1. The Silent Storm - Brenna

Brenna

Elder Kash'tia,

The capital still does not suit you. Life flows easier away from the bustle of politics, yet I hope the tides find you well.

I must apologise for my lack of contact these past few years. Since Darneth's death, I have been looking to the tides of the future, not of the past.

Highridge Haven teeters as it always has. The Tower's lean had to be straightened again after the last Surge. I remember you told me this had happened before during my training apprenticeship?

The elders here bicker and moan as usual. My blunt nature seems to exacerbate them. Moreso with my current quandary.

There was a storm here the other day. Unrelated to the tides, or not. I just don't know. There was no sound. Just the quiet shift of shadows and a light rain that carried no moisture—only this strange gray substance. It seemed like ash. It felt like fine silt but sparkled faintly in the morning sun, as if infused with fragments of light. Tomir assumes it is from the ravine: A freak dispersal of a deep ravine resource. I disagree; it builds unease in my chest.

I ask you for help. Despite my dislike of Tidewatch Keep, the Great Archive has the oldest records in Wildheart. I remember you spoke of the New Gatran journal, for example.

Has this type of event happened in the past? Our records here show nothing. Anything you can find would be illuminating.

The citizens have cleared most of the street level ash now, yet the memory of it keeps me awake.

I look to you for guidance.

By the stars,

Brenna