Malledhrim

Most honourable Lady Galadriel,

I have recieved your letter recently; and read the contents with a heavy heart. As you may know, my wife and I are with child.

But "duty 'afore hearts", and I will endeavour to carry out your request. Within this month, I will leave Eriador for home.

I will bring those that I feel should come.

Regards, Andarne of the Malledhrim Order.

Greetings, my friend.

Many months it has been, in the timings of Men, since you walked your home. I am hopeful that your marriage to your Lady is fruitful; and know that should you wish your children educated, the scholars are more than happy to oblige. But this letter is not without purpose.

I have an issue that needs resolving; and the hand of one of my finest is required.

Many things are happening at once: Malliel, my beloved, is training herself; she does not wish to partake the journey to our Homeland, unprepared.

Lothlórien is seeing many outsiders at the borders. I grow weary of them all; they are either half-dumb, or wicked. Only those that The Lady and Lord seek, will be allowed true passage.

I have returned to Lothlórien.

Caras Galadhon is a welcome haven. I am glad I find time to meditate and rest, here in my homeland.

The air is still sweet and warm, like a summer's day. I wonder how long I should stay? Surely Malliel wishes to come here?

Or...she wishes me to come to her? Such decisions!

Joy is with me today! I am to be a husband!

The joy of Malliel's agreement, still lingers in my heart and mind. I am overjoyed by it all! The moment I asked, I knew there was no turning back! And she said "Yes"! There is so much to do...and she wishes to visit Lothlórien, afore the ceremony (which will be some time away, but the journey is growing more hazardous.)

I returned to Caras Galadhon, within the last hour.

It would seem that Talain Brethil is not so stocked in art supplies, as one might think.

I do feel glad I am back home. The air is sweeter, and it is still warm. But the city is quiet; and things are moving slow.

Peace has come, to all of us.

With Telfaras' death, still fresh in my mind; I decided to venture homeward.

Lothlórien is a pleasant haven, to which I can rest my thoughts. But as soon as I stepped into the borders, I recieved reports; of my friend, Lindeman.

He was progressing well. I stayed, for quite a while. All the time, thinking of Telfaras. Gwenbur. Malliel. Sweet, sweet Malliel.

I recieved a letter, the hour past. It bore grave news.

Telfaras, friend Telfaras; has fallen, in Mirkwood. I--I do not know, what to do. He was one of my dearest friends, and an Officer in my contingent! Oh....oh, such sorrow!

And Gwenbur, fair Gwenbur; with child...alone. She knows we, The Malledhrim, will care for her; Telfaras will live on with the child within her womb.