To the Lord Ambassador of Bar-en-Vanimar Parnard,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. When your lordship left for the Hithaeglir, little did I know that my duty would require me to bear sad tidings to you through my letters. I had one in progress since the last report I sent, and it consisted of all important matters, such as the latest speculations of the valley folk and the tale of an escaped chicken from the kitchens, but the contents of that report matter very little now.
Master Themodir was safely returned to the valley due to the diligent care of Lady Danel, Mistress Norliriel and Master Culufinnel along with others of their small party. Despite the utmost care bestowed upon him by Mistress Norliriel, the dark and ancient poison had already wrought much damage in the days of his imprisonment and return journey. It was a very fell poison that the goblins must have used, for it taxed the very spirits of its patient and his healer. Even now, the great scholars of our library have difficulty finding any mention of its source, its effects, or its treatments. The enemy, it seems, save their most powerful weapons for their deadliest and most valiant of foes, for such was Master Themodir, they say, as he battled against his captors and his fatal injury. May they always remember and fear the bravery with which he fought, for today, he has breathed his last on this side of the Sea.
A wedding was in preparation by Mistress Manadhlaer, here in Imladris, while most of the House has been away. And upon Master Themodir’s arrival, a wedding there was, though without the festivities, flowers, and dress that were intended. Still, there were oaths and rings exchanged as well as an audience to witness the loving union. Now, the entire House sits with a great shadow cast over it, especially our Tûr Anglachelm and Mistress Manadhlaer, who has lost her love and husband. I beseech you, my lord, to return as soon as you may with the rest of Bar-en-Vanimar, to reunite our House so that we may lend one another strength and solidarity in the midst of this great grief and loss.
~Aurineth
Courier of Bar-en-Vanimar
