Cousin,
It has been many moons since I have left home. Breeland is quite different than I expected it to be. The Men and Women here are so small! I am half afraid of breaking things without meaning to here.
And I have met one such person that they call a Hobbit and have seen others of her kin roam about the land. Hobbits are even smaller than Menfolk! I worry for the safety of Hobbits because they are the perfect size for a predator's snack. Not that I can begrudge a beast of its food, though I would be very sorry to see one having a poor Hobbit for breakfast one day. But, I have been reassured by this particular Hobbit that their people can look after themselves well. If that is true then I think their people are not only stout of size but also of heart.
I have met two Women and a Man whose company I find pleasant.
One called Gregwald of Dale has bought me mead in the inn called The Prancing Pony twice now. He is very fond of Women at large and makes no secret of it. He owns up to his mistakes and seems to always have something of wit to say. He thinks less of himself than he should. I have found him to be kind, honest, and not one to walk the path of evil. He is also fond of sweets. I intend to bake for him some honey muffins. They will be a far cry from our precious honey cakes but it is the best I can do while still honoring the secret recipe and the value of the food of our House.
One of the Women was named Gail Mossbank. She braved the snowdrifts in the winter to thatch the roof of her family's home. I frightened her by accident and she fell off. I can hear you laughing at me now, Cousin. Fear not, because I caught her before she could hit the ground. I was later introduced to her family within the home. Breeland Menfolk have very small babies with barely any hair. The child of Gail Mossbank's sibling looked very fragile.
Finally, I have met a Woman named Miss Taite. She is a kind woman and is doted upon by Gregwald of Dale. Miss Taite also happened to mention the name of one of our people and mentioned that she had made a friend of him. It has been a long time since she has seen him and he left her no communication about where he has gone. It shames me to know that one of us has left someone like this. I am reminded why it is so important for us to conduct ourselves with honor and integrity in these lands. Shame cannot be brought upon the House of our elder, Grimbeorn. I will better strive to conduct myself in a way that brings pride to our people from this day forth. And, to right a wrong where I can, I will see to it that this Miss Taite is well looked after.
I am no closer to understanding what our people's oldest friend, Radagast, meant when he encouraged me to stay in these lands instead of going home. But I think I will start with doing what I can to see that the people of Bree, particularly Gail Mossbank and Miss Taite, are protected from predators and these brigands and thieves I hear are harassing people on the road. You know as well as I that while our ancestor would keep out of the business of other peoples, he would not suffer a criminal to go about committing evil and turn a blind eye. Perhaps in this, I will discover something of what the wizard meant.
Until then, I remain your Cousin and friend,
Reora
