My Tûr,
This letter more fully describes Istuileth of the Woodland Realm, and why I think you ought to take her with you on your journey.
Her visual memory is flawless, but rather than turning it to pure art like Elloen, her talents have always lain in the area of map-making – specifically the sort that is of use to military forces. Her precision is outstanding; if you needed a map to reflect the exact width of a river-bed, she could render it perfectly to scale with her eyes closed, or much later. Some of her work was given to the Golden Host to aid in pushing back certain noxious elements, and copies of those same maps were brought with her to Imladris. Perhaps those who departed to assail Dol Guldur unknowingly used her work. If there is such a thing as a military-minded scholar among us, it is she – content with small rations and rocks for pillows, so long as she can observe and record.
However, this is not primarily why I should like to send her. She has been shown the area you are headed for, but that was once, yéni ago, and she will therefore be alert to differences in that place. If aught is disturbed, altered, moved, Istuileth is sure to spot what is wrong or out of order. She has eyes like Elloen’s eagle friend, and the wit to know and tell you the implications of what she sees.
I beg of you, lord, a single boon in return. If you take Istuileth, I most humbly ask for her to come back in one piece. Istuileth can defend herself at need, but is better with a quill. Nothing could make me happier in these times than the safe return of my friends and those under my care. The end of poor Lothilind gnaws at me. Pray put the shield of your might between Istuileth and harm.
I remain, lord, your mere servant,
Airesarë Celulinda “Manadhlaer”
Order of the Pillar
Bar-en-Vanimar
This letter was dictated to and inscribed by Sarmëtecil of the Pillar
