#of elves and men

I have received a most surprising correspondence this evening, and have need to consider it deeply.  Having travelled west and north on errantry, I am now returned and quartered in the home of the Lord Elrond as I write, bearing news of some import to him - but this be not what I write of, grave though it be.

Nay, rather, upon my return, I was soon met with a runner who bore a note for me from the Lady Manadhlaer, who had apparently penned an answer for me directly, only to be thwarted by my own quick departure into the Wilds.

A letter delivered by an errand runner in the Last Homely House.  The hand which has written this note is both quick and fair, and while the paper is unadorned, it is of good quality.

To the Lady Airesarë Celulinda Manadhlaer of the Order of the Pillar, House Bar-en-Vanimar,

My thanks and regards, firstly, for your taking the time to address this to me - I confess, given the ill terms on which we parted, I had not expected nor desired any further correspondence, and welcome this act of peace on your part.

It has now been some days since I was in the House of Elrond, having been sent there on an errand by my allies in Esteldín.  I confess that I was afraid, for never before had I met so many of the Fair Folk, nor stayed in their halls.  Sire Angild would on occasion trade with the Fair Folk of the Greenwood, but seldom, and never did I accompany him to those far distant borders.

Freawine sat near his favorite creek after his Mother told him to go outside and play. The neighborhood is lively enough for the time of day.  He would wait for his Nan to meet him. He didn't understand why his Mother was so closeted about anything regarding family. But again, why should he? He was only seven. He quietly compared himself to other seven-year-old boys. Why were other children bored when he showed up? Why was he taught to read before he could pick up a sword?