My dearest Eliriael,
It has been so long since our last correspondence, yet compared to that period of first meeting you, ragged and soot-stained, my beacon of light in the turmoil around us, to finding each other again across the long years in Imladris, it is naught but a flicker of time. And still, I find that this time, each day has weighed upon me more heavily than ever.
There is little left in this Middle Earth to bring me joy, for my long labours have coloured this land grey, and took with it the love I once had. This is not a new feeling, that is true, though as the recent years of men have gone by, I find less and less reason to keep my feet walking these paths.
There are those who I so dearly desire to see once more. My mother and father, whom I have not seen since I myself was young. Brave Aranto once closest of friends.
And Vëon.
I left you in his care in the hope that it would ease the pain you both shared; yours, at loosing your parents, and his at loosing his beloved family. He blamed for abandoning them and saving him and in my heart I know that I did the only thing I could, but to this day I still bear the shame. For were they not as kin to me also?
But now I come to it: I write to you in the vain hope that this letter finds you well. Nay, better than well – happy. For the small comfort that remains to me now is that you have found some degree of happiness.
Do not trouble yourself to look for me for I am about to embark on a new adventure. A last great effort against the Shadow and it shall be my final chapter, at the end of which I go across the sea – whether by ship or otherwise – with the small hope of finding my own happiness.
Do not think I had forgotten you these past years, for it is the thought of your face, the flowers in your hair, the song you sang to me in my darkest hour, that I strive to protect. It is that which spurs me on, even now. I miss my friends; The lords Anglachelm and Veryacano, Tindir and Tingruviel. I miss dour Estarfin, my steadfast brother in arms, the lady Rainith, for she always gave me wise council, and Danel, for she shares with you a special place in my heart. In the past I have treated her poorly, leaving without word on more than one occasion, but necessity dictated my actions. One day I hope she will understand. If you chance upon them, please tell them that I think of them daily.
Our time here draws to an end and few of the Noldor remain. I will go to join them soon enough yet the land of our kin shall never be whole to me until you walk those green fields.
Yours in service and love,
Belegos
