Entry the Third – Somewhere Further North

I am travelling with a company of men, and we have made camp beside a river called the Aniduin. At last I have found a quiet moment to write!

I bade farewell to Lothlorien one day after the Lady did. I think she instinctively knew of my plans, for she left a bag of useful things for me. Contained within the bag was a sword, some lembas, a good pair of hiking boots, and an elven cloak. All of these items have come in handy. I took my burden and left the forest in the morning. I traveled alone to just beyond the borders of the now-fading forest, where I stumbled upon the company of men I now travel with. They are good and noble people, a mix of both sexes. I am truly happy not to be a singular female. In return for my help in avoiding the Lady's forest, they have let me travel with them for as long as I wish.

It is strange to me that they cannot hear the speech of the trees, and yet they both speak of the same thing: hobbits. The trees say these creatures have just destroyed some great and unspeakable evil. The humans have heard likewise and are journeying to someplace called the Shire in search of them. These creatures sound rather endearing, and I should like to see one myself someday. Perhaps I will follow the men until they reach their goal. They have already taken it upon themselves to train me as a warrior. I had not considered my vulnerability in this area. Thankfully, my carelessness will not cost me that dearly. Either way, men are very prone to death, and thus I shall not allow myself to get overly close to any of them. The last thing I need right now is an emotional disruption. I am on a mission, even if I am unsure of the cause, and I need my wits about me at all times.