The Founding of Aegrothond

[Toffee 1110]

The story of Aegrothond is complex, riddled with controversy and bitter enmity. From a small island refuge to grand seaside citadel, the Principality of Aegrothond’s rise to prominence from the ashes of the Dominion of Malin was set to the backdrop of what is now known as the Elven Cold War. This account chronicles the founding of Aegrothond on Atlas but falls short of the events which transformed the Principality of Aegrothond into the Crown of Elvenesse and later the Crown of Amaethea.

 

Preface: The House Sylvaeri and Clan Ithelanen Conflict

 

It is important to understand the enmity between House Sylvaeri, rulers of the Principality of Aegrothond, and Clan Ithelanen (sometimes known as House Ithel’an), rulers of the Kingdom of Gladewynn. Both states claimed spiritual successorship to the collapsed Dominion of Malin, and the conflict between the ruling families is the central cause of the Elven Cold War of 1686–1712.

 

Belestram Sylvaeri and Kairn Ithelanen—Bronze Princes alongside Khaine Csarathaire—were central figures in the Dominion of Malin in the wake of the Bronze Rebellion of late-Axios. However, the beginnings of conflict between Belestram and Kairn began to stir with the crowning of King Abelas Caerme’onn in 1676. Belestram, in the tradition of the reformed Dominion, intended to be named High Prince Kairn’s successor by moot. However, Kairn controversially declared himself King following the War of the Loftywoods and later bestowed the Kingship on Abelas Caerme’onn, forgoing the traditional voting process of the moot. This succession was later confirmed by the Upper Council of the Dominion of Malin, and Belestram was named King Abelas’ Lord Ambassador, claiming a seat on the Upper Council. Although conflict did not directly arise between Belestram and Kairn at this time, these events would later be the basis of the principled claim made by the free Elves of Aegrothond that there is “No King but Malin”.

 

An additional cause of the conflict was Belestram’s marriage to healer and fellow diplomat Illynora Aureon. Illynora and Kairn were betrothed, with Illynora having received the esalathe’lan (cultural tattoo) of Clan Ithelanen in anticipation of their marriage. The relationship was fraught with tension due to Illynora’s induction into the Aureon Seed, a family which Kairn was engaged in a decades-long blood feud with. More fractures arose when Kairn engaged in a duel with the Rex of Krugmar, the outcome of which would determine the fate of Caras Eldar. Illynora was opposed to the duel, claiming Kairn's hubris put the Elven people and way of life in danger. These differences proved to be irreconcilable, and the pair separated. Some years later, in 1678, Illynora and Belestram were wed in a private ceremony in the Naelurir Grove by none other than King Abelas, who was a druid priest of the Naelurir also known as Brother Caribou. There is speculation as to whether Belestram chose to pursue Illynora in an attempt to wound Kairn’s pride. 

 

The Elder Alliance and Slaying of King Abelas: 1678–1679

 

Lord Ambassador Belestram Sylvaeri and diplomat Illynora Aureon orchestrated the Elder Alliance of 1678, ratified in 1679. The purpose of this alliance was to recognise the sovereignty of the Dwarves of Ord as the true inheritors of Urguan as opposed to the Frostbeards of Kaz’Ulrah.

 

The Dominion of Malin and the Dual-Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska hereby recognize the conglomerated Kingdom of Ord and Temple of Az’adar as the true and only representatives of moral Dwarvendom upon Atlas, and recognize also their unilateral claim as inheritors of the legacy of the Grand Kingdom of Urguan, which has been lost.

 

The undersigned denounce forthwith the traitorous Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah, born of kinslaying and murder- and oath that they shall not rest until the banners of the Azwyrtrumm are torn and bloodied beneath the bright sun of Urguan born anew. The hordes of Haense are unleashed, the emerald banners of greater Elvendom fly, and all righteous Dwarves march in lines to war.

 

Although this cause was believed to be righteous and just, it must be noted that Belestram had a personal connection to the Dwarves of Ord and Runelords of Az’adar by virtue of the fact he was a Runelord himself. In light of this, some posit that he should have raised the Sylvaeri banners independently of the Dominion of Malin, rather than use his position as the Lord Ambassador to rally the Virarim of the Dominion to this war. Nevertheless, King Abelas undersigned this alliance with the understanding that other human nations would remain neutral in the upcoming conflict. However, during negotiations, the Empire of Man rose to prominence, and the Kingdom of Haense withdrew from the alliance as it became a part of the wider empire. Despite this, the Elder Alliance continued. When it became clear that the Empire of Man would side with the Kingdom of Kaz’Ulrah in any upcoming conflict, King Abelas unilaterally withdrew from the Elder Alliance without consulting the ambassadorial arm of his council. The purpose of this was to save the Elven people from the horrors of war, having so recently recovered from the Orcish conflict in the War of the Loftywoods.

 

Dwarves are an ancient and proud people, and King Abelas’ method of withdrawing from the Elder Alliance was seen as a deep slight which demanded recompense. A delegation of the Dwarves of Ord, lead by Atandt Irongringer, entered Caras Eldar and challenged King Abelas to an honour duel. He lost and was subsequently slain. History becomes murky at this point in terms of Belestram’s involvement—some say that he intentionally allowed the Dwarves into the city with the knowledge and intention that they would assassinate King Abelas. Belestram speaking the words “Do with him as you will” when looked to by Atandt Irongrinder at the conclusion of the duel was seen by many as an invitation for King Abelas’ execution. Others say that Belestram could not have intervened in the duel, as this would have been a besmirchment of Abelas’ honour. The latter was the prevailing narrative among the Elves of Aegrothond in later years when King Abelas’ slaying sparked the most bitter conflict in Elven history.

 

Immediately following the duel, Kairn called for Belestram’s arrest. During the trial, Belestram had his right hand—the hand that signed the Elder Alliance on King Abelas’ behalf—cut off by Kaz Ithelanen on Kairn’s orders. He was then banished on account of treason from the Dominion he had helped to build.

 

Exile: 1679–1684

 

Immediately following the banishment, Fëanor Sylvaeri, who was Praetor of the Dominion at the time, accompanied his wounded father to the Runelord Palace of Az’adar in Holm. He wrote to Illynora, urging her to travel to Holm at once to tend to Belestram’s wounds. Belestram’s connection to the Runelords meant that he was swiftly outfitted with a hand carved from basalt and animated with glowing red runes. Belestram had assumed that his son would resign from his position and join him in exile, but Fëanor waited until his father’s wound was healed to inform him that his duty was primarily to the Elven people, not to House Sylvaeri. He returned to the Dominion of Malin, where he continued to serve as Praetor and the head of House Sylvaeri in his father’s stead.

 

Meanwhile, Illynora leveraged her position on the Dominion’s council to petition her husband’s banishment. As Head Healer of the Caras Eldar clinic, she had close ties with much of the citizenry, and used this as an opportunity to begin rebuilding Belestram’s reputation among the people. Queen Renn initially entertained these petitions, but when it became clear to Illynora that the banishment would not be lifted, she resigned from the council and left the city in 1682. This led to a rift forming between Illynora and the Aureon Seed, particularly her Seed sister and mentor, Awaiti. Awaiti had a child by King Abelas who they named Artanis. Illynora had helped bring Artanis into the world and tended to Awaiti in the aftermath of a battle with the September Prince, where she was rendered unconscious. Awaiti in turn was Illynora’s druidic guide and had begun instructing her in the teachings of the Emerald Way. When Illynora left Caras Eldar, this also ended her dedicancy.

 

While in exile Belestram was contacted by Kaz Ithelanen and agreed to meet him in the neutral Trade Nation of Sutica under the rule of Trade Princess Cyrene. During the meeting Kaz proposed a deal: he would vouch for the lifting of Belestram’s banishment if Belestram agreed to bring Atandt Irongrinder to the Dominion of Malin to face trial. Belestram refused to betray the hospitality of the Dwarves of Ord, who had allowed him to live in Holm, and declined. Despite this Kaz still saved the lives of Illynora and Belestram when a group of Orcish assassins waylaid them as they left the city.

 

Belestram and Illynora later moved to the human village of Nordengrad under the rule of Earl Thoromir II Ruric where Illynora served as the village healer and Belestram as a humble blacksmith. They lived a quiet, anonymous life in hopes that no further assassins would be able to find them. It was during this time that the Isle of Mists (discussed in the next chapter) was founded, although Illynora and Belestram continued to partially reside in Nordengrad. It was only after the Siege of Nordengrad in 1690 where Belestram fought and Illynora tended to the wounded that the pair left the settlement for good.

 

More and more Elves flock to the island, circa 1690.

 

Isle of Mists: 1684–1689

 

The Dwarves of Ord gifted Belestram and Illynora a tiny, crescent-shaped island west of the mainland in 1684. Belestram set to work on construction, carving living spaces out of the stone in the traditional style of the ancient Almenodrim. Over the next several years the island transformed. What was once a crag of rock with scraggly trees and rough stone beaches turned into a comfortable seat for the exiled House Sylvaeri. At the centre of the island was a small cavern which was dug out to form the Great Hall; an open-plan room consisting of a hearth and long dining table, the forge, and a curving staircase to a rudimentary library on an upper level. Windows framed by stone arches looked out over the small bay, hugged on either side by the arms of the island. The western arm was home to natural freshwater springs—discovered when excavating Illynora’s subterranean clinic—and a stone pavilion where Belestram and Illynora resided. The eastern arm housed the entrance to the island, a watchtower, and a shrine to Sonnos.

 

In 1685 Belestram and Illynora welcomed their first and only child together, naming her Serinwë after the ancient matriarch of the Almenodrim. It was in this same year their first guest came to the island: a human by the name of Swithun Aldor, whom Illynora had befriended during her visits to the northern lands of Haense. Swithun was the tutor and close confidante of Elizaveta var Ruthern, later Queen Elizaveta of Vidaus, whom Illynora had tried to treat for her childhood illness.

 

A disagreement between Kairn and Queen Renn of the Dominion culminated in the formation of the Kingdom of Gladewynn, a nation of great military strength which would later assist the Empire of Man in the successful Siege of Nordengrad. In 1685 Illynora was still in contact with Mae’lyrra, a cleric who had also been a healer in the Caras Eldar clinic and someone whom Illynora considered so close as to be a sister. This relationship fractured with Mae’lyrra’s induction into Clan Ithelanen, although the two remained in infrequent contact. It was Mae’lyrra who informed Illynora of the rising tensions between the Dominion of Malin and Kingdom of Gladewynn, which is why Belestram and Illynora elected to keep the island fortified and closed to most guests.

 

Exceptions to this were Cedlas, Belestram’s adoptive son, and Fëanor, who was at that time still the Praetor of the Dominion of Malin. Tensions were rife between father and son; Belestram maintained the belief that Fëanor should abandon Caras Eldar and permanently reside with his family on the Isle of Mists. Fëanor remained true to his belief that his place was in the Dominion of Malin, the heart of the Elven people, so that he could attempt to ease tensions between the Dominion and the rising Kingdom of Gladewynn. An additional source of tension was the fraught relationship between Fëanor and Illynora. Fëanor had known Illynora first as his healer and peer; she had tended to his malefic burn wounds, and although she was fifty-two years his senior, their initial relationship was one of collegiality. When Illynora married Fëanor’s father, she stepped into the position of a mother-like figure, even though Fëanor’s mother, Eris Storne, was still alive. It took many years for the stiffness of their relationship to thaw. It was Fëanor’s clear adoration for his sister, Serinwë, that eventually brought him and Illynora closer together.

 

By 1689 the Isle of Mists consisted of half a dozen stone pavilions, housing the small number of Elves Belestram and Illynora had tentatively allowed to live on the island. First came Victivus in 1687, otherwise known as the Ravenkind. With him came a gnarled, barren tree which sprouted through and around the watchtower on the eastern arm of the island. The Ravenkind claimed it was the Widukind but the truth of this remains lost to time. Although Illynora was not a druid, as her dedicancy under Awaiti had been severed upon leaving Caras Eldar, she was a devout Aspectist. The presence of the Widukind filled her with unease and she considered it an affront to the Aspects, although she could not quite articulate why. The ideological differences between Victivus and Illynora lead to her banishing him from the western arm of the island to keep him away from the clinic and her healing students. One such student was Salhassan Sa’roir, the late King Abelas’ granddaughter. Most students, such as the Forest Dwarf Bjor, travelled to the island for lessons before returning home. However, Salhassan and Illynora came to form a familial bond, leading to ‘Sal’ residing on the island in 1688. 

 

Although Belestram was banished from the Dominion of Malin and shunned from the Mother Grove for the part he played in King Abelas’ death, Illynora was free to travel as she pleased. She made several trips to the Mother Grove to pray to the Aspects and refill her dwindling healing supplies. While there, she came to befriend Eretria (Sister Wildlife) and Nerrin (Brother Bat), who later moved to the island. She also met frequently with Miklaeil Silma, head of House Silma, but Miklaeil was hesitant to commit his family to a side in what he foresaw as an ugly and brutal conflict.

 

This was a wise stance, for the fledgling Kingdom of Gladewynn continued to rise. Belestram was formally unbanished in 1688, however, no official announcement was released by Queen Renn for fear of angering Gladewynn. A scant year later, Queen Renn would be challenged to a duel for the crown by Awaiti Aureon, who had previously been High Princess of the Dominion. After Awaiti won the duel and became Queen, it was her first and final act to dissolve the Dominion of Malin, ceding Caras Eldar and the Dominion’s lands to the Kingdom of Gladewynn.

 

The Company of Aegrothond preparing to defend Caras Eldar against the September Prince, circa 1695.

 

Friends and Foes: 1690–1705

 

With the Dominion no more and the Kingdom of Gladewynn at the height of its power, it was time for Illynora and Belestram to gather allies in anticipation of an attack. 1690 saw Fëanor and his partner, Delmira Aureon, move to the island, followed in 1691 by the majority of House Silma. By this time the island’s population had greatly expanded, necessitating the construction of a system of warrens to house Elves fleeing the collapse of the Dominion. This resulted in the appointment of an Elf named Leyne as Madam Steward to manage the increasing administrative burdens that came with such a rapid expansion. With the city of Caras Eldar in a state of chaos, Fëanor was able to recover the city’s large bronze bell and bring it to the island. It is a relic that exists to this day in the Realm of Amathine.

 

Belestram and Illynora searched far and wide for potential allies. Diplomatic talks with Princess Cyrene of Sutica were warm, but when she abdicated in 1693 her successor remained firm in Sutica’s long-held stance of neutrality. Illynora turned her eyes southward to where the Elves of Fenn had made their home in the frozen wastes. Illynora, alongside Elros Silma, frequently travelled south to coordinate with the Fennic Elves on the threat posed by the Vaeyl. Aegrothond and Fenn would later go on to sign an official Pact of Friendship in 1696. As part of this, the two groups attended feasts in one another’s lands and Illynora traded healing knowledge with Fennic healers. In return, Prince Aelthir permitted her to harvest herbs only found in the frozen crypts beneath the city which housed the Fennic dead. At one point, Elves from Fenn, the Warhawkes, and the former Dominion sat around the table in the great hall, awestruck that there had been a time they all battled against one another and now they were friends and allies. Illynora and Delmira travelled to the human realm of Rosenyr to discuss diplomatic relations, but with the Empire of Man posed to devour all human nations, the people of Rosenyr were not prepared to enter into any formal agreements. Around this time, Vydrek Volaren pledged men to House Sylvaeri to aid in the upcoming battle against Gladewynn which all were certain was coming.

 

This was viewed as a certainty because an assassin arrived on the island, allegedly sent by Layla Le’Cai, and a few short weeks later Fëanor received letters from Kairn saying that he was coming for Belestram’s head. Despite these threats, it was not Gladewynn they should have been worried about, but the very ocean itself. A giant hermit crab attacked the island in 1695 and Tanager Volaren lost his life while protecting Belestram from certain death. While the Elves of the Isle of Mists tended to their wounded, Azkel ‘the Scholar’ Frostbeard arrived on the island with Swithun, who had since been banished from the Kingdom of Haense by his former pupil— now queen—Elizaveta of Vidaus. Together, Swithun and Azkel grew the library. This was the precursor to the famed knowledge guild founded by Azkel in Arcas.

 

Tensions with Gladewynn continued to brew under the surface, but there were frequent attempts at mediation and peace. Khaine Csarathaire called for a conclave between the three Bronze Princes, but when a neutral meeting place could not be decided, this fell through. Guyden Aureon also tried to speak with Illynora about the possibility of unity with Gladewynn, but she turned him away. The only time that reconciliation seemed possible was when the Elves of Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought side by side against the September Prince in the wreckage of Caras Eldar, a city they had once all called home. When the battle seemed lost, the Aegrothond Company managed to flee with all intact. That was the first time Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought together against a common foe, but it would not be the last. The second time would be against a group of slavers when the Kingdom of Gladewynn had been transformed into Alderyn on the continent of Arcas. 

 

Other Elven groups were not the only ones who wished for unity between Gladewynn and Aegrothond. On a diplomatic visit to the Empire, Emperor Augustus told Belestram and Illynora that he wished for the Elves to be united. Diplomats from the human nation of Curon—Lady Ambassador Klaudia Suffolk and Lady Rosemarie Stafyr— expressed similar ideas. Although not reaching diplomatic agreement at this time, Curon sent healing acolytes to be taught by Illynora.

 

The Wild Faith was prevalent on the island. Miklaeil and Illynora became the unofficial leaders of the faith, leading frequent prayers and sermons to the Aspects, Hamatsa, and Sonnos. Artimec Caerme’onn called Illynora and Miklaeil to the Naelurir Grove in Caras Eldar for what was supposed to be a gathering of the faith but turned into an attempt to negotiate a pact of non-aggression. It was at this point that followers of the Wild Faith began to break away from the Naelurir Grove and form their own sect on the island. There was discussion of the creation of a new grove, for those followers of the faith who were also druids. The tensions grew so high that some druidic teachings became circleless. While Illynora was not a druid, she guided Nenar Terin (a student of Artimec’s) on some of her dedicancy tasks, including teaching her of Kwakwani the Trickster and gathering feathers on the beach. Nenar later went on to become Sister Wicker and helped to found the Vale of Nevaehlen, home of the Father Circle.

 

Despite the influence of Wood Elven culture, many aspects of the ancient culture of the Almenodrim were revived on the island. First came lesser renarias, the art of embedding seashells, sea glass, and bits of coloured stone on clothing, jewellery, and household objects such as door frames. The tradition of epic poetry also returned, with Edrahil Sylvaeri often telling tales from the Lay of Aegrothond—the ancient writings which record the history of the Almenodrim from the time of Sylvaen Everflame. House Kaeronin (one of the Great Houses of the Almenodrim) arrived on the island at this time, prompting an acceleration of cultural revival. Most starkly was the culture seen when Cedlas Sylvaeri, adoptive son of Belestram, was Name Cleaved. Name Cleaving is the brutal process of removing a disgraced Elf’s ring finger, the finger which bears the oath ring they took upon becoming a member of the Almenodrim. In this way, they are ousted from their family and from the culture. This was done to Cedlas after he attacked another Elf on the island. 

 

At this time, there were no official laws in place on the island. The final word of law came from the Lord and Lady Sylvaeri as heads of the Seastone Court. Cedlas’ attack precipitated the drafting of a legal codex. The unsanctioned attack by Solaria on an Orcish settlement that Turge was involved with prompted the construction of a gaol. Both the laws and system of punishment would not be finalised until the migration to Arcas.

 

Gladewynn continued its aggression, sending agents to gain access to the island. The Seastone Court was assembled and the Harbourblades created—the fledglings of what would later become the military force of the Principality of Aegrothond in Arcas. Aegrothond also entered into official defensive alliances with both Fenn and Agnarum in preparation for an attack. Once again, the attack did not come from where anyone expected. A wyvern attacked the Fennic capital and the Harbourblades assembled, coming to their aid. Illynora helped to heal the Fennic people after the attack, including Prince Aelthir. In addition to the Harbourblades, a force of healers had been assembled, called Serinwë’s Hand after the healer-warrior matriarch of the ancient Almenodrim.

 

After Khaine Csarathaire’s ascension to Archchancellor of Gladewynn, the blatant aggression ceased. Khaine attempted to engage in diplomacy with the Seastone Court. He suggested he send Artanis, son of Abelas Caerme’onn, to Aegrothond to serve as ambassador. In response, Belestram demanded that: the accusations of kinslaying for the death of Abelas Caerme’onn be withdrawn, and an apology for Belestram’s maiming at the hands of Kaz Ithelanen be made; and denouncements of House Silma and other Elves of Aegrothond be retracted; and claims by Gladewynn to be the sovereign of “all Elves” be relinquished; and the attacks by the Silver State upon Aegrothond (the Silver State was at that time a vassal state of Gladewynn) be denounced.

This was met with a scathing response by Khaine, prompting a gathering of the Seastone Court. In discussion with the people, it was decided that the Ithelanens were still not permitted on the island, and the Csarathaires were now similarly considered persona non grata. In the words of Belestram, “We are the hope of the People. When this is done, they will remember us as those who were strong and resolute when times were dark and stormy—the Flame of Malin the Everliving, guiding the People ahead.”

 

An exodus to new lands was swiftly approaching. Illynora and Elros Silma led a congregation to Endmoor for a meeting with the Vaeyl. At this meeting, they learned of the grave threat posed to the continent, and plans were prepared for how to flee to new lands. Great ships were constructed, supplies gathered, and the Elves of Aegrothond thought they were as ready as they could be. Elros led an expedition into the Darkways, where Nenar went missing. Illynora ordered a scouting party and Nenar was recovered with minimal injuries. Still, the experience had shaken her, and shaken the resolve of all of the Elves of Aegrothond, who were afraid of the cataclysm which would devour their world.

 

All their preparations proved to be for naught because all of the denizens of Atlas had to travel by foot over the southern ice wall, coming to make camp in Serrimor. Aegrothond stayed close to Fenn’s camp, and it was at this time that Vulnir Syllar from the Sable Enclave entered into talks with Belestram and Illynora with dreams of a future for the Dark Elves.

 

High Prince Fëanor holding an assembly of the Seastone Court, circa 1710.

 

The Seastone Citadel: 1705–1712

 

The Principality of Aegrothond was founded on Arcas in 1705. The city itself was a large island just off the shore of the mainland with a central cavern at the centre. Subterranean housing was built in the lower levels of the cavern, while guilds, restaurants, and shops were tiered and led out into the open spaces of the island. At the very top of this Seastone Citadel was more housing open to the sea air. Looking out across the waves were two huge statues carved in the likeness of Sylvaen Everflame and Aegnor Starfinder, who Aegrothond was named for. With more room, the art of greater renarias came into fashion—great sea glass mosaics on the cavern walls and on the cliffs around the citadel. Cullas Sylvaeri constructed most of the mosaics seen in Aegrothond in Arcas. This tradition continues to this day in both the Crown of Amathine and the Sanctum of Illivira.

 

Many new initiatives came to fruition in the early days of Arcas. Belestram, as Sea Prince and High Prince of Aegrothond, was responsible for the external affairs of the nation, including international relations, trade, and the military. Illynora, as High Princess, was responsible for the domestic affairs of the nation, including stewardry, law, and religious affairs. In this role, she entered into discussions with Guyden Aureon about the construction of a grove. She also wrote the Aegrothond Codex of Law, a simple document outlining the de facto customs which had already been observed but never set to paper. 

 

It was also at this time that Illynora created the Gatekeepers—an organisation that was responsible for who could be allowed into the Seastone Citadel and who could be granted citizenship in the Principality of Aegrothond. Illynora had sent Serinwë away to keep her safe, but she returned as a young woman in the Principality of Aegrothond and became one of the Gatekeepers. Other Gatekeepers included Annil Silma, Cassius, Cullas Sylvaeri, Delmira Sylvaeri, Edrahil Sylvaeri, Elros Silma, Fëanor Sylvaeri, Kacper Silma, and Miklaeil Silma. This was a complex system filled with bloated bureaucracy, meaning visitors to the city were frequently turned away. Aegrothond was accused of xenophobia, considering the high reluctance to allow non-Elves into the main city. In later years, Illynora was known to say that this was one of her deepest regrets, and that their position of power and safety on Arcas should have been a time of sanctuary for any who wished to enter. 

 

The lifeblood of society were the three guilds housed in the central cavern of the Seastone Citadel. These were the Maehr’evar Order (Guardians of Knowledge), founded by Elros Silma and Cullas Sylvaeri; the Institute of Healing, founded by Illynora Sylvaeri, and Sylvaen’s Hammer, founded by Fëanor Sylvaeri. When Illynora abdicated as High Princess in 1707, she passed leadership of the Institute of Healing to Eraami Aureon, who later passed it to Medli Amaeden. Sylvaen’s Hammer was renowned for producing master gemcrafts and exquisitely detailed arms and armour. It was endorsed by the Dwarves as a leading place to learn the art of smithing—a high honour, considering the Dwarves’ considerable skill with metalwork.

 

In the early days of Arcas, Gladewynn became Alderyn, ruled by Empyreal Princess Layla. Alderyn was in its dying gasps at this time, and did not pose much of a threat to Aegrothond. However, Aegrothond still kept up its diplomatic relations with Fenn, including attending a festival in the new lands. There was also a meeting with the Vira’ker Council, where it was agreed that the island of Harlond would be passed to the Sable Enclave as a vassal state of Aegrothond. The halflings also came to reside in Aegrothond’s lands in a village on the shore just beside the Seastone Citadel. The Matriarchy of Siramenor would also come to reside in Aegrothond’s lands, but not for a number of years yet.

 

When Nenar and Ailis were captured by slavers, Aegrothond, Fenn, Agnarum, and Vira’ker rallied forces to save them. Artimec Caerme’onn rallied the dwindling forces of Alderyn to assist; this was the second time that the Elves of Aegrothond and Gladewynn fought side by side. Soon after, Belestram and Illynora met with Princess Layla, who was willing to concede and have Alderyn absorbed into Aegrothond. Layla would later go on to marry Miklaeil Silma, who ceded the title of Lord Silma to Elros in order to create a new Wood Elven Seed with Layla known as the Arvellon Seed. In modern day, this Seed resides in the Vale of Nevaehlen and is led by Eretria Arvellon (Sister Wildlife).

 

Having decided that Aegrothond was in a stable place, Illynora and Belestram abdicated in 1707, passing the titles to Fëanor. Fëanor had always been concerned that House Sylvaeri was less a family and more a political entity. This concern would guide his own reign as one of peace and prosperity. He was successful in forging a peace between Sylvaeri and Ithelanen in the Compact of Lathadlen 1712. Article II of the Compact read:

 

The Principality of Aegrothond, following the dissolution of the Amber Throne of Alderyn, discards its previous identity as a splinter state of the Dominion of Malin to henceforth establish itself as the Crown of Elvenesse, with High Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri presiding over the unified peoples of Aegrothond and Alderyn.

 

Illynora remained in retirement for well over a century and was thought to be dead. Belestram, loath to relinquish power, returned to Aegrothond in the later days of Arcas and early days of Almaris. His renewed involvement in what was now the Crown of Elvenesse led to civil strife and the splintering of a faction of Wood Elves which would later become the Vale of Nevaehlen. That tale, however, is not within the scope of this chronicle.

 

Conclusion

 

History is a living tapestry for the Elves. There are Elves alive today who were alive at the time of Aegrothond’s founding. The concept of the past is difficult to comprehend, as what would be considered historical events in the eyes of Man are one long strand of the present in the eyes of the Elves. Enmity and blood-feuds burn brightly for decades or centuries, without the death of their instigators to quell the flames. Fëanor’s commitment to peace and ending the blood-feud between House Sylvaeri and Clan Ithelanen is the guiding star in the constellation of his centuries-long reign.

 

Medli Amaeden (later Silma and now Oranor) was a young Elf of only fifty years when she became Illynora’s student on the Isle of Mists. After Eraami’s retirement as Healer on High of the Institute of Healing, Medli took on this role and continued the legacy of traditional Elven healing practices for a new generation. In later years, she married Evar’tir Oranor and became the High Princess of Amaethea—the successor-state of the Crown of Elvenesse. In founding the Sanctum of Illivira, she continues the traditions of the Almenodrim that she learned in those early days.

 

Finally, with Idril Sylvaeri as the High Princess of Amathine—the successor-state to the Crown of Amaethea—House Sylvaeri returns to the upper echelons of Elven society. In the ongoing history of the Elves, hers is a chapter still unfolding. No doubt her legacy will be woven in the tapestry of Elven history, just as many others of her House have.

 

Spoiler

Big thanks to Rain for helping with some details and proofreading!

 

[Criala 728]

Spoiler

This is amazing. Go Toffee 💞

 

[Duarchist 302]

i kiss toffee on the lips in a really succinct and gay way

[RainbowRoad1234 102]

Spoiler

beautiful work as always! happy to help <3

 

[NovumChase 81]

Dwelling far in the skies above, Swithun is honored to have been included in such a many-splendored history!

[Deer__ 529]

Spoiler

Great post Toffee

 

[Spoopy_Duck 1500]

Spoiler

Really cool post!

 

[MunaZaldrizoti 5749]

Spoiler

AMAZING as always! <3

*I claim credit for teaching you about Firefox formatting ;^)

 

[Toffee 1110]

14 minutes ago, MunaZaldrizoti said:

  Hide contents

AMAZING as always! <3

*I claim credit for teaching you about Firefox formatting ;^)

 

Spoiler

Yesssss you are a godsend thank you!! <3

 

[JJosey 1215]

Spoiler

 

[Ibn Khaldun 7729]

Moderator Comments:

 

Spoiler

For the sake of being fair across the board, I ask that @Criala, @fangliked, & @RainbowRoad1234 please hide your OOC comments in spoilers. Since your comments are clearly meant to be positive feedback, I'm asking you to spoiler them to align with the rules since this is a roleplay subforum.

 

[Andustar 2118]

Spoiler

This is incredibly well written, Toffee!

 

[DeusVult 564]

 

Spoiler

Wow...that Cedlas guy must have been a real piece of work

 

[excited 10833]

(( Dunno if this was intentionally spread IRP or not but I figured I'd make the following clear in case it was simply an error.

"Immediately following the duel, Kairn called for Belestram’s arrest. During the trial, Belestram had his right hand—the hand that signed the Elder Alliance on King Abelas’ behalf—cut off by Kaz Ithelanen on Kairn’s orders."

 

Kaz Ithelanen made this decision himself. Kairn had no weight in any of the decision-making. The only choice Kairn made was to resolve the debate by a trial by combat, 4v4, which Belestram did not end up participating in, electing to have others duke it out.

If it's an intentional error, that's cool, just figured I'd leave the history here either way.

Marvelous work!))