Now I understand. Endings and beginnings are within the Fissure, that Riven-cleft of stars that acts as both a wall and a bridge; and though I am unable to understand how, the very flow of stars that brought my Myst book into worthy hands, I am sure served as a safe passage home for my friend. The age of Riven is closed forever, but the people of Riven are free, and now I am at rest, understanding that in books, and ages, and life, the ending can never truly be written.