Pillar

The wax seal on the outer letter bears the image of a pillar, like that once displayed in Gondolin. The Tengwar on the letter are precise, needing to communicate their message, yet artful and really quite attractive to read. This letter is bound to a thick packet of others, each one a business letter of some sort -- yet while their purpose is utilitarian, and these too are highly readable, the calligraphy is simultaneously so beautiful that one would think the writer had copied out poems for framing on one's wall as artwork.

My dear Lady Gilinnen,

Well, Diary, this is a bit of a turn-up.

I am falling to pattern again, and neglecting you on the calm, ordinary days when all I do is count bandages and listen to the singing birds outside my window. It is only on the days that are particularly strange that I seem to turn to you, and for this I apologize.

A clean cloth. Or what used to be a clean cloth. It was now covered with dust. The whole room smelled like distant memories, as if someone had not occupied the space for a long time. And it was true. It had stood empty for a while now.

She had taken it upon herself to clean it, as it felt like desecration of a holy place to let someone else in. She knew it was folly, of course. The lady Danel had left for the Havens, and would not return. But the idea that she might one day reappear kept Tingruviel busy tidying the space.

Dear Diary,

I have neglected you so. But things have happened, many strange and perhaps terrible yet wonderful.

[A lively elf by the name of Celdir surreptitiously produces a crumpled and ink-stained piece of paper and offers it to those he considers to be friendly to Virthalion including, but not limited to, Lady Danel, Lady Elisbeth and Captain Khalis of Imladris. He expresses some concern over his master’s well-being and although he is not unduly worried, indicates that he wishes to make sure that Virthalion is being kept an eye on by his companions - whether his master approves of this or not.]

Sudden change in wind and the leaves blew the other way. Autumn was truly here and had been for a long time now. The light sifting throught the window hit the embroidery she held in her hands. It was only partially done. A grand piece it would become! Golden threads interweaving with blue and white, creating birds on the chestnut brown, silken fabric. You could almost hear them sing, if you listened closely.