Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Galadriel brings Halbrand to Eregion for treatment while Celebrimbor struggles to make the small supply of mithril save the Elves. Halbrand's interest in the forge becomes practical advice about combining metals and concentrating their power. Galadriel grows suspicious when Celebrimbor repeats language connected to her enemy. Records of the Southlands' royal line expose Halbrand's claim, and her confrontation brings his admission that he is Sauron. He tries to draw her into ruling beside him through visions and promises. She refuses, and he leaves for Mordor.
Galadriel does not explain the full encounter when she returns to the forge. She urges Celebrimbor to make three objects rather than two, seeking balance instead of a contest between a pair. Elrond finds the lineage records and begins to understand the deception as the work reaches its conclusion. The three Rings of Power are forged. In Númenor, Eärien is drawn into Tar-Palantir's warning and shown the palantír. Míriel and Elendil sail home while Númenor prepares to mourn its failing ruler.
The Stranger's pursuers wrongly identify him as Sauron and try to restore his power. Nori and her companions intervene, but Sadoc is fatally wounded. The Stranger turns the women's magic against them, and they recognise him as an Istar: a wizard. His name remains unrevealed. After Sadoc's death, Nori says goodbye to her family and joins the Stranger on a journey east to Rhûn, hoping to learn more about who he is and why he has come.