Today the Leaves of Lorien update for Lord of the Rings Online goes live. As players worked their way through the Moria, the game was narrated by Galadriel instead of Gandalf who is, uh, apparently dead. Terribly sad business, that. But now, with that addition of more content at the far side of Moria in Lothlorien, the highest level characters can apparently meet Galadriel instead of just listening to her.

Those of us still mired in Moria's war between the goblins and dwarfs aren't entirely left out of the fun in this latest update. The starting area for elves and dwarves has been reworked, which makes it a perfect time to roll up a new class. There are also new quests associated with crafting and a new Spring Festival.

Normally, I'd post screenshots of Lorien. But one of my most treasured experiences in Lord of the Rings Online was my first glimpse of Rivendell. So if it's all the same to you, I'd rather wait to see Lorien with my own virtual eyes. To the right is a bit of the concept art for Galadriel's tree.

Leaves of Lorien is free to all Lord of the Ring Online players who have the Mines of Moria add-on.