To Faramir, Steward of Gondor, my beloved sister-son.
I am alive and well, and so are your cousins Erchirion and Amrothos. We shall return to you after a brief rest here in Ithilien.
Before the Host embarked on this desperate journey, I had laughed at our small company, too few to be properly called a host.
Yet a greater power than the might of arms was at work, and the greatest deed was achieved by the smallest hands. I will recount it all to you when we sit together in your study, and I look forward to that hour.
By the time this letter reaches you, you may have taken your oath as the Ruling Steward of Gondor.
I will hasten to come and pledge my fealty to you in person. Until then, my lord, let the love I have borne you all these years stand as the pledge between us.
You know how dearly I loved Boromir and how highly I respected your father. Do not take it amiss, then, when I say this: knowing that the White Rod rests in your hand fills my heart with joy and pride. In my mind no one was better suited to hold it than you.
Lord Aragorn will soon write to you, if he has not already done so, to formally present his claim to the throne of Gondor.
You have a claim to full honesty from me, so let me tell you that I have addressed Lord Aragorn as King Elessar during our journey. The majesty of the line of Elendil resides in him, I trust you have also recognised it.
Yet in no way have I or any other men of Gondor pledged our allegiance to him, and he knows this. As the Chieftain of Arnor we regard him.
My loyalty is to Gondor and her Steward, as it has always been.
Should you choose to repeat Pelendur’s answer to him, be assured of my support as a member of your Council and as your elder.
If you choose to accept his claim, I will likewise stand behind you.
Whatever you decide, Faramir, my only wish is that this matter shall not distress you inordinately.
O, how hollow my words must sound! I laugh at my own words—how can it not distress you? But I hope you will understand what my words cannot adequately convey.
I would write more, but I must stop here so that the messenger may reach you without delay.
May Anor ever shine on you, who had for so long held under the shadow.
Written in Ithilien, 26 March 3019 T.A.
Imrahil son of Adrahil,
Prince of Dol Amroth
...
To Húrin, Warden of the Keys of Minas Tirith.
Lord Húrin,
Greetings from Ithilien, where I encamp among the Host of the West.
I have written to the Lord Steward to report to him the glad tidings of our unlooked-for deliverance from our Enemy.
It is my concern for the Lord Steward which compels me to write to you as well. You have ever been faithful to the late Lord Denethor, and fond of my nephews. I trust you will understand my bluntness and reciprocate with an equally plain answer.
How fares Faramir, Lord Húrin? I do not doubt his body has mended and he has already taken up his duties, as is his wont.
I expect he bears his grief with grace, yet I fear it weighs heavily upon him nonetheless.
It is too much to hope that he is free of sorrow, given the dreadful manner in which he lost his father. But I urge you, Lord Húrin, to do what you can to ensure that he does not slip into despondency.
By now, the Steward may have spoken to you of Lord Aragorn of the North, who either has or will soon present his claim to the throne of Gondor.
Should the Steward take you into his confidence on this matter—though I think he will guard his thoughts even from his trusted counsel—assure him that we stand with him no matter his decision.
He has my support, and I believe you and others of wisdom will stand with him as well.
I would ask, too, to see that his household takes particular care of him in the days ahead. The small comforts of hearth and home, I have learnt, can ease even the heaviest burdens.
May the stars shine on your path, who has served Gondor faithfully.
Written in Ithilien, 26 March 3019 T.A.
Imrahil son of Adrahil,
Prince of Dol Amroth
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