Galadriel leads Tuiwen from the western grove into a high chamber beneath the golden canopy. Elder Galadhrim wardens stand in a silent crescent, their faces guarded beneath the leaf-shadow.
The chamber’s living pillars carry a faint silver pulse. Beyond its open arches, Lothlórien’s ward-lights burn steadily, but several western channels remain dark where Tuiwen severed the imposed command.
Galadriel
These wardens must hear the truth plainly. Tuiwen found Saruman’s instructions within our living defenses and closed them before the redirection could drain the forest.
Galadriel
Her intervention saved the ward, but it also altered its defenses. The channels no longer answer exactly as they did before, and responsibility for that change rests openly before you.
the elder Galadhrim wardens
By what authority did she sever commands beneath our trees? Was that authority granted by Lothlórien, or did necessity become its own permission?
the elder Galadhrim wardens
And what remains beyond our borders? If Saruman’s design reached these roots, what prevents the hidden hand from returning through another road?
The wardens’ questions settle over the chamber like drawn bows. Galadriel turns toward Tuiwen, neither shielding her from judgment nor answering in her place.
✓ Quest Accepted
Gain the Galadhrim wardens' acceptance as a responsible ally
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent Saruman’s design from returning through another road
“"I investigated the diversion at Galadriel's request and ended it with her permission. This is not the first time I have frustrated Saruman's schemes, but he is persistent and driven by the greed for power. We have uncovered his schemes in Mirkwood and Lothlorien, but that is surely not the limit of his ambition. I cannot say where his hand will next be felt, perhaps in Dunland or Rohan or even Gondor. We should use the Mirror of Galadriel to spy out his agents and glean his intentions."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Tuiwen
I investigated the diversion with your permission and ended it. Saruman has reached Mirkwood and Lothlórien, and his hunger for power will not stop there. Let us use the Mirror to spy out his agents and intentions.
The elder Galadhrim wardens exchange grave looks. Galadriel does not soften Tuiwen’s claim, but raises her hand, and the chamber’s silver pulse gathers around a dark, polished basin.
Galadriel
You have earned the right to ask the Mirror, though not the right to command what it reveals. Look, and accept the burden of speaking its truth before these wardens.
Galadriel uncovers the Mirror. Its water darkens, then shows hidden messengers moving between Saruman’s halls and armed houses in Rohan, while a second reflection bends south toward Gondor.
Galadriel
His agents are already testing loyalties in Rohan, and another hand seeks influence farther south. The Mirror grants knowledge, but it binds you to disclose this vision openly.
The images settle into clear paths and faces, enough to guide warnings and inquiry. The wardens’ suspicion remains, but Tuiwen’s account is now witnessed, recorded, and actionable.
the elder Galadhrim wardens
Then her judgment has served the Golden Wood. We will hear the warning, but her name will stand beside the altered defenses and the vision alike.
Quest Complete
Gain the Galadhrim wardens' acceptance as a responsible ally