With nothing to do, Jeff quickly lost track of time, only vaguely aware of the comings and goings of the dragon that owned him. Eventually, however, Jeff heard small noises that were unlike anything else within the cave. Casting his gaze downwards, the sword saw two cloaked humanoid figures shuffling through the dragon's hoard, stuffing items into two sacks that they carried. Jeff thought they were foolish, as it was only a matter of time until the dragon returned and they were killed. Eventually, one of the cloaked figures turned their gaze upwards, and spotted Jeff. The figure bounded up the gold pile with immense grace, looking at Jeff. The cloaked figure turned out to be a female elf, who breathed,
"No way..." And picked up Jeff. While Jeff was confused, his Hilderth personality leapt into action, telepathically communicating with the elf,
'Who are you? You have not defeated my former master, return me to my resting place!' Hilderth demanded, feeling anger swell up at the fact that a thief of all people would dare dirty his form with their unworthy hands! The elf let out a breathy laugh and smiled, quickly stuffing Jeff into the sack that she carried. Darkness consumed Jeff's vision, and he was forced to wait as he heard the elf speak to her partner, and then felt as they traveled. After a long journey, Jeff felt the sack that he was in be put down. Light flooded his vision once more, and Jeff felt himself be picked up and then be set down on a table.
"See, I told you I wasn't lying." Jeff heard the elf from before say, as he saw said elf looking across the table at an old, wizened dwarf who stared intently at Jeff.
"Indeed! I am sorry to have doubted you, Elisa, for you have truly recovered Hilderth!" The dwarf exclaimed, causing another swell of anger to bloom within Jeff. How dare he claim that she recovered him! She stole him, nothing honourable about it! The dwarf picked up Jeff, and Hilderth let loose a barrage of telepathic insults.
'How dare you defile me, unworthy runt! Unhand me this instant, filthy dog! You have no right to put your lesser mitts on my holy blade!' The dwarf blinked in surprise, then said,
"Well, this one is quite angered at our method of acquiring it. Perhaps we could...