Ignorant about Progress

It has been some time that I've written in this old journal, for many events have kept my attention. The one that is most concerning to me is the loss of Old Domdir, the ranger that gave his eyesight to defend those who he loved. Now, he lied upon his deathbed and soon fell into the grasp of death's bony claws. He was a dear friend to us all, and his death will be mourned and remembered. He was more than just a friend to me, he was a teacher, a comrade, but most importantly, he was almost like a father to me. As Barliman says, "One thing drives out another", and as the stone came into the ruin, he left us. It is an ill sign for us that were thinking of what to do with the stone. I had met with Helegrandir, one of our brothers that oft stalked the snowy plains of Forochel, and the Elf leader of the stone-seekers. It was a debate between what we should do, and what we shouldn't, for too many risks is with any action that we choose to perform, be it that we take the stone and leave for Imladris, or we stay here and await further counsel or reinforcements. Along with this, Domdir's death, and growing criminal activity in Ost Forod, this is what tells me that the North is in more peril than it ever was, be it in the past or the future. If only there were more of us or more folk that would stand up for themselves and fight the foes that are upon their footsteps. I left the archives to go down south into Nen Harn. I had heard rumours that folk were going around burning and felling the trees for their ill-intentions. I had arrived at Nen Harn in the past day and found nothing unusual unless you consider birds chirping and foxes running among the grass and leaves. Oft had I and father went up to the elven settlement above North of the lake. My concerns are certainly all over my mind, clouding my judgement. This was a short entry into my journal, indeed, but you often give great strength and a place to contemplate my problems. Thank you, old friend.