SOLVED. Wizard that rules the land and can turn into a tree. [s]

[Geli]

I'm searching for a book I read about 15 years ago, but was probably published earlier.

I do not remember much. I feel it might have been a stand alone or a triology published later as one book. It was definitely classic fantasy.

The main character was a mage / wizard, who had a special connection to the land itself. At one point he survived by turning himself into a tree, but lost time and turned himself back after a year?
I think at a previous point he had visited a lord who could transform into a forest animal?

During the book he gained more and more connections to the land.

There was also trouble with a cave and during the final he climbed up a tower. At the top of the tower something happened to him and his connections.

He had a love interest who seemed to be connected to the sea.

I think the last scene had him and her sitting at the beach, both of them now more than human.

[Brenda]

This makes me think of The Riddle-Master of Hed series, but it's been so long since I read it, I could be mistaken.

[Geli]

Brenda wrote: "This makes me think of The Riddle-Master of Hed series, but it's been so long since I read it, I could be mistaken."

Oh I do not think you're mistaken! This sounds a lot like what I was searching for. It definitely had a riddle element to it and lots of shape shifting. :)
Thank you!