Yllfa

The friends from Bancross have reached the Valley of Anduin, searching for a road to Dale.

The aftermath of their encounter in the forest leaves all three family members quite overcome, but in a good way. Yllfa herself seems full of energy in a way she hasn't been for months. They stop to view the Argonath, marking a gateway to Gondor, before they turn their horses back to the small house by Floodwend.

Hrost accompanies them, though often at a distance. 

It almost feels like a new start for all. 

(Made by me using Bing AI)

'The real danger to our kind, is this place is so beautiful, we never want to leave.'

Yllfa has noticed a few armed elves as they have travelled. She suspects there are many more, but she understands what Duncadda means.

The four travellers rest, as instructed, in the Garden of Memories', and listen as the most beautiful songs fills the air. 

Although they are permitted to travel through the Elven wood to their goal, they are under strict guard, and instructions not to wander. Once at the Garden of Memories, they are reunited with Duncadda, who is in a far better mood than when they last saw him.

When they wake, Duncadda, who was on guard, is missing. After a short time a solitary Elf is seen beckoning them. They are very concerned for their friend, but the Elf reassures them all is well. Their presence on the edge of the Golden Wood is another matter, 

As they wish to draw attention to themselves, to show they mean no threat, Waelden takes out his pipe and lights it. Then he begins singing one of the old songs from the Mark. 

Hwær cwom mearg? Hwær cwom mago? Hwær cwom maþþumgyfa? Hwær cwom symbla gesetu? Hwær sindon seledreamas? Eala beorht bune! Eala byrnwiga! Eala þeodnes þrym! Hu seo þrag gewat, genap under nihthelm, swa heo no wære.

Ealdbriht is a suprise visitor to Waelden's old house.

He is on a mission to bring news, though most of what he says to them concerns friends back in Bancross. He tells Ethel that Bronna is asking after her, and misses her.

'Surely you didn't travel all this way to tell Ethel that?' Waelden says with a chuckle.

'No, I bear messages from Averel Thane for Radwig, and certain others, as you likely suspect.' The man nods back at Waelden. His real mission is a serious one.