Riddermark Ærendgewrit—Rohirric Mail

[Lailyn]

OP repost:
Near the town center of Edoras stands a building with a weathered shingle bearing a picture of quill and ink and the words Riddermark Ærendgewrit. In these early days of the Fourth Age, many Rohirrim have begun to read and write and enjoy exchanging news with friends and family both near and far. In the center of the room is a table, equipped with quills, ink, and parchment, where visitors can pen their letters. Along the walls are several baskets where correspondence is deposited for sorting and delivery. Some of the more prominent citizens of Edoras have boxes with their names attached to the walls.

Welcome to the Edoras post office! This is where you can leave mail for Riders of Rohan. Letters are welcome from all lands. The only rules (outside of normal Plaza rules) are to please keep it in character, and post the recipient’s name in bold at the top of the post.

Be creative! Post love letters, birthday wishes, thank you notes—whatever is on your mind!

---

Dear @Gwai,

I am very pleased to let you know if you would still like to come by for tea, I’m ready to have you come by anytime. Since you have many more demands on your time as a Marshal than I do, please name a day or just stop by sometime and I’ll pop the kettle on. Most mornings I can be found at home.

Here is some more good news! We will not have to sit outside and risk getting hit on the head with apples that are bursting from my tree now (it seems my house is full of perils...!) because the worst repairs are all done. I promise you will be very safe from the bees inside.

I think you may be the first official visitor to my new home! It’s really coming along nicely and I am very happy with it.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope you are well,
Lailyn

[Eléowyn]

The letter addressed to Eléowyn lay in a box unclaimed. An outrider, preparing deliveries to some of the more rural areas, noticed it and stroked his beard for a moment, deciding what to do with it. Eléowyn had not been seen for quite some days now, having left town suddenly and mysteriously. At last, he tucked the letter inside his bag, having decided that he would deliver it to her farmstead, in hopes that was where she had gone.

(OOC: @Eldrith: Eléo and Aodh are on their way home, via a somewhat circuitous route. They will be stopping by her farm as a last stop before returning to Edoras. The letter will catch up with her there.)

[Taethowen]

@Fuin Elda

To Trewyn
Ærn Anhyrne
Eastfold, Riddermark

Dear Trewyn (and Ceadda, because I know you're reading this to her),

I know I promised to write to you, but this is not quite the circumstances I was anticipating. I need help. By the time this letter reaches you, I'll be at least a week into my recovery period... but the situation at the Hornburg was far worse than I anticipated. I've been injured, nearly to the loss of my life, and will be unfit for Cavalry duty for quite some time, if I recover fully at all.

My cousin will be busy running the clothing shop in Edoras, and with Mettarë a mere two months out I don't want to interrupt her work. Would you be able to come and help me home?

I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I don't have anyone else to ask.

Taethowen

~~~

Ceadda, please provide your mother with any funds necessary for her travel and preparations from the estate's accounts.

[Taethowen]

@Shivased

First Marshal Shivased
Dragon Room, Edoras

I know I ought to do something like this in person, but I think under the circumstances you'll forgive me.

As my last act as Second Marshal, I would like to recommend Amadhrill for the position of Bealdorhæland. I've tried to reach Thalionwen several times over the last couple of months, and she seems to have vanished into thin air. Amadhrill showed considerable skill and care--of which I'm certain you're aware--when I was injured, and she more than deserves the position.

With this letter, I hereby resign as Second Marshal of the Riddermark, effective immediately. I regret that it comes so quickly behind Third Marshal Gwai's own resignation as well, but the hælend here is concerned that I may never have full use of my right arm again, and even if I do it may be many months before I'm able to even think about wielding a weapon. In light of this--for while I'm proficient with shooting a bow with either hand, I am not proficient at sword-fighting with my left hand--I think my resignation is the best course of action for now.

Westu hal, Shivased. I'm sure we will meet again, especially considering our family estates are so near each other.

Taethowen Anhyrne

---

Dear Eldreda,

You may want to sit down before you read this letter. I'm hoping that rumors have not yet made it as far as Edoras, and that you're hearing this from me first.

The situation at the Hornburg was far more grave than I anticipated, and... I may have been stabbed.

I'm all right. At least, I am now. Mostly.

I will confess that all of this happened nearly a fortnight ago. I wrote to Trewyn first--you remember me speaking of her, right? The mother of the steward I hired at Ærn Anhyrne.--and she arrived last night to take me back to the estate. I imagine we'll be well on our way there by the time this letter reaches you, so there is no need to drop everything and come to tend me.

I've already disrupted your life once this year, asking you to come look after the shop. And I'm sure you're swimming in Mettarë commissions by now. Please don't worry about me. I'll be all right.

Taeth

---

@Lailthoron

To Lailyn
New Town, Edoras


Dear Lail,

I don't know what rumors have spread from the Hornburg to Edoras yet, but I wanted to let you know that I'm all right. It seems my Cavalry career is likely at an end, though. On the same day I arrived at Helm's Deep, I survived not one but two murder attempts, and the injury I've received will take quite some time to heal, and I may not be able to fight again.

I will be returning to my estate in the Eastfold soon, and likely not stopping in Edoras on the way back. But I consider you a dear friend now, and I'd like to stay in touch, no matter what.

Please write, often. Winter at Ærn Anhyrne will be long and boring.

Taeth

---

Taeth,

What do you mean you were stabbed?! And how dare you sneak away on the sly! But you're right, I am drowning in Mettarë commissions right now. However, I will be closing shop and coming to visit you at the estate over the holiday, and I don't want to hear any protests about the matter.

Eldreda

---

@Nessa Saelind


A day or two after Rihannon's visit to Awesnis, a small package is delivered to her...

Dear Rihannon,

Imagine my surprise when I arrived home the same evening I met you to discover that you were the person I'd been given for the Mettarë Diegolwine! Please enjoy the enclosed gift, and know that upon my return I will be happy to teach you the embroidery pattern.

Eldreda

Contained in the small package are a pair of clocked silk stockings and a silk handkerchief, all embroidered with the Mettarë motifs (hellebore flowers and holly) to match the ones embroidered on Rihannon's Mettarë gown for the feast.

[Lailyn]

Taethowen
Ærn Anhyrne, Eastfold
Dear Taeth,

I was not sure what was true, and yes, I suppose I did not want to believe it. I tried to ignore the rumours...I am so relieved you are alright but to be honest, I am shocked. I can’t believe it of my old éored...! It seems there has been more unrest in the Mark than I ever expected while I was away. I’m so sorry...it must have been terrifying.

I suspect you are once again downplaying the gravity of the situation and I don’t know whether it’s for my benefit or your own. It’s fine. I respect your ability to be so...calm. If I didn’t think you’d tell me not to, I’d march off to the Eastfold this very minute. All you need to do is ask.

I will write and I hope very much I may have good things to tell you. I would wish you a Happy Mettarë but it somehow seems wrong in light of everything....

I am thinking of you, my friend.
Lail
----

@Shivased, First Marshal of the Mark
Dear First Marshal Shivased,

I know you have received the official reports from the Cavalry Liaison Office already, however, there were a few things I wanted to raise with you that are not entirely in keeping with the context of a report, which to my mind, ought to be strictly factual.

I wanted to extend my gratitude and appreciation to those wigends who were recently on duty with me. Æthelwigend Tord and Dryhtguma Dicun were nothing less than professional and quick-thinking on their feet when the disturbance arose. Æthelwigend Tord first noticed the horses on the loose and Dryhtguma Dicun did not hesitate to take initiative. They combed the market and ensured the safety of people and horses alike.

Further, though he was not on duty at the time, Dryhtguma Éomund was remarkably calm and level-headed in assisting me with rounding up one of the particularly stubborn steeds.

With the end of the year upon us and all that has happened, I hope this message is uplifting for you, knowing there are many responsible and respectful wigends in your ranks. Not only is the Mark in good hands with their swords, spears and shields, but their pride and dedication, too.

I hope this letter is not out of turn for my position and I wish you well this Mettarë season.

Sincerely,
Lailyn

[Baphởmet]

Dear King Éomer

It has come to our attention recently that a ruined settlement has been discovered in the White Mountains approximately fifteen leagues southeast of Edoras. This discovery was made by individuals engaging in an independent exploratory survey mission several months ago. Preliminary observations, statements, detailed questioning have determined that this site is pre-Númenórean in origin. How old the site actually is isn’t known at this juncture, but speculation and supposition has been made that it could be as old as pre-Crossing, over seven thousand years old. The opportunity to study such a site, which has remained remarkably intact, would be a great boon to the Lindon Guild of Anthropological Studies and the rest of the world at large. The settlement is not a large one, using measurements common to Rohan it is only about one or two hundreds in area, and it is somewhat difficult to reach as there are no roads or trails.

The reason for we are sending you this letter is to request a team of anthropologists and archeologists be allowed to climb to the settlement and begin an excavation of the site in preparation for study of the site and any of the artifacts found therein. We would also welcome any and all assistance you might be willing to offer, from food and supplies to workers and observers. We realize this site is deep within Rohan territory and therefore of cultural significance and do not wish to proceed with the excavation without the expressed consent of you, the king.

Additionally, we will look to consult with you or a chosen representative on what is to be done with any and all artifacts that are uncovered at the site. Should you wish to keep any or all of them, they will be handed over happily and without delay.

To that end, we request that you, King Éomer, select a Rohirric representative to help lead the team of excavators and researchers. We believe this will not only promote cooperation between our two cultures and increase the viability of the study, but also that additional avenues of study will be available.

Our team would be organized and run by Patsimiel Yoshiyo, a young elven scholar who has expressed interest in the site. She has been chosen due to her familiarity with Rohan and several of the denizens within Edoras after attending your Mettarë Feast this past winter, her respect for native cultural sites, and her extensive work in the field of comparative mythology and linguistics.

We hope you find these terms agreeable. Should you find anything amiss, please do not hesitate to contact us or intervene in the study at any given point.

With regards,

Ñarmotar Mórohtelë
Guildmaster of the Lindon Guild of Anthropological Studies

-------

@Shivased

[Lailyn]

Dear King Éomer,

I am writing to express my sincerest interest in acting as a liaison for the excavation and expedition at the newly discovered ruins in the White Mountains. I doubt you are at all familiar with me, so I will make a brief introduction. My name is Lailyn. I established an apiary and meadery here in Edoras after returning home from travelling abroad. I am a retired Pæthfindian of the Westmark.

You might wonder why a humble beekeeper such as myself would be interested, or qualified, and indeed, I have thought much the same myself. There must be someone more wise and knowledgeable in these matters than myself.

However...I had the pleasure of meeting the scholar Yoshiyo at the Mettare Feast. I understand she is to be heavily involved in, possibly leading, the expedition. That evening, she asked me if I would be interested in such a role. I told her I would consider it. Given the time to do so, I would like to accept her request.

If I must make a case for myself aside from Yoshiyo's invitation, let it be this: I have some familiarity with Elvish language and customs from my travels, I was born and raised in the Westfold so I know well the values of our people and I have been entrusted to act in a similar capacity for the Cavalry Liaison Office. Though I am no scholar myself, it would be an honour to serve in this role and to represent the Mark and her people in cooperation with the Elven scholars.

You have my deepest thanks for considering my request.

Sincerely,
Lailyn
---
@Shivased

[Shivased]

Ñarmotar Mórohtelë

Greetings,

I am aware of the settlement you write of; it has long been rumoured there were once people from a long-gone race living in the White Mountains, before the time of Eorl the Young. Occasionally small items or broken pottery are found, though nothing of value or that would indicate who the inhabitants were. I am greatly interested in your desire to excavate the site, and as Rohan does not have anyone who studies these sites or has knowledge of how to properly excavate them, I grant you permission to do so.

In order to assist I will send a small contingent of the Cavalry to offer protection and assist in any way they can, and to observe your efforts and report back. They will bring with them a supply of food and equipment that may be needed, should you require it. I will have the Aethelwigend in charge report to your agent running the excavation upon their arrival there. I would be interested in viewing any artifacts that are found and hearing about your findings when the excavation is finished.

If there is any more aid or support Rohan can give, do not hesitate to ask. I have granted the request of our Cavalry Liaison to also liaise for your expedition. Her name is Lailyn, and I am told she is very capable. She can provide you with anything you require.

Eomer, Son of Eomund
King of Rohan.

@Call of Bearthulhu


~*~

Greetings Lailyn,

I have received a letter from one Ñarmotar Mórohtelë, expressing interest in the settlement and the excavations that they wish to do there. I have granted them permission as well as a small contingent from the Cavalry to offer protection and assist in any way possible.

Having discussed the matter with the First Marshal and enquiring about your role in the Cavalry, I willingly grant your request to act as Liaison. You are to travel to the White Mountains with the Cavalry contingent, and are charged with overseeing the excavations and ensuring that Rohan's interests in this settlement located on our lands is upheld.

Any and all findings of interest are to be brought to my attention, and I will wish to see any artifacts of note that are uncovered. Having grown up in the Westfold you are undoubtedly aware of the rumours of an ancient settlement in the White Mountains; it has long been a mystery who the settlement belonged to and why they are no longer there. You are to ensure that, if these ruins are significant to the history or people of Rohan, that they are protected for our people.

If you should require anything, you may take steps to get it and the cost will be covered by the Royal Treasury. The Aethelwigend leading the Cavalry contingent has been instructed to follow your orders.

Sincerely,

Eomer, Son of Eomund
King of Rohan.

@Lailyn

[Lailyn]

Dear King Éomer,

Thank you for placing your trust in me. I am truly humbled and honored by being given the privilege of helping oversee the expedition. I hope to show your trust has not been misplaced.

Based on my impression of Yoshiyo, I expect and am confident that the Elven scholars will be nothing less than cooperative and courteous. Nonetheless, you have my word that I will do my utmost to see that the Mark’s interests and values are respected and upheld.

I appreciate having the support of a Cavalry contingent and knowing there will be trusted and honorable wigends at my side.

I will begin preparations for this endeavor and look forward to the opportunity to further serve you and your kingdom.

Sincerely,
Lailyn
---
@Shivased

[Taethowen]

About one month after Taethowen’s letter from Helm’s Deep, in sloppier handwriting than usual.

To @Lailyn
New Town, Edoras

Dear Lail,

I’m sorry I’ve taken so long to get to this reply. The journey from Helm’s Deep to my estate was long and tedious, to say the least, and I’m having to write this in short bursts, or attempting to write with my left hand.

I suppose I should start by… setting rumours straight. I have no idea what’s been spreading in Edoras, and while I probably shouldn’t go into great detail, I can tell you the basics of what happened.

I hadn’t even been at the Hornburg for more than a couple of hours before I fell victim to both a jealous Feldmarshal, infuriated by yet another woman marshal placed in command above him, and then a Dunland spy. The Feldmarshal stabbed me in the back, and the spy merely tried to poison me in the infirmary (unsuccessfully).

I… lost a fair amount of blood from the stabbing, and the location of the wound has greatly limited the use of my right arm. Only time will tell how much permanent damage has been done to the muscle, but it is doubtful I will be able to ever wield a sword again, and it’s uncertain if I will be able to use a bow. Truthfully, I will not miss the sword. It was never my preferred weapon anyway. But to not be able to shoot a bow and arrow again, even just to hunt or target shoot… that thought saddens me. I did enjoy it.

Please, do not worry overly much about me. I haven’t even let my cousin come to help me, but mostly because I know she’s swamped at Awesnis, especially with Mettarë approaching. She does state, in her most recent letter, that she will be coming to visit for Mettarë, no matter what I say about the matter, though! And as for you, aren’t you still establishing your own shop? That takes precedence over my own hardships right now, especially as I have someone to help me.

When I first returned to the Riddermark, I hired a young man to act as the steward here. His widowed mother and twin sisters (the sisters are quite a bit younger than him) came with him, and the mother--her name is Trewyn--has become a friend. That in itself is another tale, though, which will have to wait for another time. But suffice to say that she is making sure I have plenty to eat and get plenty of rest.

The only real matter of urgency is that when I was here several weeks ago preparing the estate for winter, we’d planned that I would be at the Hornburg. But now there are two extra mouths to account for (mine and my horse’s) and so we’re trying to gather as much extra as we can before winter sets in. The weather has been fair, so we might be able to cut one more round of hay from the pastures, so long as the weather holds.

I should probably finish this letter now. It’s ended up longer than I meant, and I’m weary now.

Oh! One more thing, though… the twin girls I mentioned earlier, apparently they’re aspiring beekeepers. Maybe, if you’re willing, after Mettarë you could come visit for a week or two? Teach them the basics of beekeeping, and you and I can visit, of course! Provided the winter weather is not severe.

Taeth

[Lailyn]

@Taethowen
Ærn Anhyrne, Eastfold

Dear Taeth,

How can you tell me not to worry about you after not one, but two, people tried to kill you?! My mind reels with images of what it must have been like for you and I still wonder how it all happened and how there could be such a traitorous Feldmarshal in the Westmark and why...I just don’t understand, but I shouldn’t trouble you with this. Anyway, I suppose it is none of my business.

You may tell me not to worry all you like but I will anyway. I’m relieved it sounds like you are in good hands. You’re lucky to have Trewyn by your side! Please get some rest and ask for all the help you need. Right now is not the time to be stubborn or independent.

Don’t worry about me, I have established as much as I needed to and now that the weather is colder, the bees are quiet. There is not so much to do. As soon as the first mead is done and rolled out around Edoras, I can make my way to see you.

And if there are aspiring beekeepers (a thing I’ve never heard of but is rather delightful), then I will stop at my aunt’s farm on the way to gather some gear to bring it along for them. I’d be very happy to help!

Between my journey home this summer and Cavalry campaigns, I do not have fond memories of travelling the Eastfold...perhaps this time is a chance to make new memories. As long as the road remains clear and safe to travel, I will plan to come visit after Mettarë. If there is anything you need or would like from Edoras (some food perhaps?), please let me know!

In the meantime, I have to stop by Awesnis for a few things and I will see if Eldreda needs anything while I am there.

Take care, Taeth,

Lail

P.S. If you would enclose some more specific directions to Ærn Anhyrne, it would be most appreciated. I assume it is fairly straightforward but I am embarrassed to admit (especially to you) that I got lost this summer and I don’t fancy repeating that experience again anytime soon.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

The hand-writing is untidy but has improved since the last letter written, albeit the letter was clearly still an effort

Walpurga (@Prometherion)
Forwarding address from Meduseld Barracks


Dear Walpurga,

How aar are you dooing on the rode; I howp you hav been havving lots of fun juorneeying with your new frend?

Im stil sad that we nevr got to say goodbiy. I triyd to sneek into the cavlarey calvavry the armys barraks for a surrpriys midnite feest but aparuntly you had allreddy gone (1 2 3).

But I no that you arr folowwing yoor dreem and I am happee for yoo you. I am dooing better now I hav sum frends who no me for hoo I reely am and dont feel liik I hav to hiyd any moor. Yoo You were a big part of that chayungch chayng and I wil alwayes be gratefull.

If yoo you ever want to rite to me I still chek the post heer regulurrlee in the howp I heer from yoo. I am still between howms myself, but I mayk enuf monee busking on the street to stay in a inn most dayees.

And if I dont heer from you, I will all ways hav ower perfomants at the Festeval After Partee and the Thrown Room to reemembur you by, and wenere I practiss my riting it makes me think of yoo you and the book you showd me in the pub.

Thank yoo agen for bee-ing my frend and for every thing.

Shadowfox

[Baphởmet]

Scribbled on the palimpsest of a journal page, frayed along the left edge of the paper

Dear Shadowfox,

I am so sorry I left without having a chance to tell you. I don’t have many regrets but leaving you without saying goodbye was one of them. Please, dear Shadowfox, forgive me for such an act of thoughtlessness. I was gone a day before I realized what I had done but there were no waystations or messenger service for a hundred leagues or more. I received your letter and it brought a small measure of peace to my heart.

You are learning so much Shadowfox, both about the world and about yourself. Don’t let anyone or anything impede you. If you have to ride a horse through a wall or set loose a cete of badgers, then you do it! We live in a world that will do its best to keep the likes of you and me down, try to make us conform and look like everyone else. Well you know what? We aren’t like everyone else and we shouldn’t have to feel bad about that!

You are a dear friend Shadowfox. I am so glad I got to know you in the short time we had together. You were so kind to me, the only person that truly was. I can never repay that kindness. But some day I will do my best. I am headed North now, as far north as I’ve ever even heard of. My companion, Kamion, has family ties to the people up there. I will be seeing parts of the world I only ever dreamed about. When we come back down, I will stop and see you again and tell you all about it before I go to Minas Tirith. I think that is where my life is meant to take me.

Be well, Shadowfox. Play your music until the sky is so full of sound that it rains down singing.

Walpurga

-----
@Allacan ob Burzum

[Raisins]

A small hawk swooped in with haste the paper was marked 'Urgent: Infirmary' on the outside in an attempt to hopefully get it from the post to whoever was in charge of the infirmary
To the Person in charge of the Infirmary

We are writing to try to find an elven woman that may be in your care. She has been missing for several months on an adventure and normally she would be home by now as there are only a few weeks left before the anniversary of the death of her first husband - Afarfin. During the nights around it she can be incredibly dangerous to anyone near her. Especially if she has access to weapons and doesn't have a familiar face or voice to help calm her.

She has dark long hair (or it was) blue eyes, and multiple scars on her body - the most notable would be a massive scar over her heart, as well as a long scar on her back that is quite old and has faded somewhat over the ages. There are plenty of other tiny scars but they would appear more as perhaps tiny spider web threads for they were healed well. She also would hopefully (for she would be crushed if they were not with her) have a bow and quiver that is old and nearly impossible for any but the strongest archers could draw back as it was once her fathers as well as a knife and some smaller daggers.

She is smart and stubborn enough that she would drag herself to a place where she would be healed no matter how badly she is wounded - to the point you may think her being walking dead which is why I am writing you - if she is there we do ask that you send a message back as swiftly so that we can come and be with her especially if she is still there and has not started travelling westward by the time you receive this message

Thank you
Ruindil, Mylien and Afarfin

[Lailyn]

@Shivased (@Fuin Elda)

Report to the First Marshal from the Cavalry Liaison Office:

After your own patrol, I am sure you are aware that the marketplace has settled down considerably, even becoming downright quiet. There is little of note to report this time around aside from a missing cat last seen in the vicinity of a chicken coop not far from CweÞ Ciese.

I will also add that I had the pleasure of meeting and welcoming a new shopkeeper-- Fuin, the owner of Né Fugol of Huntanð. I notified her of the troubling events this past summer and that the Cavalry patrols the market. Should she have any concerns, she knows to contact them or myself. She also had confidence in her own ability with arms, if needed. While my commentary may not be suited to a formal report, I will say that being an elf, I am inclined to believe her.

Nothing else to report at this time.

Signed,
Lailyn, Cavalry Liaison Officer

[Shivased]

@Lailyn

@Lailyn @Fuin Elda

Lailyn,

Thank you for the update in the marketplace. I am pleased to hear of a new shopkeeper, though I am intrigued as well. As Laedenmanger of the Riddermarket I too have had the pleasure of welcoming her when she took over her shop. I had not been sure at the time, as it has been many years, but her confidence in her ability with arms suggests to me that she is the same person I was thinking of. If she is, she was once in the Cavalry but disappeared without notice. I will send her a summons to report; I thank you for your report, and ask that if you do see Fuin, please encourage her to report to the Dragon Room. I would like to have a conversation with her.

Signed,

Shivased,
First Marshal of the Mark


Sperewigend Fuin Elda

Greetings.

You are hereby ordered to report to the Dragon Room for an audience with the First Marshal. The Wigend delivering this summons will provide you with directions should you require them. Bring this letter and show it to the guards at the door to gain admittance. This is not an invitation, and should you refuse a Cavalry patrol will be sent out to arrest you and bring you to the Dragon Room, to answer for your unauthorized absence from the Cavalry.

If you do not answer the summons within a fortnight, you will be deemed under arrest.

Shivased
First Marshal of the Mark.