[As it is often so, Maddoct’s handwriting is curly. Though in this particular letter it is not too horrible — it seems Doc tried his best to tone it down and give mercy to the recipient’s eyes.]
Doc to the dearest Jackilyn Blackburrow,
I appreciate your writing to me and keeping me informed. I know how much you care for Elias, and I am incredibly sorry to hear of how your heart may be hurting at this time. Though I still reserve my opinion that this is for the better; such relationships are never easy, and though I’ve never been in I express my wholehearted sympathies and hopes for the pain to ease soon.
You deserve all happiness. Kind and loving you are, and I truly hope you don’t think yourself lesser for ‘giving up’ on that Man. You put in all your effort, yet he still remained unsure and unappreciative. Elias is my friend despite what I write — do not think otherwise — but I feel he hasn’t an eye for fine things and is unable to see what a gem you are. To make an incredibly dwarf-like analogy: He was staring blankly at the rock’s face without mining; he didn’t realize there are jewels within. And I also believe he would rather find coal on the ground and try to analyze that than appreciate the worth that may be right in front of him.
Elias’ apprentice is an interesting sort. Hardly do I know her, but I think you wise for wishing to avoid her. The woman cannot help how her raising developed her disposition, but that doesn’t mean you have to tolerate bad company. He chooses her, apparently; (though I hate to even think and write this) let him be hurt and learn from the mistake.
Be careful of all the Men seeking your company! Perhaps it feels flattering, but I do urge you to keep care of who you spend your time with; avoid unsavory sorts!
[Here the penmanship pauses and keeps pausing. As the words continue, they grow incrementally messier.]
I told Bíld of this news as you asked me to. He agrees that your decision will be better long-term, despite how it may ail you now.
Now, regrettably, I must confront a certain topic.
While normally a reply from me may end around here (I am still getting back into my lengthy writing) before I could add the finishing touches and send this letter to you, I was spoken to.
It pains me to learn that you tol that without permissio that, even though I specifically requested the opposite, you informed Bíld that I had assented to your asking him about if he a certain question despite your reassurance that you would not tell him I requested you to find the answer.
You then told him I fancy him, anticipate something more, wish to court; I never once said such to you. I believe I even expressed the opposite.though that is obviousl I am somewhat unsure what I wish, but it certainly wasn’t and isn’t that. All I gave to you was an acceptance of your offer to help. I confided in you and mentioned how his behavior towards me had seemed confusing and I wished for clarification. And you told him that I
He and I had a conversation henceforth. It did not end badly by any means, though I don’t feel inclined to detail the contents of it — it is nothing you need to know nor do I find myself trusting enough to share it. We parted smiling. Though that conversation which came from your telling was much-needed and clarifying, and I would never trade it for any amount of gold in the world, you still it hurts to know that I can’t believe y I wish it hadn’t come about as a result of your betraya subterfu loose tongue.
This letter is not meant to scold or admonish you. I simply wish for you to know my feelings on this matter. Luckily, luckily, Bíld and I were able to resolve the misunderstanding, but not every instance where you share private information will result happily. I worry that, someday, your inability to keep words to yourself may cause true harm or damage friendships.or You are a good friend to me, Jackilyn, but you’re young. You don’t know better, and I should’ve had the foresight to realize something like this may happen.
You think very lightly of love. Menfolk, I know, may take many loves in their lives. Some marry more than once, even. Now, dwarves may have short fancies or flings, but love, true love, and true courting, is a serious topic for us. Dwarves love one individual in their life (even if that love is unrequited; we will not simply find another). Bíld and I have agreed we are not going to be involved in any such thing with one another though I worry that hearts will ultimately decide rather than logic, as it is firstly improper and unwarranted, secondly just wrong due to our differences and incompatibilties,.and thirdly
He and I will still stay fantastically close companions, of course, but he feels a closer relationship is absurd and so do I.
I dearly wish to keep friendship with you as well. I care for you and all the the time I have spent in your company has been immensely enjoyable. But I fear I may have to stay careful with what I tell you from now on. I am sorry. I hope you do not dislike me for sending this but it was a heavy weight on my chest and mind that needed to be remedied as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Maddoct son of Haddoct
