Two Letters from Mithlond



My dearest Uilossiel,

I hope the coming on of autumn finds you well. The in-gathering, as well as the end of the fishing season, is upon us here in Mithlond. I have not forgotten the pleasure of your and Tancamir's visit, and neither has Súlivrin. Indeed, she has quite mastered all of her letters by now, thanks in good part to the lovely book on the Fëanorian letters which you brought her. I know not if you will be at home, as I know you and Tancamir spoke to me of your future plans, and those of your House. Nonetheless, I hope this letter finds both of you rested, and well content with life. 

You must let your brother know that my daughter Súlivrin is quite taken with the stag he carved her out of rowan wood, and for a time she even insisted on taking it to bed with her when she would retire for the night. My husband and I eventually persuaded her against it, as it would not be the most  comfortable of positions. She eventually relented, but rarely lets the stag out of her sight. Now that she can read her letters, it was only a matter of time before I taught her to write. She has asked if she can send you letters along with mine. It will be good for her, I think, to learn writing in this way.

Business in Mithlond has been as usual - I have had a greater deal of work to be done, as the sailors are bringing their ships in after the end of the fishing season, and all manner of sails and nets must be mended, and new ones woven for the coming year. I have sent to you, along with this letter, a piece of work I began shortly after you two left Lindon this spring, and which occupied many happy hours when business was lighter in the months to follow. It is a tapestry woven of sail-cloth, and in the colors of Mithlond. I hope that it will find a place in your home, as a reminder of your friends in Lindon.

Write back when you can, Uilossiel, for I would love to hear of your life in Imladris, and how your brother fares. See if you can cheer him up for all our sakes - I know the loss of my brother was very hard on him, though he seems much improved since I last saw him. My husband Súlrohir sends his regards, and also a flask of good white wine from Lindon, for the enjoyment of your brother especially. Súlivrin wanted to write you a letter as well, but as her handwriting is rather ... unique and takes up a lot of space, I have let her send you a separate letter, which is enclosed with this one.

Know always that my home in Lindon is open to you, dear friend, and that you, your brother, and your family will remain fondly in my heart. 

May Elbereth preserve you until next we meet.

Ningloriel of Mithlond


The following is written in a very young child's wobbly script, the letters well-rounded and large. Some of the words are hastily scratched out with ink, and there are several ink-blots on the page and blackish smudges which look suspiciously like fingerprints.

Aunt OilUilossiel,

Thank you for the book. I learned my letters and Nanna Naneth says I can write to you now.  I have a pet swan. Her name is Fangl Faingil and she likes bread. Do you have a pet? Tell Uncle Curandir Cúrandir that I like the deer he made very much. His name is Arod because he is nbl noble-looking. I also want him to make me a bow very much. I watnt want to be an archer like him and Uncle Falasgil someday. Please?

Elverth Elbereth preseve you, as Nana says.

~ Súlivrin