A/N: A thousand apologies at the long delay. Writers block was definitely a part of it, as well as end-of-high-school flurries and last minute business. Oh, and vacation. Still, it does not excuse such a long abstinence, and I hope that you, my loyal reader(s), will forgive me for the lapse. I shall try not to have this happen again. And now, on with the story!

The next week, the workshop situation was different. Iralor, and especially Elmeir, had been forced to take a hiatus from their experiments. They spent the week sleeping, and in their spare time, advising the others who were using Elmeir's workshop as they continued to explore the Change.

Again, on the seventh day, the entire group had a meeting. Elmeir and Iralor were both much recovered, and chomping at the bit to get their hands on some good experiments. Elmeir especially, was fuming, muttering that she was sure she could do a better job- nobody knew how to work her equipment correctly, there were tricks only she knew, and she'd better get out of this thrice-blasted bed soon. It took all of Arkon's efforts and entreaties to keep her in her bed a full week, and Elasien was released from his fraternal dutywith a quiet sigh of relief.

Another week of frantic activity resulted in the workshop, and Arkon did not see his sweetheart as much as he could have wished, which he put off with a wry shrug. He'd known what he was getting into as soon as he beheld her eyes shining after a stimulating six hours in the workshop. Finally, one afternoon, Arkon felt the slim and oh-so-familiar arms wrap around him from behind.
He turned and hugged her back. The aforesaid hug quickly progressed to a full-blown embrace, as Arkon and Elmeir demonstrated their happiness at seeing each other again. A few breathless minutes later, Arkon pulled back. Mia, the only reason that you could have been extracted from that laboratory without Elasien or me going in there and forcibly removing you is success. What have you discovered?

Despite her evident exhaustion, she grinned triumphantly. I have! Now, if only everyone else will agree with me, we will finally be able to get to work!

And aren't you going to tell me what you've discovered?

Her only reply was to kiss him on the lips. He responded, and it was again a few minutes before she was able to reply.

No, silly! The only way I'll be able to keep you coming to our meetings is not to tell you anything early. She grinned again, and then stumbled. Arkon caught her and guided her to her bed, scolding her the whole way.

It won't help at all if you have the best ideas in the world, if you cannot conserve yourself enough to stay alive long enough to tell them! What you would do without your brother or myself, I don't know... kill yourself probably, within two weeks! And then where would the world of the Eleann be?! You must promise me you'll rest enough before this meeting.... So saying, he made sure his Mia was rested enough for the task of explaining her ideas.

* * * * *

The next afternoon found all the once again in the main room of Elasien's and Elmeir's home. However, the attitude of those waiting for the appearance of their hosts was one of eager anticipation. They all had heard- and who knows how- of Elmeir's pronunciation of success, and they were eagerly awaiting her ideas. Fortunately, they did not have long to wait.

Elasien entered, the picture of domesticity, bearing a tray with drinks on it, followed by Elmeir, who carried the glasses. They sat down and served everyone before Elmeir began speaking.

Well, I'm sure you've all heard that I've found the solution. I have to add though, that Elasien was extremeley important in this. I do not take credit which belongs to others- all my accomplishments are truly mine, and I do give credit where credit is due. The company nodded, indicating that they understood, and to please get on with it before their patience ran out.

Mainly, we found a way to control the Change- each Eleann can choose a shape to which to change, and Elasien helped to design four different forms for each Eleann to choose from. Obviously, the logistics of this will be beyond us... we'll have to bring in the government or something, I suppose- grimace of distaste at her failure of not being able to do this for herself- but it can be done.

The first form we came up with is called the Shee. They will have the most magical ability- or at least magic as we recognize it. Tall, with white hair and green eyes, they will rule in the mountains and on high. The second one is purely Elasien. She flashed him a smile. These are the Neira, who will be the sea-creatures. They will have water-resistant skin and special healing magic, and will probably stay the most out of everyone else's way. The third form is the Wyrd, who will inhabit the forests. They will be most unlike Eleann, being small in stature and covered in brown hair- it will help with camouflage. They also will have their own form of magic- that of growing things, especially trees. The last form is the Human. Unlike the other four Races, they will not have magic inherent in all of them- just a few. But their strength and form will make up for this. They will be slightly gold-tinted, with body form like ours, although they will be a little shorter. But these are the four shapes the Eleann must choose between, so that they will not become those sad-faced creatures.

And if some Eleann decide they do not wish to choose, and wish to remain as they are? Iralor voiced the first inquiry.

They won't have much of a choice, Elasien replied. Obviously, they cannot stay as Eleann, or they will be struck by the Change. Their only choice is one of these four. And we hope that if everyone were to choose one, the majority will go along with it. They will get the assurance that others will look like them after this disaster is over, and they will not be alone.

And what about the speculation that we could keep some Eleann as they are? Rylorien leaned forward to hear Elmeir's response.

It is possible, she began doubtfully, but not advisable for a large number of people. The same limit holds- four, maybe five if the sacrifice is strong. For such a spell would require a great sacrifice by one of the spellcasters, that much is certain.

In reply to Elmeir, Rylorien asked again, Could we not, perhaps, try? Create a few Eleann who will remain so?

I don't see why, really...

Amaranth spoke up now. I do... somebody must remember what truly happened, so that Heimerl cannot return, or another Heimerl cannot follow in the same steps. Knowing the Eleann, the only authority they will truly respect as being above their new shape is that of an Eleann.

Surprisingly, it was Arkon who spoke next. And when these Eleann die? What then?

Glendura looked at him thoughtfully. Arkon has a point. These Eleann will have no longer lifespan than normal, and surely another Heimerl will not arise during their lifetime.

Iralor looked at his wife, who looked back at him gravely. Only Iralor's face was more serious. This is a serious thing to think on. If we truly mean to make for our new world, we will need some way of ensuring that their protection continues. And for certain, we cannot have them... erm... creating more Eleann as time passes. The only solution I can see would be to make them... well, immortal. Everliving. The entire company looked at him in surprise, save perhaps Elmeir... she merely looked interested. As they all knew, immortality was the realm of the gods, not of mere mortals like them.

Valerin finally voiced all their thoughts. But is such a thing possible??

Oh, it is possible, indeed. The real question is, is such a thing right? And I believe that, yes, in this instance it is. Were it used only on a small handful of people- four or five, chosen to guard the world for the rest of time.

Frantic muttering followed this announcement. It was one thing, surely to dream of immortality, but to truly be able to grasp it in one's hands?! Why, such a thing was surely tempting the almighty powers.... and if one could do it, what could stop such a spell from falling into the wrong hands?

But, but, stammered Amaranth, I thought we were trying to prevent another Heimerl! If we learn this spell of immortality, anyone could become immortal! I may be ignorant in comparison to all of you, but even I can see that in this way lies disaster!

Not if we destroy all trace and all memory of the spell after we are done. There is only one copy of this spell in existence, and I own it, for I made it, in my younger days. Thinking I had found the solution to the world's problems, I soon realized I had created its destruction. This is the first time I have ever spoken of this spell... and you must all swear never to reveal it to any other, or the destruction of the world will be upon your shoulders! Iralor had risen during this speech, and he now looked at all of them gathered before them. His child-like face had disappeared, to appear now foreboding and, frankly, quite terrifying. One by one, he held their looks in his eyes, and one by one, each felt himself shrinking back from this terrifying Eleann as his eyes bored into each of their souls. Apparently all satisfied him, for he sighed and sat back down, once again a quiet, wise man.

Though she was shaken, Elmeir did not let herself remain so for long. Very well then. If such is the case, we can have our Guardians. And if our oath holds, this part of the plan we must withhold from all. The Guardians are our secret weapon for the world. So secret, that none but the Guardians will know they exist. And my first suggestion for a Guardian is Iralor.

The entire party nodded emphatically. Here was one who could lead and guide their world, even were it behind the scenes. Iralor looked momentarily startled, then grave. Slowly, he nodded. For the world of the Eleann, I will do this thing. However, I then say the next Guardian should be... Elmeir!

Again, more nodding. Elmeir was another fine choice. However, she looked troubled. She looked around slowly, finally resting her eyes on Arkon's beautiful face. He too could see the sense in such a choice, but she could see the hurt behind it. Slowly, she shook her head. Somebody will need to do the spellcasting for this immortality, as well as the preservation. I do not think you can cast such a spell on yourselves. And if we are to have four, we will need somebody strong to do such a thing. Much as it pains me to refuse you, I will have to say no.

As the others looked thoughtfully at Elmeir, she looked at Arkon again, to find him studying her with such intensity if almost frightened her. What was he seeing in her face, this man who knew her so well already? Abruptly, he perceived her watching him watching her, and he gave her a small smile. She could feel its warmth from where she was sitting, though they were across the room from each other. Around her, the others, either noticing the looks passed between the pair, or realizing the sense of what Elmeir said, were nodding soberly. This made sense, what Elmeir said.

Glendura spoke up when all had silently agreed. Then, we have three places left. For two of them, I would say Valerin and Rylorien had best take them. They will keep the Guardians honest, if nothing else. She gave them a small smile. Besides, how could we break up such a great partnership of wits?

Rylorien grimaced at such a description, and Valerin mimed gagging, then smiled suddenly. I agree, he said. You will need arguments if you are to decide anything truly.

Then Rylorien spoke. If Elmeir cannot be our Guardian, then the one who helped her- more than he cares to admit, I say, should be our final Guardian. Elasien, please. We will need your strength.

Elasien was startled. He had never taken a great part in these gatherings- he was alwasy behind his flaming sister, a position he enjoyed. However, this would put him straight in the spotlight. He began shaking his head, but then realized the entire room was looking at him expectantly. Slowly again, he nodded, and echoed Iralor. I will do this thing, if it is what you wish and believe to be the best for the world.

Elmeir got up and hugged her brother. Thank you, brother, she whispered to him. It is good to know that at least one of us will remember all when this is done.