Your Majesty,
I regret that instead of the news that you crave, I have only the most vexatious report to give concerning the whereabouts and present business of your son, the Prince Legolas. I will speak few words to the shameful treatment that I have received from these rough and uncivilised folks of the Valley, for what interest could one such as yourself glean from the activities of the dull and the brashly violent? I must make report that perhaps your most regal majesty would care to send a host of troops here, once the current troubles have passed; to remind these degenerates of where their allegiances lay, to the only King east of the Sea. Maybe then they would treat one who bears your seal with more respect.
Perhaps he is wise, but Lord Elrond, so-called the Half-Elven, refused my questions, if you can believe it? He knew both my name and my purpose, yet refused to reveal what he knows of the matter. What little information I have learnt has been from other sources; tongues set free by the claret of the vintner here. What I have learnt is this: Prince Legolas has departed the valley of Imladris in secret, and in the company of Men, dwarves and hobbits. There have been whispers that Mithrandir has also been involved in this business, although what that meddler seeks from one so lofty in position as your son is beyond the guesses of your humble servant. Their destination is unknown to any save Lord Elrond, although I have heard that they are heading eastwards, perhaps returning to the Greenwood?
As you have instructed, I have learnt all that I can of your son, and will remain here until you send word. In the meantime I have begun to enjoy the confidences of the Ambassador of the House of Bar-En-Vanimar, and his tongue is perhaps loosest of all when the wine is flowing. I have not decided if he is a fool, or shrewder than I think, but I shall keep an eye upon him. It is unfortunate that the House is composed of so many dark-haired and hot-blooded Noldor, but there are some of the realm of the Greenwood that are of some worth. I have heard rumour of events from over the mountains, and that there will be a trial of some sorts. Perhaps there will be something to learn there, and so I shall attend and offer a full report.
As always, your most humble servant,
Miluthir.
