Steward of the Halls.

She has been away since before the snows came. The year has turned now to bright warm days, even as the news from the East, such as it is, grows ever more grim.

I would that the Lady returned soon to us. But she is not one to be constrained by fear nor danger. She does as she wishes. It is not my place to do aught but advise her. Still do I, and others of her household, hope for her swift and safe return.

We keep to the tasks she appointed us before her departure. For my part it is time I made addition to the record of what has transpired in her absence, that she can read at will upon her return if she so chooses, rather than of necessity speak with me at length.

As ever, I will do my utmost to ensure she need have no concerns over us.

Yet do I wish it was as in the old days, and that she wandered not alone.