Faifisheb demanded answers, “Why has this happened?”

Ibbero gazed into the distant snow clad mountains and began. “Of all the things most precious and yet most daunting to the conduct of the wise is the knowledge that one day they no longer will be able to go on. They will obtain no more life, nor take succour in joy of a new tomorrow. They will simply stop and leave the circles of the world they know now. Only the need to survive and prosper drives most of them along in life, but for the wisest of them they worry most that all the knowledge learned will perish with them. This for them is a greater fear than death itself.”

Bileack held back his protest and let Ibbero continue. “You doubt me and yet examine your hearts and see the gift we have been given as Yasrata; for it is not extended universally. Men are ultimately finite in a world of sorrow. They know that they must spend a lifetime perfecting living only for it to (seem to them,) come at the end to naught. Yet it is not so; we know this. However they cannot and for men it thus lends then susceptible to coercion from the enemy. Nihilism and bitter belief that life is pointless and human values are worthless is easily fostered by those with other ends. Ever the darkness seeks to undermine the intrinsic belief we foster in men that there is another circle for them to ascend at the end. A circle that is of the purest light filled with laughter and harmony where they may spend eternity in bliss.”

Bileack could contain no more disquiet and retorted. “Ibbero how can we end their blindness when it is set hard through years of subversion. I weep for the children of the Earth and yet I despair at the task you seek to undertake. Perhaps it is beyond us and we should return to Golaslo and leave these fools to their fate.”

Ibbero winced and his face grew dark and menacing before he spoke. Faifisheb sensing the change backed away instinctively though she ached to hold Bileack. “Fools, fools are they now Bileack? What manner of idiocy is this talk? Have we not been taught to be better than this? You anger and hurt me with these thoughts. You, who knew what was coming, yet refused to take the burden of leadership which I now carry. Do not talk to me of fools for I see a greater one before me.” With that he turned and strode off into the night.

In the distance an owl hooted and was answered by its mate. They cared nothing for the deliberations of these high folk on a winter’s night; only that they might meet and share some tasty morsel should something be foolish enough to venture out in the dark.

Faifisheb drew close to Bileack and planting her arms around him said. “Do not take his words to heart my love. Oft he is given to rage and though my heart tells me you have deserved his ire this night, still I would comfort you. You are my hearts love and though you committed a thousand errors still my heart would seek to protect and serve you. Heart of the wood and flower of the vein have I not always worshipped you. Take my hand and we will commune under the moon and within silence and the warmth of our closeness shall we find peace again this night.”

While the moon rode across the sky and the embers of the fire turned to grey ash they found shelter within the gorse and lay together for the rest of the night deep in the love they shared. It was above all (had they thought) the reason men are so passionate about life and fear death. Not because of what they will lose, but for that which they shall never once more gain.