Elveaner's encounters with the Lossoth became more frequent and fruitful. Although their reputation is one of unfriendliness to outsiders this is not strictly true. It is more like extreme selectiveness .. They have little they can share without jeopardizing there own situation so they choose very carefully with whom they engage.
When they realised this lone Elf was actually making a go of surviving in their lands, a small seed of respect was planted in the minds and indeed their hearts. Gradually the exchanges increased and the help and advice received made Elveaner's day to day existence much easier. He was able to offer knowledge in return .. the healing arts, astronomy and map-making were particular welcomed by his new 'friends?'
As trust grew Elveaner was allowed to spend time in the larger settlement and he quickly saw these people had a thriving culture. The hostility of the environment meant the Lossoth spent a lot of time sheltering and warming up, this led to much social interaction and conversation. This in turn encouraged the art of story telling, games and music and as an 'old and wise' Elf he had plenty of stories and 'wisdom' to impart. It went down well and he was welcomed among the local tribe as an acquaintance, high honour indeed for an outsider.
......
Elveaner negotiated access to a small boat in order to explore a little but in the treacherous conditions he only went a very short distance and usually returned quickly with wet legs and feet, very cold!
On one such bright day he had returned to shore, wet and cold as usual, he was contemplating why he always managed to fill the bottom of the tiny craft with icy water and how quickly he could dry his footwear. He suddenly became aware of a presence nearby, he had not felt this for a long time and on looking up he saw her, like a vision from a long past age .. could it be? YES! An elf .. another Elf! .. Er... 'Hello!' Things were about to change... permenently.
