Chapter 10
December 14th, 3009, Rivendell
Dear Father,
I am happy to say that Erchirion and I have made it safely to Rivendell and have found it to be quite the lovely home. I waited a little while to pen this letter until we're settled, and I know Erchirion has written as well.
This first letter will travel back to you the on the same route that Erchirion and I took to get here, but Lord Elrond has come up with a plan to help make the journey for the messengers less tedious. The Greyflood, that flows from Rivendell, meets the sea at Lond Daer. The port is still able to take a sea going ship. He suggests every few months a messenger from Rivendell could sail down the river and meet a ship from Dol Amroth waiting at the port. Lord Elrond feels this will be much more convenient for us to pass correspondence and you will get news more regularly.
Our journey was a great success and I have made a friend of King Théoden's niece, Éowyn. I also got to know her brother, Éomer, as he was escorting us up until we reached Edoras. Rohan's beautiful countryside has no rival as it is as vast as the sea, only instead of shades of blue and grey they are shades of yellow and green. While we were among the Rohirrim I picked up a few tricks on caring for Hazelfal. A strange thing happened while we were in Edoras. I discovered that I had seen Éomer in one of my visions. I would have told him but I never got the chance. We continued onwards the day after and met with Lord Elrond's two sons, Elladan and Elrohir. They are both Rangers of the North. That title would have sent me running for the hills if I hadn't met them for they are as kind and gentle with those under their protection as much equal to how they are swift and ruthless to those who serve the darkness.
When we arrived in Rivendell I met not only Lord Elrond but also his daughter, Lady Arwen. She is such a beauty within and without that anything I write will fall short on describing it. I will say only this she is a sweet and warm lady who has, with every opportunity, worked to make me feel at home here. While I am here I am under both her tutelage as well as that of my maid, Arvellon. Arvellon is fairly strict when giving instruction, but fair. While she is very quick to tell me when I have not done something correctly, she is just as quick to praise me when I have. Lord Elrond has been aiding me in controlling my visions. At first I thought his lessons were just a silly ritual, but now that I have been training with him for several days, I feel a relaxation embrace me as soon as we start. I have even taken to using some of the things I've learned when Erchirion irritates me overmuch.
I still miss all of you back home and wonder what you could be doing everyday. Are Elphir and Meira married yet? How is Amrothos' training with Master Hëmond proceeding? Have the fishermen and tradesmen arrived to sell their goods yet? Things here are very quiet that every once in a while I miss the noise of Dol Amroth whenever the merchants come to trade. Another thing I miss is the sea. I miss the sound and smell of it. In the valley there are freshwater rivers and waterfalls, and while the sound of water crashing downwards is very spectacular, it isn't like the crash of ocean surf meeting with the sandy shore.
I must continue with my studies here now, so I will finish and await your response. I love you Father and miss you greatly.
Ever your daughter,
Lothíriel
March 24th, 3010, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I was quite happy when I received your letter, and one from Erchirion as well. I agree with Lord Elrond's plans to carry our letters via ship. As for Elphir and Meira, they decided to marry this summer. I look forward to the date. It is somewhat sad that you'll miss the ceremony, but with all that's happened, I still think it is best that you remain in Rivendell for the time being. I miss you as well and look forward to when Lord Elrond is confident enough for you to return to us.
Amrothos has continued studying the art of healing under Master Hëmond and is progressing quickly as he has a natural talent for the work. Mostly he has been treating the common ills of the people as well as sprained muscles. Everyone in Dol Amroth loves and admires him quite a bit and if he weren't wrapped up in his studies, I believe he would never leave the arms of the women so ready to embrace him.
Things in Gondor have been anything but quiet. There has been unrest in the East and whispers of a shadow growing there. Your uncle has summoned me to Minas Tirith this autumn, after Elphir's wedding, to provide counsel on some of these matters. I can only pray that this shadow isn't as terrible as gossip would have me believe. Not only have there been shadows growing elsewhere, we have begun to have trouble with the odd corsair who steals from the incoming ships. They are a clever lot, but certainly no match for the defenses of Dol Amroth. They have kept themselves from the bay for now but if their numbers grow, I fear they will grow more bold. As a precaution to this, Faramir came up with an idea to guard the port. I have begun construction on a great sea gate. It will be made of steel and pulled closed by a set of links. When open it will only be seen on the sides and will seem like a giant net.
How are the rest of your studies going? What are the things you have learned thus far? I look forward to your next letter, though I expect that if I am in Minas Tirith long, I won't get the chance to read it until my return. Your uncle is a very demanding man and as such, I doubt I will have time to read, let along pen a reply while I'm there.
I wish you the very best with your studies. I am proud of you and I love you.
Love,
Father
October 8th, 3010, Rivendell
Dear Father,
What a busy life I lead these days! My days are so full that the times fly by and I can hardly believe it's been more than a year since I set out for Rivendell. Everyday I start the day with my breathing exercises. Right after breakfast Arvellon begins the daily lessons. In the mornings we focus on the different languages of Middle Earth, then go straight into my riding lessons. After riding for a few hours, we enjoy our noon meal. The food here is rapturous! I never would have thought of cooking things the way the Elves have, though, admittedly they have had more time to consider new recipes than I have.
Directly after the meal I go for a walk in the garden with one of the elves. Whenever Aragorn, Elladan or Elrohir are here they help me work on my archery. I don't have the gift for it, but we all make fun of the activity. After the break following the noon meal, Arvellon begins to go through history and literature with me. Sometimes, if I finish my lessons before supper, I go to spend time with Erchirion up in the library. I have never seen Erchirion so happy and focused before. The elves' collection of books is vast, bigger than our own library in Dol Amroth.
How was the wedding between Elphir and Meira? I'm happy to hear that Amrothos is doing well with his studies to become a healer. Have you returned from Minas Tirith yet? How did your visit with Uncle go? I have to go, Arvellon is summoning me for supper. I love you Father.
Love,
Lothíriel
January 12, 3011, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I have just returned from Minas Tirith to find your letter. I am glad to hear that you and your brother are enjoying your time spent in the company of Lord Elrond and the other Elves in Rivendell. Have you had any other visions since you've been there? Has the instructions and your breathing helped you in any way with them. I am rather anxious for you to master your gift as much as possible.
Life in Dol Amroth flows by much like the sea. The sea gate's construction is still underway but progress is being made. Before the end of this year I believe it will be completed, so long as all goes well. Elphir and Meira were married the night of the full moon and would not be parted from each other's company for nearly a month. They only came out for meals mostly, if they didn't order the meals to their rooms. Amrothos is nearly finished with his apprenticeship under Master Hëmond and has begun to speak of moving to Minas Tirith for a time to work with the healers there. After seeing the current state of Minas Tirith myself I wonder if that is a wise decision, but in the end, I have decided to let him choose where he wishes to hone his craft.
Minas Tirith is growing more solemn and in the distance to the East stands a great shadow. It is truly intimidating to see, and I do not envy your uncle in his position, nor his view. It seems that your uncle wishes to begin fighting to free Osgiliath from the hold of our enemies. I am not very optimistic about the battles that are sure to ensue, but it is possible if the men would be led by your cousin Boromir. He has grown so much since I had seen him last and is becoming a man among men. Faramir will aid his brother in battle by leading his rangers from the shadows. With their efforts joined I can only hope that they are successful.
You are in my thoughts always. Please wish your brother well for me and give Lord Elrond my regards.
Your Father,
Imrahil
June 23rd, 3011, Rivendell
Dear Father,
The summers in Rivendell are quiet and peaceful. The afternoons are warm, but not hot like Dol Amroth. Erchirion has taken to join me during my riding lessons, though sometimes he'll bring one of his books with him and find a tree to lean on and I'll have to return without him. My lessons with Arvellon are going well, and Lord Elrond says I am beginning to make real progress in clearing my mind during my morning breathing exercises. I have received a vision and I was able to remain awake during the beginning.
In the most current vision I saw was that of Éomer again. I know this because of his unique helmet. The only difference I noticed was that it was during the night and he was on a different horse during the attack. He wasn't wounded in this one either, so I didn't feel any pain from it. Afterwards it was suddenly day and they raced across the plains and the vision ended with someone behind them calling out to them. The voice that called them seemed familiar, but like so very often, I couldn't place it. Sometimes I wonder why I have these visions when I don't even know what is really going on.
I have been working ceaselessly to master each of the fields of study presented to me. Recently I grew too tall for my normal dresses, so my studies were put on hold while all the she-elves came and helped me to sew my next gowns. Much like their movements, their skill with the needle seems effortless and graceful. With their help I had ten new dresses of varying color within a week. Tomorrow, Arvellon and Arwen are going to show me how to run a household as a princess ought to.
For now, it is late and I must rest before tomorrow. I love you and miss you Father.
Ever,
Lothíriel
September 1st, 3011, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
Happy birthday my darling daughter. I cannot believe that it has already been thirteen years since you were born. Your mother and I were overjoyed when you came out strong and beautiful. After your mother died, I did not think I would be able to handle the grief, but then one day, you snuck into my solar and pulled me from the darkness that was enveloping me. I don't think I could have ever escaped without you. You are so very precious to me.
I am glad to hear that your studies are going well and you are enjoying your time among the elves and rangers who come through Rivendell. Amrothos has finished making the decision to take his talents to Minas Tirith for the time-being. It will be hard for me to see another of my children leave me along in Dol Amroth. Elphir will stay of course, unless there is war. In that case, your Uncle Denethor will most likely not hesitate calling such an skilled warrior to the front lines.
War is something I feel is approaching like a slowly spreading disease. We may delay it for a while, but it will inevitably happen. The only thing we can do is prepare for the worst. Speaking of preparations, the sea gate is nearly completed and soon we will begin working on building more granaries in case of a siege.
I apologize. This is not something you ought to be worried of when you have so much to focus on already. I long to hear progress of your mastery over the sight. I wish I could summon you home this very moment, but I know I must wait for word from Lord Elrond on this matter.
Know that I miss you and you are always in my thoughts. Happy birthday, Lothig.
Forever thinking of you,
Father
February 18th, 3012, Rivendell
Dear Father,
Lord Elrond had a visitor in Rivendell recently. His mother by law, the Lady Galadriel. She is so fair and wonderful that I understand why each of my histories call her the Lady of Light. She has a small knack for visions. Not as much as Lord Elrond, but she knows a few tricks. Most recently she taught me something new! Now, if I concentrate well enough without letting my mind become clouded with thoughts of the present or my own desires for the future, I can spy into a sliver of a person's future. It isn't quite as clear as my previous visions, for I mostly feel things than see them like before. It helps if I look into a bowl of clear water, but the image is still as if I'm looking at someone through a thick, muddled glass. She says that if I were to join her in Lothlórien, she has something she calls the mirror that shows the viewer whatever it is they need to see.
Lady Arwen will be returning to Lothlórien with Lady Galadriel to visit with her in the Golden Wood. When I heard this, I was saddened at the loss of a friend, but another elf named Glorfindel spoke to me and promised me that if I can keep my head held high he will teach me to play the harp. All thoughts of travel ceased to exist from my mind at that point. Glorfindel (for he insists I never call him Lord) likes to play in the evening just as the moon is rising so we don't get to play together for very long, but I will remain diligent. Just think, Father, by the time I return to you, perhaps I will be able to sing and play the harp just as Mother did.
I must go for Lady Arwen will be departing very soon and I wish to say goodbye before it is too late.
Love,
Lothíriel
June 4th, 3012, Dol Amroth
Dearest Lothíriel,
I anticipate the day I am able to hear your musical skills once again. I am sure this Glorfindel fellow is a kind and generous man to offer his time teaching you. It is a gift that I'm sure many beyond Dol Amroth will thank him for one day. I am intrigued by what Lady Galadriel has taught you. I wonder at how useful it will be in aiding your current abilities, though I'm sure time will tell in that regard.
I am gladdened to hear you're training goes well. I am intrigued by this mirror in Lothlórien, but I suppose that is not a strange thing among the race of Men. We are often either intrigued of anything outside of our typical realm of possibilities. Change is something accept so long as it makes sense to us, sometimes, for certain people, that isn't enough.
In Dol Amroth, the sea gate has been completed and has successfully routed a small group of corsairs. The fact that we were successful in our first attempt to drive off an enemy from the cove has helped the people's faith in our abilities to protect them. This has also restored my own faith in Dol Amroth being a safe place for you to return to in the days to come.
As always, tell me of your progress through your studies and training. Which are your favorite subjects? How is your brother? I miss you dearly and await your next letter with anticipation.
Yours,
Father
December 30th, 3013, Rivendell
Dear Father,
This is my fourth winter in the North and I must say that I'm surprised at myself for not mentioning how extraordinarily fun snow is. Perhaps it was because each time it snowed here before I longed for home so greatly that I wanted to focus on the things that would help me to come back to Dol Amroth.
A fresh coat of white covers every surface not protected by a roof. The snow falls from the sky like feathers, shifting with the slightest breeze until they finally meet the ground. Erchirion joined me in the courtyard yesterday to play in the snow. I could tell that he'd rather be up in his tower where he would be warm, but he indulged me. Several other elves, including Glorfindel who has been quite my companion as of late, followed us, and some of them joined in on our games. After enjoying the snow together, we all sat together beside the fireplace in the dining hall and warmed ourselves with tea while some of the elves recited different poems and even Erchirion joined in and recounted a lengthly epic entirely in Sindarin. It was truly something beautiful and among the elves, I don't think there was a single dry eye.
My skills with the harp are improving each day. Glorfindel has promised to carve my own harp. It should be ready by the spring. My language skills are improving. I doubt I'll ever have to use it, but my favorite language, and somehow the hardest one for me to learn, is Rohirric. Besides my language studies, I have spent time adding length to my dresses, as I am growing again. Soon, I will begin my riding lesson for today. I hope all is well in Dol Amroth as well as Amrothos in Minas Tirith. I love you and miss you Father.
Your daughter,
Lothíriel
March 2nd, 3013, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I cannot write much at the moment as I will very soon be departing for Minas Tirith once again and I wish to catch the ship. Hearing that you are learning, and excelling in your studies makes me truly proud. I am glad to hear that you have been taking time to enjoy the wonders of where you are. You have always been a clever and curious. The fact that you are among others who can nurture your creativity along with it helps me to feel that I made the right decision in sending you North.
While I am in Minas Tirith I will give Amrothos your tidings. Elphir and Meira send their love to both you and Erchirion. Please continue to take care of yourself and know that you are loved and missed greatly.
Yours,
Father
July 27th, 3013, Rivendell
Dear Father,
I am writing to you from bed this time. I seem to have fallen ill from spending too much time in the heat. Lord Elrond has told me that he is confident that nothing is truly wrong with me except that I should rest. He canceled all my remaining lessons for the next couple of days and Erchirion left his library to sit with me. He read to me and we spoke about Dol Amroth and all of Gondor. He agrees with your idea of building the sea gate, and we began to think of names for it. We came up with Beleg Gwí since you mentioned that the links make the gate look like a chain net. Glorfindel joined me when Erchirion left and played music for me. Each of the elves have been so kind to visit me, even if it was simply to wish me well.
I must end my letter here as Arvellon has brought a light supper for me to eat and then I need to rest. I hope Amrothos is doing well in Minas Tirith and that your business there went smoothly. I love you and please pass on my and Erchirion's love to everyone there.
Ever,
Lothíriel
January 3rd, 3014, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I hope that you are in better health with the arrival of this letter. I worry over you each day that passes. I want you to be happy and healthy throughout the whole of your life. I told Elphir your idea for the sea gate's name and he liked it as well. From this point on, it shall be known as Beleg Gwî.
Recently we found that Meira has been with child for a short time. We are all excited for her and Elphir. Perhaps your vision will become reality soon. We have also heard from Amrothos in Minas Tirith. He and your uncle seem to get along fairly well. It is not something I am surprised over as Amrothos is much like my late sister, Finduilas, in character. It is also because of that reason that I worry over him while the shadow grows in the East. As I have mentioned in the past Minas Tirith is close enough for the shadow to be seen on a clear day and its presence is ultimately what ended your Aunt's life. But, unlike Finduilas, your brother has been keeping himself so busy; he seems to hardly have time to focus on the shadow.
We just finished celebrating Yule and Meira found something in the market that she wishes you to have as your gift. I apologize that it is late, but she and Elphir send their love and well wishes for another fine year to you and your brother. I miss you dearly daughter and pray for your success.
With love,
Father
May 20th, 3014, Rivendell
Dear Father,
Thank you for your concern over my health. I am happy to report that I am in better health now and have been enjoying many days outside in the warm weather as of late. I received the pearl pendant that Meira sent. Please give her my thanks. It is absolutely lovely! I am glad to hear that a baby is on the the way. I wonder if it is indeed the same baby that I saw in my vision all those years ago. I suppose we'll have to wait and find out won't we? I'm also glad to hear that Amrothos enjoys the city as well as Uncle's company. I found that the White City was a marvel to behold, but I think I wouldn't ever choose it over Dol Amroth.
Yesterday I went out riding with Elladan who has been visiting more often than usual. We spent the entire day together, much to my delight. After a while I showed him the harp that Glorfindel had finished. Elladan was very pleased with my performance, stating that it was very like his mother's when she was still in Rivendell. Coming from him, that is mighty praise indeed!
On days where rain is inevitable, I've been joining Erchirion in the library. I've been reading some lovely stories of elves from the first age. Also, hidden among some of the more neglected tomes, laid a book of Rohirric stories. After asking Arvellon about them she made it clear that it is rare to find written stories from Rohan as most of them are shared orally. It is a rather large book and I have decided to take it with me wherever I go. I've been spending most of my time in the gardens reading it and have found the stories to be quite marvelous. There is something about how the stories are told that draws me in to them.
I am going to be working on some new dresses later today and Arvellon is beckoning me to come pick my fabric. I love you and wish all the best to Meira during these next few months. I look forward to hearing about my future niece or nephew!
Love,
Lothíriel
October 15th, 3014, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
Unfortunately, I must write to you with sad tidings. Meira lost the child before its birth shortly before your letter arrived. As such, she has fallen into a deep sadness. Master Hëmond examined her thoroughly and has concluded that she had been putting too much stress on her body. He has declared that the next time she comes to be with child, she must immediately stay in bed as much as possible as her disposition will be a fairly delicate one.
Meira blames herself for the loss of the child. Elphir tries his best to remain optimistic about the future, recalling your vision, but it is still difficult in light of the recent onset of grief. We can only pray that Meira and Elphir will be able to fight their grief and return to how joyful they were prior to this tragedy, though I don't expect that for some time.
In other matters, I looked back in some of your letters and found that you have taken a special interest in Rohan, from the language to their stories. What is it that inspired such interest in the country? Unfortunately your Uncle has not seemed to keep very consistent contact with King Théoden and as such I doubt it would be wise for you to travel back through Rohan when you return. I also think that Rohan isn't very safe as I have heard of an increase of attacks from both the savages known as Dunlendings and Orcs.
The shadows are growing and soon I think I will require you to return to Dol Amroth, whether you have concluded your studies or not. Please speak to Lord Elrond on this issue on my behalf. I'm sure we can work something out. I love you and want you home where I know you will be safe in Dol Amroth. You are always in my thoughts.
Yours,
Father
March 13th, 3015, Rivendell
Dear Father,
Hearing the news of Elphir and Meira was truly tragic. Erchirion and I both mourned for their loss for several days and prayed for their sadness to abate quickly. As for helping both of them to remain optimistic, I remember what I saw in my vision as clearly as if I had just experienced it. I truly think that soon they will forget their grief and be able to focus on the future in a positive way.
I spoke to Lord Elrond, just as you requested, and he seems to agree that it would be best for me to return to Dol Amroth in some time. He feels that I will most likely be well enough onto my way of mastering the techniques he has taught me within the next year. This makes me glad as I am anxious to return home, though I must admit, the idea of returning to the home I spent most of my childhood as nearly a stranger is a daunting thought. Erchirion agrees as we have spent more time in Rivendell than he had originally anticipated. Ultimately, I am glad that he chose to accompany me in my time here, as I sometimes wonder how different it would be if I were the only human here.
Lady Arwen has written and should be returning to Rivendell within the next few months and all of the elves are anticipating her return. I look forward to seeing her again as well as I count her among my closest friends. With her return, we will most likely be visited by Lady Galadriel as well, but it is not certain as many of the roads have become more dangerous as of late. Because of the possible danger, Elladan and Elrohir have both left to escort their sister home much like they did when they left to escort Erchirion and I when we first traveled through Rohan.
Speaking of Rohan, I don't know why exactly it interests me so deeply. Perhaps it is because of how beautiful the country is itself. It might also be that I truly enjoyed meeting the people of the country. They are an honest and hearty people and that is something that I can both respect and admire. Many of their stories feature great heroines known as shieldmaidens and I can't help but remember the young woman I made a friend with named Éowyn. I have found myself wondering about her lately and also wonder as to the welfare of her brother, Éomer.
I will continue doing my best to become a princess both you and the whole of Gondor can be proud of before returning. I miss you Father and hope to be able to return soon. I will need to speak to Lord Elrond on this matter, but I wonder if it wouldn't be too difficult for Erchirion and I to take the boat down to Lond Daer, much like these very messages. I do not know if this will be a wise course, as I do not know the safety of a large party traveling down-stream in those parts. Perhaps Lord Elrond has other ideas in alternate routes that will work sufficiently. I will let you know when we have discussed it further .
Always,
Lothíriel
August 27th, 3015, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I have just returned from a visit in Minas Tirith. Each time I go, the city begins to become more and more grim. Your Uncle is drawing into himself and seems to listen only to the council of your cousin, Boromir. I stayed for nearly a month before returning to Dol Amroth. While I was there I was able to observe Amrothos working in the House of Healing. I am proud to admit that your brother is one of the finest healers I have ever seen.
Elphir and Meira have mostly recovered from the loss that occurred nearly a year ago. They still have moments during the quiet of the day that I have found them reflecting silently and are more sober than they were when they were first married. I can only hope that in time their hearts will continue to mend and they will be able to look at the world with joy again.
I am glad to hear that your progress with both your studies with Arvellon and your training with Lord Elrond has been going smoothly. I am glad that he agrees that you will be able to return home soon. Please give my love to your brother.
As ever,
Father
January 9th, 3016, Rivendell
Dear Father,
I spoke to Lord Elrond about my idea of traveling down the river and he agreed that it should suffice. In matters of safety, he will most likely send along his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, to help make sure everything goes smoothly. Depending on the winds, it would most likely take no longer than two months. Lord Elrond also determined that traveling by ship would be easier than on horseback this time as I now have more than just a few saddlebags worth of clothing and Erchirion has increased his collection of books by more than a few tomes.
So long as you approve of the journey, we will be ready to depart within the month. I hope to hear from you soon regarding the trip. I anxiously await your response.
Yours,
Lothíriel
July 11th, 3016, Dol Amroth
Dear Lothíriel,
I apologize for the delayed response. I have been away from Dol Amroth for some time and have only just returned from Minas Tirith. This time, Amrothos has decided to return with me. Not only is Amrothos home, but Meira is once again with child. She is somewhat nervous about the health of the child but Master Hëmond comes each morning to check her and has expressed that he is very confident that so long as Meira remains in bed, the child will be well.
I am glad Lord Elrond agrees that the route you suggested will be safe for the first half of the journey. The trip through the sea should be safe enough so long as you stay along the shore instead of heading into open waters. I will have a ship sent up to Lond Daer in the autumn with extra provisions and be commanded to await your arrival before setting off again. I am impatient for your arrival and will be watching the sea each day for your return. I can hardly imagine it, but after so many years apart, our whole family will once again be whole. Hurry home, precious daughter.
Always with love,
Father