It is a strange occurrence that of all the people in the wide world, I have run into that golden-haired brother of mine. Culufinnel was so far afield assisting the Malledhrim's war with the Enemy that he had not yet learned of my induction into the King’s army. Immediately, he began to pester me with questions, and even demanded that I leave with him at once. That is quite impossible, I told him, for I have a great many responsibilities which prevent me from returning home. He seemed surprised. I think he may even have been a bit jealous, but he hid it well, and then he wanted to know what kinds of duties my company placed upon me, as well as the name of my commanding officer. I told him that my talents were in tremendous demand and I was kept exceedingly busy, but when I had a spare moment, I would patrol up and down the road, making sure that it was safe for travelers and pilgrims on their way to the West.
Culufinnel said that the road was very far from King Thranduil’s Halls, and it was in poor condition and little-used by any folk but the Malledhrim or their allies passing through the Southern Greenwood: their need for an escort would be both unlikely and unnecessary. Then he had the gall to ask why I was sojourning in a broken-down public house of questionable reputation, and that he had inquired of the innkeeper, who told him that I had been laid up for three weeks and that his wine stocks were nearly depleted.
If you must know, I said to Culufinnel, I was very ill bruised from my horse falling upon me as I descended a steep hill, and I was recuperating in a place that furnished safe lodging and food. That it also furnished drink for the pleasure of weary travelers was a mere happenstance, but unfortunately it did not provide private chambers. Out of necessity, my bed was spread out in the common room, on the floor beside the casks in the least draftiest corner. I did not add that I thought him a great blond idiot, and that he should mind his own garden before peering over the wall into his neighbor’s, though I was sore tempted. I groaned and threw my cloak over my face, and he went away at last. Before the first stars had faded from the sky, I arose and left, as I had pressing business which would not permit a longer family visit.
