Your Ladyship,
Our son Ardanion is now nearly the same age as I when I began my years as a vagabond. Like you, he has an insatiably inquisitive mind, and like me, a desire to see the world. He will, most certainly, seek that world sooner rather than later, and will, as certainly, cross and perhaps follow many of the roads I have taken. As I think back on those wandering days, I am acutely aware of how much I could have used a truly sincere mentor, and it occurs to me that Ardanion could have none better than his own father. Our discussions with Teahesto have arrived at the same conclusion, and the three of us will, for a time, show Ardanion the world that the Captain and I have known. It should be an interesting school for our son, seeing things through the eyes of both a mortal and immortal who have wandered far.
In our absence, I have every confidence that you and Baniel will keep your House in its high standard of honor and celebration. Our daughter is the perfect choice to be your true successor, for she has your grace, beauty, wit, and determination. Between you both, there can be no House with hostesses more alluring and satisfying. With the talents of our grand hobbits in your service, I am sure we will hear of your great feasts no matter where we three should wander. You certainly no longer need, if you ever did, a Steward.
Teahesto has arranged for Baniel to have all she needs to keep the Craft House in good order and will continue to make shipments for the material stores; in the Captain’s absence, you should make her Mistress of the Hand. It is good that she should have serious duties to accompany her celebratory ones, and there can be no better mentor for her in any of them than you.
The first leg of our journey will take us by sea from Lindon to the Cape of Belfalas, where Lumenire has acquired an island manor.
She has decided to delay for a time her westward pilgrimage to rejoin her own husband and children in Valinor. That, however, is her story to tell.
Knowing you as I do after fifteen years of betrothal, marriage, and child rearing, I expect you might have grave and perchance heated concerns about this. If so, please consider. This is not the wild heart of a young mortal fool sacrificially hurling himself (and our son) towards doom to protect his betrothed. That fellow has grown into this father bringing up his son, and who has also gained the accompaniment of the sage and worldly High Kindred who years ago saved my life. When we inevitably return, I trust our son will be a much more mature man than a certain love struck ‘Dunedan carcass’ who once thought he could be an Elf lord.
We will be sure to share our journals with the House as we proceed.
Ever Your Elf-Touched,
Cutch, Ardanion, and Teahesto
P.S. I would have discussed this in person, but Your Ladyship has seemed rather busy lately…
