I spoke with Jikista today.
My little sister, it seems, has finally deigned to speak with me. It was a little awkward at first. I think she is still a little upset that mother never told her about me, or her relationship with my father. Still, after the initial strangeness, she warmed up to me well enough and I to her.
She told me much of life here and of the lands beyond this small valley bowl. I had seen the hillbeasts at a distance when I travelled through here with Blaecwyn in the past, so it was no stretch of the imagination for me to believe that they exist; I am not so certain if I believe that they are good to eat, though. She spoke of how most of the fish here are inedible and how hunting is hard. She also tried to talk me into lying about how I acquired the scars on my face after I spoke of them, stating that our people would not pity me or respect how I got them. I do not care, though. I see no reason to lie about what manner of life I have led. I am, as ever, myself and I make no excuses for that.
Later in the day, mother joined us. She told myself and Jikista a few things about the Trev Duvardain; the Iron Crown. She said that Angmar had been founded long ago by the Witch King - one of the fabled Nazgul - and that the Trev Duvardain follow him still, whilst the Trev Gallorg seek to be out from under the yoke of Mordor's underlings. I had always believed such creatures to be naught but stories to scare children, but she was so firm in the telling that I found it difficult to dispute her; besides, after all the things I have seen in this last year, why should not shadowy beings of immeasurable evil also be in existance?
She also told me of the Trev Duvardains alliance with the Easterlings, the Haradrim and orcs, amongst other things. For a moment, my mind became awhirl with possibilities and I found myself asking more about the relationship between the southern allies of Mordor and the Trev Duvardain. I wondered briefly if I could use this knowledge, and my heritage, against Mordevin somehow, but just as quickly I dismissed the notion; that man is nothing to me now and I need not seek trouble with him.
Mother asked of the reason for my interest and, naturally, I could not tell her everything. She already hates Drevorin and he is no longer a part of my life. Instead, I just told her of what Mordevin did to me. As strange as it may sound, I felt a warmth in my heart as she hissed in anger and Jikista spoke of piercing him with her sword. Words of violence are never ones that I like to hear and yet, in this case, it makes me feel more like a part of the family; as if I am now fully accepted with them both.
Later in the day, at mothers insistance and with Jikista's company, I went to speak to Cheiftain Crannog. I suggested that with my knowledge of the southern lands and ways, I might be of some use in trading goods on behalf of our clan. Mother was taken with the idea and the cheiftain seemed happy with it too. However, he said that he would give the matter due thought and summon me to speak on it more after I had more time to settle in here.
