Chapter Text
Left on the King’s bookshelf, slipped between two books and sticking out unobtrusively. Written on the King’s stationery in hurried hand.
Fíli,
By the time you find this note, I will be on my way to Moria. I am sorry for how we have to part. I’d hoped that you would try to understand, as I understand why you want me to stay, but I see now that I should have told you my intentions a long time ago. I thought waiting to tell you might make things easier for both of us. I was wrong in that, and I am sorry.
I hope you will forgive me for leaving this way, but you have left me with no other choice. I have to join the caravan to Moria. I can’t put into words why, but please know it has nothing to do with you, or anything that has transpired recently. It’s just something I need to do. Balin asked me personally, and you know he has been very careful about the Dwarves he wishes to take with him. It is an honor to even be considered, and I cannot tell my friend and mentor no.
I’m not sorry for disobeying your orders, because I know it will be a good thing for me. I am needed, Fíli, and it is so nice to know that my craft and I are needed somewhere.
I will miss you immensely and will write every chance I am able, I promise, but for now I must go.
Ori