While waiting in the room, Zenithral finds a number of interesting books on the shelves. They seem to be written in a variety of languages: Giant, Elvish, Sylvan, Undercommon, Infernal, Primordial... One shelf is entirely covered in Dwarvish tomes, with the exception of one slim book written in Elvish. As he examines the small journal, Zenithral recognizes the handwriting of Evayne, Larrel's daughter.
[ +- ] Journal of Evayne
The last few weeks have been a blur but I will recount as best as I can.
The journey here was difficult, to say the least. Leaving my people in a time of need is one of the most difficult decisions that I have ever made. Thank Corellon for my dear friend Arannis, who gave me not only protection through the mountains, but also counsel when my heart was heavy. Kaylessa is fortunate to have him! As soon as we arrived, he turned straight around to return to the Hand. I pray to the Seldarine that he made it back safely, and was not deterred by the events that happened here.
Arriving at Dorn's Deep in the middle of the night did not lead to a warm welcome by the dwarves, especially with what had come to past between both our races. As expected, the dwarves were very apprehensive to what I had to say. There were too many fresh and open wounds between both our people. Situations like this are never easy but I consider myself as good a diplomat as father, perhaps better.
Each day spent in council did not end until late evening and always in pure exhaustion. Perhaps if Reòthadh had been here, things would have gone more smoothly. He was always much more cooperative than the court's politicians. We argued and bickered over the recent past events. Athough we still continued to spend countless hours in council, the dwarves began to trust that I hid no maliciousness behind my words. The dwarves agreed to a treaty in the name of the greater good for both our races later that week. I had been successful in my part. I saw hope for the first time in many months.
The only thing left was to return home and convince my own people that this was our only chance at true salvation. The hardest part would be to convince father but he will listen. He must listen; else let our people face death.
The next morning almost made the last few weeks' work in vain. A dwarven scout arrived and told of the largest orcish army he had ever seen was only hours away. With little time to prepare, our defenses were overrun and the
orcs began to pour into Dorn's Deep.
We began our retreat into the depths of Dorn's Deep. Key passages werecollapsed to cover our movements and buy us time. Even in such dire conditions, this allowed the dwarves to control when and where we would
fight. Every battle cost the orcs dearly as the dwarves fought on their terms but we were still being driven farther and farther back. Even now, we make preparations to retreat further into Wyrm's Tooth Glacier.
Even as grim as this sounds, I still hold hope. Hope that Arannis makes it back safely. Hope that I will tell father of how I fought side by side with our dwarven friends as in days of old. Hope that he will hear the tales of the dwarves who sacrificed their lives so that I may return home someday to reunite both our people. Hope to see my father's stubborn face once again.
For my people and the Seldarine's Hand,
Evayne
The other Dwarvish books are are full of sketches and diagrams, but beyond that he cannot understand the language.