Neyaa

It was probably the blow to the head that granted Taala some sleep that first night in captivity, though her dreams were tormented.

Hookworth, Bree-Land, 24th June

Dear Ravondir

This is of course no letter, and you will not read it. But I find that if I set pen to paper as though to write a diary then no words come; if I think that I am speaking to you, then all pours forth upon the page. I wish that I could unburden myself to you, as I always used in the past; but I know that you would despise me for the things I have done. This letter will not be sent, but will sit in my chest beside the others that I have written to you.

Upon the Greenway Bridge I paid a toll

In stranger coin, and sweeter, than I’m used;

A challenge I accepted there to pass,

And tested there my skill, and there was bruised.

The mistress of that span her dice did roll,

And fate decreed I cross when she would duel;

The river’s song was sweet, and green the grass,

And there I knew defeat, there found a jewel.

The rain fell on us, heaven’s grey brocade,

And there my lips knew heaven’s honeyed mead; 

The following is written in a calm manner

After a long time I decided to visit Bree, I spent a lot of time in the Dawnhall, looking at papers, contracts, money, recruits, archives and many more. I was doing that for a week at least and I was ready to throw all those papers in the fireplace, but, raising my head and seeing the casks I remembered the Prancing Pony... And I got there.

Your Father came to see you today and he held you for the first time.  I am sure he is as proud of you as I am and will grow to love you as I do.  He did not leave you son, he left me, nay, we have left each other, when you are older I will explain to you why it was for the best.  Your Father said he will acknowledge you as his bastard. 

I am sorry that it has taken me some time to fulfill my promise and write about the night you entered this world, but recent events have kept me too busy to write.

My Dearest Branston,

Well here is a bastard I have not seen in ages on end, it must have been months since last we two spoke. You were surprisingly dusty, but then again if you were not, I would have been suspicious that someone had read you. Woe to the both of us if someone did, huh, lad? Hah...