Finders Keepers: Event story Synopsis Prequel: Beneath the fair brow of Lord Delethir,guardian of Laiquendi, a tragic past torments him in the memory of his family and loved ones who were brutally murdered at the hands of the enemy, Delethir himself gravely wounded, yet finding an inner strength in his utmost rage to wrestle a sword from the orc and avenge their deaths.
The bitterness of his loss is only lessened by the wielding of that same sword for centuries to come, described as a broad, short blade with two very worn and faded runes; and a steel hilt guard and pommel decorated with an intricate gold weave. It is well balanced, always sharp and to Meldirenbel's recollection never notched.the sword proving not only willing to be handled by foe or friend, but decaying none or even lessening in sharpness no matter its use. And put to good use it was!
Lord Delethir's name and prowess becoming renowned in battles fought bravely and successfully, until, at the seige of Edhellion, the sword is lost. Exactly how, is unclear, Delethir lost all memory of the events after being knocked unconscious, yet, despite its journey beyond the hand of its Eldar owner, the sword remains strangely fixed to Lord Delethir and he to it: a chest wound, as fresh as the day it was given by that same sword, healed none in many centuries. Delethir explains his reasons for leaving the order, to travel far afield in search of a cure. Having quietly treated his wound with salves and ointments for many centuries, these time-worn elixirs are proving of scant use not just in quelling the bleeding, but also in their pain relief. And with a tearful farewell, Lord Delethir walks into the shadows of the night, his armor shining like a strolling star come down from the night sky. The Order weep and pray for the safe return of their beloved brother!
Prologue: We gather at the sanctuary one evening in quiet meditation, brothers and sister of the Order are both delighted and shocked when a stranger reveals himself to be Lord Delethir, now taking the name Meldirenbel. Much has changed in the armor clad guardian, not least in his simple woven garments and the wielding of a staff to replace sword and shield. A lot had changed about Delethir, yet, one thing remains, alas, despite his seeking of great wisdoms and the learning of many secrets of nature from the teacher Radagast, Meldirenbel returns to the Order, unhealed. Still his chest wound refuses to mend and now more than ever, his health deteriorates to such a degree that a number has been put upon his fate, in two years left.
This information is grave to hear, and rouses many passions among his kindred, not least a united pledge to seek a cure. But where to begin? Some things are apparent: No known salve or balm will mend Meldirenbel's chest wound, made by that sword, of ancient age and undetermined origin. Meldirenbel's condition seemed strangely bound to the sword, and to have any chance of saving him, the Order must first retrieve the weapon and determine its origins...but where could it be after all this time?
Episode One: The Laiquendi Order arrive at the scholar's enclave in Duillond, hoping to source an account of this weapon from the many tomes and ledgers concerning all antiquities and artifacts within the area. The sword was last in Meldirenbel's possession at the seige of Edhellion, and the library should be replete with many texts and accounts of this battle. Alas, there are obvious gaps in the bookshelves, many crucial studies of weaponry are missing and a librarian kindly offers his assistance.
The Order do find some written accounts of the seige from secondary sources, and When a worn note is discovered as a page marker within a book, the Order learn of a sad tale concerning an archeologist called Alagiel, who died in a cave in while working for the Dwarves at Thorin's Hall. Her speciality was ancient runes, and no archeologist or historian has since taken up her work after the area was considered too dangerous. There is obvious need to explore the scene of Edhellion, and horses are hired for the long trek across Ered Luin.
Upon arriving at the gates of Thorin's Hall, the Order discover Galdor Gilandros already hard at work surveying the area. One step ahead, he points out some ruined stone tablets of text, known as doorways, in which famous battles and people are depicted down the centuries. One of infamous stature also, although the name has been removed, describing a sword-wielding dwarf. This strange revelation can only hasten the Order to make their way to Edhellion and thoroughly search the enclosure, but to no avail.
Only a few scant remnants remain of a more peaceful times and our attentions turn towards caves within the area. The most well known of these is Winterheight, the hold out for the last of the Dourhands which is within running distance from Edhellion. Inside is infested with vile cave claws and remains of past mining activity litter the path downwards. As we sink into Rockbelly Pit, and below the natural water line, only recently receded, we discover a locked chest. Our Lord Mod agrees to unlock it by degrees of strength, and within is discovered a hoard of papers and documents, although none of the Order can decipher the text.
Lord Mod takes charge of these text with the promise to translate them in due course, while the Order's attention is drawn to the abandoned mine of Silverdeep, directly beneath Edhellion. Here, we take heed from the Dwarven master who warns of roaming goblins and random cave ins, but we must persist for Meldirenbel's sake.
Inside the mine shaft, there is evidence of goblin activity and we quickly dispose of any who wander into our path. Through crooked corridor and dusty passage we sink deep beneath the ground, but strangely, discover some familiar sights. Pillars that are carved with Eldar runes support a doorway, and further in, elven ruins surprise us all! All except one, Meldirenbel, who is beginning to recall the seige of Edhellion. Upon discovering the collapsed doorway, he explodes with memory, sights and sounds that madden his mind, as though he were there again!
Poor Meldirenbel.Quickly, the Order ascertain that the fallen doorway is where Meldirenbel was knocked unconscious during the seige. He can remember the faces of women and children he was trying to save and in search of a place to rest our grieving brother, the Order discover the forgotten camp of that elven historian, Alagiel, replete with furnishings and books, left behind after her death.
Among the books, is her diary. Isoldis quickly takes charge of the texts, to be returned to the scholars of Duillond, and since brother Meldirenbel is unwell with a plague of bloody memories, the Order decides to rest upon its duties, until another day. ...to be continued. Event story written by Gilandros, with input from Meldirenbel and Isoldis.
