Duesday - Fruit 22, 802 AR

Elensul returned today. Wearing boots. Apparently his journey was long and chilly. We were starting to get a little worried. I am glad he is back.

He did get to speak with some Elves. He was able to learn a bit more. Apparently, the pins that Jaden and I were given are good things. It seems they may help protect us if we travel in the forest. Unfortunately, they will offer no protection to Raven and Blackhawk. Non-Elves will be slain if they enter the forest.

Apparently, Prince Gelmir is angry at the humans. Prince Gelmir! One of those little details that Uncle Max left out of his books. I wonder what rank Brimbar holds among the Dwarves? Anyway, Gelmir is angry at the Foxes in general for stirring up trouble and humans for being in the Isles. He is mad at Max for siding with the Dwarves. I am at a loss.

Uncle Max's words now come back to haunt me. "The elves will hate you because you are human and the dwarves will hate you because you are too friendly with the elves." I hope things have changed but recently. If Uncle Max's idea of "too friendly with the elves" is a death sentence for entering their lands, I fear what the dwarvish response will be.

I never thought it would be easy to speak with them. It is my belief that I must help heal that rift before Darkness overtakes us all. But, it seems that it will be even more difficult than I imagined. I think I may need to hone my diplomatic skills even further. At least we have a good start for the dwarves with the recovered war axe. I imagine that finding some way to mollify Prince Gelmir enough to speak with him will be no simple chore either.

What trouble have the Foxes stirred up? Does Gelmir concern himself with the doings of Ardania? Or is there something else? Again, I am forced to wonder what would cause Riordan to return to Ardania? Or, does Gelmir know of us? Does he sense the coming storm as so many of the denizens in the Isles do? More puzzles. Everywhere I turn, it seems that new problems come to light.

No, that isn't quite true. I simply become aware of old problems. Few solutions present themselves. Therein lies the challenge I suppose. The question is, how much time is there? When the forces of Darkness strike, how prepared will they be? How prepared will the forces of Light be? I hope we have enough time. That we can learn enough, do enough, act quickly enough to prepare for the Storm. We have already established many commitments. We have many goals. I feel that it will be a delicate balancing act for us all.

I must undertake my training soon. But, I will not rush into it. I must prepare myself. It will be a symbolic journey as well. If I am able. I must check with Sister Fara to assure I do not encounter a conflict on that score. Otherwise, I will finish out this season before embarking.