Lathrandir

"You almost make me wish I'd gone with you," Mallenhadh said.

Lathrandir smiled. "I enjoyed my time and I intend to return; for now, the call of Eregion has grown too strong to resist."

"You'll enjoy that as well," she said. "I have some letters for a few old friends there--I don't suppose...?"

"I'd be happy to carry your correspondence."

She smiled back. "My thanks. Which reminds me...I have a gift for you. Wait here a moment, would you?"

I departed Evendim in sadness--though I plan to return there. There is beauty there, and I shall miss Nethrandir's company. It becomes clearer to me all the time that Men are indeed destined to rule this land once I and my kin are gone.

I was prepared to head south into Eregion. It was dawn as I rode along the banks of the Bruinen, up the steep slope, and crossed the fallen tree-bridge past the waterfall. Before me the cleft, and the trail I would follow.

Yet I paused. Something was not right; I know not what. Some feeling of uncertainty, of apprehension, had come over me. 

I wanted to press on, but I could not ignore this. I still cannot say what caused me to turn back, but turn back I did, and rode slowly all the way back up the trail to Imladris.