An explanation for this? Nope. Not an acceptable one, at least. Basic concept? What if the characters in LOTR wrote letters *home* during their journey? What secret fears, doubts and love would be revealed? Going to be a series, with each story being one character's letters.

Disclaimer: Oh, come on, is anyone stupid enough to believe I own it? Hello! Tolkien is male! Not to mention dead! Ja!

Mostly based on the movie, not the book, since I've been so busy trying out that other LOTR fic off of the book and I can only hold so much info at a time. ;-) Hints of the book though. Any suggestions for a better salutation would be appreciated, since this one sounds like a bad Fabio imitation. *shudders*

ALL reviews are appreciated (even the not so nice ones, since you can't fix unknown weaknesses) and if you don't, I'll send the monkey after you!!! Laugh not! The monkey makes a scary arch nemesis! I'd know!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

My dearest Arwen Undómiel,

Today I found the hobbits as Gandalf asked of me. I fear for him, for neither hair nor hide of our wizard friend has been seen for nigh on three months. It troubles me greatly that he should be gone without a warning to his friends, although it is not completely unlike him. He is most likely detained on one adventure or another, and he is a friend of so many that he is most assuredly safe.

I wish the same could be said for the hobbits. Their discovery was quite an adventure in itself I would imagine. I have kept watch at The Inn Of The Prancing Pony for almost a fortnight steady, after keeping my eye upon it for months. This eve, four hobbits arrived. Four was more then to be expected, but from a sense of duty (and basic knowledge of the reputation this particular hobbit has made for himself) I kept my mind open towards them. Let it not be told that this Ranger was taken for a fool.

My wariness was well deserved, for the bearer, it seems, slipped it on unintentionally. By what method I am not sure, for a rather large bottomed Bree-lander did much to obscure my view at the moment. At first, joy of my discovery was overwhelming, but I thankfully regained my senses in time to ensure he was taken from prying eyes, and the imminent danger averted.

Not for long I fear. I brought the young hobbit back to my room, where his fellow travellers barged in to protect him. They are good folk, these hobbits. Of friends of Gandalf I would expect no less, but it was still a welcome thought after so much time spent in danger.

I warned 'Mr. Underhill' of recent events, and kept the company in my quarters despite protests. I must say, their behaviour was to the contrary when the Riders attacked the room. I sit watch at the window now, looking out. Searching for any sign of them, but also thinking of what dangers we are to face before this journey's end.

They have agreed to take me as a guide. In the morn we shall seek animals to bring us to Rivendell. I shall send this letter by messenger at once, although we should be arriving soon after. But if we are detained by fortune or circumstance, we may be upwards of a fortnight late.

Amin mela lle,

Aragorn