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.
Also, it seems that I am not as good as reading maps as I thought - I never needed them. I got rather turned around in the hills south of the Nimrodel, but with luck, I hit upon a small road, and then it was only a matter of time until I found other travelers. The trade caravan I found is traveling west through the Gap of Rohan, on their way to the Bree-lands, as the leader told me. A long way to trade simple goods, but I asked no questions. The caravan was made up entirely of men - I must remind myself that this is normal in most parts of these lands now, but for now, I still cannot help but be surprised. They are generally quiet towards me, and speak only among themselves. I think that my presence unsettles them as much as theirs does for me! But it is no matter, I will only remain with them for as long as it takes to get past the Gap of Rohan. After that, I will manage on my own, as I planned.
