Nen Harn, 29th day of Iavas
Aearandir and Durthand retraced our path to seek those left behind near Amon Sûl. As they did so, they saw signs that a large party of orcs had indeed followed us across the ford. However as the tracks approached the tumbled ruin of Gondrinn, they seem to have abruptly turned about, and doubled back the way they’d come before veering off into a gorge to the north east of the crossing. Though they scouted the entrance to this valley, my kinsfolk wisely thought it best not to probe too deeply, and continued their more immediate quest for Nenneth and Eleinin.
Aearandir bore these tidings back to our camp, together with Nenneth, whom he found at Echad Sûl. Alas, Eleinin and she were separated in the confusion that afflicted us during our hasty departure; Durthand remained behind, to seek after him.
On breaking camp, we bade our farewells to Randir. He had come as far as he could on our path, yet we cannot expect him to ignore that duty which ever claims his attention: his unceasing and selfless concern for the wellbeing of his folk. I wonder how few of the Firimar know of this lone sentinel who stands watch over their lands as they sleep in blissful disregard of greater dooms?
We pressed on, picking our descent down the north side of the Weather Hills. I requested Earinlin to serve in Durthand’s stead, and he readily paired with Aearandir to sweep ahead of the group on point duty. Their service was most valuable, as we encountered foul half-orcs, sturdier and more cunning than the Whitehands we had seen behind us. Of their purpose here we had no clue, but those few we saw were felled by our scouts with swift arrow and missile - and that can only be a good thing.
A few days later, our spirits soared to see the green and pleasant land before us, embracing the sweet blue waters of Nen Harn. Doubly so, since we heard the approaching hoofbeats that announced Eleinin’s arrival! He had eluded the orcish war party, and picked up our trail on this side of the Hills; the bodies of slain half-orcs assured him he was on the right track. I am glad he is well, as is Nenneth I’m sure!
We rode to the lakeshore, and cantered round to camp at the supply cache near the great falls. A cool refreshing drizzle fell, welcome after the barren grasses of the Weather Hills. Galvathalion returned to us by the lakeside, and the faces of the party were rekindled with good humour as the stars came out and we relaxed under the trees. Even the beasts of this pleasant land seemed enamoured of our merry company!
Aearandir has just departed to the south-east, seeking for Durthand. I am sure she is close behind us, covering our tracks as she goes, yet only when we are all safely reunited can we continue on our journey.
