I must be getting flighty in my old age. I have only once or twice in three ages, made such rash decisions before. I am on the road once more and Imladris is behind me for now, but I shall come back soon. Hir Elrond is my lord, and my bow is in service to him, but not like others warriors. He has given me free reign to travel where I think I am needed most, as long as I occasionally return to report to him. That is all well and good for me.
I had thought that I would find peace in Imladris, but after several weeks, it seems that a long rest in Imladris is not what I am in need of. The nightmares have returned full force and the healers seem to have no remedy or sleeping potion that will help.
While I was watching the Bree Lands not too long ago, I saw many postings of persons needed for a job. The company that has put these postings around the towns is called The Company of the East Road. They protect the great East road for merchants, caravans and the like who travel it. This is an interesting sort of company, and their posting clearly stated they would hire anyone who was wanting work, as long as they did it well.
I must be losing my mind for I am now back in Bree. The company is honest and they do good work, so.... I have applied for a job in the company. The lady who hired me, Lady Deorla, is an intimidating figure, but not mean. I have pledged my bow to their service in exchange for coin each month. Hir Elrond said I may do as I wish, so.... I do wonder, what would Ada and Nana would think of me now? Their little scholar turned into a warrior, fighting alongside men.
But I do not wish to think on them now. For now I shall do what is needed of me in this company. Where they go, I will go. I will do this job with pride and honor. Maybe once the roads are safe once more, I shall permit myself to sail. That is wishful thinking though. Will the roads ever be safe?
As it is focused in Bree town, the company is made up of mostly men. Though my captain in the company is a stout, no silly stuff, dwarf of Erebor, called Kildwin. Can you imagine? Who ever would have thought I would be serving under a dwarf? I have no resentment for him and I hope he has neither for me. I will do my job well, no matter who oversees it.
Shortly after being accepted into the ranks of the company, I had the honor of meeting another of my kin who serves the company, an ellon by the name of Amathlan. My heart was even more glad to know, he is also a child of Gondolin! Looking back on those precious times in the city hurt my heart, but I am glad to have someone who understands; someone to share the burden with. I do not know him well yet, but he is kind, though he speaks not often. He is tall and wears his armor and sword proudly. I look forward to protecting these lands alongside him.
I also was introduced to a woman by the name of Anastasiar, or Ana. She is a merchant in the company and had just recently wed her love, who is also a member. I gave her my utmost congratulations of course, but in my heart, I felt melancholy. I have never had the privilege in my long life of the love that this woman so easily found. But now, I have dreaded thoughts that it is too late for me; that no one could love one as old and weary as I.
I really must not think like this. Such thoughts shall only make the nightmares more common and unbearable. I shall focus on my newfound job and the company of new friends and faces. Let us see where this new adventure takes me.
