The Journey Home II: Rivendell - Reply
*A letter is sent to Irwthryth bearing the seal of the Esquires*
Hál Son!
First of all let me say that I am quite relieved that the people I’ve sent your way have been to your aid. As for Dagdens state he should be thanking Béma that he is still alive, and the elves for it, regardless of what he thinks of them. It also brings me worry to hear that such a brief moment with one of ours could make the elves turn around in their willingness to help us. I hope I will be able to create stronger bonds than this with them in the future. Perhaps they’ll be a bit more welcoming to an old man on the road!
Know that no matter what obstacles you run into, you must keep your word in bringing these people safely to Riddermark. This is what you are bound by honour to do and nothing else can come ahead of that. Not even the love you might feel for a certain someone. A rider of the Mark sacrifices more than one would believe. My monthly absences from you and your siblings childhood is time that will never be given back to me. However, without a safe Riddermark, there would had been no childhood for you to have. We’re protecting our lands for our bloodline to continue to prosper within it. Even if it may part us from each other, it is important to know why it is needed.
When we met in Bree you spoke a lot of Eiryth and your affections to her. She sounds like a great woman, but it is hard for me not to worry about your choice. A shield maidens life is not a peaceful one. Neither is it one that can be compared to a woman taking care of the household. It is her duty to keep herself in between danger and the innocent. Due to this choice of hers, you must keep close to her. I worry that if she would fall, it would leave you a broken man. Riddermark and the families of Riddermark, including ours, have no use of broken men. Our bloodline must continue, and I hope that Eiryth will provide you with many healthy children and me with many grandsons and daughters! But be aware, a shieldmaiden locked up in a household to become a mother could have it’s consequences. I would not envy you in that situation!
Furthermore it have been rather quiet in Bree-land. I have recently come back from a night at the Prancing Pony. Your mother is as joyful as ever of me arriving back from the pub, welcoming me with chops of a rolling-pin! I did meet with a female though, a warden by name with Rhowyn. Once I get to know her a bit better, I’ll ask her whether or not she’d be willing to aid you.
Send Eiryth my regards. I hope the rest of the journey continues without many more complications.
Be well my son, and know that I and your mother love you dearly.
*Signed*
Your faeder.
