The letter is bound and accoutered as formally as it can be for its journey by bird from Imladris to Erebor, which is a long way even for a determined bird. And yet the odd shower of fresh petals persists, in this case giving the effect of the tears of Nienna. The seal is thick wax, certainly the heaviest part for the poor bird, bearing the official imprint of Lósengriol. A calligrapher's mark under the signature is iwritten in a very muted red ink.
My dear Hrundis:
First, let me tell you again -- as I am telling your esteemed father, the great Vignár, whose deeds have reached our ears even in Imladris -- how very sorry we were that your brother Vigfús fell to another Dwarf's axe. I am personally told by his friend Harnack, who grieves the loss profoundly, that he was a stout and brave Dwarf, honourable in all things. You and your father have cause to be proud. I am sure that he rests in the bosoms of his forefathers and indeed of Mahal himself.
You will be glad to know that members of our House, acting with extreme bravery, succeeded in retrieving the evlidoer. Krimruk Dourhand apparently acted out of vengeance for your father's bravery in opposing the traitor-clan during his own years as a warrior. We captured him alive, and have in our position also the heirloom axe made by your grandfather for your father.
Harnack proposed executing the miscreant straight away, but our scholars looked into the problem and learned that under your people's laws, this right would belong to you or your father before it might be given to anyone else. Of course, the snows will make the route over the mountains impassable until the season of stirring at the very least. This gives you some time to decide what you would have us do. Would you prefer that we brought Krimruk and the axe -- and potentially your sadly fallen brother's mortal remains -- to Erebor in the spring? Or would you rather come to the mountains, or indeed, to our halls here in Imladris? We have a contact at the outpost of Vindurhal, a very good fellow named Ulvoin (pardon me -- I do not know the name of his father). He might be prevailed upon to host you, if you prefer a shorter journey.
I realize that in many respects, this may seem a surprising letter. It is true that under normal circumstances, the Eldar keep to ourselves and do not concern ourselves overmuch with the affairs of mortals; our perspective on the world is unlike that of the other races, and it makes for strange conversations. However, we were asked for assistance in this matter -- and the sheer injustice of the situation described to us by Harnack, to say nothing of his obvious grief and pain at losing a dear friend, moved our hearts. And so we await your answer, and will abide by your wishes in all things. Harnack will be the one to present the axe to you, whether here, or in the foothills of the mountains, or at your home.
I am and shall ever remain at your service, dear Hrundis. May your burden be lightened by the knowledge that apart from his bravery in defending Hrimbarg, he was also well-loved by his friends. With his honour came also decency and kindness, and such a Dwarf will not be forgotten -- for what Harnack has told us, we ourselves shall preserve in song unto the breaking of the world.
Manadhlaer of Lósengriol
Imladris
I, Sarmëtecil, scribed this
