{ NOTE: The following is a letter addressed to Lady Seregrían of House Bar-en-Acharn }
Wending Way Burrow, Dunfurlong, Southfarthing in the Shire
26th of December in the Shire-reckoning
To Her Ladyship, Seregrian does Lancogard North-took send this epistle:
It has been just shy of a year since I met an Elf-maid on the road from Waymeet, styling herself "Bainiel" - and later learned that self-same maid was was Your Ladyship. And what a year it has been, and no mistake! Since that time, you have welcomed me into your extended household, made me a guest in your manor, and accepted my services in friendship at the House feasts and celebrations.
In that same span of time I have also watched you transform from a pensive and bitter scholar, into a courageous and outgoing spirit of benevolence. You have founded a House you can be rightly proud of - and few were as happy as I was that day that you announced your betrothal and intent to marry.
Your Ladyship, I have heard the sad tidings of the ending of that betrothal. I am certain that by now, you must know how the members of your House have rallied to your side and answered your silent plea for help. Yes, you read that rightly. We all know you would never ask openly for help from anyone, especially not with the damages of a broken heart, which I know you to have, despite your stoic silence. This first attempt at such a thing in your life (I know this from speaking to others of the House, especially that lovely Elf-lady Hartagil ) puts you in the company of so many others who have loved and lost what you now know. And that, my dear Bainiel, includes my humble self.
I never spoke to you before about this, but I was once contemplating courtship and marriage, myself. In my late tweens, I was desiring to court one Marigold Brockhouse of Long Cleeve in the Northfarthing. Margo was everything I thought I wanted in a hobbit-lass, and a future bride: but that ended in a quarrel when I broached the subject formally to her. You see, she wanted nothing to do with any adventurous hobbit whatsoever, as she was merely looking for a steady farm-hand type of fellow, and I was at the time just joining the Bounders. I needn't tell you how my heart and spirit were rent to ribbons, like wet laundry left out on a windy day. Many long months of sorrow and listless brooding followed, and nearly cost me my position in the Watch. But as those months wound on, I realized that the ache from that event in my life began to fade, and it was replaced by other things, like work, friends, and new adventures.
Your Ladyship will know her own business, but this is how I would advise you, if I were present in your splendid halls: focus your keen mind on your study and your learning, turn to the day-to-day things your household are doing, and for goodness sakes, get out and mingle with others. With the Yule festivals in full swing, there will be so many chances for parties, gatherings, and celebrations that if you choose, you will be awhirl with activity and no time on your hands to brood.
I can only wish you the joy of the Yuletide with friends and family who care for your sake. I would ask you that, if you find your ways passing through the Shire, take the time to send the word and I shall be only too proud to be Your Ladyship's escort to the finest celebrations the Shire-folk have to offer!
To the dear lady whom I shall always remember as Bainiel,
I remain with the utmost esteem,
Your Obedient Servant
Lancogard North-took
