The four Elves gathered closer to the study as Luminere began her examination of the rune stones recovered from the body of her sister, Gilmorwen. Seregrían cast glances to both Aifiolossë and Teahesto, a silent message to be mindful of what was happening, her hand never straying far from her staff. Lunimere noted Seregrían’s hand and smiling grimly proceeded to pour her reagents onto the spaced rune stones in the dish. Presently, the three stones began to glow softly, the markings on their surfaces standing more clearly. Luminere leaned in close, peering intently at the marks. Teahesto looked on, stoically silent, while Aifiolossë stared wide-eyed with interest.
Seregrían watched, fascinated. “I was not able to achieve any reaction such as this. What do these marks tell you?”
Luminere shook her head, frowning, then her eyes widened and she straightened, her hands bracing her on the study. “But… this is not possible… unheard of, to use stones this way…”, and she looked up to Seregrían. “These stones have been layered, one set of runes superimposed upon the other! The topmost runes clearly identify Gilmorwen, attuning the stones to her – but the runes beneath proclaim ‘máninquë’, the White Hand!”
“The White Hand,” Seregrían said, “I know this livery; tidings have reached here from the south, rumors of unrest…”
“The White Hand… Curunír!?” Aifiolossë said.
“It would appear so,” Seregrían said.
“But what would he be doing away from his base of power, even so far north as the borders of the Shire?” Aifiolossë said.
“Regardless of his location,” Luminere said, “we can see he has the knowledge to acquire and attune rune stones – and see here, these underlying symbols are a counter-attunement, a safeguard against them being used against him. That is what your husband saw…'' Luminere’s voice fell low, “Her own grandson… my nephew…”, and she turned away, her shoulders beginning to shake. Aifiolosse moved to comfort her, laying a hand on her shoulder and offering her wine, which Luminere accepted gratefully.
Seregrían caressed her chin in thought, her other hand straying to her middle. “So, Gilmorwen used these stones to torture Cutch; but somehow Curunír appeared? She turned the stones upon him - but their power rebounded upon her. I can see two possibilities: one, that Gilmorwen usurped these stones and attempted to claim them as her own. And two, these stones were crafted by the wizard, and gifted to Gilmorwen – but in either case, the wizard left his safeguard in place. Cutch, dear one, why did you not tell me, of all people?”
“You need to have Cutch recount the events in full for you, Seregrían,“ Teahesto offered. “Perhaps he did not tell you, because he wished to bury the memory; and since you did not press him, he would sooner not.”
Aifiolossë said, “I agree, the time for salving the heart is at an end. The full tale must be known, and nothing must be left out. Much that was hidden is now revealed; I suggest we revisit the matter after reflection.”
Seregrían turned to Luminere, “It would seem we have a mystery on our hands now: you, with your runes, and I with my husband. clearly there is a gap in the truth that needs filling.” But at that moment she cried out, her face contorted in a grimace, her hands suddenly clutching her stomach and doubling over. All three looked at her in surprise, then worry.
“My lady? What is it?!” Teahesto said.
“It... it is nothing,” Seregrían gasped, “the baby just moved - violently...”
Teahesto looked at the stones, then at the expectant mother. “You should lie down, dear friend, and let your friends put these wretched things away.”
“We… we are not finished here,” Seregrían says, the fit passing. “We have the origins of the stones - and their potential powers as we have observed - but now we must discuss their disposition. Luminere, is it the Order's intent to reclaim them? Or shall they be retained for further study - or perhaps, destroyed?”
“You would surrender them to the Order?” Luminere asked. “In some cases, they are passed on to heirs, sometimes they are ground to dust and scattered; never are they re-issued to another.”
“I have not the skills to divine their secrets,” Seregrían said. “Cutch is the only heir to them, but even the knowledge of them traumatizes him.”
“I spoke not of Cutch: there is another,” Luminere said gravely, looking down at Seregrían's unborn child.
It took Seregrían a moment to understand what she meant. Her hands darted to her middle. “You are NOT seriously thinking – you would give these - these WEAPONS - to a child?!?”
“She is also an heir, but if she is also Mortal, we have a dilemma.”
“Then maybe it is that her path has been chosen already?” Aifiolossë wondered aloud.
“By your own admission, she is unfit for rune-lore!” Seregrían cried. “Therefore the stones would go to your Order, to be studied or destro - URRRHG!” Seregrían doubled over again, gasping. Teahesto rushed to her side.
“She... she... calls out,” Seregrían said through clenched teeth, “I hear her... Nana... Nana, she cries! Captain - remove these things! At once!”
“I have seen and heard enough this day,” Teahesto said firmly. “Aifiolossë, take Seregrían down to the guest chamber and let her rest; Luminere, please accompany them. I shall take these things into my keeping, and there they shall remain for a time.”
None gainsaid him, such was the force behind Teahesto’s voice. Luminere and Aifiolossë supported Seregrían as they descended the stairs. Teahesto scooped the stones from the dish and replaced them, the tiara, the chisel and riffler into the box, snapping it shut and following the women down the stairs, the box cradled beneath his arm.
