Lord Elrond,
I write to you as a mother, and as a friend to your daughter. My days, as you told me when we last met, are indeed numbered. I can now feel my life slipping, day by day, and my sons can see it, as can my husband. You've never been told by my words direct, but you know of the relationship between my sons and their father. I am able now to stand between Faramir, and his fathers dislike of his learned ways. However, once I am gone, it will be left to Boromir, who I know loves his brother dearly but he is a man with his own with duties to attend to and Faramir himself would not allow Boromir to neglect those duties for his sake.
I know your resources are not as great as many assume but I ask - If you could somehow keep Faramir from crushing under the weight of his father's contempt. I know you have as much influence over the wizard as the stars do the moon, but Denethor will not mistreat Faramir if the wizard or anyone with even a ghost of connection to your court is in attendance at Minas Tirith.
If Aragorn were younger, I would offer a fostering, but he is well past the need for such. The young lads of the Rohan court are of age for fostering but Theodred and Eomer would likely take to Boromir and while I know they would all protect Faramir, he cannot be watched all the while, and their presence alone is not enough to keep my husband in check. I have tried to persuade Denethor to send Faramir away for fostering but he won't have it, claiming Faramir needs the company of his own people to fully become a man, like his brother.
I send this letter with your latest healer. There is nothing more that can be done for me; I have enough poultices and teas to ease my pain until the end, and I know you have need of her there. Even with the haste of Elven steeds, I will not expect a reply before my passing. I know what I ask is no small favor, and I have no way to repay any kindness save by past friendship.
Yours in blood,
Lady Finduilas
