Slowly, Manuel began to reacclimatize himself to the lands. He made short, impromptu appearances here and there so that word of his return would spread. He also targeted specific friends and loved ones for which to visit. With joy and tears were their reunions. Those who saw him noticed he was different. He carried a black staff that gave off an aura that was unfitting for a High Priest of Dru'El. He used death magic more frequently and, at times, would take control of undeath beings who confronted him to use them in battle only to destroy them himself later. Despite this, he was still the happy individual most recalled from years ago.
In the days that followed, Manuel was dispatched by the Council of Nine along with other esteemed delegates to represent T’Nanshi and the Church of Dru'El in peace talks with M'Check. These closed door sessions eventually gave birth to the Blandenberg Protectorate which ushered in an age of hope and peace between two countries who had been at war for come 200 years.
In the time of peace, it was decided that a new Speaker of The Hands of Dru'El would be appointed for a new era. Manuel became only the third Speaker of The Hands since their inception by Cha'reth in the Fall of 2071. This dual role of Speaker of The Hands and High Priest of Western T'Nanshi left Manuel precious little time for casual affairs. Many acts of wonder were accomplished by the Hands and by the Church of Dru'El; Glory be to Him.
Zecor Lay'lom, the birthplace of the elves, was discovered and brought to light in a time when the slavers were still deep into T'Nanshi. This place uplifted the spirits of those who entered its hallowed halls and gave hope back to the people. A beautiful temple, designed by none other than Celedor Dedwend, was erected in Visimontium for Dru’El’s Followers to enjoy and worship in. A grand celebration revealed the structure with wine, food and fireworks. The Hands of Dru'El summoned forth the Neverdead and marched in power alongside the T'Nanshi Army to defeat the hideous beast known as the Mistress of the Underdark. She and her minions were destroyed utterly by the power of Dru'El and His Wrath. Countless supplies were delivered to Visimontium and the Shelter of Hope to aid those who suffered under the dread of war or poverty. The druid, Sena'lae, and the Healer of Cha'reth, Divinia, were restored to fullness of health and youth so they may live a little longer in this sphere called Avlis. Verossians who threatened the Protectorate were repulsed and laid low until the days of the Arch Druid's arrival and the closing of the Verossian schism. The descendants of Sorvarnok were destroyed and their artifacts scattered to the four corners to prevent them from regaining strength. Far too much to detail in these pages transpired for the glory of the Father, His Holy Order and His Church.
After many years, the black staff in Manuel's hand was seen less and less frequently. In its stead was a staff of healing or similar device. Though, those who paid attention would notice his hand clutching the pole arm was fidgety and uncomfortable. He continued to be a common figure in Zvidureth, Le'Or, Silverfall, Blandenberg and, occasionally, Elysia and Mikona. Secretly, Manuel spent time at an elven monk Order in the south of T'Nanshi. While he never fully embraced the monk teachings or philosophies, he admired their passion for unusual weaponry and trained in the use of katana and sai.