My Lord,
Nothing is more delightful to faithful servants than the success of their household, and I do verily hope that this letter serves its purpose, and lays everything out before you, so that you may consider all. My Lord will no doubt be pleased to hear that our naugrim hosts were polite in every way, and most anxious to see us comfortable, and very courteous were their words when we arrived in the Halls of Thorin. Shortly after we arrived, one of these naugrim bid us step forward, and instructed us to remove our weapons. There was no need for me to do so, as I had given my sword to the Warden Aithanar for safe-keeping before we entered the gate.
We were escorted down a long cavernous hall to a tall dais. At its foot, on a plush woolen carpet stood our host, the nangol Kandral. Very quiet and curious was the observing crowd, people of all conditions, dressed in diverse colors and strange fashions. Kandral welcomed us to the gathering, and had wine served by two naugol-maids. Both were clad in rich purple dresses and wearing veils to hide their faces. I did try to speak with one, but either she did not wish to speak to an elf or she did not understand me, and instead slipped away through the crowd, taking my wine goblet away with her, which I did not like. It was no fit place for frivolous diversion, but more wine would have lifted the chill from my heart in that grand and gloomy hall of stone.
The naugol Kandral asked about our patrols around Imladris and in the far north Hithaeglir, and of those other companies of elves who wander west of the Ered Luin. One elf was most eager to impress his service and devotion to this task, and spoke of great efforts in keeping the roads clear, while another one spoke of the Bar-en-Vanimar, and said we come and go by our own wisdom, which is indeed true, for my Lord’s wisdom is very great, but the way in which it was spoken seemed to give us bad report.
They talked, my Lordship, of many sad complaints. The Shadow is far stretched across the land, and hath slid deep into the gentle valleys of the little hill-people. Their isolation is increased, for though they are watched over, the wild places all around are made desolate and savage. It hath affected the trade along the East Road, and wolves and goblins have invaded the woodlands and outlying farms. Kandral of Durin’s Folk proposed that we enter into an alliance. Little more was said on this matter, so the prospect of this was dim from the outset, and it was not made any clearer as the night wore on. Each one of us had a chance to speak and give our thoughts on this matter.
I spoke last and said little, my Lord, knowing the assembled host was growing restless, and that much good advice would be condemned, for the words of a stranger hold no command amongst foreigners. I spoke of the vain confidence in the alliances and confederacies once entered into, from which we expected much, but found no satisfaction, and how the past is not forgotten so easily.
This alliance, Lord, will likely follow after all the rest, beginning as a strong and blustering wind, rousing all that it tosses up in its wake, but it will lose strength quickly, and fail entirely, or instead blow up in our faces, and be so harmful to us that there will be no profit and advantage by this covenant. We must do that which will help not hurt, and though it may be what some others wish, we cannot follow blindly down their path. Will we pursue the plans of these people, or let those that pursue their own plans chase after them?
It is not our place to impose our will upon others, nor should we have it imposed upon by others. But those that enter into an alliance must answer to someone, and the will of one becomes lost in that of another, if its ends will be met successfully. There is need of a leader, someone to pursue these plans, and have his own will in this, but he should not be someone who wishes riches or fame for himself, one who is self-seeking, and imperious. I do not believe any of our House would care to lead: we are too wise and conscientious to meddle with these affairs, Lord, and will not be hurt again now, in this dreadful hour when we must stand fast, and maintain and defend what remains of our realm at all hazards, and not give up any part of it. Nor shall any of us follow any other banner but the Swan; our hearts remain with Bar-en-Vanimar and our Lord.
If we neither lead nor follow, and must go as our wisdom commands, I shall not offer any thoughts or advice of mine as to our proper course, well knowing my Lord needs not any, and shall remain,
Your most humble and obedient servant,
Parnard Teludarion
