Timeline of recent Elven history, compiled from remaining sources by Mithreas Elendaril
All dates are given in the Carandor Era. I understand that the Hall of Ancients was founded in 1CE.
Quote:
5019CE: Perendir Luciantil replaces Lilanca Isadair as Lord of Carandor and Leader of the Council. Lilanca is said to have died of old age. Perendir was a relatively young man who had enjoyed Lilanca's favour and was widely expected to be her successor. It is suggested, however, that the other members of the Council are less than happy with Perendir's ascension.
5024CE: Yvoring writes: "A dark mood hangs over fair Carandor. The Council spend their time arguing with one another, and no decisions are reached. Rangers on our borders are increasingly left to safeguard our borders unsupported by units of the Guard." This frank assessment is not uncharacteristic of Yvoring's writings and teachings, and though his words often seem dire there are hints in other works that provide at least partial support for his writings.
5025CE: The Speaker for the Ancients, Farmith Treesong, denounces Perendir to the Council, leading to an almost unheard-of sight. The spirit of Lilanca herself addresses the Hall to oppose the Speaker's words, while other Ancients speak up to support him. It is clear that the Ancients themselves were split on what should be done. Perendir resigns his seat as Lord of Carandor, and heads into self-imposed exile as a ranger on Carandor's borders. No new Lord is immediately appointed, and the Council seems to have been fallen into factions.
5026CE: Farmith Treesong is assassinated by person or persons unknown. Whether this materially affected the balance of power in the Council is unknown. Yvoring writes: "The people of Carandor increasingly find the Council irrelevant, and its decline is feeding a deeper spiritual malaise. The borders are quiet, and most these days seem to care for nothing beyond the City. The arts flourish, however, and there are new wonders to sample almost daily."
5030CE: Councillor Galandril Erminth is assassinated by person or persons unknown. The news does not seem to have caused a massive impact on the city, and there are only a couple of references to it in contemporary writings. This year also brings several high-profile competitions in various artforms, each of which selects a Master of the particular art. These Masters appear to have formed their own Council, known as the "Council of the Arts," though for what purpose none seem to know.
5031CE: The Council of the Arts declares a year-long Festival of the Arts. Though their decree has no authority from the Council of Calandor, it is enthusiastically greeted by the populace, and endorsed by several members of the ruling Council. It is unclear whether the Council itself backed the announcement: some sources say it did, others that it merely received tacit backing from individual Councillors. Whatever the situation, the Festival took place duting this year, and by all accounts was a truly astounding display of all forms of art. Rumours surround the Masters, some good, some much darker.
5034CE: Yvoring writes: "I was honoured by a visit from Councillor Maglor Windsong this evening. Apparantly a human mage has managed to open a rift to another world, and the Council is deciding how to react. Some wish to close this Rift - by any means necessary - while others wish to explore the world beyond, and a third group see this as a human issue and none of our concern.
"Maglor belongs to the second and largest group. There are some complicated politics surrounding this issue, for it appears the Council will nominate one of their number to lead the expedition. Their absence will hurt their position in the Council, but if the expedition is a success they will likely return stronger than before. Maglor wishes to take the risk, and he claims to enjoy the support of a significant number of other Councillors.
"Maigen wishes me to go with him on the expedition, to chronicle the events that occur there. While I was greatly honoured by the invitation, I believe age keeps me from taking such an active part."
However, later that year, he records: "I will be accompanying Maglor. I do not know whether the Lord of Windsong wishes to escape the city, or merely wishes to prevent his opponents having power over the future of this expedition. However, the mood of the city is expectant; something important will happen soon, it seems, and our seers are rarely wrong. I suspect I will find more rest on this expedition than I will in the City."
Other accounts also indicate that Carandor was expecting some great event. Cerathas, a seer in a popular play by Hillion Springdew written that year, utters the lines: "Now comes the time of tests and peril / Of omens dark and readings dire / I see a city torn by turmoil / I see a city's fun'ral pyre." Observers comment that Cerathas never mentioned a particular city, but there seems little doubt that Hillion's seer is referring to current events - or rumours thereof.
The expedition initially consists of two Clans - Windsong & Tane.
5035CE: News reaches the fledgeling settlement in Darkwoods of upsetting events back in Carendor. It is unknown what triggered the event, but open conflict appears to have broken out in the streets. The reports end as quickly as they began, and it is not known for sure whether this was a minor incident that was exaggerated in the telling, or a major event of which only whispers passed through the Rift.
Shortly after the reports Lord Windsong receives an order from the Council in Carandor telling him to prepare for the arrival of a third Clan - Nevarr’t’Lietan. I do not have access to the official records of the time, but Yvoring seems to have had doubts as to their intentions. In a letter to Gildor Eventide on the matter he wrote: "If there has truly been major conflict in Carandor, this Clan might arrive ready for battle. Equally, the Council might be attempting to exert more direct influence over our settlement. Or thirdly, the Clan may share in the ideals fostered here, and the Council's curt tone is an indication of their annoyance at our becoming stronger. In any case, I do not think we can trust the intentions of the Council of Carandor."
The Clan is thought to have reached Wilwarin before the portal collapsed, but it never reached Darkwoods.
This is called the Wolfsong, and you'll see the music to it is quite exquisite. One of my favourite pieces, it was taught me by Yvoring.Quote:
In the dark of the night you can hear them
The wolves howling wild at the moon
If you walk in the woods you can watch them
They will come if you whistle their tune
For the wolves to the Elves are quite friendly
When we treat them with all due respect
They make good, loyal friends and companions
So the wolf song we'll never forget.
The way of the wolf teaches wisdom
It teaches us not to be proud
For though we have mastered much knowledge
And linger beyond Death's white shroud
The wolf is a master of Nature
He knows all the Mother's own ways
He'll teach them to you, if you let him -
And you'll honour his teachings always.
A copy of a brief speech made by Councillor Silvis Windstalk to an audience at the Hall of Music in 5031, during the Festival of the Arts.Quote:
I am sure you will all join me in thanking Kilia and Gordin for their exquisite performances. Even in these times of superlative cultural achievement, I think we can all agree that the work of these two surpasses even the high standard of the day. I feel honoured to have witnessed such a perfect demonstration of skill and talent, and will happily offer either or both of them a personal commission should they wish it.
We live in a city of peace and plenty. None need for more than they have, and we are surrounded by those of exceptional talent who make every day a new and pleasurable experience. Truly, our noble City is reaching the pinnacle of its history; a time when all are free to pursue pleasure without worldy concerns to distract us. a time when each of us can fulfil the potential within us.
I would like to extend my especial thanks to the Council of the Arts, whose dedication and inspiration has made this Festival such a success.
I found this fragment hidden in one of Yvoring's old books. I cannot find anything to corroborate it, but if the events within are true it is more than a little disturbing.Quote:
Old friend,
I write to warn you. Beware of the Masters. I was leaving a party at Sistil's last night when I was accosted by two individuals. One carried a pair of swords and the other no little skill with the arcane arts, and I was in no state to oppose them. I was rapidly rendered unconscious and awoke in a small chamber, little more than a storeroom. There was another there, seemingly a prisoner like myself, but totally without wits. He kept babbling about blood, and demons, and occasionally shouted "I will not!" before breaing down into tears. I stopped trying to get information out of him, and focused instead on getting out. Thankfully the wards placed on the room were weak, and I was able, with effort, to draw on the Arcane. Concealed by my Art, I left my erstwhile cell and swought a way out.
I found it, but not before I caught a glimpse of something I shouldn't. Niltor Ravenwing, Master of Poetry, drenched in the blood of tortured innocents in a room that had seen death.
If it is discovered that I have seen this, I will be killed or worse. There is little you can do, my friend, except be wary. The City is no longer safe.
~A.