Teahesto had promised Lumenire he would carry a message to Seregrian, a request to allow an inspection of a set of rune-stones that once belonged to Gilmorwen, Lumenire’s niece. He had been unaware of that relationship, and its discovery awakened in him a sense of foreboding. There was nothing for it, though, but to carry out his promise.
Too long had he been away from his modest house in the Enclave of House Bar-en-Acharn. Riding down the steep lane to his canopied doorstep, seeing evidence of the property’s use pleased him. The forge was still warm from recent work, and the garden plot had been turned in preparation for the first planting of the year.
He dismounted with his baggage and entered the house, noticing that the workbench had also been used and its tools freshly cleaned, sharpened, and laid in their proper places. Upstairs, his alchemist station was clean, his associated equipment and texts were properly stored, and the bed neatly made. He smiled at Cutch’s diligence in keeping the craft house in order. After setting down his bags, he left and mounted his horse again for the short trot to the main manor.
Outside the great house, several other horses browsed the grounds, evidence of a gathering, and as he entered the manor, Teahesto could hear the discussions from the main hall. Apparently, Seregrian had called a House Council. As he entered the hall, he was greeted by those of the House he already knew and exchanged pleasantries with members who had joined the House since he had been there last, many months ago. He sat and quietly listened to the conversation, hoping to catch up with current House business.
At a lull in the discussion, Seregrian asked him what news he brought. He replied with a request to speak with her in private about Gilmorwen. Her stunned silence spread to the others at the table, but after an uncomfortable moment, she nodded and then drew the others back into a discussion about an expedition to the Angle, an area in the southern Trollshaws. Once again, Teahesto retreated into his silence, choosing not to interfere with the discussion.
After a time, the planning of the expedition had reached as far as it could go, and Seregrian tabled the discussion until more information could be gathered. She rose, and beckoned Teahesto to the chamber at the base of house’s tower for private conversation.
She turned and leaned close to him, saying, “You spoke to me in confidence once before, ellon - and that resulted in a sea-change in my life. Are these tidings the same?”
Nodding, he replied, “They may be, Seregrian. Think back. When the House searched for Crane, did you encounter Gilmorwen's remains?”
“Yes, we did. Cider found her; Lance examined her and divined her cause of death - and I retained some of her effects.” She searched his face intently.
Lowering his voice to barely above a whisper, Teahesto continued the interview. “When Crane described to me the events on Ost Barandor, I deduced Gilmorwen was a rune-keeper. Were her stones and tools among those effects?”
“Indeed so. There were several stones, a chisel and riffler, and a tiara of Sindarin make... but...”
Teahesto nodded, waiting for her to finish collecting the thought.
“...the tiara, though of Elven make, had symbology engraved that I could not divine. The stones proved inert.”
“No doubt you have them in safe keeping?”
“I do not - I turned them over to the Duillond Archives for curiosities - Cutch was damaged by them and was uncomfortable around them. But I recall there was something unique about the chisel.”
“Yes?”
She paused to examine him, suspecting he had something more to tell her, at some point. “The chisel appeared to have been crafted of a mithril alloy and was engraved with arcane markings - I could not divine their origins.”
Teahesto lifted a brow. “Yes…as I understand, the meanings of the rune-keepers markings are closely kept by their order.”
Seregrian pressed on solemnly. “Now, according to my research, the stones would only react to the hand of the one who crafted them - with Gilmorwen dead, the stones lost all power.”
He looked her uncertainly for a moment, then continued. “The Archives would keep them safely stored, surely...but someone may wish to examine them and the rest of Gilmorwen's belongings.”
Seregrian shook her head. “Not so. I got Parfiolosse's promise that only I, or Cutch himself, might gain access to the effects.”
After considering that for a moment, Teahesto asked, “So, would you be willing to accompany Gilmorwen's sister to the Archives for the purpose of examining them?”
The uncertainty in Seregrian’s gaze suddenly turned to ice. “G-Gilmorwen's WHO?!?”
Teahesto held up a hand as a calming gesture. “She has a sister, Lumenire, also a rune-keeper. There are still some mysteries regarding Gilmorwen that her sister is duty bound to solve.”
Seregrian stared angrily at Teahesto, and he stepped back, blinking as her steeled tone focused on him. “This Lumenire, this relative from the shadows - what purpose might there be? Cutch was not responsible for Gilmorwen’s death - in fact, Cutch has yet to even tell ME what killed her!”
Puzzled, he asked, “You have not had the story from him?”
“All he told me was her final lethal rune-cast rebounded upon her, and thus was she destroyed. A fitting end, so I consider it, and fortunate for her that I did not bring it about!”
Shaking his head, Teahesto calmly said, “Lumenire does not seek revenge...only answers to some mysteries about Gilmorwen. Would you be willing to help her?”
Resolve fortifying her stance and voice, she pressed her immediate concerns. “An aunt... bound to find news of her sister's death... and would she react much the same, do you think? Enraged that her bloodline is 'tainted' by Mortal blood? Would she not pursue Cutch? Or Bainiel!?”
“No....Gilmorwen was an outcast of the family. Lumenire needs to account for her sister's activities to their order.”
Seregrian, not heeding his attempt to calm her, continued. “She may look for news of HER family, but not at the cost to MINE!! And a secret society, as well... I sense too many such secrets in the offing...”
Teahesto fell silent to give her time to cogitate.
“Teahesto, has this mystery-kin given you ANY surety that she does not wish ill upon my house?”
“Yes, she has. Do you need more than my word?”
Seregrian was solemnly stricken silent for a long moment. “Your word, more than all save Cutch, is a rock of truth in my eyes.” She sighed as if defeated. “I shall consent to this, Teahesto - on the condition that I shall be present, that she SHALL share her findings with me, and that Cutch shall not be involved or aware - UNLESS I am certain no harm is meant to him, or my daughter. Do we have an accord?”
Nodding enthusiastically, he reassured her. “We do, and I will insist on that accord before bringing her to you at a time of your choosing. She will agree, for she is aware of your studies, and has great respect for you. Until then, please ask the Archive to ensure the security of Gilmorwen's belongings...?”
Seregrian nodded grimly, musing as if to herself, “I cannot help but wonder, would Gilmorwen have had that same respect? Or would she have focused her rune-wrath upon me in turn and been damned as a Kinslayer?” She returned her full attention to Teahesto. “I shall visit Parfiolosse in person on the morrow. You may take my consent back to this sister, this Lumenire - this shadow-kin.”
Teahesto released a comforted sigh. “I will away to Bree soon, for that is where she has based her investigation. You do our kin proud you know. Is there anything I can also do to help with your efforts in the Angle?”
Seregrian nodded. “Regarding the House, I bid you share what news you glean from the Road; any word towards the region would be a boon. As for me personally, would that others of our kin might share your esteem, old friend.”
Smiling warmly at her, he vowed, “I will take it on as my next task, as my investigations in the Wildwood are satisfied. And, as for others in our kin, you have raised a great house, and that should diminish your concerns about the intolerant. These people here love you.”
Seregrian looked downward, a slight smile on her face before she looked up again. “You do me honor, Teahesto, and I thank you. Elbereth grant I keep their faith in me.”
With cheer in his voice and a bow, he bid her, “Come, lead us back to your House for camaraderie, Your Ladyship.”
They returned to the main hall, where Teahesto enjoyed the company of a House he had been away from for too long, temporarily setting aside solemn concerns to enjoy food, drink, and thoughtful conversations with friends old and new.
