Quote Originally Posted by silent-p View Post
Father,

I write you from the Shire.

It is a quaint, idyllic land not unlike our own. The local folk (Hobbits as they call themselves) are simple creatures, tending to farm and field, and yet beset on all sides by troubles. In stature, they stand about as tall as a dwarf, perhaps shorter-- though with better manners and dress.

Speaking of dwarves, I encountered several in my journey west who seem to have escaped during a rebellion in the Enemy's land. They stood taller than others I had seen before, and were some manner of slave. Their tales chilled my blood, but also served to further steel my resolve in the task I have been given. Some of their stories were contradictory, and perhaps their brains were unhinged in some way by their cruel treatment. However, the scant few I found more trustworthy than most dwarves (which is not much to say) I have invited to join me for a time. My thought is to perhaps learn more about the Enemy from them though I, of course, remain wary.

As for the Hobbits, I spent an evening patrolling with some of their local constables, called Bounders.

Initially I was following this Bounder patrol from afar--but I admit I was not as stealthy as I had hoped--for at one point the patrol veered off its apparent course and made a bee-line towards the small copse where I thought I was hidden. There was some measure of fear in their eyes, yet they stood fast before the giant bear they confronted. It was not my intention to cause harm (though one of their band would have been hardly a morsel), so I revealed myself and my nature to them. Proper introductions were made, and I imposed upon them to show to me the most dire threats they knew of in their land.

Before we set off we were joined by a stout-hearted Hobbit lass who I had met soon after my arrival in the Shire. Between her, and an officious little weed of a Hobbit assigned to us by the local Sherriff, there are at least two Hobbits numbered among my companions. (And, a surprise, other Beorning-folk as well...) But I digress.

We identified many threats to these folk: Dour dwarves to the northwest, goblins and great spiders to the north, brigands and cutthroats to the south and east, and wolves everywhere.

The courage of these small folk could not be questioned. They first led me to a bog to the northwest and an encampment of dour dwarves. Our group was attacked by several dwarven scouts, and the Hobbits held themselves well in battle. Reinforcements arrived quickly, however, so we were forced to flee.

The dwarves have set up a huge cage for what purpose we could not discern. The Bounders told me that a troll roams the swamp, so perhaps the dwarves mean to capture it. I will return soon and slaughter them before they have the chance.

Our patrol then turned our attention east, and the Bounders led me to a lumber village called Overhill.

The forest there was serene, but I scented a goblin hiding in the trees and tore its throat out. The Bounder guarding the village gate was napping while the ambusher was creeping about. If our patrol had not passed at that moment, the simpleton would have awoken to a sliced throat, courtesy of a goblin blade! It is a sorry fact that most of these dozy Hobbits seem oblivious to the dangers marching ever closer. Their villagers laugh and frolic without care, but hungry eyes peer from the shadows.

R. was right-- the Enemy gathers strength.

Already I have seen its hand in the destruction wrought in villages to the east of this docile Shire. It is my hope that I and such companions as I can gather will be able to do some small part to forestall the coming darkness. All those folk I thought worthy, brave, or advantageous in the task given to me have been sent word, and we gather in less than a week's time. We shall see who musters to my call.

The coming weeks will be harsh and full of blood. I shall try and write when I can.

Yours,
Jarngrimur
This is a great bit of writing which sets up your tale beautifully. Bravo!