Elathir Valorun, also known as Valorun the Dancer, was not nobly born, but earned renown more than dozens of kings born since his time. He was said to have fought in over 100 disputes of honor, and never once struck at an opponent before being attacked himself. An elf of the 6th Age, Elathir was no mere tourney swordsman. He ultimately gave his life at the Battle of the Dry Rift, but not before slaying many who opposed his lord.
Before the great war of that age, his reputation had already earned him several powerful rivals, almost all of whom spoke in terms of respect, if not admiration. However, he also suffered the enmity of dishonorable men, including the White Prince of Wosonia who hired assassins to end his life at Darrow Hall. He is said to have faced the three of them of them at once, and after giving them many opportunities to depart in peace, dispatched them from oldest to youngest, and without spilling his wine goblet.
The instructional tome which bears his name, "The Form of Valorun" was written by his apprentice, Talethir, who carried his sword out from the Dry Rift and wrote his treatise just into the dawn of the 7th Age. According to the Form, Valorun espoused a narrow stance, economy of movement and timing over strength. From him, comes the maxim, "He wins who strikes fast slowly."
Among modern swordsmen, Elathir is considered to be a grandmaster and in the top ten of those who have ever held a blade. Several schools bear his name, but few if any can claim direct lineage to the elf or his students.
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