East Road, 15 Solmath 1312 Shire Reckoning [5 February 2912 Third Age]
'Tis slow going, I'm afraid. The wind off the fields north of the road seems to find every tiny gap in my garments, no matter how many layers stand between. I've gone through near half my rations already, and barely covered three leagues afoot.
Plenty of time for thinking, all this trudging along. I marched out the hole without a purpose in mind, but now I believe I've found it: I shall retrace the steps of my forebears.
Now, it's nigh heretical to claim descendence from Fallohides among my kin, as though that little affair aways back on my mother's side never happened. I, for one, am very glad it did, or I shouldn't be so welcomed in Brandy Hall as I was. They tend to tap the better barrel for kin, you see.
I have it from the records at Michel Delving that the Fallohides came from the north, crossing the Misty Mountains and traveling down the Hoarwell to this very road. I believe that is my way: down the East Road, north along the Hoarwell, and then I'll see how I shall get over the mountains.
This wind is a terrific bother. I think I will write again when I've reached the Prancing Pony and can put my feet up. A good strong ale and a warm hearth are what's needed.
