"In life, all that we have may be given up. And so in death, we receive it." Fáinu seemed to be looking to something far off. Almost as if he was looking over the horizon. "That was what an old friend of mine told me. A man of Númenorian blood he was and much he could see in the hearts of others."
Cree looked up and saw that he seemed to have changed in mind, less the ragged worn shadow he had been, and more like his former self. It seemed a shadow had departed and he was now thinking clearly. Much she marvel over this, as it seemed that he had been wandering in another world, trying to escape some fate, but now he had embraced it and was set free.
"Nought that hath happened to thee shall be in vain," he said, "Soon, thou shalt see all that thou hast done, has been working towards a greater victory. Dost thou not see the flame in thine own heart?" Cree was lost, his words were strange, and she did not follow his meaning. "Much valour is within you, Cree. Forget not that, for soon you shall see it. The death of your father was not the fault of thee, know that in your heart."
Then, the shadow seemed to return to Fáinu's appearance. He lost the majesty in his face and his words became less clear. He sat back in his chair and placed a hand on the table. it was his wounded hand. Cree thought she could see smoke coming from beneath the bandages, but when she looked again, it was normal.
"Nothing is lost forever," Fáinu said quietly to himself, "The day will come when all shall be clear."
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