"Elders of the Order of Feridh, fellow Ferlians, friends," Torben began after rising from his seat. "You have been gathered in this place to bolster your courage, your hope, yea, e'en your faith. Feridh is merciful and He has chosen this time to unveil the mysteries of the petulant child born of malice and contempt. I stand before you – having, hitherto recent events, been unaware of my own circumstances – a whole elf; the completed form of the roth you knew as Torben. I now offer introduction – which is much past its due – to you, O, Seekers of Truth. Before you, outlandish though it may seem, is the very one whose knowledge you seek. I am Torbedhnik."

Exclamations of disbelief filled the small chamber. Each elf looked from one to another, as if to confirm that the others had heard the same preposterous speech. Fíth Brodhen started to stand, then – having changed his mind – sank back into his seat. The ginger-haired roth smoothed his robes, allowing his hands to rest on the moss-coloured fabric. He cleared his throat before finally speaking.

"Surely, thou dost not expect us to believe such nonsense. That would make you some five thousand summers. It is impossible."

"Five thousand, four hundred, twenty-eight summers, to be precise. Pray, tell, what is impossible for Feridh? What, in Naine Mithale and all the heavens, could possibly prevent Him from doing whatever He chooses."

Brodhen shifted in discomfort. He seemed to be struggling with whether he should believe what he was being told. Edileth wondered if the Elder also regretted his harsh treatment of the hannorim.

"How...could such a thing be possible?" Fíth Yenish nigh stammered.

Torben had moved a short distance around the circle of elves as he had revealed his identity, and now made his way back to his seat. As he passed Yena, he paused and laid a hand upon her head. She looked up at her husband with just as much wonder as the rest of the elves gathered.

"How, indeed..." The hannorim sat down and looked to each of those within the room. After sweeping over all the elves' faces, his gaze returned to Edileth, who sat almost directly across from him.

She shifted under his scrutiny. She had never felt uncomfortable around Torben; something truly had changed about him. Edileth found that she could not meet his intent gaze. After his eyes lingered on her for another moment, they glided to another place, releasing Edileth from their depths.

"There are countless mysteries in this world, many of which we shan't ever have the answers to. To-night, however, there is one such secret which requires an unveiling."

Edileth found her pulse racing. She stared down at the table, wishing she were anywhere but in the meeting-chamber. Edileth took a deep breath, forcing herself to exhale slowly. Even so, she heard the quivering sound of her breath.

"Edileth."

She jumped at the sound of her name. Feeling the pressure of tears swelling in her eyes, Edileth fought the urge to flee. She clenched her hands into fists, feeling the dull ache as her nails dug into the flesh of her palms.

"You held the book containing my writings, did you not?"

"I did." Her voice cracked as she barely whispered the two words.

"Tell me, Híen, what did you sense?"

Edileth glanced up at the hannorim in anguish. She was surprised to see a sad smile in his features as he tilted his head. The rothnak stared at the hannorim in puzzlement. He seemed to sigh, before pressing on with his questioning.

"You seemed to have a theory concerning the Tomes and my lack of self-awareness. Pray, share your thoughts on the matter. I should greatly like to hear them."

Warmth flooded her face as Edileth felt all eyes focus on her. Uncertainty filled her, as she pondered the purpose behind the hannorim's actions. Clearing her throat and sitting up a little straighter, She tried to organize her thoughts.

"The thing of it is, it felt like the Tomes somehow contained Torbedhnik's Ní– er, his...conscious. No, that is not quite correct. I don't know how to explain it other than to say that Torbedhnik seemed to have put his mind into the book."

There was a moment of silence that seemed to last an eternity. Many of the other elves in the room looked at her with skepticism. However, she sensed a sudden jolt of understanding from the níadhni of Celik and Sheem.

"You nearly had the correct answer, Híen. The true explanation is a bit more complicated, but I shall strive to explain to the best of my abilities, that each of you may have insight into Feridh's plan.

"Shortly following Akkheron's theft of the High Elves' Gifts, it was discovered that I had acquired knowledge of his origins and the methods he used to ensnare said Gifts. Knowing that I would use such information to thwart his plans and undo his vile deeds, he sought after me with intent to kill. He nearly succeeded in his endeavor; yet Feridh had planned otherwise. I was taken up in a flash – which, I imagine, gave Akkheron a fright and angered him terribly."

Torbedhnik paused, chuckling quietly as he envisioned the distraught sorcerer. In the brief break in his explanation, Edileth's thoughts turned to the "vision" she had had earlier.

The one behind me must have been Torbedhnik.

Before she could further ponder the idea, the hannorim continued his recounting of events.

"Feridh brought me to the Melmornin Tarrek, which skirt the North-Western edges of Aeonwrelle Míledh. In these mountains, where the range divides into two sub-ranges, a celestial messenger appeared to me. The Ifthaenarin delivered Feridh's message, instructing me to dwell in a secluded village North-West of the Melmornin Tarrek.

"There, I would play the part of a storyteller. I was informed that Feridh would provide the proper words, and the tales I told would be passed down through the centuries. The stories were meant to leave subtle traces of the whereabouts of my writing, until the proper time came for the Tomes to be revealed.

"I followed the path that Feridh had set for me. Leaving the Tomes in the mountains, I lived among the villagers for a span of seven days. When I had told the stories that were given me, I departed without a word. I returned to the mountains, as I had been instructed, and the Ifthaenarin met me, once more.

"I was told that many of my memories would be removed, particularly those pertaining to the Gifts of the High Elves. Though my own Gifts had been stripped from me, like every elf in Naine Mithale, I was assured that a time would come when my memories and my Gifts would be restored. I was given a promise from the Most-High; that, when the time was appropriate, an elf of great skill would act as a guide and help restore my lost memories."

Edileth felt her face warm when Torbedhnik's gaze turned to her again. She had little time to worry over his penetrating stare, for the room seemed to erupt with questions. She tried to make sense of the stream of inquiries directed at the ancient hannorim. Only a few stood out to her among the shower of voices.

"But how art thou still living?" Yenish bore a dubious expression.

"What are dzese Gifts of which you speak?" Rikku's eyes were wide in wonder.

"Aye, an' why're they so important tht Akkheron'd take 'em fer 'is own?"

"Is Edwron the one who was prophesied to you?"

"Patience, my friends. All questions shall be answered in time. Yet I have been made aware of a small problem. Edwron is not among us. 'Twould be of great benefit to have him present when I give account of past events."

"I will go, Torbedhnik-Min-Ilven."

Marrik rose from his seat, one hand holding his yet-unhealed injury. Edileth was a bit surprised that he had addressed the Torbedhnik with the double-honorific, 'Min-Ilven'. She was further perplexed when the usually-arrogant roth leaned forward in a bow of respect.

"Yes, I am certain you shall."

Something in Torbedhnik's voice drew Edileth's attention away from Marrik. She sensed his discomfort and wondered if the sudden change in everyone's attitudes toward him that perturbed his spirit. Torbedhnik sighed before revealing a smile.

"Go, Marrik, and retrieve Edwron."

"As you wish, Min-Ilven."

Marrik moved away from the table with another bow to the hannorim. He then slipped through the door and started down the hall in search of Edwron.

While they waited, Raemille moved to one of the walls, where four lengths of delicate chain hung. She gave one of the chains a tug and, moments later, a serving girl entered the room. The elder spoke to the young rothnak and, when Raemille had finished, the serving girl left in a hurry.

Is it not remarkable? Sheem questioned Edileth.

Startled, the rothnak glanced to her right.

What is?

Torbedhnik has been with us, all along.

Mmm. You know...I believe that was why we were unable to near Torben's níadh. It must have been protected by Feridh, guarded from anyone who might, somehow, piece together who he truly was.

You are probably correct. Sheem agreed.

After some time had passed, the serving girl returned with a simple carafe filled with an amber liquid. Rikku rose from her seat and began dispersing the contents of the carafe between the small, ceramic cups that had also been brought. As the animal-keeper finished, Yena stood and moved to help her. Together, they served everyone who had gathered. Edileth watched Yena and Rikku move about the table, feeling at a loss in the feminine arts.

She noticed that Rikku took care to leave a cup before Marrik's empty seat. The two seemed to get on well, having spent much of their time in the Fdhellin Plains exchanging conversation. Edileth extended her níadh toward the animal-keeper's and sensed her affection for Marrik.

Is something brewing between those two? Edileth wondered.

Unbidden, thoughts of Joenek rose in her mind. Shivering as if to dispel such musings, she glanced up and found that the very one she wished to avoid was studying her. Both elves flinched, staring at one another for the briefest of moments before embarrassment caused them to look away.

Where in Naine Mithale are Marrik and Edwron?

No sooner did Edileth ponder their delay when the two elves strode into the room. Marrik must have shared what had been discussed in Edwron's absence, for he moved toward the hannorim and dropped to one knee before him. Without raising his head, Edwron spoke with a deep tone of respect.

"My lord, Torbedhnik. I have given my life to locating your writings and, if you would have me, I now offer that same life to serve you in whatever way you deem fit."

"Rise, ye seeker of truth. Who am I that you should kneel before me and offer your life? Am I Feridh? Nay! I am but His servant, and no one shall give praise to the servant who only does as he has been commanded. Raise your gaze and look upon this humble roth."

Edileth understood Edwron's heart. She, too, was in awe of Torbedhnik; she, too, wanted to offer aid to the one who had renewed their hope. Yet, she also knew that such thoughts would cause the hannorim great distress if she were to voice them. He strove, not for his own excellence, but to glorify the One who had created him.

Feridh, you are truly good! What expressions of gratitude could I give that would be enough? Even so, thank you; thank you for restoring my faith and hope.

"We are all brethren; children of the same standing under our Father, the Most High." Torbedhnik took hold of Edwron's hand, pulling him into a brotherly hug. "Now, take your place among us, and let us recommence with my account of events past."

Edwron settled into a seat between Marrik and Celik. The rest of the members quieted in anticipation of Torbedhnik's next words. Edileth felt curiosity humming within the níadh of all who had gathered in the chamber.

"One might well wonder how an elf should live to an age past five-thousand summers; indeed, even several hundred would seem impossible. Yet I ask you, is anything impossible for Feridh? Is there anything that is too difficult for the Creator of Naine Mithale? Nay, indeed, there is no such thing that exists.

"Upon completing my task and returning to the mountains, the Ifthaenarin further instructed me on Feridh's will. I was to make for the Lornellid Tarrek, where I would again act as a story-teller. Submitting to the will of Feridh, I was guided on safe paths; sheltered from all manner of evil. For, you see, I had been made blind. From the time I had been whisked away from Akkheron, my sight had been taken from me. Even as I traversed the countryside, my vision remained blackened.

"Yet, having complete trust in Feridh, I did as He had commanded, and He was faithful to bring me to the Lornellid. When my task had been accomplished, I followed the guidance of the Spirit and departed into the mountains.

"Having obeyed Feridh's command, I felt the breath of the Almighty upon my face, and I fell into a deep slumber. When I arose, more than two-thousand summers had passed – though I had no knowledge of this. I awoke, as if from a dream, not quite knowing who I was, nor having any knowledge of what my past contained.

"Edileth's theory is nearly accurate. A portion of my mind – that containing my inner-most self and possessing knowledge of all the information that would be needed to remove Akkheron from his self-claimed place of rule – was taken out of me. Feridh made this part to lie dormant within the very Tomes He had called me to write. A shield of sorts was then placed around the book and my mental aura, so that no living being would be able to find the Tomes until the proper time. As Feridh's predetermined time drew closer, the barrier was weakened, allowing for its recovery – though not, of course, without continued protection.

"When thou hadst found the Tomes, Edwron, my 'detached' mind was stirred from its long slumber. While the part remaining in my body had no knowledge of this, the separated portion of my mind was drawn to the presence of the one foretold."

Edileth did not dare to look at the hannorim. Even so, she felt the weight of Torbethnik's gaze upon her. Once more, she felt the urge to flee the chamber. Her pulse pounded heavily in her veins, and she shifted in discomfort.

Sheem's níadh brushed against hers, and Edileth sensed his excitement and awe. However, she drew her níadh away from the young lad's. She had no desire to use her ability while surrounded by inquisitive minds. Though she did not look up from her fidgeting hands, Edileth felt certain that everyone gathered must be staring at her.

"Then, the one who was foretold..."

Before Edileth had the chance to leap from her seat and bolt out the door, a loud clanging sounded throughout the inner-keep.