The Animacy Method - Progress halted at bridge

[Echo Undead]

My current quest is the animacy method, which requires me to go to the Emerald Plains.  I received the Rite of Passage upon walking up the stairs, but going to the gate did not cause it to open.  Upon talking to Edda, she says I need the ambassador's permission and then refuses to talk to me further. The ambassador also does not engage in any dialogue.  At this moment, I cannot progress through the game without losing a lot of progress that I have completed since my last save available before receiving the rite of passage.