Dearest Cedmon,

My heart cannot convey how truly sorry  I am. Whilst you slept beneath the Shire-Tree, and I drank of the wines of home, Laerorsel came running to me in a flurry the likes of which I have never seen. I did not want to wake you, so we spoke softly and away from the tree. She spoke to me and said that she had been tracking our leave from Bree, which is no easy feat for a young one like herself who has no experience in such things.

 She told me that after we had left for Evendim, a letter had arrived for me detailing that my father, Ethiron, had fallen ill to poison from the foul things that haunt Eryn Galen. His situation was dire, and it was impressed that I returned immediately. Leaving without waking you, I know, was a coward's decision, but I could not ask you to return to Felegoth with me. I know you are not ready to yet face the Elven-King's Halls.

I hope you can forgive me, Cedmon, for leaving so swiftly in the night. My father is dear to me, as you know, and if it is such poison that will claim him, then I must be there by his side. However, you are dear to me as well, and that is why it is with such a pained heart I must do this. I would never ask you to return to a home that you are not ready to return to.

I will send word again once I have arrived safely; if you do not hear from me in a fortnight from this letter, do not follow me.

 I am so sorry.