A Healthy Serving of Cider
{ Being a letter sent by direct eagle-post to Applecider Bolingbroke, current resident of Falathlorn }
THE OFFICE OF THE WATCH, BROCKENBORINGS, Northfarthing in the Shire, 11 Afteryule:
My dear Applecider, such a delightful surprise to receive your latest! Indeed it has been a passing of years since we last spoke or wrote, and no mistake! Our paths have been crissing- and crossing- all over the Four Farthings, so it seems, and a wonder it is that we hadn't collided headlong on the Road.
Fancy you recalling those days what I spent under my uncle Cyrus' roof! And yes, I remember how you and my cousin Blythe tore around the lands together, quite the pair you were. You're quite right about my commitments to the Bounders at the time; and yes, I have made acquaintance with Master Halros (and thank you, you solved the mystery of where he got those marvelous pies)...
But the main of the letter is the absolute shock and wonder of you making the acquaintance of the Lady Seregrían! Now mind you, my own first encounter with Her Ladyship was an epoch in my recent days, and no mistake. And yes, you touch on a sad subject, being that of her recent betrothal and how the blackguard who stole her heart gave her bitter use for it.
(I can say in confidence to you: I took a liberty and used the office of Deputy-Shirriff to try and track down the knave, to exact even the slightest recompense for Her Ladyship's undue suffering - but alas, it seems the ruffian has melted back into the obscurity of the Big Folk from whence he came...)
Dear Applecider, from the bottom of my heart I thank you for looking out for Her Ladyship in even the simplest and most Hobbit-sensible of ways; yes, the past few weeks have been especially hard upon her, and all of us connected to her: not because of what she is doing, but of what she is NOT doing, and that is taking better mind for her own welfare. I have been corresponding with her lately, and she has indicated her desire to visit the Shire, and perhaps even guest with me for a short spell - I'm taking that as not only a good sign, but perhaps the influence of your own good presence of late. Whatever it is you are doing for her, please I ask you to continue, as it seems to be making much progress!
So, you've met such folk there as Master Ingrasion? He has such a talent with the music, and can set an entire room to dance! I have yet to meet the others whom you mention; Mistress Olriandis sounds like a lovely lass, and Master Herestel (of whom I've heard no report, and I should take it upon myself to learn more) sounds not a bit curious to me.
Now, I trust that the method this letter has reached you wasn't too shocking at all. For her correspondence, Her Ladyship sends her magnificent eagle (I can't pronounce his name in the Elven-tongue, but Her Ladyship names him "Windwalker") to bear letters back and forth, and she gave me leave to send him in this wise. So, along with a letter meant for Herself, I enclose this letter to you, seeing as you are also residing hard by in the Elf-valley, if I read your letter aright. An amazing bird is Windwalker, and no mistake - all one has to do is feed him fish, name the recipient of the message, insert the letter into the parcel on his talon, and say "Gwilo!" - the Elvish word for "Fly!" - and off he goes! I don't mind telling you, it pleases me in a wicked sort of way to see the envy and spite in folks' eyes when an eagle delivers my letters! And I daresay that, as time goes on and your association with Her Ladyship grows, you'll know many of the same wonders, and more, as I do.
Well, let me close this and send it promptly, so that Windwalker can deliver it with all due speed. I had hoped to make another trip of my own to the Elf-valley after the new year, and now that has come and gone, and now I have even more reason to make the trip: and such a reunion at The Lair (as Herself names it) there shall be!
So, let me wish all the blessing and goodwill upon you for this coming year! I remain
Your esteemed friend,
LANCOGARD NORTH-TOOK
(PS: The spiced apple pie you included was indescribably tasty!)
