17 Hithui (November), Third Age 2581 The sound of the river Anduin was especially strong that morning. Its waters bold, tumbling over stone and root as if stirred by something deeper than the current. I had been tending to Radagast’s garden before dawn when the wild birds arrived in a flurry of …

25 Nínui (February), Third Age 2550 In the secluded heart of Mirkwood, beneath the sheltering branches of ancient trees, stood the peaceful elven haven of Ithilgalen. Here lived Rhovaniel Gilvellon’s family, renowned scholars and custodians of knowledge. Her father, Faerondir, was a Loremaster whose …