|
Common Knowledge from Ferein
Posted: 23 Nov 2005 10:38 AM |
This thread should be treated in similar fashion to that used for the 'Common Knowledge from Midor' and is aimed primarily at the new folks we have joining, though not exclusively so. The idea being to fill a gap as far as elven lore within Vives is concerned.
Part of the problem when playing an elf here has always been that much of the lore and history regarding elves can only be found out IG. Hopefully this thread will change that and be of use to anyone playing, or thinking of playing, an elf.
It is by no means exhaustive but will give information which any elf claiming Ferein as their birthplace or home would know. There is more out there, a lot more, but that remains on a find out in game basis.
1. DEITIES
Lifted straight from their descriptions on the essential information thread, apart obviously for alignment (and, for clerics, domains) an important part of each deity's description relates to key aspects a follower would display. It's also important to remember that there is no open worship of Tarik within Ferein, doing such a thing is likely to result in your swift assumption of the title 'Enemy of Ferein'. That aside, there is nothing to stop you creating a follower, should you so wish (but, pay close attention to the PvP guidelines).
Aros:
The Archer
Alignment of followers: Non-evil
Favored Weapon: Longbow
Domains: Magic, Animal, Strength, War
Portfolio: Elves
Aros is the most commonly worshiped among the Elven deities, and has an almost exclusively Elven following. Almost all Elves see him as their protector, even those who follow other deities. Where Tarik sees the Elves as masters, on another level to other races, and Elbereth sees them as enlightened equals, Aros sees Elves as superior to other races, and sees that their role is to guard them, and protect them- much like children- but absolutely not to become like them. As such, Aros and his clergy severely frown on Half-Elves, and other signs of human society blanketing the Elven race.
Despite this, Aros is always seen as a kindly figure. He is swift to defend the innocent of all races, though some of his followers are more reluctant in this regard. Curiously, Aros has never been seen in any way to chastise those who wish to keep their race to themselves, and not involve themselves with other races.
An Aros follower is expected to:
Protect Ferein with their life.
Guard the Elven way of life to the utmost of their abilities, and to stand firm against the intrusion of other cultures into the Elven one.
Remember that the cycle demands death, and to never raise the dead of another race - and Elves only when the cleric feels that it is important to an immediate concern that the cycle be broken.
Treat fallen Elves (in other words those who follow neither Aros nor Elbereth) with respect, but to give them no quarter if they impose upon upstanding Elves.
Never animate the dead to become undead, and to avoid these human abominations at all costs.
Most respected NPC: Camthalion.
Elbereth
The Mother
Alignment of followers: Any neutral, non-evil
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Domains: Earth, Air, Plant, Water, Animal
Portfolio: Elves, Mothers, Nature, Life
Elbereth is the most accepting and benevolent of the Elven pantheon, and the only one who will accept non-Elven followers. She teaches the importance of the cycle, and that death is a vital part of life. Many non-Elves find this attitude strange.
She is a rarely seen or heard deity, as all the Elven conflicts draw the attention of Tarik or Aros. Elbereth, her followers say, is heard only in the wind and rushing water. As such, her clergy act only upon a tiny number of anchient directives, or on the instructions of more powerful clerics or Druids.
A follower of Elbereth must:
Respect all parts of the cycle, including the time for death. As such, they will never animate undead. They will, however, at all times seek to return the undead to rest.
Tarik
The Hunter
Alignment of followers: NE or CE
Favored Weapon: Spear
Domains: Strength, War, Animal
Portfolio: The Hunt
Tarik represents all that is dark and feral in the Elven psyce. He is a calm, calculating being, who carefully waits for the right time to act in all situations- and who is content for his followers to wait decades or even centuries to act, not valuing rash action in any way.
Tarik's followers are suprisingly many in number, though rarely seen. They are almost exclusively hunters, raised from birth or driven to the path by the followers of Aros' lack of sympathy towards certain traits. They are, and should be, cold, compassionless, and utterly merciless. In many ways, however, they guard the core values of Elven culture closer to heart than any other Elves, however. Yet, with their own twist on the Elven ideals, they are utterly disdainful of the lesser races.
A Tarik follower is expected to:
Revere the hunt.
Hunt and kill at one creature daily, soley for the purpose of honoring Tarik (Though many followers do not perform this task every day)
Speak Elven in all possible circumstances
Think before they act- The clergy of Tarik have no mercy for those whose actions have unintended consequences
Never animate the dead to become undead.
Most respected NPC: Daeron
2. BRIEF ELVEN HISTORY
The most important thing to remember here is that much elven lore is either lost, or very closely guarded, some aspects of elven history are known only to the very highest and trusted members of society and it's quite possible that it will remain that way for the immediate future, but then again.... who knows?
Elves first appeared on Vives in the region known as Fangduin, now a frozen waste. Whether this was the case when they lived there is not generally known. What is known, is that some five hundred years into their history, around 4500 years ago, the elves left the area completely, whether by choice or in flight. All that is known for certain is that there is nothing... absolutely nothing, to show of their occupation.
From Fangduin, the elves moved westwards and northwards. It may be that at this time the first sign of division among them appeared, it may be that this occurred earlier, but it is known that those who by nature were drawn more to the worship of Tarik remained for the most part where they are now, within the depths of the Deep Forest, though over time their numbers have dwindled and they are now few indeed.
The larger part of the elven race moved further north, and it was by this means that they came upon the lands of ferein for the first time, being enamoured of its beauty and peace, nestled as it is among the hills and valleys of the region.
Accordingly, some of the host drew apart from their peers and remained, though not in a city or realm as now is, but wandering among the woods, worshipping Elbereth above all others, and founding the Sacred Grove, the oldest place of elven worship on Vives.
Travelling, some by sea in boats they fashioned themselves, some by land around the shore, the greater elven host reached in time the area of Fenghuul, and made there their second home within the lands, dwelling at first along the shores but in time moving inland and founding - around 4300 years ago - the city of Minyaren.
For the next thousand years the elves lived a life largely untroubled, and much of elven society as it is now evolved during that time, including the development of their system of goverment by Council, the first of which was appaointed by Aros himself.
However, enmity between Aros, Tarik and their followers has never been far below the surface of elven society, and so it was that some 3300 years ago war broke out between the two idealogies, continuing unabated and without clear advantage to either side for the next hundred years... during which time many died.
Accounts differ slightly as to the end of the war, some speak of Tarik's favourite Daeron leading a combined force of elves and slaads against Minyaren. The generaaly accepted version, however, is that the city fell at last to treachery from within, and by no less a person than the current Queen and her followers who turned against the loyal elves and together with Daeron's forces defeated them utterly.
As the final hours of the city approached, it is said that Aros's Chosen, by the name of Aliasse, was cruely put to death upon the throne by Daeron himself, an act which together with the betrayal aroused the anger of Elbereth.
The result is spoken of in awe and no little fear even by loyal elves. Elbereth's Fury, as it is known, was unleashed upon the forces of Daeron and the traitors, destroying many and much of the city, of which today only ruins can be found, the remainder having sunk beneath the ground.
The loyal survivors were led by Aros and Elbereth back to Ferein, where they joined with those living there to create the society known now. So it is that for the last 3200 years elves have dwelt within Ferein under the protection of the two deities.
3. GOVERNMENT
Ferein is a monarchy, the current ruler being Princess Sairalindë Nénharma, her mother Queen Celebess, having died a fw months ago after a long illness.
The Princess does not, however, rule by her own will alone. Ferein is governed by Council, continuing the tradition begun by Aros himself when he appointed the first Council over 4000 years ago.
As well as the Princess, the Council consists of a further three members:
Camthalion Tasratir
Archmage of Tel'Elena, the elven tower of wizardry and repository of much of elven knowledge and lore. Fiercely protective of the Princess and a follower of Aros.
Náriël Arnatuilë
Nariel is leader of the Ferein Druid order, as such of the Elberethian clergy, and until recently the youngest member of the Council. A great natural beauty, Nariel is the only follower of Elbereth on the Council and thought by many to be the very embodiment of the Elberethian faith.
Elvalia Mellebin
Now the youngest member of the Council, invited after the defection of the previous holder to the worship of Tarik. Elvalia is Chosen of Aros, sworn by oath to Aros himself to defend and protect her people, their home, and their way of life. Her duties for the most part consist of control and disposition of ferein's military.
4. SOCIETY
The elves of Ferein are for the most part followers of Aros, Elberethians forming a minority, albeit still a sizable one. Dwelling throughout Ferein between the shoreline and Mystic Wood, though concentrated for the most part in the High Quarter and Ecw Nyeana.
Ferein pursues a largely reclusive policy where the rest of Vives is concerned though it can be said to be on good, or at least neutral terms with other societies with the exception of Midor. Recent tensions between Midor and Ferein have resulted in an instruction from the Council via Aros that no elf should enter Midor, or seek to become involved in its politics. Be aware that should your character ignore this and fall foul of Midoran justice you will be very much on your own. Ferein will not come to your support nor act on your behalf.
5. DAILY LIFE
Birth, Life, Love, Marriage and Death
Elves reproduce nowhere near the rate of other races, given their extended lifespan in some ways there is no need to. Children are rare and when they do appear are greeted as cause for celebration by the whole of society as much as the family.
The learning process for a young Elf begins before birth, within the womb. Elven mothers during their year long confinement develop the ability to communicate mentally with the foetus after seven or eight months and are aware of the child's character before they are born. It is during this period that the child is named though none other than the mother and child are told until the birth has taken place.
((I should stress here Vives' ruling on pregnancy IG - THERE ARE NONE - see the esential information thread on the portrayal of pregnancy and children if in any doubt))
After the birth the learning process continues for the child, nothing is hidden from it, and the child is encouraged to learn as much as it can regarding all aspects of elven life, professions, crafts etc. Fereinian families are nuclear in nature but the extended family also shares responsibility for the child's upbringing, ensuring that the young Elf's education is as wide and varied as possible, specialisation at this stage is extremely uncommon, juvenile Elves being more of a 'jack of all trades'
The growth process for an Elf ceases in physical terms at around 70 years of age at which stage they reach their full height and adult appearance. From this point until - if they live their full life span - the age of around 700, the Elf's appearance will change very little due to aging until perhaps the last 100 or 150 years of their life.
Among their peers, however, the 70 year old Elf is still regarded as immature, not 'coming of age' as it were until around 120 years of age, theough this can vary slightly so that some are younger, some older.
It is at this time that specialisation begins, the Elf deciding which particular path they will pursue through life, guided to some extent by their families as well as by organisations within Ferein. Those who have displayed a particular aptitude for the arcane arts will typically be invited to continue their studies within the confines of Tel'Elena. Those of more martial bent will receive training by those involved with the more permanent arms of Ferein's armed forces. Those with closer ties to nature find themselves in the case of druids, at the Sacred Grove, or, if rangers, patrolling Latonei and the Slyvian with their older and more experienced brethren as well as the Latonei Rangers, who enjoy particularly close and freindly ties with their Elven neighbours. More devout Arosians come under the guidance of High Priestess Liana at the temple becoming in time either clerics, or if particularly accomplished and devout, Holy Warriors.
If birth among Elves is rare, so also is marriage. Elves will typically choose one partner and one partner only with whom to share their lives. Given the fact that these lives are likely to be longer than most, extreme care is taken in the choosing. Relationships are something which develop slowly, warily, with scrupulous care being taken on both sides to ensure that the partner suits them.
This is primarily due to the fact that once the choice is made the Elf marries once, and ONCE only, committing themself to that partner for the rest of their natural term. Should one half of a relationship die or disappear for whatever reason, the survivor does not marry nor enter into a relationship of any kind, the bond is that complete. Casual relationships are rare due to the wariness that this naturally places upon an Elf, interracial relationships of any kind being even rarer. This is due to the fact that the relationship is likely to be frowned upon by the powers that be, not least Aros himself, but also due to the fact that the Elven half of the marriage is committing him or herself to a life which will be spent for the most part alone, once the non-Elven partner has passed on. No Elf whatever their religion is likely to enter into such a relationship without a great deal of thought and consideration of the consequences. To marry a partner knowing you will be left after a short period of your own life with no option of marrying or entering a relationship with another is no laughing matter.
Death, when it comes, is something which is embraced, rather than feared by Elves. The core of a Vivesian Elf's belief, whether Arosian or Elberethian, is the Cycle. By dying an Elf is taking their place within that endless process.
All Elves on death, whether followers of Aros, Elbereth, or Tarik, are cremated. That one simple process ensuring that no opportunity exists to create an undeath for the Elf, something to be feared and abhorred above all else.
The afterlife? Elves, at least those of Ferein are convinced that upon death, upon completing their part of the Cycle they will take their places within the arms and at the side of Aros and Elbereth, watching as the Cycle of the world itself plays itself out.
6. RELIGION
The elves of Ferein worship the deities Aros and Elbereth exclusively, with the larger part for many years following Aros. Aros's clergy are the more warlike and can be thought of along traditional cleric lines, though a preference for stealth, and for the bow and longbow are noticeable. Aros' profile above will give majior clues to their behaviour, as wel as to the behaviour of other followers, foremost among whom (with the exception of the Chosen) are the Holy Warriors, not clergy as such but those who through fath and dedication have become divine champions. It is they who guard the borders and holy places of the realm with unfailing vigilance.
Elbereth's clergy within Ferein is formed exclusively of druids, as befits a deity regarded by the elves as the creator of everything natural, including the mortal races. Druids in Vives can use many of the normal clerical abilities, and are able to raise dead . Non elven clergy, although they may if they wish be druids, also follow more traditional roles as clerics, though their beliefs would be the same as those of an elven follower.
It is important to note that as a result of recent events, in particular the destruction of Ferein's Inner City and the death of many there, that there has been a slight shift in the power base towards the Elberethians, largely as a result of the fact that since many of those who died were Arosian, the majority of living Elves now follow the Mother.
In terms of actual physical ruling power, however, the Arosians still hold sway with three of the four Council members - Saeralinde, Camthalion and Elvalia, being Arosian while Nariel remains the only Elberethian.
7. PLACES OF INTEREST
Tel'Ilmela (Tower of Aros)
The new seat of govrnment within Ferein, home to the Princess and meeting place of the Council.
Tel'Elena (Tower of the Stars)
The elven seat of learning and magery, open to all wizards and sorcerers with elven blood, though a certain amount of proficiency must be atained before full entrance is permitted.
High Quarter
Home to the majority of the elves of Ferein and built as a replacement for the recently destroyed Inner City (see below). Here also can be found the Falling Stars Inn, Dancing Moon Bathhouse, Halls of Enchantment and Alchemy, and the Arrow of Aros store.
Oamael River
Fed by the clear springs of the realm, the river flows out to sea and its shores are home to the shrine to Elbereth.
Temple Gardens
Watched over by High Priestess Liana of Aros, the gardens and their central temple were founded after the influx of survivors from Minyaren, dedicated to the worship of both deities though used for the most part by Arosians.
Treetop Market
Built on a platform high above central ferein and home to The Golden Leaf and Silver Quiver stores
Sacred Grove
Founded by the druids of Ferein almost 4200 years ago, the grove remains the home of their order and the centre of wordhip for Elbereth both within Ferein and the larger world beyond. Nearby lies the ancient settlement of Ecw Nyeana, the original settlement for elves withing Ferein. For many years it remained unused after the fall of Minyaren as elves for the most part moved to the Inner City. However, since the latter's destruction (see below) it is being returned to use along with the newly built High Quarter.
8. RECENT HISTORY - WHAT EVERY ELF OF FEREIN WILL KNOW
About a year ago, a theft took place from the Cavern of Sorrows beneath Elbereth's Tears. The perpetrator, who's identity is known to only a few, stole four large gems, also known as the Tears of Elbereth.
These gems all in some manner carried an embodiment of the power of the Mother, who cursed the thief as escape was made. The Tears found their way somehow into the hands of Elbereth's greatest foes, the undead, two even into the hands of Gukathul himself.
The remaining two were recovered at great risk, but the two held by Gukathul were hidden, as he sought to put them to his own use, to pervert them into some cruel mockery of the Mother's Power.... it is said by some even that they were studied so that he may make his own.
While holding these jewels he was pursued without end by Aros, who sought their return, even on one occasion sorely wounded by him.
One of the Tears, in his frustration, and in anger at the pursuit, he destroyed, the other....
A few months ago Ferein began to sicken, where before rain had not been known, it rained - without end, storms shook the realm, the temperatures dropped, yet throughout all, none could ascertain why. Answers were sought, adventurers questing throughout Vives for the remaining lost Tear in hopes that it may provide a cure. Unfortunately their efforts were in vain , the weather worsened, ferein was held in the grip of deepest winter, of unending darkness.
Finally, the city itself was destroyed, built by those survisvors of Minyaren as their new home and in image of the old it was destroyed by storms of fire and rock, by earthquakes and an unimaginable power, destroying the palace, Tel'Elena, and the homes of many. Destroying too the lives of thousands of Ferein's inhabitants.
Gukathul was hunted down by Aros, and taunted him and those who had sought the Tear with word that it had been within ferein all along, spreading the corruption he had laid upon it, and falling with the city deep into the valley below.
The sickness was cured, with the aid once more of many adventurers the fragments of the one Gukathul destroyed were found and used to heal all of Ferein save one part... that part which remains in permanent dark. The Inner City or its remains now lie sealed behind a gate, inaccessible to all. However...
Silmarwen and Itarille
On the day when the battle between the three sisters took place in Icy Vale, two further events occurred, unnoticed by many save perhaps the elven people themselves. As she walked to Tel'Ilmela from her home in the Grove Nariel was struck down by a mysterious ailment - or so it seemed at the time - at the very same moment in which Ferein, like much of the rest of Vives, suffered earthquakes and the fury of nature at its worst.
As a result of her collapse, Nariel lay in a coma for months, and despite the efforts of the druids and healers of Ferein no cure could be found nor any reason for her condition.
On that day also an elven woman appeared within the Temple Gardens, clad in armour which, although obviously elven in design, bore no resemblance at all to any current style within Ferein nor for that matter anywhere else among the Elves of Vives.
Over the succeeding weeks and months Itarille appeared before many people of all races, her background remaining largely a mystery though from conversation with her several things became clear. Itarille was old, older than any would have believed possible, claiming her home to have been Fangduin, the original birthplace of the Vivessian Elves, which - if true - would mean she could be anywhere up to 5000 years old.
She had very little memory or knowledge of what had passed in the intervening years, was unaware of her folk's departure from Fangduin (the precise reasons for which still remain largely unknown), of the rise and fall of Minyaren, and of the growth of Ferein as the Elven home.
Over time, she began to speak of a friend, very close and her confusion that this friend, by the name of Silmarwen, could not be found. She sought to convince all who would listen that this friend slept, that she would need to be awakened, and of her increasing confusion over whether she herself was truly awake or merely walking in a living dream.
She was at last led to Nariel, who seemingly woke from her coma long enough to speak - in a tongue unknown to those present - and only to Itarille.
Itarille explained that it was - to the confusion of those present - Silmarwen who had spoken, that her friend had stated quite clearly that neither she nor Itarille could be truly awakened, that Nariel could not be cured, until the evil which still lay within Ferein ws dealt with.
None who were present or who were spoken to after doubted that the evil referred to lay beyond the sealed gate, yet for months no action was taken.
Nariel remained in a coma while Itarille's appearances diminished. Any seeking her were told that she was most often to be found within the Sacred Grotto, at Nariel's side.
Largely, the mystery of the two 'sleepers' was ignored, and forgotten until...
A few months ago nature within Vives began to go awry, at first only those closest to nature within Ferein, particularly druids, were affected, falling victim to what at first was believed to be a sickness or disease, gradually this affliction spread, druids of any race lost their ability first to heal then to cast spells of any kind, followers of Elbereth of any profession soon followed suit.
It was then that the visions began, first to be affected was the human diviner, Salt Sower, who received a warning from Cyradwen, then druid of Mirghul, that Ferein and indeed the world faced a time of darkness, that the world itself would sicken and perhaps ultimately die if a solution was not found.
The message was taken before the Council of Ferein by Salt and plans were put in motion to form an expedition into whatever lay beyond the sealed gate, though this - Saeralinde insisted, would not take place until every precaution had been taken to protect the remainder of Ferein.
As preparations were made, the sickness and the visions spread, crops began to fail throughout the world, yields dropped, more and more received the visions of calamity as even those of non-elven races began to feel the effect.
Those who were struck by the vision, Salt foremost among them, spoke of being totally incapacitated, loss of breath and unconsciousness, of seeing - as if in a dream - two elves walking side by side in a forest which simply no longer existed anywhere within the world. The vision would jump, presenting scenes which increased in horror, the same forest appeared, now blanketed in snow and swept by icy winds and blizzards, the same elves and others like them were seen in long years of battle, fighting a bloody war with orcs and their kin. The scenes of battle would always end with a gigantic shape, hidden behind the snows and mists, one of enormous size and an object of terror, though its nature was simply unknown or not revealed.
And always, the vision ended with the sight of a woman, her elven features nondescript save for a pair of baleful red eyes fixed upon the victim as their mind was filled with cold, mocking laughter.
he most disturbing effect to many, however, was the sense of loss, of grief, a culmination of every moment of sadness they had ever known which was typically all they were left with as the ision faded and they regained consciousness.
The sense of urgency increased as further representations were made to the Council of Ferein, those appearing before them becoming aware of some intangible division among the elven leaders, though whatever the cause it did not prevent action being taken with the formation of an expedition to go beyond the gate.
A total of three trips were eventually made. The first, intended as a reconnaissance, was perhaps the most horrific as those who ventured within were confronted with a world in which nature had been turned upside down, where those who had died within the Inner City still walked in anguish and attacked any who approached, where noxious clouds attacked the mind and body, where even the trees themselves awakened and attacked any who dared to come near. All this and more faced those who braved the gate, the city lying smashed in ruins, precipitous climbs, lands where even the memory of that fateful day assaulted the senses with the screams of those who had died echoing in the air around.
Yet amid all this still stood the old palace of Ferein, now inhabited by a creature which had by some means created itself. It became clear as those who took part conversed with the red eyed elven woman that she had once been the Tear corrupted by Gukathul, that she had after the destruction of the city fed upon the grief and horror, kept those who had died within a wicked semblance of half life as her servants. That, worst of all she now sought revenge for her abandonment, that she sought to bring first Ferein and then the rest of Vives within her control, to pervert all of nature to her own sickened vision.
It became clear also that she held within her power one of the sleepers, though who it was none at this stage knew.
New was brought back to the leadership of Ferein and a plan devised, the awesome power of the Tear had been what had most terrified those present, her seeming invulnerability linked somehow to a circle of corrupted statues of the Mother which surrounded her throne. Reports were also made to the effect that a staircase lay beyond the palace, one which had always been present within the old city but whose purpose was unknown, even to those like the Princess who had lived there.
So a second expedition was mounted, a plan devised to asault both the palace and perhaps the staircase (it being thought that perhaps this was where the sleeper lay). In due course, the attack took place, as one party approached the stair the Tear was distracted, clearly seeking to prevent access to what lay within and attacked, leaving the way clear behind her for the other paryt to destroy the statues. When it became clear to the Tear what had happened she became enraged and the horrors faced by the expedition as they fled the scene were if anything even worse than before. Ferein shook as earthquakes rocked its foundations, even the very air assaulting the retreating party, the screams of the Tear echoing in their ears and promising vengeance.
Yet at the same time, to the north a burst of power lit up the sky above the Grove, lighting it as if it were day. The adventurers headed there rapidly to find that the earthquake had uncovered a door within the grotto, long forgotten, and also that Nariel was now awake and apparently well.
Heading beyond the door the party found an underground cavern, carved in long past times from the rock, decorated by long dead elven hands and untouched for thousands of years, and in its centre, lying newly awakened upon a bed, the form of Silmarwen.
As they spoke with the strange elf, like her friend clad in archaic manner, it became clear that one final venture would have to be made beyond the gate, that the Tear would by some means have to be dealt with, that Itarille lay beyond the blocked staircase. It also became clear that those present somehow saw Silmarwen as a threat, that not all entirely trusted her.
A theory had been propsed by many of those who had conversed with the Tear that her anger and thirst for revenge and destruction had come from what she saw as her abandonment, that ultimately the cause of her actions was due to her loneliness and what she saw as her having been ignored.
Once more, plans were made, it was decided that the other Tears, one with a missing shard, should be carried into the horror to be reunited with their missing counterpart, that somehow by being reunited with them she might be convinced to rejoin them. If not, somehow, she would have to be destroyed. The distrust for Silmarwen meant that a promise was extracted from her to be the one who entered with them and carried the Tears.
And so they gathered one final time, Silmarwen among them, and fought their way through to the staircase. Through horrors which had grown even since their first venture into the destruction. As they passed beyond the stair however, into a carved out cavern very like that within the grotto, Silmarwen began to weaken, her powers and even ultimately her strength fading to the point where she could no longer continue. The party left her where she lay almost in death and proceeded to confront the Tear as she stood over the barely living form of Itarille. For some time it seemed that their attempt would be in vain, that the Tear would need to be fought to rescue the final sleeper and bring an end to the affliction that was by now affecting much of Vives.
Ultimately, however, the Tear was convinced, and joined her counterparts, once more in the form of a great gem, having given up her thirst for power and revenge in favour of being reunited with the others.
Silmarwen and Itarille recovered as the Tear surrendered, and revealed their full power. They had indeed first walked the world in its infancy, had in fact lived for 5000 years, though not as was thought, in the form of elves.
Itarille had in her youth been an Arosian priestess, Silmarwen an Elberethian druid, both among the most devout of their respective deity's followers. For there devotion, and in recognition of their friendship they were rewarded by the gods with immortality so that they might serve as they had done for eternity. Their immortality had a price however, that price being that they would live not as elves but as Great Wyrms, dragons of almost unbelieveable power.
They had, as it is believed was the case with others of the Great Wyrms, been awakened by the gods to bring an end to the battle between the three sisters. In their case, however, due to the presence of the Tear and its corruption their awakening was not complete. It is their wont even now to walk the world in elven form and, being unable to do so, Silmarwen had reached for the nearest being of like mind to herself, Nariel. Unfortunately the shock of the possession had been too great for the druid and she had sunk into a coma. Itarille had, if only briefly, managed to appear and walk among her latter day kin, but like Silmarwen her powers were severely curtailed.
As to the hulking form in the vision? One word was given in reply, Frezt. Like themselves a Great Wyrm and servant of Helkris, and clearly hated by both Silmarwen and Itarille. It was for this reason, it transpired, that the two Great Wyrms had been placed in slumber by the gods. To prevent a cataclysm such as almost occurred in Icy Vale should they attack Frezt.
Why their hatred runs so deep and what part Frezt played in elven history is one mystery which... for now, remains unanswered.
Two days after the expedition thos who had been placed to guard the gate which remained sealed beheld the Mother herself, as she welcomed the souls of those who had died within the city, now released and now finally at peace within her arms. As to what now lies beyond the gate, none have enetered since, though perhaps....
The Massacre of Paws
As is documented elsewhere the citizenship of Paws with the exception of the children were killed en masse by followers of Tarik as a rite of passage.
Predictably, Midor's reaction was typically xenophobic and resulted in the deaths of many within the city of elven blood and even with elven connections. Tensions between the two people once more rose and to all ihabitants aof Vives it seemed that the war between them which had seemingly for so long loomed on the horizon would at last become a reality.
War seemed even more likely when word began to spread of a large elven host which had left their home largely in secrecy and over the course of a week progressed through the land in the direction of Midor, finally encamping at Elbereth's Tears.
The elves had indeed marched with the intention of approaching Midor but not with the intention of doing battle, it transpired that some of those who had taken part in the massacre had been captured while returning to their homeland. They were brought within the confines of the city of Midor and there tried by the elves for their crimes, found guilty, and executed in front of the watching Midoran citizens, proving that Ferein had not as had been claimed a party to the massacre, and also making a statement to those in power within Midor that Ferein was not, as popularly claimed an believed, a collection of lawless criminals. That Ferein would and could, where merited, act to see that justice was carried out.
The threat of war subsided, and for now at least those tensions which had risen to the fore abated. Only time will tell whether or not they will resurface.
9. THE FUTURE?
It would appear that for now at least Ferein is at peace, largely unthreatened except by the endless undeclared war with Tarikians, a war which goes largely forgotten and unnoticed by most.
There are, however, rumours of division among members of the Council, of Camthalion's increasing unhappiness, of an event which is planned for the not too distant future should agreement ever be reached. Little definite is known by many however, and those who are aware are not speaking of it, for the moment at least.
So watch this space...... |
ELVES! |
|
  |
|