To Miss taite Rushwood (it is still Rushwood, right?) at Knotwood Boarding House in Knotwood village in Bree-land:
it feels like an age since i've seen you! I miss talking to you of this, that, and things that make me laugh! Goodness knows I could use that in these days.
I did get to see Mister Tumunir afore I left Bree-land this past autumn and he said you were quite well. this made me happy but I am not going to lie, I wanted to hear more of your and Mister Tairy! And pumpkin too!
Please, you have me waiting with baited breath! Else, I'll write and ask mister Tairy myself. Ha, just kidding! I wouldn't do that. Still, I count you a dear friend to me and wish to know how you are. If you'd like to write to me, please send a letter onto Trestlebridge in the North Downs where I'll be making my next trip to.
Until then, I remain your friend,
Finchley
To: Miss Finchley
Trestlebridge, North Downs
Dearest Miss Finchley,
How nice to hear from you! I miss you as well! Have you been all over Middle-earth this past year? It feels so long since I've seen you. I thought you were in Gondor? Are you traveling with friends or family?
Oh, aye, my name is still Rushwood! Though...well, there weren't exactly a wedding, but Mister Tairy and I are...well, I'm not for certain what we are. I don't know that there's a name for it. We didn't stand in front of the town magistrate or sign any papers or anything. But it's understood between us. We're a...a thing. Goodness, that looks so silly on paper. A thing? I mean as in, we're one thing. One together. We're pledged to each other and we belong to each other and that's all there is to it! I never want to be separated from him, ever, not for all my days.
He's fixed up a sweet little cottage on the edge of Knotwood, near the forest, and it's our home now. I still stay at the Boarding House. That's my job, after all! I sleep there most nights, too, and so does he (not in the same bed, mind!). Walking to the cottage every night in the cold is just too much work. It's a curious arrangement, maybe, but I don't mind! I love working the Boarding House, and I love Mister Tairy, and I'm happy as a pig in slop, as they say.
Pumpkin is just peachy keen! She flirts with anyone who sits down with a plate of food and climbs the bed coverlets and knocks the silverware to the floor when she's feeling peevish. Her favorite spot to sleep is still Master Tumunir's bed. I know she'll be happy to see you whenever you come through Bree again. And so will I.
Did you ever find out more about Mister Hawk? Last I heard from you, I think, you said he were alive, but I don't remember more than that.
I hope you are safe, and warm, and with folk who love you.
Your friend,
Taite
