Ethuilon,
Perhaps you've already heard by now, but I'll put it here for the sake of honesty - I ran into Estelain at the Caravan Market last night.
And I'm happy for you. Truly. But I also might have threatened him with my axe a bit, so you have my apologies for that.
I just hope you know what you're doing. I worry for you, much as I try not to. It's funny - even with your hundred-and-fifty years on me, you always felt so much younger. I suppose that's an elf thing. Never growing infirm or old, never having to see yourself eroded away by this hard world - just the bright stretch of eternity ahead, and you growing ever wiser in your innocence.
You're better off with one who'll stay by your side, Ethuilon. Even if he is from bloody Lorien.
Perhaps it's best if I stopped writing these. I'll likely be seeing you in person every so often anyway, given what Celebreneth's asked of me. You can tell her I've sourced some fine Dwarven stone, if you see her, though I'm still on the lookout for a wood supplier.
Maybe I'll even run into you at the market itself, next time. I did hear you'd been making a nuisance of yourself there. There's a fellow gives out free baked goods who mentioned he'd played drinking games with a certain Mirkwood elf a few weeks back. I'll not lie - it was amusing to hear that I'd guessed his nature quicker than you did. I've promised to carve some spoons and ladles for him. Not exactly complex work, but it'll give me something to do of an evening.
He's a nice lad. Shame he needs to hide the way he was made, but then I've no right to judge anyone else for that. We all have our secrets.
I'm glad to know that Zaiss and Celebreneth are doing well. Give them my regards, won't you? And it's pleasing to hear you've finally had a letter sent home. I think my mother would go spare if I didn't write to her every season, so I can't imagine how your folks are faring. I'd bet my one good leg they're not as angry with you as you think.
Did you ask Hravanis if she'd ever gone by Thakala, by the way? Or has all that wine addled your memory again? She sounds like an interesting lass, regardless.
I should close. I've written too long, and doubtless your Lorien friend is waiting for you to finish reading.
I hope he treats you well. He's a business associate now, after all - It'd be a shame to have to punch him repeatedly in that smug bloody face of his the face.
Stay safe. Be happy.
Cordially,
Kolbrand.
