For three exact seconds as recorded by the thumping of Catyrael's heart, time seemed to freeze, as all other noises and all other sights disappeared from his consciousness, bringing him to an exclusive focus upon this most impressive figure who had just arisen out of the fog in what seemed to be a glorious supernova of brilliant light - light to match that of the greatest Angels, even.
The Archangel of Justice and his companion were indeed transfixed for a full three seconds as they attempted to identify the figure and his intentions, until Falindael broke the silence.
"By the holiest light of Solraegiel..." he whispered, "He even seems to have been acquainted with you. But I am curious as to this: do you know him?"
"It is entirely possible that certain rogue Angels upon the Earth whom escaped the Council's detection, but this is no mere rogue Angel. There is an aura of immense power about him, which is tangible even from this distance. I highly suspect that he is one of the Masters we were told about: the Master of Light. But patient yourself for another second and look beyond the obvious...by the Morning Glory of Solraegiel and Chamuel indeed... can it be?"
"What do you see, Catyrael?"
"To say he has changed significantly is the greatest understatement conceivable, but his face has never changed. Look beyond the ultimately irrelevant details. Behold the face, Falindael; there lies the key to our riddle."
Falindael did as he was bidden and concentrated on Xanriel's face.
"He bears a striking ressemblance to the Singer, the son of Miracle!"
"Indeed. Unfortunately, you had not yet seen the light when Xanriel and I were ancient friends at a time when Heaven was at the height and glorious noontide of its power. Despite his disappearance, I have never forgotten the songs of Xanriel, which have acquired a legendary status, for all of high Heaven has never listened to music more beautiful. Did you know, Falindael, I once thought that had I his voice and the talent for singing songs as magnificently enchanting as he could, even were the price to be paid for the granting of my wish my own life, I would gladly have accepted; for whom in all the history of the World can claim to have died with such a swan song? And upon hearing the highest music of Heaven, whom could dare suggest that the life was wasted and that the death was to be regretted? But how is this possible? Long before the end of the Second Golden Age, he departed for Earth, and was never heard from again. I became completely ignorant of what happened to him afterwards, save that he had been tragically defeated during a heroic last stand against multiple legions of Fallen Elves and their Abominations. Apparently, he has more than survived. He has somehow acquired a power which, when unleased to its full potential, will prove to be greater than that of a Greater Archangel, even my own."
Without further ado, Falindael following closely, he sped towards the luminous eighteen-winged figure.
Then proclaiming in his powerful, angelic voice, a bright smile of true joy having been restored to his features, "Ancient friend of Heaven, this is the merriest and most blessed of meetings! Dare I ask how you have been faring for all these years?"
