Mithradites

Upon a warm afternoon, nearly a week after the letters have all been distributed hither and thither by a certain inquisitive elf, Aiera would find a bird tapping at her bedroom window. The animal in question is both ragged and breathless, but through the dirt and muck upon its feathers it may have once been a pristine white dove. Whatever long journey it had it was clearly in no rush to return, and it weakly presents a tattered-looking letter tied around its leg. In faded ink, its pages reads as thus-- “To Ms Aiera, or to whomever else this letter may find. I am hoping this aging creature will at the very least make it to the city. I will admit, I am surprised to have been presented this rather widely-distributed letter by one of my short-lived associates. The fellow was quite embarrassed much to my confusion, but having read it all is very clear. I will address not only yourself, but also others who may learn the contents of this response--something as important as one’s bloodline will require official sanction no doubt. Provided the local tyrants are still operating things properly (A leader who is both Maheral and Sohaer? Why not call him King as well, since the citizenry seem so utterly apathetic as to entrust their future to a single Mali’thill!). As Maheral, I preferred to tell citizens little stories and anecdotes when they requested wisdom from me. One finds them easier to digest, and it allows for differing interpretations, debates, and lively, intellectual growth. Before I give my answer to your question, first I will tell a story. Asulon is a name so old I almost have trouble remembering it. The Cihi’thilln of that time is shrouded similarly in my memory, but certain features I can still recall. I remember the great red structure that dominated its centre--once promised to the Mage’s Guild but left empty. I remember the quartet of towers that made up the inn and its charmingly amateurish construction. I remember the ancient buildings that stood atop the Eternal College undisturbed for countless centuries. Events, too, stick clearly in my mind. Ones that had great significance to myself. I remember conjuring forth electricity for the first time, using nothing but rare, refined metals and years of research. I remember dissecting my first living being, and the emotional rush of discovery and fascination. I remember my wife’s lifeless eyes as she lay in a pool of blood, and the black, unfamiliar rage I felt when her murderer was pardoned. Not things I recall in clarity are positive, sadly. And an ‘encounter’ with Aelia Calith I do indeed recall. I remember it was some time prior to Seth and Aelia Calith’s wedding. They had publicly announced their engagement at the very least, and I was similarly engaged with my biological research at the time. After my wife’s violent passing, weddings always pushed me deeper into my laboratory to escape the usual joviality. One faithful day I had come across a fascinating discovery--one that unfortunately eludes my memory at present. I felt impassioned to inform my fellow citizens with a physical example of my findings, and as my focus was biology, you can imagine it a very messy prospect. It was a much sharper, edgier, period in our people’s history, and such things were not entirely unusual. From me, anyway. Most of the citizens who encountered me at the time expressed their confusion and disgust at my need to share this discovery in such a way. One person, however, showed considerable concern for my well-being and followed me back to my laboratory to both keep an eye on me and aid me in my manic state. Ms Aelia helped clean the blood from my hands and coat and we discussed my work at length. She showed sympathy, warmth, and a gentleness I had not felt since my beloved Celia was taken from me. I will spare you the sordid details of what came to be in our seclusion. But needless to say, I took her passionately upon my dissection table. Long, and involved as it was, it was a single instance. I came to my senses quickly afterwards, and the grave mistake that it was. I did my best to avoid the woman from then on. Seth Calith, shrewd as he was, seemed to suspect something had occurred. His suspicions turned to outright accusations upon your birth. Both he and his wife were blond of hair, yet his daughter’s head was white as driven snow. I remember surprisingly little of my biological research all these centuries on, but one does not need to be scientist to recognize a discrepancy of this magnitude. I frankly refused to acknowledge it. I was barely past my first century of life when this all occurred. A single dalliance between elves leading to pregnancy? Utterly absurd. A single child every few decades was a blessing. I think I was in denial, despite knowing my line had an unusual potency-- I myself was a third child, after all. I refused consider your lineage even when I reintroduced you to Mali’aheral society after your unfortunate absence. Guilt is a powerful motivator many ‘righteous’ Mali’aheral are privy to. I washed myself of my sins both physical and mental in Asulon’s Golden Pools, but one’s conscience cannot be so easily cleansed. I am sure it may amuse certain dirty, ignorant sorts to hear me claim this, but humility is not something Mali’aheral should shy from, nor are strangers to. To answer your question--are you my progeny? It appears to be likely. On this issue I desire closure. Should there be any doubt in the hearts and minds of your peers, I recognize and declare you my child. Take my name, should you desire it. You were not the daughter I sought, but certainly one worth having. Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya, and dilligence in the face of ignorance, oem’ii. -L. Sullas Okarir’indor, Tilruir, Sohaer, Maheral, Father of Five.”

Very well. This will be my final judgement, provided no further evidence is brought forth. Hopefully now you will all cease this inane squabbling and return to advancing elmaehr’sae hiylun’ehya. The continuity of our people must come before all factionalism and personal desire, no matter their cost and our pride. We must all strive for diligence in the face ignorance. In regards to the Enclave of Fi’halen, I deem it as the successor to Haelun’or, and its Council as the legitimate government of all true Mali’thill. May it prosper, and be at peace. In regards to the Maheral Dimaethor Visaj, I see no evidence of impurity and - provided that he prove the citizenry’s confidence – shall remain so. Unless there is undeniable evidence of impurity or misbehavior I see no reason for this to be contested. In regards to the actions of Ms Soulheart, this is a most difficult judgement. Her actions were fundamentally wrong, but performed for the intention of defending our people from destruction. Sadly the city is now gone, but should we banish one who would stand before the abyss for our sake? It would set a terrible precedent for any other with the bravery to sacrifice for our people, but to leave her unpunished would similarly set a precedent for rashness and impatience. I understand her motives, but I cannot condone them. I will not order her banished, but I believe I have a suiting punishment for her actions: Oem: Solaria Soulheart is permanently barred from holding office either civilian or military, and may not vote in any official government referendums or elections. She is not permitted to own or wield weapons with the exception of emergencies. Niut: Solaria Soulheart will perform her Path to Purity again, and the citizens will treat it with all the severity such a path requires. She will be considered impure once more until its completion. Acting in the name of the greater good is noble, true, but they who act must always expect to be the first victim when that greater good is realised. Such is the nature of that venture In regards to the banishment of Arelion Laurir’ante, I am unaware if it is still upheld by Fi’halen. Should it be so, it ought to be lifted. Seek to make amends, and let such schisms go by the wayside. Whatever crimes he is accused of are hearsay without evidence, and him innocent unless shown otherwise. In regards to the stored contents of the Eternal Library, I see no reason for it not to be given to Fi’halen as it is the true inheritor of the motherland and Larihei’s way. I trust that Arelion, who wisely evacuated them prior to the attack on Haelun’or, may facilitate this. I hope that all who read this judgement follow it sincerely, and display the wisdom and humility of our people. I trust my kin to set down their disagreements and return our people to normalcy. Such is my judgement, such is my will, such is our way. Maehr’sae Hiylun’ehya.

I will firstly address the rather interesting comment from the current Maheral. I do find it amusing that, after I was requested to pass judgement over this quagmire, I am being informed that Mr Visaj will not abide by it. A most curious line of reasoning if I do say so myself, and makes one consider if any judgement I give will be obeyed. There is a spiteful part of myself that would gladly leave my decision as it is. I will rescind my judgement however due to the arguments of Arelion lacking reason--absence and inactivity of the Maheral show a lack of conviction to duty, but not impurity. As there is no further evidence or witnesses other than ‘implied’ opinions from a previous Maheral, Mr Visaj ought to retain his position as Maheral; provided that he can prove the citizenry support him occupying his position. I hope he can at the very least agree to this minor request, if it isn’t too much trouble for your illustrious self, Malaurir. Now, moving on to the subject of Ms Soulheart-- From what I have heard, this was indeed an emergency situation. Since there is no argument against the severity of the threat, I will assume both parties agree on such. The city was under threat, and she claims to have attempted contact with the Councillors prior to her usurpation. Considering that the city was later destroyed leaves me little doubt that her intentions were benign, despite her actions being ill-thought and rash. Two questions for both Ms Soulheart and Mr Arelion to answer, and then I feel as if I may make a final judgement on this sordid situation. Oem: What was the reasoning behind the banishment of Arelion prior to the city’s destruction? Niut: By what methods were the Council contacted? Furthermore, how vigorous was the pursuit of said contact?

Since the real topic of contention seems to be this ‘Soulheart’ and her actions, I will make a judgement on the status of the current Maheral. The current method of obtaining a new Maheral appears to rely on a blessing from the previous one. The Maheral is not a position that ought to be dirtied by vote, or selection, or anything that closely resembles politics. However, if this is the method the citizenry desires, I will not subvert it. The current Maheral will step down. If he is truly a brother of Dio, Elevathar, and myself, then I doubt it will change the individual’s nature anyway. It is the Mali’thill that engenders purity and wisdom to the title, and not the title that gives those things to the individual. Let Dimaethor Visaj prove himself in the eyes of the blessed citizenry once more if he is worthy of it, since this line of blessings is apparently broken. Though I would like to hear what evidence there is of ‘suspected impurity’ of this other Maheral from Arelion, as this may change my decision. On the topic of Soulheart, I ask another question to Arelion--you seemed adamant that you should have had a trial, or some procedure by which to speak your case when Ms Soulheart removed you from office. Your own preference is for her to be exiled similarly ‘on pain of death.’ How do you justify this?

Much has been said, but there are still quibbles to be ironed out. The city of Fi’halen is recognized by both parties as the home of the Mali’aheral, and by extension the government will be (when the current council is considered acceptable by the one known as Arelion) a legitimate successor to the Silver Council of Haelun’or. Furthermore, I deem the legitimacy of Fi’halen as a successor state of Haelun’or to be justified and true. Unless there is further argument on that point I will consider this particular matter to be closed. On the topic of the Eternal Library, what I can gather from these words is that Arelion will not release the tomes due to two circumstances; Oem: The presence of an allegedly illegitimate Maheral. Niut: The presence of an allegedly impure Mali’aheral who is accused of crimes against the state. The Impure in question, Ms Soulheart, has attempted to refute and justify her actions, and I would like to hear Arelion’s rebuttal before moving on. The same goes for the words of the former Maheral. Furthermore, I ask of Arelion--under what circumstances would you release the books to the citizens of Fi’halen? I am unable to make a decision without such answers.

Once again I have been called upon to resolve the asinine problems of my people. I rule for centuries, I write laws, I educate, I create, I build, and yet again I am contacted by hopefuls looking to have their positions ratified by my name! What must I do to end such ceaseless distractions--dig up the bones of Kalenz Uradir and put him on a throne? Have Ellir’siol reappear and demagogue before the bristling throngs? Must ancient Dio come and espouse riddles until all are confused and forget their endless squabbles? When I was approached before, I said that none were worthy of the position of Maheral. Yet again you all disappoint me with this nonsense. I will make a decision on this, but first I request a word from one of these ‘Fallen Councillors.’ Speak as I have, defend your position, or not. I will judge the argument, the defense, and give my word on the matter. If they do not come, I will assume them guilty by default of whatever perceived injustice they have committed. I await, and expect, proper discourse lliran. Do not disappoint me further.

"An interesting sentiment for a deity-worshiper. Do you not mean 'pray?'"

"Thank Larihei," begins an old elf, "that there exists a viable, democratic method by which to keep the leadership of this city accountable for their actions, as well as peacefully remove them when their usefulness ends."

"Damnable elf, that Artimec is. A scoundrel, a drunkard, a thief, poorly-bred, irredeemably unfashionable, and a miserable, hate-addled, unwashed brute. Now someone ought to officially accept this apology so that we may move on as a people and go back to loathing non-elves again. Just like the good old days..." The old elf would go on to regale passing citizens of the 'good old days' until he fell asleep on his park bench.

To be fair man, what we have isn't even a quarter as in-depth as what you wrote. I'm more in line with Sky on this; I can see how it would stifle creativity down the line if you flesh out ancient stuff to this degree. Admittedly that's pretty hypocritical coming from me, since I'm the one who wrote the one lore-approved thing for the high elves (which is inconsistent with your account, but I don't blame you, because even I can't find the stupid post in that useless archive) but it doesn't come close to this. What I set in stone for all high elves was (if memory serves): -Larihei existed and may/may not have been on the High Council of Malinor. -The Golden pools were a thing that existed. -Bathing for centuries in the golden pools made them blond, smart, and arrogant. -Larihei buggered off to Asulon with a bunch of her mates, but an equal number stayed behind and lots of them lived with the other elves. -High Elves like arcane magic probably. That's basically what I wrote. Literally an origin story. But in this you describe events, names, families, wars, architecture, and culture. It's very well written, but too well written. I don't feel comfortable with this amount of information on the wood elves set in stone. It leaves little leeway for future projects. Sorry, dude. I can't support it.

C'mon, man. :/ Don't be like that.

"I, for one, desire to know concisely what a 'Xionist' refers to. Is it simply any necromancer, or does pertain to any vile practitioner of the dark arts?" Sullas inquires.

"Though some people seem to not take these declarations seriously, I for one am just adoring the imagery in their poster-script! 'Crusaders of this organ of corruption!' Marvelous! Much appreciated! Keep up the writings, terrorists! Though perhaps not your attacks. Ghastly business, that." Lucion walks onwards, glad that the active, murderous insurgent group in not in his city.

"I, for one, congratulate the terrorists on their fine poster-work! Keep up your grammatical integrity and fine prose, insurgents!" After remarking such, Lucion went on to yell obscenities about tea and quiches, before lying down and having a little sleep.