The envelope and the letter within are both of fine paper, and the calligraphy is thick, yet delicate, but not overly fancy.
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To Fingolrin of Lindon, greetings.
I hope this finds you well, and that you have reached your destination in safety. There are whispers of dangers abroad, and all roads seem to have some peril of their own. But it is not to speak of the hardships of a traveler I send this letter to you, brother. Nay, I write to deal with other matters. There have been many developments since you have left the valley, and it would take far too long to list them all: time which I fear is not at my disposal. Suffice it to say no ties exist between me and Bar-en-Vanimar any longer, and that is also true to others whom we are both acquainted with. Some of the reasons for such disagreements are known to you, no doubt. For myself, I have no regrets in my decision. It was the right thing to do after that outrageous display at the Hall of Fire.
Raolor and I bore witness when you took your oath, and thus we resigned together as well. It seemed fitting.
I suppose it will not surprise you to know that your departure has become a matter of speculation, as seems to be the fate of all unusual events within this valley to be the subject of gossip. Although I will not burden you with recordings of such idle talk, I will tell you that some seem to go as far as to believe you were headed to Lindon; to board a ship and sail West. I must say I cannot find within myself to contradict them. Let them wonder and leave you in peace! However, not all here seem to cling to comfort, idleness, to sweet wine and gossip. The news brought by the expedition to The Greenwood in which you partook seems to have stirred the hearts of many an elf in Imladris; stirred to pity and empathy to our kinsmen who suffer now at the onslaught of the enemy. One thing has led to the other as it is said, and I will be soon taking the road too with many others: Makanárë, Raolor, Vorongwë and Eliriael, just to name a few.
Unfortunately, this means our paths will not meet for as long as this war lasts. But what then, if we live to see the end of this conflict? I cannot help but wonder. All our victories have proved to be incomplete and I fear history will repeat itself. What is left for us here, even if the Enemy is defeated? I see but two paths: a safe journey to the Grey Havens in order to leave Endor, never to return; or to remain, wither and fade into memory, for such were the words of Lord Námo. I have not forgotten them, I probably never will. Alas, I will not dwell in such thoughts any longer; it is bound to keep me running in circles and bore you, surely.
I will take my sword and don my armor and join the fray to the defence of the realms of the Eldar. I suppose there might still be strength in our people, so that we may accomplish great and glorious deeds, subject of songs to echo in the ages to come, long after we are gone. That is a somewhat reassuring thought.
I will try to contact you again, once the journey is done, but there is little guarantee any message of mine will reach you, for many roads separate Lórien and Celondim, and few of them remain safe. Fewer even are those willing to take such risk.
May Elbereth be ever watchful over your path.
Artakáno Astaldo, Annúngil.
