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Much has happened since my last entry. I ran for eight days, southward and west, hardly stopping until I reached the city. It stood on a rocky hill, and at the very top stood a great hall. Ragged banners and flags hung from the wall surrounding the city, but I found the gate unguarded. I soon discovered, much to my frustration that the city was empty. One lone horse, old and lank, remained, most likely because it knew no other home.
No words could express my frustration. Where could everyone be? How could all signs of life in a city were the monarch dwells just be empty? I sat for perhaps an hour in the great hall-its insides adorned with gilded carvings of horses and intricate knots on the beams, walls, and ceilings-chewing on lembas, drinking some good wine I had found, and thinking. It was then that it occurred to me that the people had fled the threat of the unnaturally large orcs, but to where? After checking my map, I found a likely candidate. To the north was a great fortress in the mountains, Helms Deep, so I mounted the old nag and rode. His condition was not to poor, but it still took me three days to get here.
And so here I am. When I arrived, soldiers and commoners alike stared at me, unsure of what to think. I must admit, I do not blame them. I look like some man-elf hybrid with my short silver hair and rich brown eyes, and my days spent in the wild has left me rather disheveled.
A soldier, being unsure of my were my loyalties were, took me to the main hall, where it was that I was first introduced to King Theoden, and to my surprise, three of the company I had been searching for.
He was in consult with a dark haired man I knew at once to be Aragorn, leaving the elf and the dwarf. Legolas, and Gimli, respectively.
Stumbling over my words, I quickly explained that Elrond had sent me, that I was there to join them in their quest. There was much surprise, and even disbeleif and indignation at my tale; I had to prove myself by speaking "Elen sila lumenn omentilmo", a traditional and respectful elvish greeting that anyone who stayed in the house of Elrond would have picked up.
But even then there was astonishment. "You are but a child," Aragorn said to me, "Hardly a woman, yet Elrond sent you on such a trying journey? I do not believe it." I assured him that Elrond had plenty reason to send a "child" such as myself on this task. I look younger than I really am, I have almost reached my twentieth year. To be honest, I was insulted initially, the comment did nothing for my vanity.
But we quickly moved on to more pressing matters, and I learned that indeed, the people of Rohan had crowded into this fortress because they feared an attack from the orcs, who were under the control of the White Wizard of Isenguard. Now I am thankful I did not take the original planne route, I would have gone right by the corrupt wizard, and perhaps even apprehended.
Aragorn, who had been delayed in returning from an earlier skirmish, had witnessed at least ten-thousand of these orcs headed for Helm's Deep, and they were expected to arrive by nightfall.
We spent the better part of the evening discussing battle tactics, and readying the soldiers and the walls for attack. I have eaten a proper meal now, and though it was rushed, it was well enjoyed.
As the sky began to darken, marching could be heard, and a horn call rang out. The soldiers stiffened, but then someone called out "Open the gates! It's the elves!" and hope and wonder filled everyone. The elves have come, and now I put down my pen, for they have formed ranks of bowmen on the outer ramparts, and I am to join them.
I can only hope that I will make it through the night.
Friday
Tuesday
I soon depart....
When I reached the top of the hill, I found more orc bodies, but not many. There was also a stone structure, with a stone chair upon it. Curious, I clambered up, and sat down.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
Suddenly, it was as if I could see everything, apart from my body. Looking east, I saw the mountains, and then I could see two small figures, huddled over, climbing through the rocks. I immediately knew that they were hobbits, but they were being followed by a small, ungainly looking creature.
I looked west, and saw Rohan before me. I could see three figures, and knew they were a man, elf, and dwarf, that were at the edge of a great, old forest. This troubled me. They appeared to be searching for something, but what? And where were the others? Two hobbits, and elf, man, and a dwarf. Where was the other two hobbits, the wizard, the other man?
And then I looked a small bit to the south, and saw a city, and I knew where I needed to go.
I climbed down and checked my map. The city is Edoras, and now I curse myself for not going there initially. I have packed everything, save the net and my bow. I do not feel comfortable leaving the boat here, so I will send it over the falls, though I regret ruining such a lovely work of craftsmanship.
I also wish that I had Tela still, but it is too late now. I suppose I shall just have to make haste on foot. I will be writing even less, I suppose, as I no longer can afford to stop and write. That lembas shall surely come in handy.
which way do I go?
I have reached where the Anduin runs through Emyn Muil, I can hear Rauros thundering in the distance. I rest on the western shore, torn, unsure of where to go.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
Looking out across the waters towards Emyn Muil, I feel a strong tug. But even as I walk westward, towards trees that provide shelter (as it has begun to rain), I feel that I should go this way.
The only way to explain this is that for some unknown reason, the Fellowship has separated. But for what reason?
I think I know, now. I have just stumbled upon the bodiesof orcs. They lie all around, some with arrows, some with gashes and stabs.
I remember the sun rising red this morning, an omen that blood has been spilt, but these bodies smell so horribly, they must be days old. Whatever blood was spilt during the night, it has nothing to do with these orcs.
I count at least 30, so that is good. If nine travellers could kill over 30 orcs, ones as unusually large as these, then it is likely that they are all safe. But split apart? To go seperate ways? Who knows. That man, Boromir, he is from Gondor. Perhaps he left the Fellowship to return home, and perhaps someone accompanied him, while the rest of the company continued east. It is a mystery, most likely one that will remain unanswered.
I now put down my pen, the ground begins to slope upwards, and I wish to investigate what may be up there, and perhaps get a view of the surrounding land.
Monday
Monotonous
I have not bothered to write for one simple reason: nothing has changed.
I paddle my elven boat down the river. At night, I tie my boat up on shore and sleep. I made a net from my old, worn-out pack, and once the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, I put it in the water, behind my boat, in the hopes that I will catch a fish before nightfall. I still have plenty of the lembas, but I prefer to save it for a time when there are no animals around to hunt, or when I cannot waste time to hunt and prepare food.
What else is there to say? The landscape varies greatly. From empty flat lands to sheer cliffs and deep forests. Up ahead are two great masses of stone, one on either side of the river. It is hard to tell from this distance, but they look like giants, or giant stone statues, at least.
I am writing now because I must rest my arms, sore from almost non-stop rowing. But the soreness is beginning to fade, and I think I will continue. It is almost dark, and there are not many places to pull ashore. I must find something to fasten my boat to, before I end up rowing and drifting through the night.
I paddle my elven boat down the river. At night, I tie my boat up on shore and sleep. I made a net from my old, worn-out pack, and once the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, I put it in the water, behind my boat, in the hopes that I will catch a fish before nightfall. I still have plenty of the lembas, but I prefer to save it for a time when there are no animals around to hunt, or when I cannot waste time to hunt and prepare food.
What else is there to say? The landscape varies greatly. From empty flat lands to sheer cliffs and deep forests. Up ahead are two great masses of stone, one on either side of the river. It is hard to tell from this distance, but they look like giants, or giant stone statues, at least.
I am writing now because I must rest my arms, sore from almost non-stop rowing. But the soreness is beginning to fade, and I think I will continue. It is almost dark, and there are not many places to pull ashore. I must find something to fasten my boat to, before I end up rowing and drifting through the night.
Friday
Lothlorien
How long it's been, I do not know. The spell that lays over Rivendell seems twice as heavy here. For all I know, I've been in this strange elven wood for years. All I know is that it was dark when I arrived, and now it is light.
But let me pick up where I left off.
I slowly climbed the gray ropes that led upward into the tree, closely followed by Haldir. Fifteen feet up I went through a hole in the first platform, but it was empty but for a few elves sitting and talking, dressed in fine clothes the color of the stars and the dew on the grass.
I made to get off the ladder, but Haldir told me to continue on, so up I went. It was on the third platform that I finally got off, and what I saw amazed me.
An elf, so fair and old and young, with long gold hair, clothed in white, and a silver circlet upon her brow. A male elf sat with her, he also fair of hair and dressed in white, as she sat weaving.
I stood and looked at her in awe. Haldir stepped forward, and the lady looked up. A small, strange smile appeared on her face. Sad, knowing, mysterious, all at once, and then it was gone. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed. I could feel a presence, and I felt that the lady was looking into me.
"Welcome to Lorien." said she, standing up. I noticed that Haldir had left. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Wood." Inside my head, I felt as if I was being examined.
I cannot remember the details after this. It seems as if this all occurred and age ago, and but a few minutes before this very moment at the same time.
She did question me. Of my origins, my motives, how and where I traveled, and where I planned to go. I told her everything, and as I told, I felt as if a burden were lifting off me.
And then, after perhaps hours of listening to me speak, Galadriel revealed that the Fellowship had passed through this wood not long ago, and she offered me assistance. I was excited to say the least.
So now, here I am, minutes or days later, preparing to set out again. The Lady has been kind to me, she gave me a green-grey cloak that she herself weaved, with a clasp in the shapes of the leaves that grow on the trees here. She told me that the fellowship had also gotten this gift, as well as Lembas, an elven way bread that will help me on my journey. but one thing she gave me that I think I shall never be able to thank her enough for.
A sword. I fine elven long-sword. Wrought with silver detail, the blade is long and sharp, and the Lady guarantees that it will warn me when orcs are near. It is a two-handed blade, that balances nicely at the hilt. I will treasure it always.
When I left Rivendell, I had only a dagger and a bow. Now, I feel outfitted for war. I had no idea that my task would be so dark, yet I suppose that if it were not, my skills would not be needed.
But now I part from this land. Indeed, I am already gone. I have stayed too long. Tela I have left behind, though I wish I could keep her. But the way the Fellowship went was by boat, and if in riding Tela, I end up on the wrong side of the river, I have no way to cross to the other side. Now I drift away in this small grey boat of the elves, packed with Lembas and my weapons. My cloak is wrapped around me as I drift on the current.
There are no elves to be seen on the shore of Lorien, indeed, if any but Haldir and Galadriel knew I had been there. I now put down my pen and pick up the leaf shaped paddle, and row down the Anduin river....
But let me pick up where I left off.
I slowly climbed the gray ropes that led upward into the tree, closely followed by Haldir. Fifteen feet up I went through a hole in the first platform, but it was empty but for a few elves sitting and talking, dressed in fine clothes the color of the stars and the dew on the grass.
I made to get off the ladder, but Haldir told me to continue on, so up I went. It was on the third platform that I finally got off, and what I saw amazed me.
An elf, so fair and old and young, with long gold hair, clothed in white, and a silver circlet upon her brow. A male elf sat with her, he also fair of hair and dressed in white, as she sat weaving.
I stood and looked at her in awe. Haldir stepped forward, and the lady looked up. A small, strange smile appeared on her face. Sad, knowing, mysterious, all at once, and then it was gone. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed. I could feel a presence, and I felt that the lady was looking into me.
"Welcome to Lorien." said she, standing up. I noticed that Haldir had left. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Wood." Inside my head, I felt as if I was being examined.
I cannot remember the details after this. It seems as if this all occurred and age ago, and but a few minutes before this very moment at the same time.
She did question me. Of my origins, my motives, how and where I traveled, and where I planned to go. I told her everything, and as I told, I felt as if a burden were lifting off me.
And then, after perhaps hours of listening to me speak, Galadriel revealed that the Fellowship had passed through this wood not long ago, and she offered me assistance. I was excited to say the least.
So now, here I am, minutes or days later, preparing to set out again. The Lady has been kind to me, she gave me a green-grey cloak that she herself weaved, with a clasp in the shapes of the leaves that grow on the trees here. She told me that the fellowship had also gotten this gift, as well as Lembas, an elven way bread that will help me on my journey. but one thing she gave me that I think I shall never be able to thank her enough for.
A sword. I fine elven long-sword. Wrought with silver detail, the blade is long and sharp, and the Lady guarantees that it will warn me when orcs are near. It is a two-handed blade, that balances nicely at the hilt. I will treasure it always.
When I left Rivendell, I had only a dagger and a bow. Now, I feel outfitted for war. I had no idea that my task would be so dark, yet I suppose that if it were not, my skills would not be needed.
But now I part from this land. Indeed, I am already gone. I have stayed too long. Tela I have left behind, though I wish I could keep her. But the way the Fellowship went was by boat, and if in riding Tela, I end up on the wrong side of the river, I have no way to cross to the other side. Now I drift away in this small grey boat of the elves, packed with Lembas and my weapons. My cloak is wrapped around me as I drift on the current.
There are no elves to be seen on the shore of Lorien, indeed, if any but Haldir and Galadriel knew I had been there. I now put down my pen and pick up the leaf shaped paddle, and row down the Anduin river....
Wednesday
I am not alone....
The forest was further away than it appeared, and I did not reach it until the sun was touching the horizon.
I was relieved when I finally reached the eaves of the woods, and I quickly dismounted Tela. As I began to lead her into the trees, a feeling of being watched stole over me, but I shrugged it off.
I had made it only perhaps 60 paces in when suddenly I heard someone call out "Daro". Halt. I stopped. The voice was so low, I wasn't sure If I imagined it. I heard nothing more, so I began to continue on.
Suddenly, I was surrounded, arrows pointed at me from all directions. The change was so sudden I jumped.
"In ier le?" Who are you? An elf with blonde hair stepped forward. His face was stern, and beneath the beauty of immortality, I could see his age.
"I am Neenuvar" I told him, not bothering to speak in a language I hardly know.
"And what business have you in the Golden Wood?" he asked, now in the Common tongue.
"I have traveled from Imladris, and here I only seek shelter from the night. In the morning I head out again in search of a company that Elrond has sent me after." At the mention of Imladris and Elrond, the elf's expression changed.
"Ah. I see," he said, apparently dubious, "And what do you have to prove this claim? You are not known in these parts." At first I was astounded, and then confused, and finally panicked. When I realized what he was asking me, I had no idea what to give him. The only things I had brought from Imladris was my map, which there were many of in the world, probably all the same, and food. My clothes had been gotten in a small town of men on my way from Celondim to Rivendell.
And then I realized. Tela. I wasn't sure if a horse would count as a 'token', but I had to try. "My horse," I said, "My horse, she comes from the house of Elrond. Her name is Tela." I added, dumbly.
The elf's attention moved to the horse. He began to circle her, noting the elven designs on her saddle, hidden under my saddle bags, and to her sleek, shiny coat. A coat unlike any other horse's that I've seen.
"I see. Indeed, you tell the truth. You are elvellyn, elf-friend." He smiled. "Please, forgive me for my initial - coldness. We face dark times, and we must be cautious with strangers." He signaled the other elves, and they lowered their bows.
I smiled back. "Of course." I said, but as to what he meant by dark times, I had no idea.
"My name is Haldir. Come, tonight you will stay in the realm of the Lady of the Wood. Who knows, perhaps you will learn something of those whom you seek." He turned around, and began to walk deeper into the woods. Relieved, I followed.
The walk was long, and it was well after dark when we arrived. To describe the place, it is almost impossible. It was a city of trees. Surrounding it was a wall, in the darkness it was hard to tell what it was made of. We circled around until we cam to a closed gate, which opened at a word from Haldir. Tall trees, with silver trunks and golden leaves. In the branches were platforms, in which the melodious voices of many elves floated down. Paths wandered between the trees, but these were empty. Ahead, there was an extremely large tree, that went so high. Haldir led me to this, as another elf led Tela away.
When we reached the base, Haldir called up, and a rope ladder fell down through a hole in the lower-most platform. He turned to me. "Wait here until I return." he said, then he swiftly ran up the ladder.
So now I stand here, writing and waiting awkwardly. Of the elves that had first surrounded me, only two have come, besides Haldir. I suppose the others were left to guard the edge of the forest, wait for more visitors. The two that have come with us just stand there, as if they are sentinels. They are talking, but I can only understand a few words, not enough to piece together their conversation.
Finally Haldir has returned. He smiled at me, but I am unsure of what to make of it this time. "Let us go up," he says, "The Lady wishes to speak with you."
To be continued....
I was relieved when I finally reached the eaves of the woods, and I quickly dismounted Tela. As I began to lead her into the trees, a feeling of being watched stole over me, but I shrugged it off.
I had made it only perhaps 60 paces in when suddenly I heard someone call out "Daro". Halt. I stopped. The voice was so low, I wasn't sure If I imagined it. I heard nothing more, so I began to continue on.
Suddenly, I was surrounded, arrows pointed at me from all directions. The change was so sudden I jumped.
"In ier le?" Who are you? An elf with blonde hair stepped forward. His face was stern, and beneath the beauty of immortality, I could see his age.
"I am Neenuvar" I told him, not bothering to speak in a language I hardly know.
"And what business have you in the Golden Wood?" he asked, now in the Common tongue.
"I have traveled from Imladris, and here I only seek shelter from the night. In the morning I head out again in search of a company that Elrond has sent me after." At the mention of Imladris and Elrond, the elf's expression changed.
"Ah. I see," he said, apparently dubious, "And what do you have to prove this claim? You are not known in these parts." At first I was astounded, and then confused, and finally panicked. When I realized what he was asking me, I had no idea what to give him. The only things I had brought from Imladris was my map, which there were many of in the world, probably all the same, and food. My clothes had been gotten in a small town of men on my way from Celondim to Rivendell.
And then I realized. Tela. I wasn't sure if a horse would count as a 'token', but I had to try. "My horse," I said, "My horse, she comes from the house of Elrond. Her name is Tela." I added, dumbly.
The elf's attention moved to the horse. He began to circle her, noting the elven designs on her saddle, hidden under my saddle bags, and to her sleek, shiny coat. A coat unlike any other horse's that I've seen.
"I see. Indeed, you tell the truth. You are elvellyn, elf-friend." He smiled. "Please, forgive me for my initial - coldness. We face dark times, and we must be cautious with strangers." He signaled the other elves, and they lowered their bows.
I smiled back. "Of course." I said, but as to what he meant by dark times, I had no idea.
"My name is Haldir. Come, tonight you will stay in the realm of the Lady of the Wood. Who knows, perhaps you will learn something of those whom you seek." He turned around, and began to walk deeper into the woods. Relieved, I followed.
The walk was long, and it was well after dark when we arrived. To describe the place, it is almost impossible. It was a city of trees. Surrounding it was a wall, in the darkness it was hard to tell what it was made of. We circled around until we cam to a closed gate, which opened at a word from Haldir. Tall trees, with silver trunks and golden leaves. In the branches were platforms, in which the melodious voices of many elves floated down. Paths wandered between the trees, but these were empty. Ahead, there was an extremely large tree, that went so high. Haldir led me to this, as another elf led Tela away.
When we reached the base, Haldir called up, and a rope ladder fell down through a hole in the lower-most platform. He turned to me. "Wait here until I return." he said, then he swiftly ran up the ladder.
So now I stand here, writing and waiting awkwardly. Of the elves that had first surrounded me, only two have come, besides Haldir. I suppose the others were left to guard the edge of the forest, wait for more visitors. The two that have come with us just stand there, as if they are sentinels. They are talking, but I can only understand a few words, not enough to piece together their conversation.
Finally Haldir has returned. He smiled at me, but I am unsure of what to make of it this time. "Let us go up," he says, "The Lady wishes to speak with you."
To be continued....
lhein na medui
free at last, free of the mountains. It is nice to be out in the open again, so I have paused to rest and write.
Thought the sun has not set yet, it is getting late in the day. Ahead I can see the forest, and what a sight it is! The leaves are gold in the trees, a wonder for the time of year. It is so beautiful, that I will ride to it. I feel the same tug, but I think it is because it looks so sheltered, and I dare not camp out in the open. Not in these wild parts.
But for now I rest. The edge of the forest is at least two miles yet, and I have not stopped walking all day. And I want to allow Tela a short rest before riding again.
Looking at the sun as it descends towards the horizon, I feel at peace somehow. it is probably because I am finally out of the mountains. Out of that 'pass'.
It's funny, there is no pass labeled on the map other than the pass of Caradhras further north, yet you'd think that it would have been found and used before now. Who knows, perhaps the map I have is a little dated.
Well, I will ride now. The sun fast approaches the horizon, and I would like to be under cover of the forest (much bigger than it appears on the map) before dark.
Im nor erin....
Thought the sun has not set yet, it is getting late in the day. Ahead I can see the forest, and what a sight it is! The leaves are gold in the trees, a wonder for the time of year. It is so beautiful, that I will ride to it. I feel the same tug, but I think it is because it looks so sheltered, and I dare not camp out in the open. Not in these wild parts.
But for now I rest. The edge of the forest is at least two miles yet, and I have not stopped walking all day. And I want to allow Tela a short rest before riding again.
Looking at the sun as it descends towards the horizon, I feel at peace somehow. it is probably because I am finally out of the mountains. Out of that 'pass'.
It's funny, there is no pass labeled on the map other than the pass of Caradhras further north, yet you'd think that it would have been found and used before now. Who knows, perhaps the map I have is a little dated.
Well, I will ride now. The sun fast approaches the horizon, and I would like to be under cover of the forest (much bigger than it appears on the map) before dark.
Im nor erin....
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