The stewards

The elders were included among the stewards, and the oldest still rang the greeting bell carefully. They described the tree rows as having always existed, beyond any remembered account of the terraces' construction.

The children learned the welcome's wording before they could read it. Wenna was the group's smallest and youngest child, while the elders already trusted her sister with real work. Wenna's ordinary duties involved lighter baskets and tools without sharp edges, alongside fetching, holding, and waiting. She believed diligent, quiet attention to these tasks would persuade the elders to entrust her with more demanding work.

Maren directed Wenna to watch the gate because the other workers were required higher among the trees. When Wenna brought an unexpected woman to them, the elders offered bread, asked questions, and made room for her pack. The elders did not ask Wenna to describe the greeting, regarding the arrival as a customary welcome. Maren later offered possible ordinary explanations for the ringing and urged Wenna to accept its kindness without further concern.