Nigh Mitheithel, 16th day of Iavas
We have made good progress since leaving Imladris, just under a week ago; we are perhaps an hour's march from the Bridge over the Mitheithel.
Our pace has been easy and steady, moreso since we were joined at the Ford of Bruinen by the delightfully merry Galawyn. It was there that the Warband of Imladris bid us swift farewell – by necessity, since their scouts had espied some danger in the Gorge that was moving upon the crossing. They are resilient in character, and I have little doubt they prevailed over this threat. Gladly, they gave us grace to hold a brief ceremony of remembrance upon the Bruinen, for those of our kinsfolk who never returned from that great march of old. I am sure our thoughts shall be carried thence to the shores of Valinor as we hope. Randir met us there also, and his knowledge of the road through the Trollshaws is most welcome: his experience of this region is far fresher than my own. His sense of the place - of the beasts and trees - is evident from his steady alertness. He is indeed a most valued ally and companion!
Mention too should be made of Galvathalion, who caught up with our train as we ascended the trail to the High Moor above Imladris; I thought him left behind, engrossed in some new subject of study, and forgetful of our departure! I am pleased he is indeed accompanying us to fair Lindon, for he shall fall in love with it, I am sure.
As I glance at the faces around the fire, I feel content that our journey will prove one of joyful flavour. Our company is of most agreeable nature, and I am glad for their talk, their song and their laughter. We are also accompanied by Eleinin and hiril Nenneth – and their friend Kalannon. They seem well-skilled in campcraft, and provide us with a supply of fresh meat to supplement the provisions carried by our pack horses. Though I know little of them, they are most gracious and joyous in their manner, often the first to call for more wine and song each time we break our travel for rest. It is clear that our musicians have a willing audience! We are indeed richly furnished for music and song, of which I am most glad: Amorith is a blessing to us with her exquisitely crafted songs, while Durthand and Aearandir continue to lighten our spirits with tunes drawn from many sources; Aearandir’s latest work, Ninnalph has proved to be popular listening each eve!
This last day has proven the most eventful so far. A figure came across our camp, and Randir – a friend it seems – introduced her to our fellowship. To my surprise, it was none other than the adaneth Olwing, whom I had met before in Imladris. Alas, our talk was interrupted by the intrusion of a pair of travellers on the road: a man and woman approached Randir who stood watch upon the road. Harsh words passed between them, and from their poise, they appeared ready to draw arms, being of a mind to start some trouble. On our approach, they withdrew – though with uncouth words and belligerent looks – and rode off east, into the Trollshaws despite our firm advice that they should return west whence they’d come. A third figure, skulking in the undergrowth, expertly eluded our pursuit in the thicknesses of the wood. Whether they be spies on some wicked errand or not, we are unsure. Galawyn, keen and brave, volunteered to carry word of their passing to the sons of Elrond, then encamped at Thorenhad.
Our camp is quiet now, as we rest and await the dawn’s arrival. Though our radiance and song has chased the dark things of this forest from our path, Randir’s confrontation with the man and woman has raised to mind the uncertainty awaiting us in the lands beyond the eaves of the Trollshaws: in the days ahead, danger may come upon us in the form of those we least expect. We must be more vigilant than ever.
