leoel

Yet again, I have managed to get myself into an undesirable situation. I think I must look innocent, or something of that type, because people seem to want to take advantage. In fact, were I not an elf, I believe this type of thing would happen more often. But I get ahead of myself. I think the outside may be getting to me - I was never this hasty at home.

Finally, I have made it. I cannot begin to describe how good it is to speak to others again, or to eat well-made food. The provisions I received from that trade caravan were shoddy at best. On the other hand, I have become exceptionally good at creating small camps, due to more practice than I would have liked! That is behind me for now, though. I have made camp with several rangers near Nenuial. Unlike other men, they do not stare so, and seem more comfortable in my presence. However, they gave me grave tidings.

(This worn piece of parchment is carefully slipped between the pages of the journal)

(These words are in hastily written Quenya)

Nessa

The Dancer, the Deer,

Speed's stinging thrill,

Swirling whirls

And whirling curls

Upon the greening hill.

Oh Nessa the Vala,

Creature of song.

Dancing forever,

Faltering never,

Under the Stars of Aman.

Mallorn

The shifting leaves 

Of the Ever-Tree,

At last we have passed the Gap of Rohan. It was an unsettling place, and smoke was on the horizon... I hope not to pass that way again. I have left the caravan company, and travel on my own once more. The lands I pass through are empty, and I try to liven the atmosphere up with my music. It has always lifted my spirits. I plan to head North until I hit some kind of civilization - my map indicated several settlements in that direction. I am tired, and must conserve my food, since hunting without dire need is unthinkable.

It has been several weeks since I left my home, and my eyes have been opened. I cannot say I don't miss Lothlorien, but the outside world is so new. Really, every step I take, I see something I have only heard of in storybooks, even if it is only a new variety of toxic mushroom. Of course, I hope one day to return home, but only after I have my fill of stories! And I am not sure if that will ever occur.

At last I leave Lothlorien, my home for many years. For how could I stay?