Rildheldiel

Dear Lords and Ladies of Swan,

It saddens and ashames me greatly to write this letter, but circumstaces of the latest events have given me no other choice. 

Sir,

You do not know me, but I met your wife Rainith in Duillond, and I could not be anything but troubled to hear the lady speak of your present difficulty, which the whole House is full of talk of, and the poor lady is near rattled out of her wits from worry. She desired that I write you, and give my opinion, and I promised I would, for I have concerned myself thoroughly in this matter.

      He comes to me with shadows in his eyes. We sit with our backs to a stone statue, facing out over the river, but Galdorion's eyes are distant, looking at something I cannot see. His conversation is hesitant, his smile as brittle as glass. It is as though a cloud has passed across the sun, although the dawn still seems as bright as ever. We have walked these paths before – I know what is coming almost before Galdorion opens his mouth to tell me. I sit silently, listening, hoping he cannot see the dismay in my face.

Estarfin paced back and forth within the small suite of rooms that he kept. The heavy velvet curtains were drawn, shutting out the daylight and noises of the valley. Empty bottles, stacks of papers and various weaponry and armour pieces littered every surface, and Estarfin strode between them, a thick crystal glass in his hand. Anger and frustration radiated from him; every few strides he would run a hand through his coarse hair and take a swig of the cheap wine that he was drinking.

In a few days I shall be once more leaving Imladris. What used to be a solemn ceremon with great sorrow of heart to leave such a blessed place, is now one I feel I look forward to. It is a strange feeling... Some time I have now spent here, finding consolement in the many books of Lord Elrond's library. Yet, it is not longer the same. The books does not give me the comfort they used to. Perhaps it is my worries for my beloved, whom travels beyond my reach. Perhaps it is the terrible feeling of pain of Hiril Rildheldiel's broken promise to me... I am now at a crossroads.