[The envelope looks like it was sealed once with wax, opened, then re-sealed. It feels a little heavy. Inside, the writing of the first page is a little shaky and full of many hesitations (especially at the beginning). The ink looks like it would dry one day, then a new bottle would be opened the next, as if the process of writing was drawn out over some time. Tucked in front of the folded letters is a small strip of ribbon. It’s dark purple, embroidered with a delicate vine-like pattern of lilac and white flowers. Then there’s a flat, dusky river stone, polished and engraved with Khuzdul runes. One one side is engraved “Luck” and the other “Worthy”.]
Maddoct son of Haddoct to Bíld son of Bóurr, most warm and heartfelt greetings.
I am very flattered you trust me with a hair for the exclusive special purpose of assisting in recording beard growth, though I am sorry that the egg milk was not as beneficial as was hoped for. If it is not too forward of me to say, I believe you to have a very prepossessing beard nonetheless and it does not require any changing for you to continue to be the exceptional dwarf that you are.
And, while I did not comment, I did notice that you seem stronger overall than you once were; both emotionally and physically, you appear to be a finer dwarf each and every day. I only hope you don’t tarry with elves too long, lest you begin turning into one. Hopefully Lady Arlis’ words are correct, though do tell me if she may be wrong and elves do prefer sleeping on the ground or in trees like squirrels.
Your description of your encampment made me smile. I would This is rud Even though I’m sorry but I reluctantly say that I certainly would express more sympathy for your honor-sister, but she terrifies me so, and the thought of her having a rat skeleton flung upon her head by you (I can imagine your shocked expression at finding it) gave cause for me to chuckle heartily. Pray, I beg, please don’t tell her I said so, else I know worry I will be murde castrat hanged, drawn, and quar injured by her hand.
My mind is often filled with thoughts of you at both home and work, and I imagine I worry for you at least the same amount, if not more, than you worry for me. But you have a fierce group at your side, and I know no harm shall have come to you along the road. I am certainly managing fine; the patients are as well as they can be, and I wish not to delve in this letter the sadness of that particular case (for the sadness is great indeed). Little Elgerin is doing well.
You should know by now that I’m eating as substantially as always — perhaps more so, with recent stresses. Master Fiontann commented that I look wider. Though later he claimed it to be a jest, I’m not so sure it was entirely untrue — you may return to a rounder son of Haddoct than you recall. And in regards to sleep, I’m so tired when I get home, I almost always end up falling the moment my head hits the pillow (though sometimes warm tea is needed beforehand). I think the only reason I’m able to get myself up in the morning is the incessant rooster that’s taken to singing out a not-charming song some doors down, and especially my new guest — which I will elaborate on shortly. Have you been sleeping well? I know your food intake is fine, since Kithri is with you.
Elias will be going away on another trip, with Master Fiontann, Lady Cedwyn, and Miss Jackilyn. Miss Jackilyn! She and Elias are going to be courting again, if you’d believe it. I don’t know how that’ll work, but they seem happy, especially the lass (Elias is a little doubtful and fearful, but I think he’s just nervous. I’d be nervous too). She’s doing well — only a little weak, still somewhat fatigued, but I believe it’ll do good for her to travel so long as she stays in the cart or on her horse more time than she spends walking.
Cyanite’s letters arrived by raven; I forgot how annoying [This is underlined thrice] hers is! He has taken up residence in my home. Mänik is the singlemost cumbersome guest and creature that I have ever had to entertain — more spoiled than my cousin by leagues upon leagues (and I love her so). I don’t know what he expects by asking me to give him ‘better’ foods (he will not elaborate), and even though I make him his own portions of whatever meals I cook, he pecks at my plate! He sleeps over my head as if he is some looming omen of death and he tries to pry into all my specimen jars and private writings.
I have not told Elias about this particular guest, as I believe he will probably wish to come by and perform experiments. And I am not sure the man whom I am renting this home from would appreciate learning I’m keeping a corvid, but it isn’t as if I can send the bird away!
Regarding the letters: There was a very short one for me from Cyanite, which is unexpected given how much I told you she tends to write. Your parcel is many more pages than mine, so I expect she did that to jest with me. I will give your letters from her to Seimurr, but I beg swift reply; I don’t know how long I can keep this esteemed raven of Erebor under my roof. My beard is falling out in clumps, Bíld!
Though furthermore and otherwise, I do miss your company and friendship deeply. I have made friends here as well, which is still a surprise to me for I truly expected to have very few, if none at all. For a time, I would have some patients and some acquaintances, but since meeting you and working with the Soothery, I’ve been garnering actual friendships (You have given me confidence, too). Yours is something very special and dear to me; I do not recall ever feeling so strongly for a friend and I enjoy you and am grateful for the letter you sent.
In this envelope there is a bookmark (Courtesy of Miss Jackilyn) and a river stone I engraved — gifts of friendship (The woman helped me with the ideas). I imagine being in Rivendell studying would make you stuck in plenty of books, so you’ll need to mark your page without folding said page or hurting the book's spine by placing it face-down (If I ever saw you doing so, my heart would break. Respect your books!). And the stone is just a token of luck. I spent almost a whole day walking along the river near Bree, searching for the perfect piece of our temporary home to send to you. I also desire for it to be a reminder: Astu galdul. You are worthy.
I will always be, with full enthusiasm and dedicated appreciation,
Yours unflinchingly,
Maddoct
[A new letter begins on a page beneath the first ones. The writing is slow curling, and the page looks like some drops of water got on it.]
Maddoct to Bíld.
It was as I was preparing to send my jovial letter off (I do hope that it doesn't worsen your spirits) that I received somber notes from both you and Lady Kithri. It’s with both shock and sorrow that I write this reply in return. Master Motgrouk, while he did not take very kindly to me, and I in turn was intimidated by him, was still a good Dwarf in all senses of the word and worthy of full respect. His tales and songs were always valuable, and though he looked at me with distaste, his kindness frequently shone through. Especially in the way he treated you and Lady Kithri; it always moved me, the fondness he had for you two, and in turn it pains me to imagine how distraught you must be. [In the last line, there is a smudged, wet spot.]
I understand your heart must be breaking; mine breaks in turn at learning of this news. I have little to offer in the way of words — I fear I’ve never been strong in weaving them. I imagine you shall be traveling back here soon because of this; I hope to see you at least if you stop at Bree, so that I may embrace you — though we needn’t speak of it, if it hurts too much [Another smudge rests here]. Know that you have many people, friends and your family both, by your side in these difficult times.
I hope dearly for the best outcome; the pain won’t recede soon, but I hope that you can find spots of happiness despite it all. Grieve openly, weep freely, but don’t let it consume you. Spend as much time as you may need in mourning. Write back if it will make you feel better — or don’t, if it would make you feel worse. Just know [smudge] I send all my affections and offer solace for you and yours.
My condolences,
Maddoct
