To Firithain, son of Theohain
7 Chestnut Street
Hookworth, Bree-Land
My son,
It warms my heart to hear from you. I have been aware of your status these past four years -- Who did you think was responsible for calling a healer from the Golden Wood for you? Much as you may wish it were, a Captain of the Guard for a Thane is not an all-important title. I sincerely doubt the King himself would take an interest in your care to this degree.
I admit that I was initially puzzled by your decision to leave, and the abruptness of it. But you have always been a man who has followed your heart above aught else. It is both your strongest quality and your deepest flaw. In time, I have come to understand it.
However, I am troubled that you feel the need to beg for my forgiveness. Has it not been something I have always freely offered? When you borrowed my books on boating without permission, and shared them with your friends, did I not forgive you when they were dropped into the Entwash? When you and your sister defended the nearby farm from wargs and you brought her back, broken, bleeding in your arms… Did I ever once scold you for risking her life?
Have I ever been quick to anger or judgement? Have I always done my best to let you learn from your own mistakes? This is something you must continue to do, and I must continue to allow you to. My forgiveness has always been yours, and you have never needed to ask.
But now… now my heart grows weary, old, and tired. I struggle to rise from the bed in the morning, and I fear I am not long for this earth. My greatest wish is for you to be by my side in my final days, so that I may bestow my blessings upon you and your children.
However, I understand if your oaths may prevent that from being possible. Your integrity has always meant everything to you, as it should. If she will release you from your oath, even for a time, my heart would rejoice to see you.
But should this not come to pass, know that I am, and have always been, proud of you.
I love you, son.
Theohain
Fenmarch, Eastfold
The Riddermark
