It is warmer now than I ever imagined possible. Almost overnight the tundra has become abloom with wildflowers, grasses and new buds on old trees. Jötnar has been experimenting with the weather, and this (I believe) is his attempt at breathing new life into the Northern Realm, and it explains the abundance of bees and other insects (not to mention the honey I found days ago). The air smells refreshing and full of life, and the brook runs fast with fresh water. This change will certainly enable my efforts to nurse the infirm in this realm.

I have taken advantage of the warmer clime by planting some crops in the southwest quadrant: barley, kale, some legumes and carrots and potatoes, of course.   The grasses by the marsh are growing longer and greener – they should nourish Tjokaben and the reindeer. I found bloodroot and feverfew down there,  and many other medicinal herbs that will help nurse our sick back to health.

This warm weather does not come without disadvantages, however. There are now marshes between Vinterstad and the Black Forest where once there was frozen ground. We must travel nearly twice the distance to harvest trees now. An inconvenience, to be sure, yet the benefit of this weather will far outweigh such a minor hardship.

My little hares are faring much better now, and the belabored fox now breathes with ease. All of this fills my heart with gladness.