Mela en’ coiamin,

For a couple of wearying days and nights, we explored the ruins of this keep.  Most of the upper floors have essentially collapsed, although there were intact areas within the baileys, and within the central keep that remained whole in most respects.  We experienced our longest delay when we began to delve deeper into the underground chambers of this forsaken hold.  Weariness of physical body contributed to slowness of mind and spirit, or so I believe.  We encountered a stolidly locked massive door, which given our other explorations had to lead into lower kitchen chambers and perhaps even dungeons if they were to be found.

We spent hours trying to resolve the mystery of the clues, for there were indeed clues referencing a Dwarven arrow inscribed above the substantial portal we were attempting to penetrate.  It had been a long few days, or else I believe we would have untangled the mystery in a more expeditious manner.  Astonishing as it may be, even though it appeared to be a Dwarven mystery, in a land where there have been few dwarves encountered by myself, Null deciphered the web of deceit and discovered a Dwarven hammer and the method for accessing the previously locked door.  I truly mean no disrespect to my new friend, but in honest assessment, he is not the most astute of companions.  Stolid, loyal, brave, hardworking; all of these would I ascribe to my perpetual ale-soaked friend, imaginative inquiry, a less likely quality would I be likely to attribute to him.

We should have been wise enough to pause at that point, and to rest before exploring further.  Wisdom is not, however, a quality to which any of my companions have in abundance.    Once again, our success proved nearly incomplete.  Perhaps I have become too cautious, you know well the reasons I gave up the path of command.  Multiple rationales led me to pursue the path I have chosen, even though it has taken me away from your for these years.  I believe, however, that I am going to have to assume some responsibilities and convince Lady Adelaide that we at least attempt to train and learn from our experiences, and act as a more cohesive group in the future.  Otherwise, one day, and probably soon, we shall not be so fortunate to escape our impulsive exploits.  

For a period, the halls beyond the door were empty, dark and dank, but benign for the most part.  Perhaps we became complacent given little opposition for most of the cleansing of the keep.  Perhaps, again, weariness distracted us from more keen observations.  Whatever the causes, we walked into the remains of the dungeons blithely unaware of what awaited us.  No amount of suspenseful recounting can truly depict the situation in which we discovered ourselves.  We came nearly face to face with a blue dragon!  Thank the gods of all the realms that it was a relatively young dragon who had yet to amass its own hoard, although after a fright like that some sort of reward would have proven some balm to our wounds.   Thanks to a lot of magic from Adelaide and myself, and masterful healing by Eldan, and true tenacious battle by Null and Azguld, we survived.  Skinning the youngster was difficult, but the scales will prove useful in the future.  We are saving most of it for some unknown use, although I think eventually we may be able to combine our efforts into creating a beautiful set of armor.  I believe Adelaide also has some plans of mounting its head within the great hall of her new keep after it is restored.

Restoration of her new lands will prove an interesting task for my friend.  I have decided to assist as much as possible, even though it may be a slight distraction in the recovery of OioKalina.  Her tolerance of all people could prove a boon for our people, beyond just here assistance in my quest.  She may be too trusting of strangers, but at the same time, perhaps I can be of assistance in shaping her interactions with the nobility of this land, even though most are likely to treat me as a pariah.

We have begun surveying this land that surrounds the keep.  Adelaide’s new citizens have begun arriving as well, which so far seems to be the small folk who survived the attack on the Hall of the Hill, and the rest are primarily soldiers who are no longer fit for most duties due to severe injuries and amputations suffered as a result of the brutish attack.  The best that can be said for the lot is that they all seem to like their new ruler, and are at least tolerant of her companions thanks to our previous actions.  The upcoming fall and winter could prove dire; as it seems unlikely we will have the resources to provide significant plantings for harvest, although I have found the remains of several orchards of various nuts and fruits we may be able to encourage to grow more auspiciously.  I have also explored with Xyrious out several hours, and there is a significant lake and streams, so perhaps fishing may assist us.   

As a final note, there is a substantial forest near the lake.  I am beginning to wonder if this may be the realm, and the leader our people should begin to negotiate with.  Should we re-enter the world more directly here, in Axana.  Initially, I would say no, as the realm as a whole is extremely biased and unwelcoming.  I suspect, though, that the Valar have brought me to this location for more than the OioKalina.  It is certainly worth consideration, and I may need to find some way to discover Dame Adelaide’s openness to such an idea, before venturing to Grimsby Port to send word to your father for consideration by the Rrinces’ Council.  Assuming I can complete my quest in the next decade or two, and relationships can be negotiated with Adelaide to assist in the development of her power and territorial rule, perhaps we, you and I, could return here with a group of the more daring of our people to set up a colony.  Such an interlude of a few decades may prove interesting for us before returning to Calethria.

Something to ponder, certainly, over the next couple of years.  Perhaps, we shall see each other sooner than I had expected, assuredly a most wonderful event to see arrive expeditiously.

Vanimle sila tiri ar lissenen ar’ maska’lalaith tenna’ lye omentuva —–Elyrienne