1st January, 1422 SR
Dear Sam,
Forgive me for not writing for a long time. It was not from lack of things to tell, I can assure you. It was also not from lack of time, for, verily, time is all I have here in Eressea. And please never think for a moment that I have forgotten you, or Merry, or Pippin, or Rose, and little Elanor, and the Shire, and our King Elessar and Queen Arwen and Legolas and Gimli. Indeed, all of you are with me here, laughing and singing and rejoicing with me. Perhaps that is why I have not troubled to write at all for months.
My days are still spent Elf-fashion, always in the pursuit of beauty and knowledge and enjoyment. I have spent long days learning Elvish languages. The Elves taught me also to understand the speech of trees and flowers and birds and other animals. Do you remember how Legolas seemed to be able to talk to his beloved Arod and thus earning the horse's loyalty and obedience so easily? Well, that is what I am learning now. It is difficult, for the speech of nature is different from ours in that they speak not in words but entire messages. But the Elves are wonderful teachers, Sam, and though I make very slow progress, they never tire of teaching me.
I do not know how he did it, but Gandalf had obtained for Bilbo and me a couple of beautiful, snow-white ponies. I named mine Strider (how is my Strider at home?) and Bilbo named his Bombur, because the pony is fat and loves to eat. Bilbo and I, sometimes with Gandalf, but most often with our Elven friends, go on long rides and camp in the remotest reaches of Eressea far from Avallone. Other days we go sailing from Avallone, sometimes very far out of the shores and I could take a better look at the glowing Valinor. We keep always a respectful distance away from it.
I have the most wonderful time here in Eressea, Sam my dear. I hope you and the others are having the most joyous time too in Middle-Earth. How I miss you all!
Frodo Baggins