This letter is penned in the same neat handwriting as the previous ones. At the second half a few words have been obviously written with much distress; the pen formed a tiny hole instead of a dot, causing the word peasant to look as if it was about to fall into a bottomless pit.
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My dearest Alto,
I did not expect to write about the following events. I was really hoping that this letter would be penned when on my way to Evendim. A part of me was looking forward to seeing the wonders of the North. Thurintos is an excellent storyteller; I wish I was saw the green hills of the Shire and the sparkling waters of Evendim lake…
Alas, my trip had to be postponed. I am confused and frustrated; my plans seemed to be held back by too many factors. Do you remember the stories about Angmar, which you read about during our trip to Minas Tirith? I believe our eldest turned eleven that summer; she looked so pleased to have been served birthday cake in the Steward’s company… I miss her so much, as I do you, my love.
I should focus, though. I could go on taking about our kids till the moon is old and the sun sets forever in the West and how much I miss them is not the only factor that muddles my thoughts.
Well, regarding Angmar; it seems that the stories are true. There is a weird poison and gathering of evils… Surprisingly, the ragtag drunks who frequented the pub at the edge of Bree were being hunted down by them. At some point, they all disappeared to an expedition, including Aearrien. My landlady, Marganil also joined them. She is a nice, talkative, albeit naïve and lonely young girl. You would be so surprised to know to whom she is related to! I will not spoil the fun you get out of a good riddle, but here are two hints: her grandfather never smiles and he is missing a certain sword with a giant emerald on its hilt...
Again, I lost track of my thoughts. So many things happened in the last few weeks that all the events get into a tangled mess of worries in my mind (and cast clouds over my heart).
Back to Angmar; I did not care much about the woos that befell those people, their problems are not mine. However, I asked around and what I heard worried me. Danger close to home was mentioned, even though it was in passing. The rumours were enough to grip my heart into an iron fist; I cannot stop thinking of our children. I do not wish trouble like that to find them. But what really caused me to cancel my trip to Evendim was the mention of one friend of ours in Rohan... I trust the courier of this letter, but I beg dear Alto, keep your thoughts to you and see if you can get our daughter back home! I worry though that this might attract unwanted attention in the court, if not done with proper diligence. Please be smart!
We cannot trust those who we thought we could.
Alas, those news are not the only reason I cancelled my trip. I cannot find one of my (formerly) most trusted companion. Elladoraa has disappeared without much a word. Where did she go? Marganil admitted seeing a girl matching her description amongst her traveling companions... But why did she go away without telling me anything? I had thought that we trusted each other... And most importantly, why has she not returned? I have reached a conclusion, which involves this stupid boy and his return from the dead. That cocky, little bastard left everyone thinking that he was dead... Crying and lamenting over the memory of his half smile. But now Baralinion is back from the dead... expecting to hire me! Me! A lady of Rohan, trusted friend of our Heir and most devoted servant to Theoden King! He trully expected that after hurting so many people and above else Ella, that I would really do his bidding over a few gems.
He wanted to come to Rohan, and, as I had already made up my mind to return home, I agreed to accompany him. This would allow me to keep an eye on him and Ella... however, he did not returned on the appointed time. And since last time I talked to him, Ella disappeared as well. Where is she? I can only conclude that she run away with him, like a love stricken little peasant. I wish I had been able to save her but-No, I will stop. She made her choices and now I have made mine. There is nothing more to be done about that.
Maerstan and I will come home. He knows of the dangers that brew there and he is eager to return. We have concluded our business here, left the last rent alongside a note to Marganil. My hands were shaking when I added a message for Ella in there. A message I don't think she will ever receive. I do hope that Marganil will travel south soon; there is nothing for her here. And I do hope that she will visit us on her way to Dol Amroth... You need new audience for your stories!
We leave at dawn, Maerstan and I, just how we had planned to arrive here on the first place. Oh, of course Wiga will join us. I don't think there would have been a way to convince him to leave her behind. Frankly, I want her along as well. She is napping on my lap as I write these very words.
Hopefully there will not be too many letters before I hug you again.
With love,
Lady Adiwen of Rohan
