Outside Trollmarket hustled and bustled, truly a community that rarely if ever slept. Shops traded wares and the tavern served its usual patrons and various Trolls went about their lives.

In the Library, however, all was quiet and dim, no one stirring a bit at first. Then mossy green eyes slowly opened and blinked, confusion in their depths for a few moments as memories were hazy and jumbled. Then clarity surfaced and everything fell into place, and carefully Aaarrrggghh pushed himself up to get a look at himself.

Sure enough the magical effect had worn off. He was his adult self in full once more, body and mind.

The Krubera smiled, sorting through what he could last recall. Ah, yes, now Aaarrrggghh remembered. A quick glance around confirmed his thoughts; he'd been playing a game with everyone, a kind of keep away that involved him trying to catch a small ball Claire, Toby, and Jim were throwing and rolling to one another around him. Over this Blinky had been quizzing Jim on some of his recent studies while Draal simply observed from a nearby seat on the floor. Glancing around Aaarrrggghh could see they too had dozed off where they'd been. The three teens were almost in a pile, Jim and Claire with their arms around one another and Toby with his head pillowed on Jim's back. Draal was behind Aaarrrggghh, and Blinky to his other side. The people, both human and Troll, that meant the most to Aaarrrggghh were right where they belonged; with him.

He settled back on the now far-too-small play blanket with a contented smile. It was a little odd, the memories drifting through his mind. He had his old memories from that age, but at the same time he had the new ones.

Aaarrrggghh remembered his first storm and how all the adult Gumm-Gumms, especially Gunmar, had bellowed at him and mocked him for his fear. Aaarrrggghh remembered Jim playing with him to distract him from the storm, taking his fear of it seriously and helping him cope.

Aaarrrggghh remembered all the times he'd huddled alone, watching the others spar and fight and frightened of their rough war games, even being forced into them with swift punishment if he balked. Aaarrrggghh remembered Draal being far more silly than he'd probably want Aaarrrggghh to ever mention again, playing with him on the floor and giving him sweets for no reason other than he thought it was deserved and not trying to make Aaarrrggghh act in ways he didn't want to.

Aaarrrggghh remembered trying to make friends, and finding out in no uncertain terms that friends were a weakness, that kindness was exploited and fear made you a target. Aaarrrggghh remembered Toby offering all the friendship he could ever want, as kind and accepting of him as he ever had been.

Aaarrrggghh remembered being hurt, sometimes to the point he could barely move, and finding no one cared and when he was tended to it caused almost as much pain as the injury itself. Aaarrrggghh remembered Vendel taking the pain away so easily and willingly, speaking calmly and with respect for Aaarrrggghh's fear of him.

Aaarrrggghh remembered nights huddled on the stone, missing Trolls he felt in his heart - his family - but couldn't remember for all his trying and longing for someone to comfort him. Aaarrrggghh remembered Claire singing to him and soothing his hurt, giving comfort and motherly care.

Aaarrrggghh remembered all the times he'd cried out in fear and nightmares, and all the times the only response he received was a quick fist and a sharp command to be silent, ever silent, no matter what happened, the lesson beaten into him. He remembered being hungry to the point of forgetting what it was like to be full. Aaarrrggghh remembered Blinky comforting him in the night, encouraging him to make noise and assuring him of safety in the act no matter what. He remembered being given such a bounty of food that he'd feared Blinky ment to go without as he'd often been forced to and had felt compelled to ensure that didn't happen to another.

In short, Aaarrrggghh remembered neglect and torment, and also remembered being loved and sheltered. And while he tried to never let the former surface in his thoughts he dearly hoped the latter would never fade.

Pushing himself up slightly again Aaarrrggghh carefully reached out, shifting Blinky up against his side where he'd often slept over the centuries. Even asleep the scholar adjusted to be comfortable in the familiar place. One arm tucked Toby close, and the other gave Draal a gently nudge with the shoulder - the warrior was close enough and subconsciously gripped a handful of green fur in answer - before reaching out to curl around Jim and Claire in a sheltering gesture. Aaarrrggghh laid his head down across Toby's lap onto his hand, smiling and making a mental note to see Vendel to offer a thank you, then let himself return to dreamland.