Annunghil

On reaching the top of the talan, Lothelian marvels at the scenery and the overhanging branches with leaves of gold. It is quite like being a bird in a nest, she decides, with the comfort and security that entails, not to mention the amazing view.

Beside the flowing waters named after the elf-maid Nimrodel, Makanárë and Annúngil share a few quiet moments of contemplation. 

"Tis said that, when Spring comes, Nimrodel's voice might be heard, echoing by the leaves. When the winds blows North from Belegaer, however, 'tis also said Amroth's voice sails over the Anduin in answer."

With the rising sun comes dawn of a new day, and likewise the dawn of a new era in the lives of Makanárë and those dear to her.

By evening, they have made camp under one of the telain bordering the Nimrodel. It is her first evening ever within the Golden Wood, and still Makanárë is unsure of how she finds this land. It is strange, and awakens memories within her she had thought long forgotten.

With the first sight of the golden mallorn-trees, Makanárë feels that the land they are about to enter will be different from any she has ever encountered before.

As they travel east, the slopes of the Hithaeglir become less bitter and the snow recedes. Descending the slope from the pass into Lothlórien, Makanárë knows not what to expect when she reaches the Golden Wood. But she has friends and kin beside her, as she faces the unknown.

The stranger approaching their camp turns out to be the sculptor Ráolor, also travelling east through the Hithaeglir. It is a welcome and unforeseen meeting, and many words are shared beside the campfire.

The company makes camp in the Hithaeglir, almost on the eastern edge of the pass, overlooking the Golden Wood when someone new approaches the camp, out of the snowstorm.

Three friends pause for a moment and look eastward, musing on the destination of their path across the Hithaeglir - the golden woods of Lothlórien.

The lands become rockier, and the stones a reddish-brown hue as the company approaches the mountains. Still, the grass is covered with exquisite flowers, as the chills of the Hithaeglir have not yet taken hold. Lothelian cannot help wondering if there are new and interesting ores and rocks to be found within the passes ahead.