approaching the same gates from every direction. Many of them bowed as Druda passed and Druda replied with a polite nod of her head. With her pony safely stabled and bedded down Druda was led to her lodgings so that she could wash and change. Unlike most visitors, who were given large tented accommodation on the ground, Druda was led to her own tree top lodgings. Druda had spent much of her childhood climbing trees so was completely at ease amongst the leave and branches. After climbing the long slender ladder Druda looked out of what she would have called a window but was in actual fact merely a gap in the foliage which allowed her to look out over the forest beyond. Her lodgings were right on the far northern edge of the city and were so close to the vast hedge that encircled the city that it was possible to look down onto the forest floor below.
After washing and dressing Druda carefully unpacked the small box containing the necklace and walked along the suspended walkways that hung between the large trees. It only took a few minutes to reach the heart of the city where the largest the trees grew, this was the residence of Galadriel and Celeborn. Druda waited at the bottom of stairs that wound its way around the main trunk of the tree. One of the guards greeted her and then disappeared to announce her presence.
Druda waited several long minutes before the guard reappeared before her.
“It’s is with great regret that the Lord and Lady are unable to see you at this present time” he said.
Druda was taken aback by this news and wondered if she had offended the Lord and Lady in some way.
“Lady Galadriel also declared that you had an item that you wished to impart” continued the Elf.
Druda was at first surprised to hear the Elf talk about the necklace that she had, as yet not mentioned it to anyone, but then remembered the strange prophetic powers possessed by the Lady Galadriel. Almost reluctantly she handed the small box over to the guard.
“The Lady wishes to thank you and once again apologises for her absence but she has other matters which require her attention.” The Elf paused for a moment almost as though he were waiting to be prompted for the rest of the sentence “But please feel free to stay as long as you wish, our home is always open to you Druda of the Shire”
Druda nodded politely and thanked the Elf for his assistance and offer of hospitality and walked back down the steep spiralling stair.
It was not how she had envisaged the meeting to go but the necklace was back where it had been created and Druda trusted that it would be safe with Celeborn and Galadriel. Thoughts of what had been said drifted through her mind and she wondered what exactly it was that had required Galadriel’s attention. Walking back along the suspended walkways she considered her next move.
An Elf on patrol outside the city of Caras Galadhon
