Found:
As much as I enjoy the view from Weathertop, I must admit that, at this time of year, it is far too cold. The lack of any natural windbreaks offers little shelter against the elements. To that end, I went to Starmere Lake instead.
If I had expected to spend a few days in solitude, I was quite mistaken!
Atharann, who had been hunting in the area, found me but a few hours after my arrival. We talked a little while before he left again, but not before I renamed him Edwin. He's not too happy about that, but when has that ever stopped me? Any excuse to needle a Ranger!
I enjoyed the peace for an hour or two before Khazim found me as well. He is an interesting man. A rare breed, I think. Far too many believe that they have something to prove, some intangible notion of masculinity that they must uphold with fists or grunts, as if ownership of a danglebag requires them to compete for everything. This one is... different. Softer around the edges. More peaceful and insightful. Almost pacifistic. Most strange for a Haradi man.
I must admit that my talk with him, brief though it was, was enjoyable. It aided somewhat in my settling, I think. At least, I felt far less on edge by the time he announced his departure.
What he started, the tranquility continued. I'm not there yet. I'm not ready to leave. But, if nothing else, I feel a little lighter today.
It's a start.
