-------,
I have returned to Bree in working order. All limbs remain well-membered, and naught has come to irretrievable ruin. Here I sit in the common room of the Pony, a roaring fire at my back, a tankard of Best before me, and two outrageously inebriated halflings on either side. Would that you were here to scowl them into submission that I might have a moment’s peace! In truth, however, I cannot begrudge their high spirits.
It is now much later in the season than either you or I reckoned it might be when we said our farewells, though not for any mischance. It has been a lonesome road south and east, and an uncommon weariness has dogged me since we were parted. I cannot place it, for these are paths that I know well, and upon them Flindol and I have ridden often in haste. But fret not, grim lordling. I am far from death, and my limbs shall unerringly find their strength again, I am sure.
I hope still to make the crossing at the High Pass ere the height of winter arrives, else I must bear the still-longer road south through Enedwaith or otherwise beg leave to remain the season at Imladris, which would be for you the source of no little amusement and for me that of eternal torment.
As commanded, I will write once more ere my departure from this fine establishment, though by the time this letter finds its way into your hands, I may very well be frozen beyond the reach of the living upon Caradhras.
In good health and great cheer,
Aeralhil
