To the Lord Ambassador of Bar-en-Vanimar Parnard,
Good tidings! I have used my trusted judgment to assemble here all the most important reports from the valley so that you will not feel as though you had missed anything during your mission into the Hithaeglir. It will certainly be as though you had not been absent at all, and none of the valley folk will dare to say you were neglectful of any duties.
Your home is in impeccable order due to the diligence of your housekeeper, Mistress Losshell and lack of any visitors. Not that your lordship has none, for you are sorely missed and several folk knock at your door with some plea or request daily, but they are sharply turned away scampering by Mistress Losshell. So I have taken it upon myself to collect a now quickly growing list of messages and errand-bearers, so that they may be addressed upon your return. I tried once, to leave some papers in your house but have also suffered a harsh reprimanding from Mistress Losshell. I would ask if your lordship could do without such a surly door-warden the next time you feel the necessity to depart from the valley.
In other news, Master Sogadan has shared with me very little information, and he seems reluctant to speak with me at all, though he knows much. Yet, he bids me tell you that he wishes for your speedy return, as his purse is now mostly empty without his usual generous Vanimar patrons. However, do not worry my lord, for I have gathered from other sources, the rumours that circulate among the valley folk.
Master Estarfin has been seen taking long walks and many fair maidens of the valley wonder who he is visiting and whose company he keeps. It is said in the Hall that he can also be found moving his limbs these days in all sorts of weird contortions while reading old pieces of parchment. He bends himself in half, then squats near the ground bending his knees...I am quite uncertain what we should make of this development. I had heard that Master Estarfin was awarded a great ancient shield in light of his recent actions. Perhaps under the distress of his injuries and Tur Anglachelm's kindness, he suffers an illness of the mind? I will continue to watch Master Estarfin in your absence, but please tell me if I should take any precautions against this new behavior. I await your wise counsel.
Other folks like to speculate these days that Bar-en-Vanimar is planning on leaving the valley entirely, since they have emptied themselves out into the Hithaeglir. They wonder how the House had decided to send off all their officers, leaving their Tur unguarded and vulnerable. Of course, I try to tell them how many able warriors still defend the valley and our Tur, such as Master Celephindir, but they will not listen to me. Your lordship must understand, of course, the nature of rumours. They are eager to accuse others of leaving the valley defenseless and wonder what peril will befall them during Vanimar's absence.
I hope all the company is well in the cold north, and I humbly await further instructions and any letters you may have for the valley, which you may return with my eagle, Taursul. I believe Tur Anglachelm patiently awaits reports from your lordships.
~Aurineth
Courier of Bar-en-Vanimar
