August 1st, 3018, Tharbad

I reached Tharbad yester eve, at the crossing of the Greyflood and the North-South road. Once a thriving town, it is now little more than a travelers' rest and a trading post. I have taken a room in the inn, and find it good to sleep on a mattress instead of the ground and to have a hot meal. The courteousness here is welcome after the cold stares of the Dunlendings and leers of thick-necked swarthy men, from whence they come I know not. Here they are eager for news from the South - eager for news of anything. They know little of our troubles to the east.

The road here was long; the people and dwellings sparse once I drew west of Dunland. Travelers of an unsavory sort there were though, but they did not harry me. I don't doubt some of them would have robbed me in my sleep if I were not so well-armed.

There are a few Southerners in the common room, some with the same ill-favoured look. The innkeeper is friendly though. I will speak with him soon, and any of the other locals, to see what they know of the place called Rivendell.

Boromir