An address is written in exquisite Sindarin, then again in Westron. It is likely in case the letter drops from the sky, as the parchment is rolled and tied with string to be sent by falcon.
To Cuvallorn; Imladris; By the hearth in the Hall of Fire
Greetings, old friend. I know it has been long since we last spoke. I know you disapproved strongly of my decision to leave for Evendim, but you shall be overjoyed to hear of my latest venture. Three days ago, on my way to Imladris, I chanced upon a Company. The Company of the East Road, in fact. It is comprised of mostly Men, such as the leaders Deorla and Furley, who hold their respect. Their commander Altheric who is a man of the Dale-lands and is surprisingly talented with a lute, and Amaken, who is their stablemaster and also the one to whom I report about my craft. Also, a dwarf who is their sergeant named Kildwin. He seems to have quite the temper, but he appears to be very honest and direct with his words, and I have decided he is one I can serve under. I have chosen to "throw my lot in" with them, as Men say, and earn coin while honing my services as I make my way to you and Imladris. My first night I merely pled for their assistance, as my horse had spooked and I needed somewhere to rest. But, Furley told me they had recently held a market in Imladris, and I hoped to ask them about Mallossel. While I think of her, has she been through Imladris, friend? Is she there? Has she already passed by? And how fares Cardanith? Is he still lost to us in slumber?
I suppose by the time your answer is delivered to me, their fates may have long changed. Regardless, I came to realize that there were other Elves involved in this company! The second day I spent with them, as Furley told me their Company meeting was not until the next day, I met the Hiril Seregrian. She tells me she is a scholar, and she seems wise and powerful and fearsome, and I am glad to be working alongside her and not facing her on the battlefield. Sergeant Kildwin was fascinated with her tales of working alongside other dwarves in Thorin's Hall and Khazad-Dum, and I must admit, I was entranced as well. We talked for a time before I excused myself to search for my horse - which is what led me into this mess in the first place, but is a story for another letter, unfortunately. I know your patience is thin when it comes to Dwarves and Men.
The third day, being yesterday, was the Company meeting I was informed of. I did not realize it was a recruitment meeting, but, I was fascinated. There were so many people there, Cuvallorn - I suppose you would have loathed it. A half-beorning from Rhun named Kavad, who, in hindsight, I believe was flirting with me, had never seen an Elf before! Likely, I know little of Rhun, so I hope to share more of our cultures with each other. Granted, he said if those in power in Rhun knew of us elves, they would likely want us for concubines. I wasn't sure if I was to feel honored or concerned by that. I also met a Man whose name escapes me, but he seemed far more worried about coin and wine than anything else that was happening. There was another elleth, a scholar as well, who seems that she will be working with Seregrian. She is from Imladris! I shall ask her name soon enough and see if you know each other.
Today I got to further interact with Kavad and Seregrian, and I met another elf! He has joined the company today as another warrior, so we shall be working closely together. His name is Ithilwe, and he is older than you, just like I, but we appear to be around the same age. He was also born in Gondolin, and I foresee us spending far more time together. He is a hunter, skilled with his bow by the looks of it, and strong and tall, and... well.
I know you are certainly considering throwing this letter into the fire by now, but I chose to join their Company. I answer to four people which is, apparently, not the norm. I answer to Amaken, as I said before, as I offered them my services in the forging and repairing of armor, a craft I began in Imladris and honed with the Dunedain. As a scout, I have yet to meet the head scout I answer to, but I am sure in time we shall meet. I answer to both Altheric and Kildwin for my services as a warrior - I simply hope I do not get pulled into too many directions at once. You are likely wondering, Cuvallorn, if I have lost my mind. I assure you that I have not, and I am still as sane as I was the day we last spoke, when you threatened me with your own blade. I have done this for myself - I have buried myself deep in my life as a warrior, one of the Wardens of Annuminas. I have all but forfeited my relationship with you, and Cardanith, and even my dear sister. I know not how to even dress for polite company, as Seregrian has pointed out to me. Within three months, the Company is leaving for the Rhovanian. I imagine we will be stopping in Imladris along our travels, and I want not to be alone any more as I make this journey. From there, where shall I go? Shall I stay with this Company forever? I know not the answer to this.
We both know there is a Shadow growing. You are free to remain as you are, content in your music and in your idleness in Imladris - I know now there is no convincing any to join me. Yet I have faced this Shadow in Evendim, where the Angmarim stir and the drakes blaze fires hot. If in Rohan I find a more dreadful evil, I may depart from them to Gondor, and from there, to Mordor? Shall I go so far alone? I should hope not. Given the option, I would beg you, and Mallossel, and Cardanith to join me on this venture. But that is all I can do for now - beg. Please, consider this, Cuvallorn. Consider this as you play your harp for the elf-children that dance at your feet and make braids in your hair. Should you not fight for them?
I shall attach the address of the Company's house so you may send me your reply, be it just to the questions I posed you about Mallossel, or to the charge which I place upon you. I await eagerly your response, your ever-faithful companion and shield,
Amathlan
