Journal of Edna, expedition leader of Keycontrol.
7th Limestone, 273
Last winter, we found the journal of a fallen outpost known as keycontrol. Using the information within, and judging by the location of the journal itself, I ordered Rigoth to do some exploratory digging in the frozen river. Her expertise allowed us to find the first cavern, which is apparently where they first stored their stuff. I thank the diety Zas the Golden Steel for giving Rigoth the willpower, intellect, and calm demeaner to find this outpost. We promptly moved all of the old bodies outside that we could find, and brought our own resources inside.
The ground which was reported to be moist and ready for crops was, when we found it, overly dry. I have thus ordered Rigoth to think of a method of irrigation. She came up with a bucket brigade in the early spring. The floor immediately above the cavern was carved to allow for this. We have irregated a good portion of the ground, enough to plant life-sustaining plump helmets and pig tails.
We are leaving the exploratory mining to a minimum, as we have already heard beasts from beyond the walls built in haste. All carving so far is within known stone areas.
When gathering water (from the water-filled entrance to this place), we have reports of people above ground. No word if they are migrants or elves, but at this point it doesn't matter. We are secure here, and we're not permanently showing our position to the outside world just yet.