Who: Dylan and Constance [Narrative]
Where: The Temple
When: Morning
What: Talk over the stolen Elven artifact.

Their footsteps echoed through the temple as they walked down the opening between the long, polished benches. It was a walkway of neutral stone and fine carpet. Constance's arm were crossed. Dylan's hands remained in his pockets. The two of them had already discussed the missing artifact with the temple priests, but now they walked in silence as the first rays of sun poured in through the high windows and sheer curtains.

"This is Zach's birthday," Constance said sternly. "I'm not giving a speech on Zach's birthday about this damn thing." It was a special day for her family, but the events of the night before could not be ignored.

"The priests and I will handle the announcement to the public," Dylan said in a kind voice. He stopped walking, turning to Constance and offering a sympathetic look. "You may go home to your family. We will deal with this. At the current moment, all we can do is make an announcement. The priests are examining the temple for evidence. Perhaps something was left behind that was not here to begin with," Dylan informed her. "We do not know, however. We have no suspects yet. We will have to see where this goes, but for now, leave it to me and the temple priests."

Constance nodded her head slowly, her lips drawn into a tight, thin line. "I don't like things like this happening right under my nose. Right under any of our noses, but you're right." She raised her gaze to Dylan, a serious gleam in them. "There's nothing we can do about this right now other than wait and see what turns up and what happens next." Constance glanced over to her right. "Tell me if you find anything, okay?"

Dylan slowly nodded his head. "I will." He offered a small smile. "Now, go spend your grandson's birthday with your family."

He watched as she nodded her head in response. Constance looked up and reached out to affectionately pat Dylan's arm with her hand. "Good luck," she said. "I hope you find something." With that, she turned around and walked towards the exit of the temple.

"Tell Zach I said 'happy birthday,'" Dylan called softly to her.

Raising her hand in a backwards wave as she left, Constance acknowledged she heard his final words. A soft smile marked Dylan's face before he turned back towards the forefront of the temple, a creased brow taking over his features. He did not know what they were going to find by the time of the announcement this evening.

Who: Temple Priests (Narrative)
When: Around Midnight
Where: The Elven Temple
What: Something has gone missing . . .

One of the younger elven priests made his way quietly through the temple. An uneasy feeling had gripped the elf, and he removed himself from his chambers to make rounds through the temple late at night. Through dark stone corridors he walked, ascending a staircase that lead to the bright temple which held the altar of Mîr’en’Galad. Its presence would give him comfort to return to his chambers in peace for the night.

However, once the elf reached the top of the steps, he ceased all movement. Mîr’en’Galad . . . its altar was empty, the candles put out and knocked over. The elven brooch was missing.

Turning around and heading as fast as he could to the elder elf's chambers, the priest dashed through the temple. He had to tell the elder elf immediately of the news. It was urgent, nothing else was more important. The elder stood by a large window in his chambers as the younger elf burst into his room. "Mîr’en’Galad," he immediately said, "it's gone missing! Someone has taken it!"

The elder slowly closed his eyes under the moonlight. "No . . . " he murmured to himself, his head falling forward as his hands held onto the stone window frame.

Who: Temple priests (Narrative)
When: Around 9 PM
Where: The Elven Temple
What: Introduction of the Ancient Elven Artifact

“Bring out Mîr’en’Galad,” spoke one of the robed Elves within the deep recesses of the temple. The other elf nodded and hurried away down a darkened corridor that was only lit by small candles. The elder elf ascended the stairs to the bright temple above where an elaborate altar was already set up for the ancient Elven artifact. The young elf appeared with an object draped in a protective silver cloth and handed it to the older priest.

“Thank you,” he said as the younger elf bowed. The priest removed the cloth to reveal a shimmering Elven brooch hanging peacefully in a glass display. It possessed an ethereal glow and an inner light that caused it to sparkle even in the darkest of rooms.

“Mîr’en’Galad,” he said softly. “The Jewel of Light, a brooch worn by the first High Priestess of our people, Erulissë.” The priest gazed at the younger elf who was staring at him (and the artifact) curiously. “We must bring set this precious artifact for all to see upon the departure of the current High Priestess on a full moon. Theora has traveled to Tol’Hith in order to rejuvenate her spiritual energies. While she is gone, Mîr’en’Galad will stand in her place, providing hope to all in Elysium.”

“But your holiness, will the citizens of the land understand the importance of our tradition? They are not all elves…”

The older elf smiled calmly. “It matters not, for this artifact represents her presence, and all who lay their eyes upon it shall feel calm and at peace, just as they would were they with Theora herself.” He paused and placed the artifact upon the altar. “This is one of the Elven people’s most sacred objects, and its importance transcends the boundaries of race.”

The brooch in its glass display was placed upon the altar, a very strong and protective magical barrier erected around it by the older elf afterwards. The two flowers, growing out from each other without roots, symbolized eternal life with no beginning or end. A silver ribbon, tying them together, resembled the modern day symbol of eternity. Eternally, the light of the High Priestesses would shine upon Elysium.

Its magical power was great, able to amplify the power of the person who possessed it beyond great measure, hence the need for protection. The object was not meant to fall into the wrong hands.

Now, as their High Priestess sailed away, it would be put on display in the temple and remain there until she returned from her voyage as a symbol of her presence and her protection of the people.