Excerpt from the chronicles kept by each member of the Guard during their travels:
" Tonight again I find myself wakened from the terror of a dream. I cannot shake the image of their bodies dragged into the pool. What are my wounds to their loss? The darkness of these halls grips my heart, reaping it steadily of hope to reach the other side.
I have arrived mere hours ago at what the dwarfs here call the Dolven View, a refuge overlooking the everlasting night. It is hard for me to understand their enthusiasm of retaking this ancient city, wherever I turn I see peril and loss. I have never seen creatures so terrifiying; one hears them long before their shape takes form. And there has been loss to me, too; Utryng has vanished. I had hoped to find him safely here, but I must assume his path lead him elsewhere after we entered Moria together and fought our way through that Goblin Camp near the entrance. But he is strong, he will teach me a lesson of boldness and leave this place first, more experienced than ever. Why now is it that I can barely think, my hands are shaking? ..splashing water indeed....
As many of the dwarfs do ask for our support I find my mind employed. Surely it is better to train my sword arm while I search for the fastest way on. The dwarf Slagvi has told me that the several camps that have been erected lead to a great hall. I must admit of what I have read about this place in the glory of its days I do want to see with my own eyes the marvel of dwarfen architecture. He also relayed to me that it would be no small deed if I looked out for old libraries or storerooms; they may hold literary treasures. Oh would it be that I find a library in these forsaken places, I would not regret having chosen to tread the blackest path.
I will have to make sure to take note of my impressions so that I may wry them into a glorious tale if times are ever going to be peaceful again.
(ughh there are bedbugs here... ruddy good dwarfs; I have never yet seen them refresh themselves..)"
estimated date since departure from Rivendell - end of the January**
