[This entry is written in Sindarin in a small leather-bound book.]
I did not know what I was getting myself into when I left home.
True, that I had been a bowyer for many years, so I was not unskilled with my weapon, but I was discovering that it was one thing to be able to hit a practice target without fail, and quite another to hit a live enemy in the rush of battle. I had never fought or gone to war like Círeth had, and I found the road west to be long and tiring. Lagodal was ever my faithful steed, and I often talked to him when things were quiet.
I was nearly to Imladris when it happened; we took the wrong path and ran straight into a wandering troll. I drew my bow, but the creature swung it’s massive fist and threw me from Lagodal’s back. He bolted, and I was sent crashing into a tree. I scrambled to find my bow, but the beast had its eyes set on me and rushed towards me. I would have died had she not appeared.
This woman, Aethrendis I learned her name was, was travelling the same road. She raced at the troll with her sword drawn and a fire in her eyes that I had scarcely seen before. She bought me the time to find my bow, and together we defeated the creature. I thanked her and expected that to be all… but it seemed she was not going to let me go so easily. She offered to stay with me until I found my horse, and I accepted. We walked with her mare until I found him, and in that time we spoke much of our travels. It seemed we had a common goal, and we were both riding west to find a purpose.
That was months ago, and I still travel with Aethrendis. She is like no woman I have ever met… Sometimes loud and vulgar, or too fiery and battle-hungry, but she is a true and loyal friend, which is something I did not think I would need, let alone find out here on the road. But I am glad she is with me.
