Return of the Elves

In recent years, the shadow fey, the elves of the Arbonesse, and the elves of various other courts have grown restive. Fey interference in human and dwarven affairs is more prominent than it has been for centuries. While some of this includes the usual mischief of the shadow fey in the Crossroads, near Tintager, and along various sections of the White Mountain Marches, other elements are more difficult to quantify or explain. An elven knight wearing the full regalia of the Chosen of Valeresh joined a pilgrimage to the Seat of Mavros, whispering fervent prayers to the elven face of the god of war—and striking down the one pilgrim who attempted to interrupt him.
Various wizards of Bemmea and Friula claim that elven arcanists have come to their libraries, seeking volumes of dusty lore. At least a few companies of adventurous, prickly explorers have sought out ley line nodes, items, and lore, and are working toward some goal, perhaps related to shadow fey dabbling, perhaps related to the Imperatrix’s malady, perhaps related to the apocalyptic blather of Loki and the priests of dragon gods.
The elves are entirely unwilling to discuss the matter, but they are restoring a few shrines of their gods, planting seeds for new towns, and calling up old servants. So far, it all amounts to a few scouts and curious savants and sages poking around. The more suspicious humans and the crustier dwarves claim that all this portends some new elven invasion, or an attempt to balance the moves of the shadow fey with counter-moves by the summer elves of Solindera. For now, it gives some people hope of a new age of peace, and worries others that elven ambitions in Midgard are not quite extinguished.