GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Áal-ní-Áal [âl-nee-âl] ~ lit.
He in all, all in He, all in All. Almighty. Also,
Uísara Uír [Ü-sara Ür] ~
Concordant Summit, and the God of the Concordant Summit,
Aómh n-Uísara Uír [aYOEV NÜ-sara Ür]. This is the term applied to the Concordant Summit and the God of the Concordant Summit. The word áal “in” áal not only denotes the awesome power of this God, but grammatically, the term applies to great, omnipotent power unlike that of the Ardònic Pantheon. Many associate this power to the Gleam of the Elevated Sunbeam. Óurias Noíragga was the first elf to introduce the notion of their being a God to the fifth elemental point. He showed from the “Book of the Morning,” how this God has motivated and maintained life in the world of Arden. Many elves thought his teachings were erroneous and full of fallacy. Those who believed his words went on to form various secret sects in Arden. Three prominent places in Arden hold the belief of the God in the Concordant Summit:
Cóneria, Daxl and Balláin-gChallaidhí (Challáid’s Feet).Áildrígga, Prince [El-DREE-zha] ~
“Elf Tears.” Prince of Dracónna and Sólungcrannóus and son of Queen Saskía (Seóscieái). He is husband of Lady Cuóindrígga, Silent Tears, Countess of Peándráoth. They were the first two elves of three to bear Red Hair in Arden. He is slain by the rebellion under House Ellaphnoír under Lady Cíarra. See "Gorge of Aáldrígga."
Áirram-gCruísadhí [AIR-rum grü-SATH-ee] ~
“Wings of Messages,” the Winged Prophet. The Winged Prophet belongs to the race of Arganáis and his realm is in Elliós, the brightest star in the heavens, probably Sirius. It lies near Beállon or the Red Warrior of the Casomhar, probably Orion. Before the Light of King Exiv was expelled in the skies, the Winged Prophet arrived bringing messages of doom to the Realm of Arden. His messages concerned the coming of the Black Sleep and the ruin of the world of Arden through this affliction. He also announced the arrival of Óurias and the salvation of the world through his teachings. The Winged Prophet came upon Lady Cíarra of House Ellaphnoír and created madness in her, because of his awful dementia. Looking upon the creature causes madness and despair. The Winged Prophet returned to Elliós on February 5, in the first year of the Warm Era.
Áish [ESH], ~
“Fighter” the warrior,
Beállon, the heavenly warrior, the constellation of
“Orion.” In the heavens, or the Celeste (night sky), the heavenly warrior can be seen clearly overhead during the winter seasons. The belt of Áish points to Elliós, the brightest star in the heavens. The word
Elliós [El-LEE-oas] means “breath star.” The bright star is probably a pre-recorded rendition of the star, Sirius.
Aódh [yOAth] ~
“judgement, fire.” The Blue Fire (also seen as “aódhá”). This fire is usually associated with, not only the elves, but the stars in the heavens. The Blue Fire is the second hottest fire in Arden (
Threáichá, being the first). It is mentioned in the Book of the Morning as the elfin fire. It is also known as the ‘refiner’s fire.’ It symbolizes purity and cleansing. Forgiveness and the wakening of the spirit are associated with this fire. In contrast, in its worst form, it represents eternal death. The usage of this fire appears in the ‘
Lost Account of Lankìnya,’ when Meádasha tells the Light that she divided the elemental point of fire. The translation is used according to her judgement and need for forgiveness. The literal translation of ‘elemental point of fire’ in this case is
‘Thrach nÁeidón.’ It is different from the first description in the creation accounts. Here the change of ‘fire’ implements a judgment upon the Realm of Arden, rather than the former fire of passion for life. The same text appears in the ‘Account of Mharabháunt.’ ‘(sic) See it in the heavens, for they proclaim the disruption to the balance in nature…remember the words of Shekìnya for he would bring
hope [cárros-tírnach] to those who seek the
‘fire of life’ [hÁodhá shínna]. There is a contradiction here if you compare the creation accounts to the ‘Account of Mharabháunt’ literally. They use two different translations for fire. It is possible that Shekìnya also gave the Blue Fire to the elves at ‘Aimhá,’ the place of their awakening, for their spirits were pure and like a ‘cleansing water’ surrounding the isle.
Athí-Nhú [A-HEE NyOO] ~
“Father Now” or Exalted Father. Also, see
Desikìnya [Deza-KIN-ya] ~ Weálsh,
Descáinha [Des-KEN-ya] ~ Cáterneásh =
“to proliferate.” The Exalted Father of the elves is Desikìnya and he is the protector of nature and of elk-kind. He upholds the thirteen pinnacles of nature and remains as an ally to Ví, the protector of natural order and the morning. The abode of Athí-Nhú is at the Temple of Breath in Vall, and there he is the keeper of the “elfin fire” or the “Blue Fire.” He despises technology and the wrongful uses of fire. His sworn enemy is
Wuáde [WOO-ayid] or
Mhuíathad [WÜ-a-had], keeper of the “black fire” of Ilúvi.
Áugmaóch [AWG-moach] ~
Out of “gmogc,” mention. Utterance. "The Utterance." Peace, Harmony, and Tranquility. The proclamation of the "utterance" has been long known in the Realm of Arden. It denotes perfect balance in the races and in nature. Meátha [MyEE-ha]. Scoíreágh [SCÖ-yree]. Carís-elficáin [Ca-rREESH EL-vi-ken].
Áuláil [Aw-LyEL] ~ Cáterneásh =
"Out of Praise." {Len.
hÁuláinagh =
"Out of Praises"}.
Áileóf [El-OHF] ~ Sól-Rhuíasha & pos. Ardónic =
"Out of the Heights." The Original Cáterneásh term for
Elf or the
Fay-born, for they came out of praise of Shekìnya, the Glory. They are the sons and daughters of both Desikìnya and Saa-Scoauthoímhá, the firstborn of Harmony, who is Scoírae ha Sceór. The elves were rightly the sons and daughters of Áal-go-Nhuách, the omnivivacious light and the Athí Nhu, the Exalted Father of Glory. They were awakened by the glory of Shekìnya and they were the first inhabitants in the Realm of Arden, for the Harmony of the Voice illuminated the heavens and the splendor of the Glory created the Elves "out of Praise and Harmony." Compare and Relate:
Reáchas da hÁulainágh, [RyECH-es DI HAW-li-NACH] "Power of the Elfs,"
Threáichá hÁuláinn, [Hrech-AY HAW-le-nen] "Elfin Fire," and
Medheáog hÁuláinn, [Me-thEE-awzh HAW-le-nen] "Elfin Tears." Jessica Anderson and Cheri Dennahower, respectively.
Báin-Gabba [ByEN GABBA] ~
“Nerve Herb.” Also seen as “Ga-Bain.” The Báin-Gabba is an 'herb' that grows in the eastern realms of elves (called, 'Eásceáinn'). No, it isn't marijuana. It is more like
Gingko Biloba. Originally, it was administered to Óurias' mother to help her in pregnancy of the twins. She had come face to face with a dreadful creature that drove her mad during her pregnancy; this was the reason the Báin-Gabba was given to her. It is supposed to ease pain and calm the nerves, but the affects have a mind-altering affect as well. In many accounts of those who have used it, it 'quickens the mind,' 'aids the waking of the third eye,' and 'elucidates the blood.' Many who have used it have become 'clairvoyant' and 'strong.' Not in this account, but in others, there is mention of a
Verve Fruit which was the 'fruit of the gods.' The pits in the fruit were extremely potent. They had the power to 'wake the third eye' and cause 'supernatural changes in the physiological aspects of the body.' When used in conjuction with the 'Báin-Gabba,' the one taking them experiences 'supernatural changes' in themselves. They obtain great strength and powers over nature and the 'elemental points of Arden.' This actually happened to Óurias' mother.
Black Sleep, Annúa Ichaith [An-NYOO-a IKH-ay] ~
“Sleep Dark” or “Black.” The Black Sleep was a dreadful time of Arden when the Wraiths of Lightning or the Shammáin rule over the inhabitants of the earth. It isn’t an age or an era, but an ailment of those who were affected by the Wraiths or Shammáin. Many battles and wars span over a period of a 1000 years. These Shammáin are under the leadership of Kuírbha, who wishes to subdue all life on the earth into his submission. Kuírbha disregards the other Archive and the light of Shekìnya, the voice of Áugus and the breath of Síorde. Instead of being faithful, he uses his power of lightning to curse the inhabitants of the earth. Seven major battles incur during Kuírbha’s reign. There are others, especially in the kingdoms of men in the West. Kuírbha recruited dark elves, orcs, liches, dark shinings and ghouls on the Dark Continent, his secret base of operation. There, he built an army and sent massive fleets to the Lands Afar. The Emerald Isle was never seen spotted by the Dark Armies, nor did any of the fleets reach Thoris Port, because Jax was there protecting it with help from the Chemas Continent. Just before the Dark Sleep, walls were built around Thoris Port to protect itself from the coming evil. Jax recommended this. It was a stronghold that was never taken or sacked during this evil time. Many elves and men fled there during the Dark Sleep. King Oísin ruled Thoris Port at the time with Queen Tícra, daughter of Illustrá. When Thoris Port became constrained by refugees, it closed its borders. Because of this, many elves and men left the Lands Afar and settled farther in the west. Several elves left and took ships, looking for Emerald Isle and Sha-Ímheáorcain.
Coírhía [KÖr-HEE-a] ~
Source. “The Source.” The supreme being who was involved with the creation of Arden. The essences of Coírhía are threefold:
Àugus, Shekìnya and Síorde. The Voice, the Glory and the Breath, respectively. The Voice spoke all life into being in Arden. The Glory created the srías, the heavens, the magical beings of Arden and the elves. He protects the gleam on the Elevated Sunbeam. The breath awakened man and dwarf into existence and quickened the soul of Krav. The mystery of Coírhía is associated with the Fifth Elemental Point.
Cuóindrígga, Countess [KOO-win-DREE-zha] ~
Silent Tears. Countess of Pendrath in the Kingdom of Draccóna. She plays an important role by dismissing the dreadful, Winged Prophet in Arden. She offers the payment to the creature, a lock of her Red Hair. After she offered payment to the Winged Prophet, she was given the title, "
Threáichá hÁuláinn," Elfin Fire. She saved the realm of Arden from the curse of the Winged Prophet.
Cúimh Cairra (Cúimh Elbhái) [KOO-wiv KAIR-a] ~
Red Clan. Together, Queen Seóscieá, Prince Áildrígga, Lady Cuóindrígga, and Lady Cíarra Ellaphnoír make up the Cúimh Cairra, the Red Clan. They have vowed not to cut their own hair, for they were held in high regards to Hope in Arden. When there was no sunlight after the fall of King Exiv, this clan of red-haired individuals banned together to bring about Hope. Unfortunately, the demise of Lady Ellaphnoír came to the clan and Hope was compromised and almost lost. The Prince was the only male elf to have red hair. The sisterhood of Cairrónha was between the three women.
Huór [HOO-yore] ~
”Wand fellowship” or Seer. Huór is the seer and protector of House Ellaphnoír. He lives in the wooded forest of Sriór. He guides the House under the influence of Ravìnya, the dreamer. His teachings are that of Ravìnya and the Celeste. He awaits the coming of Mazzaroth and the union of all the races. He gives sanctuary to the Lady Ellaphnoír and forbids King Iórdh from administering the Verve Fruit to her.
King Iórdh III hAlloímhá [YEE-orth, HAL-lö-way]; Iórdh ~ Cáterneásh =
“redeemer,” Alloímhá ~ Cáterneásh =
“carefree, free-spirited.” A name of a sept clan of Sceór in Cátern. The bloodline of Cáterneásh Kings passed through this “free-spirited” clan, which is centralized on the eastern fringe of the Blue River. The chief town of this clan lies between Vall and Oásis to the south. King Iórdh III was elected as High King of Cátern during the term of his father. Just before his father (Iórdh II) passed into Sha-Ímheáorcain, he endowed his son with the Kingdom on June 21. King Iórdh III is noted for “redeeming” (as such as his name means coincidentally) the Lady Ellaphnoír after the Ancients departed the Eastern lands, viz. Paó Ellaphnoír, her first husband.
Lail-bPangcaó [LEL-bang-KOE; the "P" is eclipsed with "b" sound] ~
Praise, Fruits. He is the older twin of Óurias. Lail becomes a mighty warrior and is trained by the Lady of Silent Tears. She teaches him the art of Ólla-Báinna, a skill which involves total concentration on the biochemical reactions of the body. The strict use of the nerves and muscles are focused upon. Together with Óurias, the three of them begin the Warriors of Srí in the Realm of Arden. The art of the Ólla-Báinna is passed down. In earlier life, it was Lail who inspired his younger brother, Óurias. Lail is credited to saving Óurias from a coveteousness of power. Almost dead, Lail arranges to send Óurias to the land of Free Sea, Sha-Ímheáorcain to heal for thousands of years. He is nutured and restored to health there by his forefathers, and later returns to Arden.
Óurias Noíragga [YOU-ree-es Nö-RAZH-a] ~
Heaven's Bright Sun; Purifier. The attributed savior of the “Black Sleep.” He is responsible to the building of the
Altar of Connaírgha Glór. At the present day town of Conería, Óurias has the final blow against the Wraiths of Lightning under the command of Kuírbha and his birth mother, now known as Princess Iluíra or Lhanna (Desire). At the town of Conería, Óurias uses all his training to expel the evil spirit in his mother, and saves her. Though she is saved from the evil, the Lady withdraws herself and goes into hiding. Óurias and his brother were born on May 6, in the first year of the Warm Era, but Óurias went to the Isle of Rest on his twenty-sixth birthday, only to return years later on September 13, 988 of the Warm Era. He is most known for his visions, which have made their way into the sacred texts of Calláin-Bhoárroc. Some of them include the “Vision of Heaven,” the “Vision of the Trees,” and the “Angelic Chorus of Seven.” These visions were kept in a sacred golden chest (Coeáim S-Tórraigh [KWEM STOAR-reech]), buried in a fairy mount at the town of
Dublin on the
Emerald Isle (Eíorra). The chest also contains the other sacred oracles of Arden, like the Book of the Morning and the volumes of Historia Ardóna (written by various historians of the time). Óurias was also a D&D character role-played by Eric Chatham. He can be found
here.
Saa-Scoauthoímhá [Sâ-- Skow-HÖ-way] ~
permeating, radiance (also seen with the title
“áal-go-Nhuách” ~
omnivivacious light, or
”Queen Saa-Skáuty” in the tongues of men). The Queen of omnivivacious light is the center focus of the elves. She is the mother of Harmony and the Archive of Vaaluir, the realm of the clouds (the second Heaven). She is blessed with an aura which is blinding to mortals and immortals alike. Her beauty is beyond compare in this world and no one has seen her beauty, for she is nymph-like. Queen Saa-Skáuty is the bound wife to King Exiv in the High Times. King Exiv was the Archive of the Sun, and his powers brought greater beauty to the Queen and the clouds. Her aura permeates with an electrifying light called the Penúra.
Sha-Ímheáorcáin [SHA—EE-WyOAR-ka] or [SHA – EEV-YOAR-ka] ~
“land (of the) free seas.” Also seen as
Áimhairícá [E-VYAIRee-kay]. In elvish lore, it is the “Isle of rest,” a land somewhere near the Horizons. It is rumored to be a City beneath the sea, a place of palaces and citadels. Departure to this land usually comes from Dórsa Port, because many elves believe it lies beyond the islands of Eásponna and Áimhá, their lands of origin. Elf kings, especially in the Kingdom of Cátern journey there and rest, when they become weary of the world. Other elves, weary of the world, seek fortune and rest there. The last king to travel there was King Iórdh III. He is also the last King to be endowed with the Essence of Shekìnya, the blessing and indwelling of the Glory. Upon leaving, he warned his kingdom that entrance into this land would be a “struggle” and that admittance in this realm would be minute. The king mentioned that another realm (of Lutta) would open up for elves, men, dwarves and all races in Arden. When Óurias arrived from Sha-Ímheaorcáin from his thousand year rest, he said he was gone 10 days, but their would be no need to travel to the Land of Free Sea, for the God of the Concordant Summit would bring rest to all who believe in Him.
Xandràxan, The ~ Weálsh =
“Wolf, Predator,” also seen as
Shandhráicsáen [Shan-THREC-say-en] ~ Cáterneásh =
“Yellow, Wolf, (to) stalk.” The Xandràxan was the pet of Chaos and Kuírbha, the lightning god. He was released from the Mount Kravòkalla and set free by the Bibhon (The Book of the Morning). He is the epitome of fear and despair. Hopelessness and lies beget him. The Xandràxan arrived to the kingdoms of men during the High Times and devoured the innocent. He was on a quest to bring ruin and hunt down the Royal Messengers of King Exiv. He succeeded by bringing down all but two of the Royal Messengers: Owedæghax and Sunokwatz (daughter of the Queen). Owedæghax (or Jax) becomes the “Fulcrum of Time” after the Light of King Exiv goes out, and after the fall of Alkagora. The Xandràxan passes on his essence to Jax after biting him. Thinking he has won, Jax reaches the Golden Continent and is healed of his ailment; the essence of the Dark Wolf is dispatched from Jax, but it is not known where the Essence of the Dark Wolf goes (The Tales of the Last Guardian).
FACES BEHIND THE NAMES
As you all, know, I attribute most of my characters to real life people. From
Ísas Cristarís as
Crystal Bogdan, a dear friend,
Queen Saa-Scoauthoímhá as Yvette Rachelle, the supermodel,
Lankìnya of Vaaluir as
Amber Scott,
Lady Ellaphnoír (aka Akkævall) as
Jessica Strong,
Áisleáng as
Janean Kelm, to even the "Stalking Spirit,"
Áieollain as
Caleb Knight,
Óurias Noíragga as
Kevin Chatham (my brother) each character is tribute to those individuals I know in real life. These are a minute amongst many, and still, I still get inspiration from real life people. In recent writings, I have developed some new characters and some new ideas. Óurias Noíragga played an important role of ending a dreadful time called the "Black Sleep." This "plague" nearly destroyed all and the evil, Kuírbha dispatched his Wraiths to inflict everyone in Arden with "darkness" and "disease." The time of the "Black Sleep" was a period of time where the dead walked and where all life in Arden aged rapidly and died. It was the touch of the wraiths that plagued life.
Jessica Anderson as
“Elfin Fire.” The character of
Countess Cuóindrígga is dedicated to my friend, Jessica Anderson. Jess' real life "elfin fire" was inspiration for this special character, and just as the Lady of Silent Tears demonstrates her awesome power as an elfin heroine in the Realm of Arden, so, too the real life "Lady of Silent Tears," as Jessica Anderson does as well. After losing both her parents to the dementia of the Winged Prophet, she falls in love with Prince Áildrígga and marries into the Royal Family of Draccóna. She is immediately welcomed and offered sanctuary in the family. She is even given the right as becoming an heiress to the Throne. At the Lighthouse of Tír-Cúic, Lady Cuóindrígga stood up against the dementia of the Winged Prophet, feared no darkness offering payment (a lock of her red hair) to the Winged Prophet, and she sealed the deal to raise two, very important children in the Realm of Arden. Later, she will again demonstrate the power of "elfin fire" by coming to the aid of her mother-in-law, Saskia, to repel the sorcery of Lady Ellaphnoír. After the murder of her husband, she is coronated Queen and ascends to the Throne of Dracónna. She will use all her strength, to lead the Northern Elves against the evil of Ellaphnoír, allying herself with Queen Saa-Scoauthoímhá, the Queen of Harmony. Seeing the slaying of her husband and the loss of her parents, the Lady of Silent Tears demonstrates the greatest victory for herself, having "silent tears." She gains strength from her "silent tears" and moves on to becoming one of the greatest elf heroines in the Realm of Arden. In Draccóna today, the beautiful mausoleum of the elf queen remains one mile south of Crown City, where the Castle of the Crown rests. It is a beautiful structure which can be seen from the courtyard of the Castle.
Kevin Chatham as
“Óurias Noíragga.” My brother has always been an intriguing individual. Knowing him most of my life, one attribute that stands out well is his “temper.” Óurias also has a “hot head.” Another inspiration behind this character is his stubbornness. As much so, both the character and my brother are unique, and free-spirited in some regards. I won’t go into deep detail, but the
Báin-Gabba herb plays an important role behind both. My brother has a unique point-of-view on life and he believes in certain things that are - by all rights - obtuse. Óurias, too, was bringing a message of absurdity as well. At least most of his fellow kin thought so. They regarded his teachings as “erroneous” and “obscure.” Kevin often tells of erroneous (but intriguing) tales, especially when it comes to science and the universe. When Óurias overdoses on the Báin-Gabba, it his brother that pull him to his senses. Óurias nearly dies, trying to see a vision of heaven. Another common trend between Óurias and his brother is that they fight A LOT. Well, before I finally realized who Óurias was, my brother Kevin and I fought all too often as kids.
Óurias taunted Láil, pointing at his elfin ears. “What do you think we have these blooming ears for? To stab the air enveloping us?” He sarcastically answered. “They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon.” Seeing that his brother did not agree with him, Óurias charged into his brother with full force. He enraged, finally overpowering Láil, pinning him to the ground. He reached down with his one hand and tugged on one Láil’s elfin ears, as if he was extending it towards Heaven. “It is no mistake that Shekìnya gave us these pointed ears, as a wedge to hear into the Heavens. They’re an antenna to heaven, an attunement of the Horizon!”
Láil shrugged his head unacceptably. Óurias released the grasp on his ear. Seeing a brief hesistation in Óurias, Láil reached around Óurias and struck him in the face. “They’re an attunement with nature, brother. Lughó has taught us such things on this with our mother’s aid.” Óurias fell over. “Our birth in this world came from Harmony; We were commanded to govern nature to its fullest, not listen to Heaven.”
(Historia Ardóna: Section V – The Final Struggle)
The above text was written in August 2005, when I was jotting down notes for the story of Óurias Noíragga. I did not share this information with anyone, because I was still writing it and perfecting it. Well, Kevin calls me a day later and we both get into a heated conversation on the telephone. He begins telling me about “hearing radio waves” and “electromagnetic waves” that can screw up the way we think, or the way we see. “We’re getting messages from space in the form of electromagnetic interference. They mess up our hearing, so nothing is secret.” He said those words, and I thought on it. I didn’t laugh, but replied, “That’s absurd. I don’t think that our ears are attuned to those frequencies. We can’t hear such things, but we can hear God’s voice in our hearts.” Now, understand, I had the phone call after I wrote the above - HONEST. Read it again!!! Did you get the chills? I DID!!! After making the connection from the story I wrote, it was dead certain now who Óurias Noíragga was: KEVIN CHATHAM!!! Kudos! While the elves did not believe that their pointed ears were antenna to heaven, they believed strongly that their ears were a symbol and attunement of nature. Their purpose was to please nature, not listen to it. The term
Lhoínna [lHÖN-na],
“elfin ears” is derived from the word
Laóin [LAwin], meaning,
“wedge” or “leaf.” It always used to describe elfin ears in Arden, and as a symbol of the cohesiveness of nature to the elves. As a “tip of the hat” to my brother, Óurias’ visions become common teachings after the God of the Concordant Summit arrives to end the Black Sleep.
OVERVIEW: Section I – The Omen of the Winged Prophet.
The story opens with the King of Cátern, one of the three kingdoms of elves in the East. The King is King Iórdh III from the Clan of hAlloímhá (Halloway), a sept clan to Sceór. He is married to Lady Ellaphnoír from the Kingdom of Eluíra, the second of three elfin kingdoms. The marriage of the King and the Lady is not revealed here, but it predates to the time of Paó Ellaphnoír, one of the first children of Scoírae the Sceór and the “mother of music.” He was one of the Ancients who remained on the elfin island of Áimhá. There he encountered and married Lady Cíarra, daughter of Challáid, first High King of Eluíra. When Cíarra and Paó journeyed to Eluíra, they brought House Ellaphnoír with them. This was after Challáid’s second journey to the Eastern Lands. Paó later returned to Áimhá (before the fall of King Exiv) at the beckoning of Queen Saa-Skauty, but Cíarra was not permitted to return with Paó, for she was not of the race of Ancients. Paó entrusted his wife to the Bloodlines of Scoírae ha Sceór (his own bloodline); the bloodline of the Kings of Cátern. This would later serve the purpose of King Iórdh III. This King served as a kinsman redeemer to Lady Cíarra, and he married her at the request of both himself and Queen Saa-Skauty. She was still Matriarch Lady of House Ellaphnoír, but Darraíon was Lord of the House at the tree city of Sriór, home of House Ellaphnoír.
When the story opens, the Winged Prophet is released and spreading messages of doom in the elfin lands. In the West, the dreaded creature, the Xandràxan, is bringing despair. It is the time where the kingdoms of the west are ripe to fall. King Exiv was tempted by Wuáde and given over to the black fire (as recorded in the “Book of the Morning”). This began the fall of the High Times and the dispelling of his Light, the Sun. The High Times were ruled by King Exiv and the Queen of Harmony, Saa-Skauty. After the Winged Prophet comes upon the Lady Ellaphnoír, she is plagued by madness and insanity from the sight of the creature. Compelled to find a cure for the lady, the King of Cátern journeys to Sóllungcallas to seek Queen Saa-Skauty. It is revealed that Lady Ellaphnoír is pregnant with the twins, Óurias and Láil-bPangcaó. The seer, Huór, recommends a steady diet of the “nerve herb,” Báin-Gabba, to bring relief. Since the King of Cátern is also a descendant of Scoírae ha Sceór and
Uthí hÁianur [OO-hee HEIYa-noor] (Mother of Music), he is blessed with the “remedy of song and melody.” His ethereal voice brings comfort to the Lady, for without his voice, she would surely be driven to insanity. On
October 31, the eve of November 1, the Fall of King Exiv comes to pass. It is also the first day on the calendar of the Ancients. Darkness enshrouds the land for more than three months. In this time, a band of elves remain at Sólungcallas where they are protected by the gods and goddesses of the land. While the Winged Prophet and the Xandràxan bring ruin to the world, there is hope. The Lady Ellaphnoír is bearing the twins who bring restoration to the Realm of Arden.
The Lady’s half-sister, Saskía arrives to be with her sister during the time of darkness. She cares for her sister’s well-being and the birth of the twins, for her daughter-in-law, the Lady of Silent Tears has also encountered the Winged Prophet. Saskía arrives, but learns of her half-sister’s deep, rooted vanity. Saskía learns that Lady Ellaphnoír would not render a lock or her Red Hair to the creature to release the curse upon, not only herself, but the Eastern Lands. In disgust for her sister, Saskía leaves the circle of Sólungcallas on December 25, and puts her fate in the hands of Rávinya, the dreaming god, the protector of “good fortune.”
BACKSTORY ON LADY CÍARRA ELLAPHNOÍR
Lady Cíarra Ellaphnoír [CYEE-ar-ra EL-laph-nör] ~ Cáterneásh = ”
Radiant” and “Breath Allowance” also “House Ellaphnoír.” The Lady Ellaphnoír was inspired by two people, a girl-friend and an ex-fiancée. The lady’s “strength of character” is inspired by Jessica Strong; however, the beauty and vanity of the lady is inspired by an ex-fiancée, who will remain anonymous here. The character is two-fold, because one aspect of her carries an inner strength and beauty while the other one carries the outer beauty. She is complex, but carries both attributes. In the end, it is her inner beauty that prevails, but it is also her vanity that corrupts the Realm of Arden. The statement,
“It’s not forgotten. It’s still there. It won’t leave, and it’s hurting me. I think you know what I mean, but if not, ask me later,” spoken by her in
Section II, was an actual real life statement written down by
Jessica Strong in a love letter. Lady Cíarra is one of the most interesting of characters in Arden, for she is the only known elf to ascend to the thrones of Immortality, having the same existence and powers of the other Archive in Arden. The Archive are the patriarchs and matriarchs in Arden, who exist on a higher plane of hierarchy, much like gods and goddesses. Lady Cíarra ascends to the role of Akkævall, lady of Lust and Desire. Her ascension actually provokes the coming of the
Black Sleep. Lady Círra not only bears twins in the Warm Era, but she again bears twins TWO more times. Two of these appear during the period of the Black Sleep:
Mishfa and Daídha. The last pair appear in the Sixth Era as
King Shadlíer and his brother.
It should be interesting to note, but the elves begin their calendar season with the month of Níssan or September. They believe that death precedes life; darkness precedes light and that fall precedes spring. Níssan 11 is noted for the Wind of the Knife, one of the four winds of the seasons. This is the Wind of Death and predates the season of Fall or Sabha-Belnuír, which is celebrated October 29-November 1 (Saómhain 29-Uísean 1). October 31 is the Day of Silence, Sabha-Bhelnuír [SA-va VEL-nür]. In Section I, the Lady Ellaphnoír conceived the twins on Níssan 1, and it also the day that the Winged Prophet plagued her. No, Níssan has nothing to do with the model of a car, but an elvish word, meaning “banner” or “standard.” It is the month that sets the standard of the seasons, and it is called the “banner” for it is the first month.
