Private Mail

Lord Elrond Half-Elven
Rivendell, East Road
October 24th

Your Excellency,

Please excuse my impudence at addressing this letter to you without a proper introduction. However, I feel that your love towards a mutual friend, Mister Frodo Baggins of the Shire, will override any trepidation you might harbor at receiving this unsolicited letter and my unusual request.

My name is Tulip Proudfoot, and I am the hobbit physician in Hobbiton. Mister Frodo Baggins has been a patient under my care ever since his return to the Shire in October S.R. 1419. I am pleading with you for your assistance in helping me plan the long-term management of my patient.

Mister Baggins told me about his stabbing and other injuries suffered during the Quest, and that you yourself effected the healing from the Morgul-blade wound. I am worried about recurring illnesses suffered by Mister Baggins on the anniversaries of his stabbing and venomous spider sting (Oct. 6th and March 10th respectively). He continues to exhibit acute distress at these times, and infrequently and to a lesser degree, at other times. His symptoms include pain, cold, tenderness at the wound site, numbness and partial paralysis of the left arm and hand, fever, and progressive delusional thoughts leading to hallucinations and unconscious actions. These actions are mostly re-enactments of traumas he has endured. They are frequently violent in nature, and are dangerous to Mister Baggins and anyone who happens to be around him during the relapses.

I am working with Mister Baggins on the emotional aspects of his injuries as well as the physical symptoms. I can find no physical causes which trigger the recurrences of his injuries, and am assuming they are set off from remembered traumatic experiences he suffered during the Quest. I am treating the illnesses with herbal sedations and heat therapy when required, but am unsatisfied that I am doing all I can for my patient. He is on long-term treatment for depression through the use of John’s Wort tea, which does seem to help. So does one-on-one sessions whereby he verbalizes his various traumas while under my supervision. However, lately he has stopped all treatments and has become fixated on finding a permanent healing with the Elves.

Is this truly the only remedy for his illness? Is there another treatment you could suggest which might help? If necessary, I am willing to travel to Rivendell to learn as much as a hobbit is able about Elvish medicine. Anything, if there is a chance it will help Mister Baggins. Time is of the essence, as another anniversary date (March 10th ) is rapidly approaching, considering the approaching winter and the need to plan for travel time between the Shire and Rivendell. Also, Mister Baggins told me of your plans to leave Middle Earth soon. If there is any possibility that I could learn from you prior to your departure, would you be willing to train me? And if so, should I bring Mister Baggins with me on the trip?

If you would be so kind as to reply to Doctor Iris Proudfoot, Hobbiton, the Shire, arrangements can be made. I am sending this letter in secret, unbeknownst to Mister Frodo Baggins, as he is at the moment in denial of the seriousness of his condition, and our doctor/patient relationship is somewhat strained.

Sincerely, your most humble servant, Iris Proudfoot, physician, Hobbiton, the Shire