On the road, east of Lindon, 44th day of Iavas
We tarried at the old watchtower the following day. Some time spent by the river in the morning bestowed a stock of tasty provender for a humble feast: berries, trout and duck eggs! Under blue sky and white cloud, this fine food and the fair company of tuneful companions ensured our thoughts were lightened once more. Amorith and Lithia entertained us with much music, and even Nenneth surprised us with her harping! Though tentative at first, her pleasure was evident to all, and I perceive she is a naturally gifted harpist; practice and a willing audience are all she requires!
With dusk, we set off towards the bridge – though first passing a place by the riverbank where one can find great store of mushrooms, some of the tastiest eating to be had in those parts. Aearandir played a merry accompaniment to our good-hearted laughter as we hurried hither and thither, collecting the bright fruits of the earth.
As ever, on reaching the Baranduin Bridge I left (in the usual place) a small wrapped portion of ‘elf cakes’ for the ‘Bounder’ who holds the post of bridge keeper. I smile to imagine his delight whenever he returns to his post to find that we have passed that way and paid our customary tasty toll! I wonder if he shares the cakes with his family - or perhaps he keeps them all to himself? Indeed, I wonder if he is the same individual, for it is certainly many years of their reckoning that I have followed this little custom of ours…
Passing into the Shire, we have come at last to the long established camp at that place known in Westron as Woody End. Orthir is there, keeping vigil on that stretch of road for us. He is glad to see us return – moreso as the smell of mushrooms cooking on the fire reach his nostrils!
We draw close to Lindon: the Blue Mountains are ranged like a curtain to the west, overlooking the green, rolling hills of the Shire. We are nearly home!
