Journal entry: Of old and new

The call has come, but I've missed it.

The Grey Company and majority of our kin moved out south, to fulfill the oath they have sworn. One I have sworn and now cannot fulfill. I know not which way they went, and traveling on my own would be a fool's errand. While I find that a decent enough reason to remain now, the guilt gnaws at my heart and it shall for a long time.

But I was not the only one to remain. A call from the west came, from the lands of the elves, for our kin to gather. I have followed, in my usual fashion not brandishing the silver clasp, rather a common man to learn of those that issued it. Many a time have I heard of false rallies, and with the wardens almost all gone from the land, I remain wary. I always have been, but even more so now.

And a surprising meeting I've had. No foul play involved, but it was not the callers I have met. It was none other but Thorontir, the man I call a friend. With a woman, a seer named Ulfey. Comrades of his are also mine, especially that he is a really tough one to become a friend of. I recall not liking him at all the first time we met. Was it a salmon that finally broke the ice? I do not recall anymore, but glad I am it did.

While the people we came to meet were not quite what we expected - kinsmen indeed, but odd and not willing to go beyond Ered Luin - we have found ourselves, and that meeting eased my burden of guilt. For we are one of but a few rangers remaining in the north. It needs us now more than ever, and while it is my duty to follow the calling, it is also my duty to protect the  northlands, so that the Company has somewhere to return to.

The musings of old and new bring strange equilibrium to my spirit. Things change rapidly, dangers rise and my duty remains unfulfilled, but on the expense of the duty that needs fulfilling still, perhaps even more so, now that the more capable than I have lent their aid where it was needed most. And amidst the changes, old friendships thrive. The future will definitely be an interesting one.