then his heart smote him , but he learned of some that dwelt nigh that lighting on better days the lady mavwin had departed some years agone to places not far distant where was a great and prosperous dwelling of men , for that region of hisilome was fertile and men tilled the land somewhat and many had flocks and herds , though for the most part in the dark days after the great battle men feared to dwell in settled places and ranged the woods and hunted or fished , and so it was with those kindreds about the waters of asgon whence after arose tuor son of peleg .