originally posted by Hunter
Thanks Mark, I bought my US TK copy when in the US on business… others in Australia may be interested.
For the Fellowship to be restored to Seven, that would mean not only Davien agreeing to rejoin and Ciladis return from his slumber, but also Traithe being restored to completeness. Given there are bits of Traithe in the Mistwraith, the resolution of Desh-thiere is clearly a pre-cursor before the question of whether these missing bits of Traithe could be recovered is attempted.
Part of Davien's disagreements was the Fellowship taking responsibility for humanity in the first place, which is why I think he's grooming Arithon as his saviour of humanity.
originally posted by Konran
Here's another thing that made me sit up and take notice, which might shed some light on Davien's sudden affection for Arithon.
"[Davien] judged MORTAL MAN unfit to reign in dynastic succession." (CotM US paperback pg 102, emphasis mine)
However, with the entire Five Centuries Fountain thing, plus possibly being able to achieve the same type of longevity the F7 seems to have, Arithon is no longer quite mortal, is he? 
originally posted by Neil
hmm. Presumably someone-else drank from the fountain in the past? Otherwise why create it?
originally posted by Konran
Well I'd thought for a second that perhaps Davien might have made the fountain for the express purpose we see it used in the book, but upon further inspection I see that the Five Centuries Fountain inscription was Third Age 3140 (prior to his discorporation, btw), and the West Gate Prophecy was Third Age 5061 (also prior to his discorporation, which was in Third Age 5129), so obviously that doesn't work. Perhaps we shall see something in a short story about Mearth and the Fountain that will shed some light on this.
originally posted by Neil
Konran,
Going back to black rose prophesy, I too wondered about the exact interpretation. However, in the story the Fellowship + Dakar's interpretation is clear.
In COtM there is the phrase "the precarious black rose prophesy, which keyed Davien the betrayer's repentance and the return of Ciladis the lost…"
The F7 "traded Athera's peace for their own reunification"…but the "conditional link had been lost"
I guess this link is Arithon being king of Rathain.
Davien certainly is not repenting yet…but the reunification of the seven is importance for mistwraith resolution "riddle of desh-thiere's nature be unwound…until the fellowship stood at full strength…"
originally posted by Konran
Right, we have *their* interpretation, but as we all know the F7 isn't omniscient so it's possible they could have jumped to conclusions. Janny's warned us more than once about automatically falling in with a character's viewpoint and assuming that their viewpoint accurately describes reality. I guess only time (and Arc 5) will tell.
originally posted by Neil
I think that the mistaken viewpoints are often townborn / Lysaer / Koriani. The F7/Dakar/Arithon make serious mistakes but they admit them to themselves/other in the text.
But I take your point. I did feel the same way for a while but I think it is overcomplicating things. There is so much that is in plain sight that we just haven't got to grips with yet.
I suspect that Davien could repent if his plans cause much suffering…and finally don't work…but he does seems so sure of himself today.
It's almost as if he wouldn't mind protecting the paravians if he had a choice but the fact that drake dream forces him seems to upset him.
Also humanity seems a lost cause long term without some imposed catalyst for change. Maybe Arithon will find another approach to rule. Once there is an alternative he will likely repent? Maybe Arithon can make choices that the F7 cannot.
We're kind of supporting the mavericks (Davien, Arithon, Elaira)…but it seems unlikely that everything will go back to the way it was before the uprising. There is still a lot of upheaval about to occur.
Paravians are such a strong influence that it would be nice if they come back for an arc or two ?!? But this mistwraith resolution and paravian return seems geared to fellowship reunification.
originally posted by Annabelle Ang-Bok
I am wondering (and may be WAY off the mark, but just a thought) whether the prophecy is ambiguous enough to hint that the F7 need not necessarily be the original 7. It's just this question that's been in my head for a couple of days (I'm currently at the spot in the tale where Arithon flees Etarra after the disastrous non-coronation).
originally posted by Neil
Hi - welcome here 
Janny has confirmed I think on this point. Or more or less?
https://paravia.com/JannyWurts/website/AuthorsNotes/FAQ/Fellowship.html
The Fellowship of Seven is a not a group where people join/leave. These 7 guys have similar origins (without wishing to spoil here) and the driving reason for their stay on Athera is still in play.
originally posted by Annette
I was actually thinking, since all seven of the Fellowship of Seven agreed to the compact and to stand surety for humanity's behavior. All seven have to be reunited as a group and a Paravian representative has to return, if a new arrangement is to be made.
originally posted by Annabelle Ang-Bok
Hi Neil and Annette,
Thanks for the quick replies! I don't usually access the internet when I'm not in the office, so pardon the lack of response.
Sorry, I've only recently found this site and have been trying to read around as much as possible but at the time I asked the questions, I hadn't yet looked at that FAQ page that Neil mentioned. I'm reading it now. Thank you for your help!
originally posted by Trys
Welcome Annabelle. I'm the gryphon is resident who manages and maintains these demesnes. No need to apologize if you are a little slow to reply. We all have real lives. Also, you will find the residents of this place to be very friendly and helpful.
As to reading all the posts that are on this board… phew! nearly as much as the actual books (well probably not but still a lot of stuff). Take your time, enjoy, and by all means feel free to ask questions and offer your own ideas.
Trys (aka Jeff Watson)
originally posted by Auna
I'm always happy to see new people here. Have fun with the reading, but watch out for spoilers.