History on the Rooftop: Mountain Elves

This lecture is part of the History on the Rooftop Lecture Series.

Year of the Amber Phoenix, 444 years since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer. It is the 18th day in the 4th month of Shorka, the Cobra. It is currently spring. (1/20/2023)

Speaker

Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi

You see Lady of Elamiri Ayrell Evyntine-Vershir, Archmagess of Ilithi, an Elf. Ayrell has elegant arched eyebrows, pointed ears accented by a pair of elegant Elamiri sapphire earrings set in chandeliers of Elven gold and exquisite lashes accentuating lustrous sapphire eyes. Her deep blue-streaked raven hair is hip length and wavy, and is worn in an elegant upswept arrangement threaded with an ornate silversteel chain twined with pale mistglass Elamiri roses. She has fair skin and a gracefully slender figure. She appears to be an adult. Ayrell has a mesmerizing tracery of glittering ice sapphires sweeping across one side of her face. She is in good shape.

She is wearing a delicate Elven gold choker dangling a swan-shaped Elamiri sapphire pendant, an exquisite gown of golden petalette bejeweled with Elamiri sapphire traceries, a spiraling lilac moonsilver engagement band crowned by a blue Elamiri sapphire, a lifesculpted moonsilver wedding band cradling a trillion-cut twilight sapphire, a gleaming silver signet ring bearing an intricate family seal, a braided silver sword belt inset with scintillating swan medallions and some golden petalette thigh boots adorned with faceted Elamiri sapphire swans.

Location & Audience

Shoan a Sidelkuloa, Outdoor Stage

The simple stage consists of a raised platform of wood planks. Lanterns provide light for nighttime performances. You also see a door.

Also here: Veteran Apprentice Anuril, Mountain Lord Ezerak, Philomath Miskton, Heart Tender Kethrai, Devotee Emryn, Tylanni, Priestess Jaelia who is emanating a benevolent holy aura, Useff, Life Weaver Ysilda, Enduring Mhikal, Primal Lady Zalinyar, Lunar Princess Angel, Warlord Oogamooga who is sitting, Frost Princess Nemy who is sitting, Zyros who has a stony visage, Apollys and Truthseeker Elurora.

Introduction

Ayrell says, "Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the Shoan a Sidelkuloa."

Ayrell smiles.

Ayrell says, "Tonight marks the fourth installment of what I have come to call my History on the Rooftop lecture series. That being said, it also happens to mark the first installment for which I have chosen a topic based upon request. A subject near and dear to my own heart - which is, truthfully, why I have avoided it for so long."

Ayrell says, "The request, as it were, was for a detailed history of the Mountain Elves. As many of you may know, I have long lived my life as a loyal servant of Her Majesty, Queen Morganae Sunderstone, as did my mother before me, and her mother before her. In my youth, I trained as an apprentice under Her Majesty's Consul, Lord Fierolan Vanyahin, and even served on the Court here in Shard as the first ever Emissary to the Mountain."

Ayrell says, "So, what does any of this have to do with history? The simple answer is - credentials. My involvement with the Mountain Clan is the reason so many have asked me to speak on the subject and it is the reason I have agreed to do so. It also, however, is the reason I have avoided the subject for as long as I have. Connection has a way of making a subject more difficult to address objectively. But objective is exactly what one must be when discussing the history of my people."

Historical Discrepancies

Ayrell says, "I say this because the history of the Mountain Elves is one that is both complicated and, quite frankly, unreliably documented. As with any situation where two sides are pitted against each other, it ends with there being three versions of the final story. The side as told by the victors, the side as told by the defeated - and somewhere in the middle, you have the truth. Unfortunately, that truth is rarely what makes it into history."

Ayrell says, "That is not to say that history is always this way. Quite the contrary, there are a great many historians who have done a wonderful job of documenting the past in an unbiased, and impartial manner. The problem with the history of the Mountain Elves is that only the Dwarves and the Elves were present to experience it. There were no unbiased parties, unaffected by the events, who could take a step back and write the details without prejudice toward one side or the other."

Ayrell says, "What that leaves us with are stories, skewed by emotions, and told in such a way as to try and bend the listener into seeing things the way the storyteller desires it seen. Storytellers of the defeated do this by embellishing details to absolve their own people of wrongdoing while making the victors out to be villains. Equally so, the storytellers on the winning side will tell the story in a way that makes them appear as noble in their endeavors as possible."

Ayrell says, "As for my storytelling this evening, I intend to present both sides of the narrative, so that you, as the listener, may decide for yourself where you believe the truth to fall. My only request is that you relinquish any preconceived notions you may already possess from other stories you may have heard and start anew this evening with an open heart and an open mind."

The Elven Version of History

Ayrell says, "To begin, I shall start with the tale of the Mountain Elves, as told by the Elves. Within the library of the Great Tower here in Shard, there is a book written by Matron Selidhn which details this very history, as I am about to tell it. The book is titled "The Elven Folk," and is a wonderful source of information for anyone with an interest in any of the Elven Clans."

Matron Selidhn

Ayrell says, "Much the same as I introduced myself by listing certain credentials, I feel it necessary to do the same with regard to Matron Selidhn. Yes, it is true she is not of the Mountain Clan. Perhaps this is what allowed her to write the details of history with less emotion than other versions of the story one might hear and is the reason I return to her telling of the tale, time and time again."

Ayrell says, "Now, I know what some of you might be asking. If she is not of the Mountain Clan, how is it she holds any qualifications to speak of the history? That can be answered with a brief explanation of who Matron Selidhn is. A revered sage of the Elven people, whose likeness has been captured upon a bust within the Leth Deriel room of the Kirm Morzindu arena in Steelclaw Clan. She is the daughter of Matron Ivydh, who is daughter of Matron Eivyshay, who was daughter of Matron Kalish - who was a daughter of the Two. Mother Celestidhl and Father Keloryon, from whom all Elven kin are descended. A Celestial Elf who has lived through much of history herself and was alive to hear the tale of the Mountain Elves firsthand, which is more than can be said for most others who relay the story today."

Ayrell says, "This connection to the Two holds another significance to the basis from which Matron Selidhn tells her tale. For, as some of you may know, the conflict between Elves and Dwarves existed long before the events which took place in Garnedhren."

The Deaths of the Two

Ayrell says, "As Matron Selidhn explains, Father Keloryon happened upon a group of Dwarves one day while hunting. While there is no detail to explain how the confusion began, it is stated that the Dwarves accused Father Keloryon of killing one of their "prey." When Father Keloryon denounced their claim, the Dwarves fell upon him, killing him, and rending his body into pieces to which they set upon the wind."

Ayrell says, "The Elves were swift in their vengeance, and the children of the Two hunted the tribe of Dwarves responsible for the death of Father Keloryon and struck them down in retribution. Upon seeing their cousins killed, and fearful of the Elven wrath, the other Dwarves fled into the mountains and buried themselves inside prisons of stone, where they remained for many years. In her anguish over the loss of her beloved, Mother Celestidhl lost her will to live, and Faded into the stillness of the forest."

The Lure

Ayrell says, "While that is not the tale of the Mountain Elves, it is pertinent to the story, which I shall elaborate upon now. Matron Selidhn describes the history of the Mountain Elves as the most sorrowful of all the clans. For, you see... the Mountain Elves did not always reside in seclusion within the Mountains. Quite the contrary, they were an offshoot of the Wind Elves before Fate stepped in to change their lives as they knew it."

Ayrell says, "This is where the story of Father Keloryon and the Dwarves serves an important role in understanding what transpired. For it is said the Dwarves remained sore from their defeat at the hands of the Elves and saw this carefree group of Wind Elves as an opportunity to wreak their revenge."

Ayrell says, "With the animosity between Elves and Dwarves being such a long-standing state of affairs, the Dwarves lured the Elves into the mountains with the promise of a truce. These Elves were so enamored with the idea of peace at last between the two races, they went willingly, and without question, which was perhaps their first mistake."

The Imprisonment of the Elves

Ayrell says, "It was then that the Dwarves struck, taking the Elves by surprise. The Elven artisans were poisoned as they dined, the Elven warriors slain while accompanying their chieftains to speak with the Dwarven King. In a mass slaughter, the Dwarves murdered every Elven adult until only the children remained. Vulnerable and without protection, they had nowhere to go, no one to turn to, and were powerless to defend themselves when the Dwarves carried them away and shut them in the darkest bowels of the mountains."

A Queen Rises

Ayrell says, "In the wake of the slaughter, the imprisoned Elven children were forced to serve as slaves for the Dwarves. For years, the Elves toiled, their childhood stolen with the passage of time that transformed them from boys and girls to men and women with children of their own, born into this captivity with no memory or knowledge of life outside the mountains. But there was one of the original children who never forgot. A young woman who never gave up the idea of regaining her freedom and that of her people. The one and only Morganae Sunderstone."

Ayrell says, "One hundred and fifty years after what Morganae referred to as the Outrage, she began to put her plan into action. Through stories, much like this one, she reminded her brethren of what the Dwarves had done to their friends and loved ones. While sparking the memory of the now-adults, these tales also served to educate the children about the freedom they were denied at the traitorous hands of the Dwarves."

The Elves Push Back

Ayrell says, "With their numbers bolstered from the passage of time, the Elves decided they would not remain captives any longer. At Night's Vigil, Morganae and several others took up what weapons they could find. Hammers, chisels... anything within their reach. Their Dwarven overseers were the first to fall, followed by any other Dwarf who stood in their way. Victory, however, came with the death of the Dwarven King at Morganae's own hands."

Elamiri is Born

Ayrell says, "It is clear to see how and why Morganae's actions earned her the right to call herself Queen over the Elves who fought so hard to break free of their Dwarven chains. The Dwarven King's crown was beaten into a thin golden circlet to serve as a reminder to their people of what they suffered. But victory was not the end for the Elves. When they prepared themselves to leave the mountains, many of the Elves found themselves no longer able to tolerate the sunlight after so many years locked in the shadows. For many of them, the light was too painful to endure, forcing them to withdraw and surrender their hope of returning to the world they once knew."

Ayrell says, "The Mountain Elves have never been ones to admit defeat, however. They did not need the grasslands or sunlight to survive, choosing instead to focus their efforts on learning to shape the rocks rather than the trees. Metals and gems were mined from the mountains while cities and villages were formed out of stone to create a home for the Elves where the Dwarves once dwelled. As the capital of Morganae's Mountain Kingdom, Garnedhren became known by its new name. The beautiful - Elamiri."

Halfway

Ayrell says, "And that - is the history of the Mountain Elves, as told by Matron Selidhn of the Elves. Which brings us to the halfway point of this turbulent tale."

The Dwarven Version of History

Ayrell says, "Next, I will move to tell the version of the story as it is described by the Dwarves. The most prominent account of this recitation can be found within the Hibarnhvidar library in Forfedhdar. A book written to showcase the story as told by the one Hrakisi Viikelen."

Hrakisi Viikelen

Ayrell says, "So, what can I tell you of Hrakisi Viikelen? Sadly... not nearly as much as I was able to tell you of Matron Selidhn. According to the book in Hibarnhvidar, Hrakisi was a bard of Dwarven descent. Beyond that, I have been unable to find any additional information to confirm where Hrakisi heard the tale. All I can say is that it is written and bears little resemblance to the story as told by Matron Selidhn. Though, to be fair, Matron Selidhn states in her book that the Dwarves have a version of the tale all their own. Out of fairness to both sides, I shall share that story now."

A Pause

Ayrell takes a deep breath.

Ayrell slowly empties her lungs.

Ayrell says, "I beg pardon in advance, as this version of the story is a bit more difficult for me to stomach. That being said, I shall do my best, for the sake of such objectivity as I referenced at the start."

The Blackfire Cabal in the Iron Kingdom

Ayrell says, "Hrakisi's version of history begins at a more defined point, hearkening back to the time of the Blackfire Cabal. I will not touch on the history of the Cabal here, as that is a lengthy subject for another time, so I will simply state that Hrakisi tells of the Dwarves of Garnedhren hearing tales of their outposts being attacked and destroyed by the Cabal. Refugees from all over the Iron Kingdom fled to the city of Garnedhren in fear for their lives and seeking protection against this terrifying threat."

Ayrell says, "The Dwarven King, Thorsach, was said to have been angered by the actions of the Cabal, and rightfully so. Determined to thwart them, he led his forces into battle, a day's march from Garnedhren. They fought valiantly, but, in the end, they were no match for the Cabal and their warriors were defeated by the destructive flames which obliterated everything in sight - including most of King Thorsach's army."

Ayrell says, "It is said that King Thorsach was among those who fell in this great battle against the Cabal. Those few warriors who survived to tell the tale returned to Garnedhren to tell Thorsach's son, Hvalig, of what transpired. Hvalig considered the threat and weighed his options, deciding there was no choice but to gather the remaining citizens of Garnedhren and leave the Dragonspine Mountains behind."

The Dwarves Flee Garnedhren

Ayrell says, "It was while leading his people through the plains that Hvalig and the other Dwarves came upon a group of young Wind Elves who had recently left their Clan in search of a less stifling way of life. Their leader was identified as a young woman by the name of Tivhiri. Given the tension between Elves and Dwarves, Hvalig expected the Elves to react violently to their presence in the plains. Instead, Tivhiri and her people approached in peace."

The Alliance

Ayrell says, "After some conversation, Hvalig and Tivhiri formed a pact of friendship. Both leaders were young and had no reason to cling to any personal animosity toward each other's race based on the troubles of their ancestors. So, instead, they decided to work together in formulating a plan in which they would return to the Dragonspine Mountains and defeat the Blackfire Cabal. With the magic and archery skill of the Elves combined the power of the Dwarves, they believed victory would be theirs. And, in exchange for the Elves' assistance, the Dwarves would offer the Elves a new home in Garnedhren where they could start the new life they sought."

Ayrell says, "According to Hrakisi, they did not depart right away. Too many of Hvalig's people had been wounded while many others suffered from the strain of the journey that led them to the plains, requiring rest and healing before they could return. Over the span of a few years, the wounded Dwarves convalesced while the others forged weapons and armor in preparation for the impending battle."

The Return to Garnedhren

Ayrell says, "When the time was right, they gathered their people, their weapons, and their courage and began the trek back toward Garnedhren. Upon their return, they found their beautiful city in ruins - but empty. Devoid of any trace to indicate the Cabal's continued presence. Although they knew not where the Cabal had gone, they knew only that their city was free once again, and immediately set themselves to the task of rebuilding what was lost."

A Shared City

Ayrell says, "As the Dwarves worked to reconstruct Garnedhren, the Elves scoured the plains, hunting for food to sustain themselves and their newly acquired allies. In addition to the original city, a new section was designed specifically with the Elves in mind, utilizing a style of architecture Hvalig devised himself. More graceful than the traditional style and even more elegant. It is said Hvalig wanted it to be perfect for the Elves, as an expression of his gratitude for their friendship and aid."

Ayrell says, "Life was like a paradise for the Dwarves and Elves of Garnedhren. For many years, they lived together in harmony, teaching each other the skills of their respective races. The Dwarves learned the Elven music and magic while the Elves were taught how to mine, shaping the rock and forging metals. In time, King Hvalig and Tivhiri grew old, but their friendship never faltered, leading their people through this time of peace."

The Twins

Ayrell sighs.

Ayrell says, "But it was Tivhiri's children Hrakisi described as being the dark hearts of the Elves. Twins. One male and one female. The daughter was said to be the most fearsome warrior in all of Garnedhren while the son was said to be frail in body but ruthless and cruel of mind, armed with the knowledge of Alchemy at his disposal. These children were known as Morganae and Lenizhir."

Ayrell says, "In the words of Hrakisi, the twins were envious of the Dwarves, believing the wealth enjoyed by King Hvalig and his people somehow should have belonged to the Elves. Hrakisi also claims the twins felt it unfair that the Dwarves kept a larger portion of Garnedhren for themselves, compared to that which was granted to the Elves. The bard even goes so far as to say the twins felt anger toward their own mother for choosing to live among the Dwarves while turning her back on the traditions of their own people."

Ayrell says, "It was also Hrakisi's view that Morganae and Lenizhir used their bitterness to twist reality in the minds of the younger Elves who were more susceptible to their words. This "second generation," as Hrakisi calls them, was comprised of the Elven children who were born and raised in Garnedhren, with no memory of a life outside the Mountains. These Elves found themselves curious of what it would be like to return to the plains and were coaxed into believing Garnedhren should no longer be ruled by the Dwarves, but by the Elves, instead."

The Plan

(Ayrell closes her eyes briefly, seeming to struggle with speaking the words before gathering her composure again.)

Ayrell says, "With this in mind, the Elves began to formulate a means of taking what they wanted. Lenizhir recalled his mother once commenting on a rare herb that grew in the Deriel Plains which made the Dwarves ill during their time there. As Lenizhir was of a frail constitution, he was unable to seek this herb himself, instead choosing to wait until the next raiding party was set to depart for the Deriel Plains, at which time he requested his friends within that group to gather the herb and bring as much of it back to him as they could."

Ayrell says, "Once Lenizhir had this herb in his possession, he used his knowledge of alchemy to cultivate it and prepare it in such a way as to enhance the natural effects. While he did this, his sister worked to gather more Elves to their cause. Hrakisi says that most of the Elves were reluctant to go along with a plan of uprising due to the friendship they had built with the Dwarves over the years, but the twins were determined to force a confrontation that would inevitably leave the other Elves no choice but to fight alongside them."

The Poison

Ayrell says, "The first step in this uprising hinged on the herb Lenizhir prepared. When he believed it to have reached a desirable potency, he used his stock to create a liquid which was then turned into a gaseous form. With the help of his sister, this gas was then released into the Dwarven section of Garnedhren where it swept through the streets, killing the Dwarven children who were too young to withstand the effects and leaving the adults in a state of severe illness."

Ayrell says, "As a result, the twins achieved the war they sought. In retribution for the attack, the Dwarves imprisoned the Elves. Those who were unaware of what transpired allowed themselves to be taken, willingly, but the twins and their followers refused to go without a fight, taking advantage of the illness which weakened the Dwarves, and striking them down in droves."

The Uprising

Ayrell says, "Still, it was not enough, and the Elves - including the twins - were eventually cast into cells. It was then that Morganae began her efforts anew to convince the other Elves to fight. Tivhiri, however, was opposed to this path and those who remained loyal to her resisted Morganae's pleas. According to Hrakisi, Tivhiri died rather suddenly in her sleep, after which Morganae was chosen as the new leader of the Elves and the resistance to her and Lenizhir's plans began to wane."

Ayrell gazes up at the sky.

Ayrell rubs her head.

(Ayrell draws in a steadying breath as she returns her gaze to the audience.)

Ayrell says, "Hrakisi goes on to describe Morganae and Lenizhir as moving to lead the uprising they desired, breaking free of their cells and attacking the still-weakened Dwarves. In the end, Morganae is said to have personally removed the head of King Hvalig after which she took his crown as her own and declared herself the Queen of the Dragonspine Mountains. Garnedhren was renamed Elamiri and the Dwarven city was no more."

A Comparison of Two Histories

Ayrell says, "Now, I am certain you do not need me to point out the glaring differences between these two stories. The only points that really coincide are those which identify the Mountain Elves as having originated from the Wind Elves. They were approached by a group of Dwarves and followed them back to the Mountains. It matches that the Elves were imprisoned by the Dwarves and Morganae led an uprising to break free of their cells, during which she took the king's head and became the new queen of the Mountains. Beyond that, well..."

Ayrell shrugs.

Ayrell says, "That is where one must review the details, research the credibility of each source, and decide where the truth may actually fall."

The Bone Elves

Ayrell says, "Additionally, there do remain a few other points I feel it necessary to include as part of this discussion. Another detail which both versions of the story appear to mostly agree upon. That being the offshoot of the Mountain Elves that came into existence following Morganae's rise to queen."

Ayrell says, "As one might imagine, not all of the Mountain Elves were in full support of Morganae as their leader. One such Elf, known by the name of Sidhlot, was one of the first to challenge her rule. According to Matron Selidhn, Sidhlot despised Morganae for her power and the loyalty of her people which has protected her reign for so long. For this, he gathered those of like-mind to his own, and led them out of Elamiri, creating the Clan we know now as the Bone Elves."

Ayrell says, "It is said that the Bone Elves carry much of the anguish of the Mountain Elves from their suffering at the hands of the Dwarves but have converted that anguish into bitterness and hate. They are known to practice many of the forbidden magics - the dark magics - and remain enemies of the Mountain Elves to this day."

Ayrell says, "This coincides with what the Bard Hrakisi describes in their telling of the story. As Hrakisi elaborates, the Dwarves who survived the battle lived in wait of the day they could seek revenge on the Elves. When Sidhlot offered to teach them his dark magic, they accepted gleefully, despite knowing Sidhlot only sought to use them in his own fight against Morganae. The Dwarves were too blinded by their desire for revenge to deny the opportunity. They, however, were not prepared for the power this magic presented and were corrupted by it, becoming twisted shadows of their former selves known today as the "Dark Dwarves." Or, as they are more commonly referred to, the Elba Darvagers."

A Clarification

Ayrell says, "One last detail, before I bring this lecture to a close. When the request was made of me to present this history, a final question was asked for which I promised to provide an answer. The question was whether or not these "Dark Dwarves," or the Bone Elves, themselves, played any role in the creation of the Dark Hand south of Shard. To this, I can answer... no. They did not. The Dark Hand, or the "demon forest" as some may say, was created by the Dragon Priests as a breeding ground for their foul experiments, such as the adan'f. The Dark Dwarves are more commonly found in the Sea Caves of Aesry Surlaenis'a."

Conclusion

Ayrell says, "In closing, I will say that this lecture is far from the entirety of history where the Mountain Elves are concerned. Although we have covered their origin, there is a great deal more to be said about their involvement in many prominent events of the past, not the least of which being the creation of the Crystal City in which we now stand. That, however, will have to be a story for another time."

Ayrell says, "As always, I thank you all for attending and hope you have enjoyed the information presented."

Ayrell curtsies gracefully.