'When I was very young, my father Arathorn was slain by Orcs and my mother brought me to stay here at Rivendell. I was called Estel by my mother Gilraen and by all those who dwelt in the Vale, and I rode far afield seeking adventure with the sons of Elrond; I considered him my father as much as did Elladan and Elrohir.

'At the age of twenty, Lord Elrond took me aside and told me my true name and of my heritage, that I descended in unbroken line from Elendil of old. He gave to me the ring of Barahir and the shards of Narsil, but he withheld the Sceptre of Annúminas, saying I had yet to earn it. He withheld, too, another treasure, but I will not speak of that.

'Soon afterward, I went in search of a Silithar with which Narsil might be reforged. Yes, I knew then of the ancient Silithair and of the need for one. But I was young, and I did not pass the test that was set before me; the time had not come for Narsil's remaking.

'I have a message for Master Elrond. Bring it to him faithfully and return with his words, and I will better know how to proceed. Here is my message: \qI know now what Gwindeth sought of me in the watery darkness, and I am prepared to give it. Elendil was a wiser man than I.\q I await your return, ${PLAYER}.'