Dearest Sue,
I am so worried. Granny is ill. It is not only her dry cough, that is worse, too, but it is more. And she does not want to go outside anymore, she hardly eats anything, and, what worries me the most, she recently taught me her secret recipes for her blueberry ale and her special cider. The only explanation I have is that she believes it is her time now. Polly said that she has lived a long life and might simply be ready to go.
But I do not want to accept that. I am sure granny does not want to leave me alone just yet. Something surely can be done. Polly is a good healer, but you know granny better than she does. I guess there is no way for you to come back to Bree at the moment, so I am sending you Polly's notes, perhaps you or one of your elven colleagues will have an idea what to do. I am sure Mugendo could help, but he is not back from his journey to the North yet.
Granny has told me to go and enjoy the festivities. I guess she is tired of my worried face. She wants me to relax. How can I relax though when I have to be afraid that the worst is going to happen? Well, I am not a completely hopeless case. Passing the Pony just an hour ago, my ear caught some gentle tones. I turned around and saw Alystair standing there on top of the stairs playing his harp. His music really made me forget my worries for a while. And when I was feeding Birdie and playing him a song, I swear he started to cheep along. He made me smile, and that felt good, too.
But enough chitchat - please do read Polly's notes and show them to some elves who might be able to help. I am waiting impatiently for your answer.
Your old friend Malyn
Granny is not feeling well
Playing a song for Birdie
