One of the Kalandir stepped forward, voicing the thought that had lingered quietly among them all.
"This place was never meant for us," he said. "It has served its purpose, but it is not ours to remain in."
The archmage nodded in agreement. "There is somewhere else. Distant. The Castle at Elentir. Far to the north, near the world's edge."
Another Kalandir furrowed their brow. "Elentir. I remember the name… but I thought it had been abandoned."
"It wasn't abandoned," the archmage replied. "Only left behind. Preserved. Two stewards remained. A handful of silent hands to keep it from decay. We had no use for it anymore, but we never truly let go of anything."
The Lord Chancellor inclined his head slowly. "Remote, yes. But secure. Few living still recall the way, and fewer would ever seek it. I do not know if Qualtagh knows of it, but it is still worth seeking shelter there."
Vell exhaled and nodded. "Then that's where you'll go. I'll open a portal for you. However, it's not yet ready. I need a moment to collect myself."
"We understand," said the Chancellor.
The Kalandir said nothing more. They remained where they were, silent and still.
Sonder stepped quietly beside Vell, offering her presence without words.
"I worry for them," Vell said softly.
She listened, thinking she understood. But then he continued.
"I'm not sure if I can leave them alone. They're not just elves. They are the eldest. They have patience beyond reason or a sickness. They might do nothing, time slipping them by until it is too late."
Sonder looked over at the gathered Kalandir, their faces serene, their posture unchanged since the funeral. On the surface, they appeared composed and dignified. But beneath that calm was something brittle. She could see what Vell meant.
In the few hours since the funeral, they've done absolutely nothing. They barely even talked to each other.
"They've lost everything," she said, a quiet ache settling in her chest as the feeling was familiar. "And they don't know what to do."
Vell nodded. His hand lowered from his temple.
"They need time," he said. "But not too much. And they need purpose. That's not something we can give them directly. They just need to remember who they once were. If we can guide them a little, that might be enough."
He rose then, slowly, pushing himself upright from the chair.
"I'll open a path now," he said. "They shouldn't linger here longer than they must."