Philius's Call

...Highness...

Hello? Who's there?

...Your Highness...

This voice sounds familiar...

Your Highness!

Wait, isn't that...

Philius?!

Where are you, Your Highness? Why are you not in your quarters?

Philius? You're awake?

So it would seem, Your Majesty. Everyone else is still trapped in the ice, but...where are you? I feared for the worst when you weren't in your room.

It's a long story. I'll tell you everything, but I need to see you in person. Let's meet back in the village.

As you wish, Your Majesty. I will be waiting.

(You will be moved to Elluel if you accept.)

Your Highness! I'm so happy to see you safe. I was worried...

You look tired. Are you all right?

Don't worry about me. It's just the aftermath of the curse. I'm more worried about the village. Why isn't anyone else waking up?

It's been this way, Philius. I've been awake for a while now, and you're the only other Elf who's woken up since. When I heard your voice, I'd hoped the Black Mage's curse had been lifted...

I don't understand it either, My Liege. The Black Mage uses powerful, forbidden magic, much of which even I don't understand. But you were going to tell me your story, yes? I'm eager to find out what's happened.

(You tell him everything that's happened: awakening from your slumber weak and alone, in a world centuries removed from the Victoria Island you once knew. And you tell him of your quest to regain your strength and free the Elves of the Black Mage's curse.)

Your Majesty... I'm sorry. I've failed you. This should never have happened...

It's all right, Philius. I've only done what I can to help my people. Right now, I need to know what you think of this situation.

It's clear that the Black Mage's curse is still in effect. Somehow, a crack has formed in the curse, but it's still there. That's why you woke up, Your Highness.

Then why are you awake, too?

I believe it's because of you, Your Majesty. Because you are awake, the crack in the curse is growing. And it will continue to grow as you become stronger.

Then I must continue to build my strength.

Exactly. I am the most powerful of the three elders, so I woke up first. If you continue to grow, the other two elders will wake up soon...

I see. And what of the rest of my people?

Your strength is the strength of all Elves. Once you regain your full strength, even the weakest among us should awaken.

Very well. My path is clear. I must return to the world beyond Elluel and continue to train. Philius, will you come with me?

If Your Majesty will allow it, I think I should stay here. I'm still too weak to survive outside of the village. Besides, someone must stay behind and watch over the other Elves while you train.

I'm proud of you, My Liege. You woke up here, alone, and still managed to rise above it and weaken the curse even more. It is an honor to serve such a great hero.

The other elders will awaken soon. Come, let's watch.