Some days have passed since last I wrote in this chronicle. There was little time to pen down my thoughts. As I approached the eaves of Mirkwood I hastily sought after a safe place to bury my treasure. I left the cart elsewhere, hidden under vines and branches. The road into Mirkwood is not easily travelled, but not near as difficult with a wagon full of goods!
Let us hope my treasure remains hidden in my absence. I spoke magical words, none of which I can write down here, to make sure that it would. When I was confident and ready, I left with my bag and satchel filled with the mysterious books of Barad-dûr. I tried to keep my presence unnoticed, taking great care in where I put down my feet, but to my unpleasant discovery I had already been spotted by elven sentries. These were not of the woodland kin, however, for their fair hair and tall posture betrayed them. It were elves from across the great river, from the realm of Lórien, where an elf witch of great power is said to rule them.
"What business does a dwarf bring to these woods, and with such careful steps?", an elven sentry asked.
"My business is my own elf, and careful anyone's steps ought to be when venturing into Mirkwood!", I said with confidence.
"These woods are no longer known by that name. They are called Eryn Lasgalen, the Wood of Greenleaves."
"Call it whatever you want elfling, I have no time to engage in petty conversations with the likes of you. Now begone and let me pass in peace."
"This realm is ruled by the Lord and Lady of Lórien and you shall not set foot in it any further till you state your business here."
I grumbled.
"Now, what is your name and why have you come hither?"
I remained silent.
"Speak or return whence you came!"
I had little patience to contend with these elves and I knew that, if I were to remain stubborn, I would find myself further removed from my goal. Hence I decided to speak true, but used no word too much to explain my quest.
"If indeed you have taken these woods for your own, I shall speak true, for I do not wish to evoke your lord and lady's wrath. I have come hither looking for a friend."
The elf looked doubtful. "There are no dwarves in these woods."
"The friend I seek is not of my kin."
"The Woodmen have gathered northward beyond the east bight. You shall not find them here."
"Nay, I need not find them. The friend I seek is of elven kind."
The elf looked confused.
"Then perhaps I know of whom you speak? Pray, tell me his name and I will make my judgment."
I was rather reluctant using his name, but I felt honesty was the shortest road out of this situation. Thus I confessed.
"He goes by the name of Tinnurion."
The elf looked at me curiously and a brief moment of doubt overtook him.
"I believe I know of whom you speak. The elf who goes by that name has taken refuge in the north, in the realm of Thranduil. But tell me, why do you seek him?", he asked inquisitively as his eyes fell upon my satchel.
It is then that I decided I had shared enough truth.
"Merely visiting an old friend who I have not seen for many years."
"I see", said the elf rather doubtfully.
"What's in the satchel?"
The question I had hoped he would not dare to ask...
"Do I look like I'm here to burn trees or steal acorns? There is nothing of value here for me, but the company of an old friend," I said as I felt something boiling up inside me. "I have not gone through misery and grief to be treated like a brigand! I am Nyr, Voice of the Mountain, Keeper of Memories, trusted emissary to his lordship King Thorin III, may his beard grow ever longer! So, elf, if you value peace between our peoples, I tell you to release me immediately, lest my lord shall hear of it and find new grievances with your kin."
The elven sentry looked shaken for a moment and turned to his fellows. Sindarin words were exchanged and shortly after he turned around and said:
"I did not mean offense dwarf. I too faced misery and grief which I will carry with me till the world turns grey. It should no longer be hard to spot friend from foe, yet it seems I tarry still in old habits. I will allow you passage and I will send some of my scouts with you to escort you northward to Felegoth. There you may find the elf you seek. Namárie."
I felt relieved that my outburst had worked. I simply nodded with a fading frown upon my face and then went on my way.
