So much has occured of late, yet I have been too preoccupied to write it down until now.
Firstly, Aakusti built a yurt for himself a little distance from my habitual resting place within the forest. I am aware that this should cause no bother to me for he has long since been watching my every move. However, whilst I see no sign of him, it is easy to forget that he is nearby, thus I do not feel spied upon. With the yurt there, his presence is so apparant as tohave him stand next to me at all times. It is an uncomfortable reminder that I am not alone.
Rellas also came to join me there. His company is less intrusive. Unfortunately, he likes to remind me of his feelings for me at every opportunity; this becomes ever more oppressive. My heart belongs elsewhere and he knows it, but he cannot - or will not - accept this truth. Nor will he respect my personal space, taking every opportunity to place his hands upon my person.
The girl, Marafea, has taken up residence on the opposite shore. Certainly, she keeps very much to herself, drawing little to no attention to her presence, but even so...
So many people choosing to make their home within a place that, for so many years, was mine alone, makes it seems more a small community as opposed to my place of sanctuary. My bond to this area is weakened, stretched thin by the weight of others. The peace it held for so long is shattered now by the bickering of friends and all that I have tried to cultivate -serenity so fragile - is under threat of loss. Add to this my discovery by Nalokha there and my only choice became to leave that place and hope that it regains what it is losing.
With that in mind I followed Minalmano north to the shore of Nen Harn. The young crow seemed quite aggitated, wishing to fly further, so I took some time to fashion a small make-shift raft. With this, Arugru and I followed the ebon bird across the water to a small island. The layout of the rocks and the old ruins here make it a perfect place in which to make my new home. I have spent many days now fashioning myself a rudimentary shelter which, as time goes by, I will improve upon. The little raft was useful until I gathered enough deer-hide with which to fashion two small coracles. One I have left on the opposite shore should visitors require a crossing.
I did, however, return to the lake in the woodlands to gather some necessary items and check upon Aakusti. My lingering there was perhaps not prudent for shortly after my arrival, Nalokha came. A battle of words and wits enused during which it became apparant that she knows more of me than I had previously believed. Who has betrayed my secrets, I wonder? And why?
The woman grew impatient quickly enough. She desired my aid, she said, yet would not tell what she would have of me. Instead, she chose to attack. This resulted in the intervention of my dearest Arugru who buried his teeth deeply into her arm and was, himself, hurt in turn. Even then, he would not back away, crouching in front of me protectively with angry snarls until Nalokha finally departed.
I brought my faithful hound back to the island. He rests nearby now, his wounds slowly healing. Minalmano seems no worse for his encounter with Nalokha. He aids me in strengthening my bond to this isle, as does the dreaming canine. It saddens me that both creatures were brought to harm in their companionship of me. I am grateful for their loyalty, but sorrowful for their pain.
Nevertheless, I know what she needs me for now. I am better equipped to deal with the woman in the future and 'though she knows much of me, she knows not all. The advantage of power is hers; the high ground of knowledge is mine.
