A Few Words of Comfort

The shrill cry of a hawk pierces the cold morning air before the bird itself comes into view. It is dark brown with a golden beak, and it begins to circle lower and lower, down from the mountain peaks. Finally, with hardly a sound it lands nearby, a thin roll of parchment clasped in one clawed foot.

Suilad Lady Danel,

I hope of course that this letter finds you and your companions safe and well and hopefully upon your return journey. It has been too long since we last sat by the river, wine in hand and hardly a care between us. Winter has truly arrived since your departure, and I hope that you have managed to seek comfortable shelter in the wild, and that this fine bird will be able to find you. Lord Veryacano agreed to let me use him for this message, which was most kind of him, although he appeared grim of face when I approached. I hope this was not caused by my request, but I think rather he is concerned by his removal as Hammer Lord. You must not have heard of course, for this occurred after your departure, but it seems that Veryacano abandoned his post in Imladris to travel to Lorien with only the Lord Tindir for company. The others of the Order have been keeping quiet and will not speak to me of the truth of these rumours of course. Perhaps you will ask Lord Belegos and Estarfin to see if they know the cause of this?

It seems that the valley has grown quiet in your absence, and I miss the times of happiness that we spent together here; dancing, drinking and laughing. Too brief it seems now. I have kept busy with my work of course, although Lord Vorongwë will often keep me from it, as he seems to enjoy what seems like constant drilling for all members of the Fountain. I am glad to aid in the defence of my House of course, although I wish that I had more time to spare. My project to create steel rope is still but a dream it seems, as I am finding it very hard to work the steel strands to become thin enough. Ah, I can but persevere it seems. Please pass my kindest regards to the Lady Rainith and Lord Belegos, and of course to Parnard.

I have wrapped this in the strongest thread I can make. I do not think this bird would be able to carry a spool of rope, no matter how useful it may be.

May kind winds steer your course,

Hingalas