Food is scarce up here. Since I have won Hræsvelg’s trust, the weather is much more amenable to planting and harvesting – at Vinterstad, at least. The Realm’s inhabitants, however, are having a very difficult time finding food. I fear that many are in danger of dying off.

I went to Niaafjäll yesterday to look in on Jötnar. He was not there. I asked the Eagle where he had gone, but that creature does not speak to man. I left to take census of the animals.

There is a good number of creatures on the tundra. Thus far, I have seen hares, fox, ermine, reindeer and wolves on land. The polar bears are very few in number, and I have found only the tracks of an ox beyond the Black Forest, but I have not yet spied the creature. With the exception of the polar bears, all of the animals are emaciated and sickly. I need to find a solution to their suffering. Perhaps Jötnar can help in this regard when he returns.

In the sea, I have spied the occasional seal, some fishes and a small pod of orca. These creatures all appear reasonably healthy, a hopeful sign that the sea is one environment spared by the flames of Ragnarök. The skies bring rare visits from lucky terns, owls, geese and eagles. I consider them lucky for their luxury of flight – they can travel far to search for food, and they seem quite fit for it. How I wish I had that luxury. It would make the task of assisting these poor creatures much less daunting.

Ah – I nearly forgot to mention the great white hart I spied deep in the Black Forest. He is magnificent yet gaunt, with a mighty rack on his head. His health appears more fragile than the others. I hope I can get him nourishment soon. He is elusive and cunning. Hopefully not to his peril.