This very unimportant opinion is presented to my lord in the hopes that he will forgive any wrongness or imbecility of idea: his servant is no scholar on tactics or war, but if my lord would read this letter, something of interest might be discovered by him, for not only is he most thoughtful, generous and kind, but my gracious benefactor is also curious, and may wish to know the thoughts and ideas of others. There are many things said in the Valley, but not all are fit for eating: some should be discarded, while others are seasonable, and ripe for the plucking.
My lord, Lord Veryacano has voiced a strong desire to defend his kinsmen in Lórien and the Queen Galadriel. He believes the forest will soon be under attack and set ablaze. Our kinsmen are too far spread out across the land and are beset on their borders. Any force would have to be sent in advance of any attack. After Lórien falls, the Forces of the Enemy would be turned upon ourselves: we would either flee or fall here. The Hammers would still be within the Valley, too late to help the Lady.
My lord, it is said in the Valley that the Hammers are a riotous folk, given to rude games when idle and bored. Daegond is fond of the gaming-table, and Estarfin is said to be overly fond of the grape. Both have violent spirits. It is true that Daegond is bored; he has said so himself, and it does not seem right for those two bellicose lords to sit idle in the house, aggravating the house-folk and servants.
My lord, it is said that many of the best have ridden south already and so should the Hammers; Lord Elrond has his Wardens to guard the valley and the Order of the Fountain and Harp could be left behind in the valley should there be need for help. The Order of the Hammers would be of better use if sent southward, before the cold weather sets in, and will speedily make an end of any battle and hasten it to a close.
My lord, many things are said in the Valley, but he is reflective and kind to give them his attention, even if they are told by the lowest of his servants, who is aware of it and humbled by it, and from the very first moment they met has always served him most willingly, and is most thankful for the uplifting in his station, and for his lordship’s many attentions, and who will continue to remain his most faithful servant, and devote all of his time and strength to serving him,
Parnard Teludarion
