step back

Need to take a step back from Illuminators and do some background work. I've got Tess' history down pat - but I don't have Balin's history and I don't have a good understanding of what exactly their mission is and what the backstory is that Tess is stepping into. I have character history on Cory, Garnet and Jared. But Balin is the most important and I don't have him down at all. Which is good for writing from Tess' POV, since she is trying to understand where she fits. But won't work much longer - which is why I seem stuck at the farm even though I have a lovely plot line to follow for Tess - I don't understand the forces that will push that plot line. Okay Balin, time to reveal your secrets to me!