August 18

August 18 Harsh conditions can put anyone on edge. I am living proof of that right now. Despite my father's assurances that there would be nothing to worry about, every day has been so busy that I barely have time to catch my breath. There is simply no end to all the administrative work, and I cannot seem to find a moment to myself. Perhaps that is why I have been speaking more curtly than usual lately. The students seem hesitant to approach me now. August 19 They say Ferrid, the chief of the Lava Tribe, lives in Mediah's Omar Lava Cave, having adapted to its unforgiving environment. Though he has endured the searing lava and survived, he is said to be extremely violent and fiercely wary of intruders. Protecting yourself may be essential to surviving such harsh conditions, but that does not mean you should treat everyone as an enemy.