~Anarya, Tuilë 36~
For my second entry, I am writing upon the road, already having left Imladris. I asked Gilfiniel and others to spread word that I was leaving for Ered Luin so that I might find some traveling companions as well as find work in the way of transporting letters and packages back with me. The road east is certainly fraught with great danger, but the road west is not so. Still, one never knows what one might find and it could be handy to have a friend or two to get out of a spot of trouble. And to be quite honest, I never liked the idea of doing anything on my own. An adventure is something that really must be shared after all.
So I found that as the hour drew near for my departure, more and more of the valley folk came to me with letters and parcels but never stepped forth to travel with me. Thus it was that on the day, I made my way to the stable, dreading the lonely journey I was to take. But as I was saddling my horse, a pretty-looking elleth approached me. I liked her at once. She had a friendly face and a clear brow, devoid of anything suspicious or unsavory. Aeriaeth is her name and she is upon the road with me now. I learned she was much the same as I, having traveled to Imladris from her home in Mithlond. Immediately as we left the valley, she gave me one of her stained glass pieces, which she crafted, as a token of friendship. I thought it delightful, catching the sunlight and filtering it through in splendid colors, but she was much discouraged in her art by the artisans in the valley. I think I know an artisan or two who would appreciate her creativity. My mother for one would be a patron of hers immediately. Think how windows of stained glass would catch the sparkly sunlight glinting off the sea in the seaside homes of our people!
Our second companion, to my surprise, was hir Gwaedir. What business he has going westward I do not know, but he seems a rather mysterious and silent fellow. I hear he is an experienced and knowledgeable tracker and scout and I will be glad for his watchful eyes upon the road. He disappeared for a time or two while Aeriaeth and I were crossing through the Trollshaws. Though, I trust that he was scouting ahead and watching over us.
I soon found that Aeriaeth was more to my liking than I even first perceived. She was most enthusiastic about looking at all of the great sites we passed just as I was. I think she aspires to be a traveling guide and has a most detailed map of all noteworthy points. The guide who brought me first from Mithlond to Imladris refused to stop to admire any of our scenery. So I am glad to have a companion such as Aeriaeth who will stop and see everything with me.
The first point we stopped at were some ruins high upon a hill. Aeriaeth took great interest in the architecture and questioned what it might have once been. Judging by the four tall pillars erected, we guessed it might have been a grand banquet hall. So I immediately assumed the position of an announcer or officiator and thanked the imaginary guests who might have filled those halls in olden days. Aeriaeth and I had a wonderful time there bowing and dancing with one another. We raised our imaginary wine glasses in toast multiple times as well. Yet, when one is traveling as far away as Ered Luin, one must not tarry overlong.
So we kept mostly to the road the rest of the way until we reached the Last Bridge. And here it is, in view of the bridge but sheltered by trees and shrubs, that Aeriaeth and I have decided to stop for our noonday meal. I will fill more pages when more things of note occur.
