I arrived at Rivendell some time ago. It was quite a hard journey as the Trollshaws are so wild and there’s lots of creatures about... Wolves kept jumping out and scaring Lith – my horse. There’s also a lot of bears. I tried to keep my distance and ride far from them, but one attacked me so I had to shoot it with my crossbow. I didn’t have a choice. I was unharmed, thankfully, but it managed to leave a large gash on my cheek. I hope the scar will fade.
Keeping to the various camps – including Thorenhad, I made my way through the land by day only, as I did not want to get any run ins with the Trolls. A traveller told me to be careful in the Trollshaws in the night, so I took his advice. It took me many days for me to reach Rivendell at last.
For a few days I stayed in the camp near the guest houses. The elves welcomed me but did not offer me a place to stay in the houses… I don’t mind, though. Being in the valley means I’ll be safe, and that’s what is important. After finding food and sadly no ale – just wine – I started exploring.
I’ve heard of Rivendell and it’s beautiful surroundings in Bree, but the stories don’t really compare at all. The small elven city is magnificent! The grass seems so much greener, and the trees healthier… animals are friendly here. Elves are singing and dancing somewhere at all times, and all is peaceful… it is a wonder, truly. But most of all Imlad Gelair. It took me a while to find, though I did find it eventually.
There were a few elves standing in the middle on a stone circle at the centre of a lake. I walked over to them, but then it seemed like they were having some sort of gathering and I was interrupting. I offered to go but they said it was all right for me to stay… and I was a bit curious to see what would happen at an elven funeral. I never even met an elf until I came to the Trollshaws.
The funeral wasn’t for an elf, however – it was for a man named Thendryt. They set out some candles and said some words… and then a man approached. Apparently it was the man they were having the gathering for. There was a lot of outcry and I watched as they all discussed what had happened. They were all from the Warband of Imladris.
Then Lord Khalis – one of the elves in the Warband, he is the captain and likes to boss everyone around – who seemed a bit angry, said how they should all stop travelling alone. I can’t agree more – it’s safer that way. But who wanted to travel from Bree to Rivendell? They started turning their attention to me and without another thought I blurted out “Can I join?”.
They were a bit surprised at that, and I don’t blame them. I hardly knew anything about them, but they don’t travel alone which can’t be so bad, and they all look like brave warriors. And they come back from the dead too, so I had to be in the right place there. The point is – they are a company and they all belong somewhere. Me – I don’t belong anywhere. I had to sell my home because I couldn’t afford to keep it anymore. I tried to keep it, I really did. But it wasn’t enough and I had to sell for a few gold coins. They let me keep Lith for one gold, so I took her to Rivendell with me. I was going to go to Rohan to see if my aunt and uncle and cousins are still alive. But I don’t know if they are, so… I asked to join the Warband of Imladris. They travel far. I might be able to go to Rohan one day. But I’d probably die trying if I went there now, on my own.
No. I’m going to stay in Rivendell with this Warband. It’s a good cause anyway, protecting the vale and travellers, maybe protecting other lands too. Lady Elisbeth seems to like me – they said yes. Lord Osilivren (all the elves are Lords and Ladies apparently) is training me. It’s hard work, but I’m learning. I just need to work harder and take the oath to get the cloak. Then I will be one of them.
I asked about what the Warband of Imladris do… and I was told there are reports of their travels… and many of them. So the elves have been helping me with reading and with my letters. They say keeping a journal might help.
