Treebeard followed them back to the cottage. "So what are two young elves doing here in Fangorn?", he asked. Thranduil and Arieth looked at each other. "We... We're hiding here for different reasons, but we decided to team up for a while", Thranduil explained. "Oh well, you are welcome to stay as long as you'd like", Treebeard said. "Thank you, we appreciate that", Arieth smiled at the ent. "I will leave you now. I will try to keep the forest safe while you are here. I'll see you two pointy ears later", Treebeard bowed his head and started leaving in another direction. Thranduil smiled. "Pointy ears", he laughed. Arieth smiled too. "Funny old tree", she said. "Yes, but a good friend and guardian", Thranduil said. "Indeed, he came just in time", Arieth said and rubbed her arm. "He sure did. Are you all right?", Thranduil asked. "Just some bruises that's all. But I'm still dirty, even more dirty now, after being kept prisoner under the ground. "Do you want me to come with you, to stand guard, while you go for a swim?", Thranduil asked. "Nice try, Mr. Greenwood prince, but I think I can manage", Arieth said. "Very well, just scream if you need me", Thranduil smirked.

Arieth wandered off again. She took off her clothes and got into the pond. She brought her undergarment into the water with her to wash it since it was covered with dirt. She wondered what had awaken the tree. Why the roots had captured her. The future was unkown, but she knew that something evil was stirring.