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"Know that true peace only comes from the natural order, and that is Magic over Mortal."Ellesméra
Deep within the woodlands of the Veiled Forest lies the elven city of Ellesméra. A land of exceptional and magical beauty, it has been inhabited over millenniums by the elves, whose magic and connection to nature have enriched the forest beyond its natural allure. The elves that live in Ellesméra sing to trees and plants in their magic language to get them to grow and shape themselves in the way the elves want. It is how many of the forest’s houses, bows, and other wooden items are made. The elves that live within Ellesméra separate themselves as much as possible from Silverpeak Castle and the dark elves and other dark fae that live within the Veiled Forest.
The Forest City
The pinewood forest in which Ellesméra dwells is enchanted with millenniums of the spells and magical presence of the elves. Its beauty is matched only by that found in the elven cities and forests on Alfheim. The pine trees grow unnaturally tall and dense throughout the verdant forest, where lively rivers and sparkling lakes further adorn the land.
As throughout the Veiled Forest, Ellesméra has many mysteries and dangers, especially for any outsider. The elves have lived in the forest for thousands of years, and old spells still linger in unexpected places; magic permeates the air, the water, and the earth. In places it has affected the animals. Sometimes strange creatures are found roaming the forest, and not all of them friendly.
Within the city of Ellesméra the presence of elven civilization is almost unnoticed due to its fluidity with the existing nature. The elves sing their buildings and houses out of trees. Many visitors do not even notice the city’s architecture until further concentration reveals it. Flora and fauna of Elysian beauty decorate every structure within the city.
Culture
The elves of Ellesméra are a secretive and mysterious people. They speak to each other only in their ancient tongue, and do not like sharing their customs with outsiders. They are extremely appreciative of nature and its gifts. They celebrate all things of beauty, primarily poetry, songs, and art. Elves as a race have an innate connection to nature and magic, and all the elves in Ellesméra hold some proficiency in magic at varying degrees between individuals.
On the surface the elves residing within Ellesméra seem to be a people characterized by perpetual jolliness and a youthful glee. They spend their days smiling, laughing, and singing songs. However further knowledge of their kind reveals a deeper sophistication and utmost respect for social etiquettes. They consider the mind a more critical tool than any weapon, and expect all beings to be able to communicate tactfully and display the upmost principals of a civilized society. The elves speak in riddles or roundabout expressions, leaving those who do not frequently communicate with them confused or lost entirely. Above all else the elves value beauty, nature, and the practice of logic in all aspects of life.
The results of immortal life also become apparent in the elves behavior. They can go from merriment to deep contemplation within a single moment, and spend days to weeks on end in a state of complete silence and introspection. Time has lost its meaning on the people of Ellesméra.
Government
For many centuries Ellesméra was ruled under a monarchy. This monarchy is traditionally passed down through bloodline. Both men and women hold equal rights in the elven society, thus many queens have governed over Ellesméra. However the rules and politics of Ellesméra did not hold authority throughout the Veiled Forest, making the need for a formal government within the city less and less necessary over time.
In modern times, the Ellesméra monarchy is no longer formally recognized. The elves principals of civility and peace do not require any explicit laws or punishments, because no crimes are ever committed.
Since Evandar’s presence in Ellesméra, the city’s population has looked to him as a source of guidance and leadership during any internal or external conflicts; however he is not recognized as any form of formal ruler over the city.
The Aether Circle
Amora the Enchantress traveled to the Veiled Forest alongside her eternal companion Valdar, after both gods were sentenced to exile from Asgard due to their responsibility in igniting a war between Asgard and Earth. The gods ventured through many of the forest’s woodland perils before finding the elven city of Ellesméra. Here Amora sought out the Elf Prince Evandar, whom she knew from his many visits to Asgard. Together they discussed the perilous position of magic throughout the Nine Realms, eventually agreeing to form a guild of magic beings committed to the magical affairs throughout the Nine Realms: The Aether Circle.
The Aether Circle is a small cabal of magic users or individuals who have ties to the supernatural. They commit to no permanent morality. With members of various origins and abilities, the Aether Circle is able to influence and control magical affairs throughout the Nine Realms but most prevalently on Earth. ‘Aether’ was once denoted as a substance believed to occupying space beyond the sphere of the moon, or as a substance that permeates all space including the interstices between particles of matter. And as its namesake, the Aether Circle’s presence is everywhere.
Silvariel – Base of the Aether Circle
The Aether Circle’s base resides within the city of Ellesméra, in a tree known as Silveran. The massive pine tree received its name for the unusual coloring of its bark and leaves, which reflect gentle silver unlike the verdant green of the rest of the forest. Upon being settled in by Amora and Evandar, Silveran was shaped to suite a group of residence. As all the architecture of Ellesméra is designed, Silveran was carved through magic out of the forest itself. It is the city’s second largest structure after the royal palace.
The base provides all the amenities required by the members of the Aether Circle. Lavish living quarters are founds throughout Silveran's massive infrastructure. Amora’s spells allow each living quarter to appear however desire by the inhabiting member of the Circle, whether it be of the elves natural architecture or of modern design. The rest of the base’s interior design is similarly blended from elven and modern amenities, including the living room, kitchen, study, and training room.
The Aether Circle’s primary form of protection is the near impossible entry into the Veiled Forest itself. Only those proficient in the art of magic may entire the forest under the light of a full moon. Once within the magical dimension, the elves millenniums of spells and wards surrounding Ellesméra have made the city nigh impossible for any being of magic or mortal to discover before being driven mad wandering through the Veiled Forest.
The combined magic of Amora and Evandar has surrounded Silveran with countless barriers to protect against magic or technological offenses. The tree’s bark is born of magic means, making it strong as any metal found on Earth and just as durable against assault.
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