It is hard to recall a time when peace overcame me in the way it has in recent days. For many years I have dwelt in Bree-land and my errands have carried me across much of Eriador. And through the many years I have known much hardship with little peace or joy as a reward. I have since consoled my heart with the promise of Arnor's restoration, and to this day, any hardships are born patiently with the hope of this future glory. Nevertheless, there are pains which even this promise cannot readily alleviate. The loss of my wife near three years ago has often worn heavy on my heart. The rings now hung around my neck stand as the only reminder of her presence in my life. My son and daughter's voices are now but faint echoes in my memory. The pain of their loss was one that I had expected to bear without hope of relief.
It would seem that I was mistake in that regard. The company that I have spent with Linglorel of the Woodland Realm has given me a joy that I never imagined I would see again. It is a joy that I can only recall from the days of my youth when all that concerned me were the careless pursuits of boyhood play. It is a peace that I only recall from the earliest days of courtship. Her presence and kindness has done much to provide my heart a much needed respite. I chanced to meet her near the Everclear Lakes while out in the Bree-fields, beneath as clear a starlit sky as I have ever known. There, in her presence, her voice gracing my ears, all ills that have ever befallen my heart seemed to have lost all power.
My path will soon guide me to Rivendell, as Linglorel has asked me to guide her there by way of the Great East Road. Upon her request, I found that my heart could not resist. I have since wondered whether such feelings might diminish my skills with the blade, as a young man caught in the throws of early manhood's passions is made reckless and foolish. My errands on the Road tell a different story. I have felt a new resolve since beholding her presence, and my sword strikes ever truer, and a determination to defend the free folk from all evil that may befall them has only grown. I am not blind to the fact that I cannot hold back all evils, and that there are foes whose strength far exceeds my own. I leave them to the skills of my more experienced brethren. Nevertheless, the strength of youthful heart has begun to return to me. I intend to make use of it as far as my skill and proper reason allow.
The night now approaches and the Road now calls for a keen blade. Still such strength and hope that has been stirred in my heart in Linglorel's presence lingers well. I go now to put it at the service of the Free Folk.
