Mithlond, 27th day of Firith
The Council of the Flower convened in Mithlond, and we have now made our joint reports before Lord Círdan.
All goes well and preparations for Lindon's defence proceed apace.
The shipwrights at the yards report good progress with the work on our vessels; repairs to hull continue well enough, but rope and sailcloth are the chief cause of delay as there is a shortage of both. We trust the weavers and ropers of Lindon shall come through in their work to provide all that we need! When they do, two more swift vessels will join the three already at our direct disposal.
The western stations possess twenty-four fine vessels, with another eight under refit: five at Harlond and three at Forlond. While we lack the mighty fleets of past days, we nevertheless have a fair number of vessels ready to maintain a watchful guard on the waters along our coasts. We will make do with what we have.
Berengal and Helechir reported a steady influx of recruits to our fellow households in the west since the banner was raised. The North Watch is yet weak in strength, though Ithillir of the South Watch has assured us that a number of reinforcements will be sent to aid the northern scouts as training reaches fruition.
I notified the Council that, while we now have sufficient crew to sail our vessels, the number of wardens in the Grey Watch is yet far too low - particularly in view of the troubling presence of goblins just beyond our northern marches, in the Vale of Thrain.
In alerting the Council to our own scouts' news of the increased activity in the eastern foothills of Ered Luin, I assured them of our continued watchfulness of the area. Any move to the south by the goblins will be met by our swift response. Helechir announced that he will send his own scouts to the western peaks of that region, to watch for any sign that the goblins are seeking to cross the mountains into Forlindon. Winter's cloak is not yet full-woven: let us hope that these goblins have not found any such passage open to them.
I have mooted an approach to the dwarves of Thorin's Hall, voicing our concern and offering our cooperation in dealing with this menace. The other members of the Council assented, so I shall therefore dispatch an envoy as soon as possible upon my return to Falathlorn.
Lord Círdan welcomed our briefing and gave his approval of our current objectives.
