Meanwhile in the woods of Fangorn…

Haldir's Lament

Ar sindanóriello caita mornië
Ar ilyë tier undulávë lumbulë

And out of a grey country darkness lies
And all paths are drowned deep in shadow

 English and Quenya Texts by J.R.R. Tolkien

We are easily influenced by other people`s positivity. If we are in a bad mood, and someone who is having a good day engages us in a conversation, odds are we will become more positive. Even if the person does not engage us directly, a positive aura that surrounds that person becomes a force that influences all those surrounding it. 

An oncoming, unavoidable, terrifying ordeal is about to be brought upon the people of Edoras. The anticipation of war breeds fear. There is no way to come to terms with its presence, no way to avoid or ignore it. So, there it festers, expanding from within, driving every organ, muscle and thought in our mind into unmanageable reactions.

A man with only one focus. A woman with a sole want in her heart. Before the battle commences, they are separated into gender appropriate roles. The man cannot but follow his King`s command. The woman cannot but do the same and follow the rest of the women and children into safety. Their lives intertwine in one brief encounter.

To flee and hide does not grant safety. It only brings a false sense of security. The anticipation of the enemy`s next move stirs the fragile safety. We can run and hide from many different situations, feelings, thoughts, but that doesn`t mean they would not catch up with us. Facing something, however terrifying, eliminates the feelings of dread that haunt us if we don`t.

The truth comes to light. Honesty prevails. However, not every honest confession leads to absolution. The truth does set us free, in a sense that it takes the burden off our shoulders. But it also does not have to meet the understanding of others.

Betrayal and torture, not complete unknowns to Sméagol. Before Frodo ever set off on his perilous journey, Gollum was captured and tortured for information about the whereabouts of the Ring, hence the whipping scars on his back. It only follows the logic that he should be careful and suspicious of any company besides his “master`s”.

The strength of the Ring-bearer is failing. In his heart, Frodo begins to understand: the quest will claim his life. You know this. You have foreseen it. It is the risk we all took. In the gathering dark, the will of the Ring grows strong. It works hard now to find its way back into the hands of Men. Men, who are so easily seduced by its power. The young captain of Gondor has but to extend his hand, take the Ring for his own and the world will fall. It is close now. So close to achieving its goal. For Sauron will have dominion over all life on this Earth even unto the ending of the world. 

Galadriel

The river drags Aragorn`s body to an embankment. Upon the rocky surface, Aragorn`s spirit seems to have left his body, leaving him for dead. But then, at the right moment, Arwen`s mirage appears before his eyes. She leans over, kissing his lips, thereby transferring the grace of the Valar onto Aragorn to protect him.