the day is long....

I woke up as the sky was beginning to lighten. After allowing Tela a short drink from the river, and taking one myself, I began trekking eastward again. We came to the spring that the river originates from, and I filled my water skin. Thankfully, it seems that the path continues without the river.

The day was almost completely uneventful. I lead Tela again over the rocks in the path, though I must admit, the path was more stone outcropping than walkway. Around noon I stopped for a drink and a few bites of the bread that I had brought with me from Rivendell, but I did not tarry long. I was loathe to sit still very long, I want to be out of these mountains as soon as I can.

The flock of birds passed over again today. I no longer feel that my wariness of them is paranoia, I am sure that it is the same flock. Soon after they passed over me, less than an hour, a small storm blew in. Not anything of extraordinary significance, I suppose, but it slowed me down, nonetheless.

There are no stars visible tonight. The snow continues to fall, and I fear I may be trapped here until summer, if it does not let out soon. Already the snow reaches mid-shin, and I fear of losing my footing in the snow.

It is my hope that, if it stops snowing soon, I may leave this pass for good by tomorrow evening. But for now, I will sleep by my fire, much larger than last nights, and try my best to stay warm.

I have consulted my map again, and on the other side of this "pass" is a small wood, called Lothlorien. I know not what, or whom, may dwell there, but I have a feeling that who or whatever does live there does not mean me any harm.

I will sleep now. The sun went down not long ago, but the clouds make it darker than it should be. I've no wish to stay awake.