Elfhunter

by C S Marks

  Elves enjoy an endless life span, unless they are slain. Their flesh will not fester, and they do not suffer disease. Yet they may be poisoned, killed in battle or by mischance, or even die from grief. Because of their very long lives, they do not often beget children.

  They delight in sharing their knowledge and their language; hence most names of places and roots of common speech are in their tongue. Though some Elves can be arrogant and dismissive of other races, they have formed alliances and friendships with men and dwarves. Regrettably, they have also warred with them at times. The War of Betrayal between the Elves of Eádros and the dwarves of Rûmm accounts for much of the remaining enmity between Elves and dwarves. The magical abilities of the folk of Alterra are held mostly by the Elves and, naturally, by the Asari. The Elves’ abilities are varied according to their origins, age, and experience. For example, the High Kings were possessed of supernormal strength in battle. They could exert a sort of inner power, engulfing their enemies with blue-white light, as could certain others among the High-elves. They could prevail over all but the most powerful of enemies. By contrast, the Bödvari also engulfed their opponents, but with fire rather than light.

  Many Elves have the gift of foresight and insight, and they sense things over great distances. A rare few can actually see into the hearts and minds of others; some can do this only with living thought, and some can perceive only the final thoughts of the dead.

  Some Elves possess powers that assist them in the healing of wounds, though they have little knowledge of or power over the afflictions of men.

  The Wood-elves are thought to be less magical than the High- elves, but this is untrue. Their abilities are entirely practical; they are the stealthiest, lightest-footed and most agile beings in Alterra. They sometimes seem to defy the laws of nature, springing up into impossibly high tree-limbs and treading so lightly upon mud or snow that tracking them is difficult. They communicate on a very high level with other good-hearted creatures, especially horses and birds. It is said that an Elf of the Cúinar can tame the most fractious horse in a manner of moments. All Elves are known as Elàni. See "Cuinar", "Eádram", and "Èolar".

  Elethorn (EL-eh-thorn): Elf of Monadh-talam, rescued by the Company. His name means "piercing", probably in reference to his bright gaze. From elàn (elf) and thorn (to pierce).

  Elwyn (EL-win): Sylvan Elf, mother of Nelwyn. Name means "Elf- maiden". From elàn (elf) and wyn (maid).

  Elysia (Eh-LEE-see-ah): Eternal Elven-home that has been provided to house the spirits of the Elàni after death. It is a paradise separate from the afterlife of Men. From elàn (elf). The Elves, being immortal, will not die unless they are slain or they choose to relinquish their spirits. Loved ones who have gone before are sent to conduct them to the Sacred Realm of Elysia, a place of eternal bliss and light that has been set aside only for the Elves—neither man nor dwarf nor Asarla can hope to gain its shores.

  Èolar (AY-oh-lahr): High-elves who achieved the highest level of learning and skill, but were deceived by Wrothgar and Lord Kotos. They were mostly lost during the second uprising. The Èolar are but a family of the Eádram, yet they are distinct from them. They of all the Elàni most desired to learn and know all things, and this desire was both their uplifting and their undoing. They designed and wrought many magical devices, and their forges produced what is arguably the finest weaponry ever seen.

  Their great realm, Tal-elathas, was lost in the second uprising of Wrothgar, and only a remnant of her people survived. Fortunately, the realm of Mountain-home, founded by the Èolar and Lord Shandor, survives to this day. Examples are Aincor, Dardis, Magra, and Ri- Elathan. From Èolas (knowing).

  Eros (EH-rohs): Sturdy, intelligent dun horse of Rogond. Also a smooth-flowing, gentle river that gives rise to the Ambros in the north. From eran (soft, easy).

  Falad capell (FAH-lahd ka-PELL): Horse pastures of Tal-sithian. From falad (pasture) and capella (horse).

  Farahin (FAH-rah-heen): Given name of Ri-Elathan. Name means "welcome rain", from farath (welcome) and hin (rain).

  Farath-talam! (Fah-RATH TAH-lahm): Elvish welcome, it means "you are welcome among us" or "welcome to our realm".

  Farin (FAH-rin): Dwarf of Cós-domhain, eminent craftsman and maker of Rogond’s ring.

  Fiana (Fee-AH-na): Wood-elves’ name for the constellation Orion, also the clear stream that flows from the Linnefionn. Name means "huntress".

  Fima (FEE-ma): Dwarvish Loremaster, originally of Cós-domhain and now serving Lady Ordath in Monadh-talam, he is a good friend of Rogond.

  Fiona (Fee-YO-na): Elvish name for the constellation Orion, it is named after Fiona, the Huntress.

  Fior (FYOR): The dwarves’ name for Aontar. Name means "The Maker".

  First Reckoning: The Reckonings are marked in increments of ten thousand, and the First Reckoning coincides with the beginning of recorded history. We are well into the seventh age of the Second Reckoning at the time our tale begins in the year s.r.7266, thus the Third Reckoning will begin in 2,034 years. The time before the First Reckoning is known simply as the Time of Mystery, and events of that time are known only through oral accounting. As many as could be recorded have been, but there is much of conflict and disagreement in the accounts, and their accuracy is in doubt. A complete summary may be found in the Rûndiam-har, the Book of Mystery.

  Gaelen (GEH-lehn): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Tarfian and Gloranel, cousin of Nelwyn. Name means "daughter of valor". From gael- (valor, feminine).

  Galador (GAL-ah-dore): High-elf, formerly of Eádros, beloved of Gwynnyth and later of Nelwyn. Friend of Rogond. From gal- (valor, masculine).

  Galwaith (GAL-wyeth): High-elf, friend of Galador and beloved of Oriana. His name means "brave wanderer". From gal-(valor, masculine) and waith (to wander).

  Gelmyr (GEL-meer): Èolarin Warrior-elf of Monadh-talam, friend of Magra, slain by Gorgon. From gal- (valor, masculine) and mirys (graceful).

  Glomin (GLO-meen): Dwarf of Cós-domhain, who first reveals the secret of Rogond’s ring.

  Gloranel (GLOR-ah-nel): Sylvan Elf, mother of Gaelen. Name means "Bright tree". From glora (bright light) and nellas (tree).

  Gorgon (GORE-gun): Dark but mighty perversion brought into being by Wrothgar, he is also known as the Elfhunter. From gor- (dark) and gundas (horror).

  Gorlan (Gor-lahn): Great horse of Ri-Aruin, his name means "dark coated". From gor- (dark) and lanys (wool).

  Gryffa (GRIF-fa): Chestnut horse ridden by Nelwyn, his name means "the red".

  Grundin (GROON-din): Dwarf-lord, ruler of Cós-domhain. Grundin was very wise and reasonably open-minded, and he could trace his lineage back directly to the Five Founders. Name means "solid-as-stone".

  Gwynnyth (GWIN-nith): Beloved mortal woman, lost love of Galador. Her name means "blissful".

  Gwyr Farsing (Gweer FAR-sing): Wide grasslands to the west of the Ambros. From gwyr (grass) and farsa (wide).

  Halrodin (HAL-roe-din): Hunter-scout of the Greatwood, friend of Gaelen, slain by Gorgon. His name means basically "tall tree". From halla (tall) and rodo (trunk of a tree).

  Iduna (Ih-DOO-nah): Mare of Tal-sithian, her name means "the young".

  Iolar (Yo-LAHR): Also called Monadh-iolar. Two tall peaks comprising the Iolari Pass, the best way across the Monadh-hin in the region of the Linnefion. Name means "eagle".

  Iomar (Yo-MAR): Elf of the Eolar, elder son and heir of Ri-Aldamar, elder brother of Farahin (Ri-Elathan). Iomar was in line to succeed Ri- Aldamar as High King, but he was slain during the Second Uprising. His name means "eagle".

  Kelin (KEH-leen): Hunter-scout of the Greatwood. Her name means "slender maid". From kelas (slender).

  Kharsh (KARSH): Ulca, venerable and able advisor to Gorgon. The meaning of his name is unknown.

  Kotos (KO-tos): Dark Asarla, formerly of Tal-elathas, whose desire for power and to learn all things turned him to the service of Wrothgar. He can see into the hearts and minds of those he encounters. Kotos wore a magical
amulet that allowed him to appear benevolent and wise, and he served Wrothgar as his emissary, turning men to his service through deception and promise of reward. His name means "the powerful", but it can also mean "wrathful". He is called "deceiver" by the Elves, and they name him Trachair, the treacherous. At the time of these writings, Kotos can no longer take physical form, but he can inhabit the body (and mind) of any person who wears the amulet.

  Laban Fuath (la-Ban foo-ath): The great evil bog surrounding Tûr Dorcha in the south of the Darkmere. Name means "terrible mire". From laban (bog) and fuath (terrible).

  Léiras (LEH-ee-ras): Asarla, friend and mentor of Dardis. He instructed Dardis in the making of objects that could be endowed with magical properties. Name means "the far-sighted".

  Liathwyn (Lee-ATH-win): Elf of the Eolar, mother of Ordath, espoused to Shandor the Asarla, with whom she founded Monadh-talam. She relinquished her spirit after the Second Uprising. She was kin to the High Kings Ri-Aldamar and Ri-Elathan. Her name means "blue-eyed maiden". From liath (blue).

  Lindor (LIN-door): Elf of Tal-sithian.

  Linnefionn (Lin-neh-finn): The very large, very deep and very clear Lake in the center of which is located the Elven-realm of Tal-sithian. The Lake is generally shrouded in mist and cannot be seen by unwelcome visitors. Name means "clear lake". From linne (lake) and fionn (crystal- clear).

  Maglos (MAG-los): Soft, white metal discovered and refined by the dwarves, it reacts violently when exposed to water. It is most likely akin to sodium or magnesium. Name means "mighty light". From magra (mighty).

  Magra (MAH-gra): Èolarin Elf-lord, second-in-command and kinsman of Ri-Elathan. Magra is very tall and strong, and has golden hair. He is related to Liathwyn, and hence to Lady Ordath. His name means "mighty".

  Maidrin (MYE-drin): Name given to Gaelen by Gorgon, it means "vixen fox".

  Maleck (MAL-eck): Fisherman living along the River Ambros.

  Monadh-ailan (Monath-EYE-lan): The Verdant Mountains. Gentle, coastal peaks that run along the sea, they are inhabited by folk of many races, notably the Wood-elves of Tal-ailean. Name means "green- mountains". From monad (mountain) and ailan (green).

  Monadh-hin (Monad-HEEN): The Great Mountains, largest of all mountain-ranges in Alterra, they are a daunting obstacle for travelers. Snow-covered in winter, they are shrouded by clouds year-around. Name means "peaks of rain". From hin (rain).

  Monadh-talam (Monath-TAH-lahm): Elven-realm presided over by

  the Lady Ordath. Hidden among tall peaks of the Monadh-hin, it is also known as Mountain-home. The Sanctuary, a great university founded by Shandor, is located there. Mountain-home is a place of healing, study, and enlightenment, and is home to folk of many races. Name means "mountain-realm". From monad (mountain) and tal- (realm).

  Mulafiann: Name given affectionately to Gaelen by Ri-Elathan, it means "little hunter". From mula (small, loveable) and fiana (huntress).

  Nachtan (NOCH-tan): Narrow and turbulent cold river that flows to the south and west from Monadh-talam. From nachta- (wild)

  Nasülle (Na-SOO-leh): Elf of Monadh-talam.

  Nelwyn (NEL-win): Sylvan Elf of the Greatwood, daughter of Turanen and Elwyn, younger cousin of Gaelen. Name means "tree-maiden". From nellas (tree).

  Nimo (NEE-mo): Elder dwarf of Cós-domhain, descended of Rûmm.

  Noli (NO-lee): Dwarf of the northern Mountains, descended of Rûmm, cousin of Nimo and son of Kino.

  Odo (OH-doh): Arguably the most accomplished of all dwarvish scholars, certainly their most renowned lore-master. He wrote the volume given to Fima by Lady Arialde upon their parting. His name means "wealthy".

  Ordath (OR-dath): The Lady Ordath, very powerful overseer of Monadh-talam. She is the product of a union between a powerful Asarla (Shandor) and an Elf of the Eolar (Liathwyn). She is a great healer and protector of Monadh-talam. Name means "treasure-of-the-land". From or- (golden, gentle) and –dath (of the land).

  Oriana (Oh-ree-AH-na): Elf of Eádros, beloved of Galwaith, friend of Galador. Oriana and Galwaith tried unsuccessfully to advocate for Galador after he was banished from Eádros. Her name means "the golden".

  Oryan (ORE-ian): Elf of Tal-sithian who travels with the Company to the Greatwood and aids the Wood-elves in battle. His name means "fine singer". From oran (to sing).

  Osgar (OSZ-gar): King of the Greatwood and sire of Ri-Aruin, he was known as "the fierce". Somewhat impulsive and reckless, he was slain during the Third Uprising.

  Réalta (ray-AL-ta): Swift and beautiful grey stallion, favored mount of Galador and companion of Eros. His name means "star".

  Ri-Aldamar (ree AL-da-mar): Second High King of the Eolar, brother of Liathwyn and sire of Farahin. He was killed by a dragon during the Second Uprising. His name means "majestic noble". From aldos (high, noble) and amar (great, majestic).

  Ri-Aruin (ree-AR-oo-een): Ruler of the Sylvan Elves of the Greatwood Realm. His name means "king of the forest". From ri-(ruler) and aruinnas (forest

  Ri-Elathan (ree-EL-a-than): Last High-elven King, Ri-Elathan left no one to succeed him. He was arguably the wisest of all the High Kings, and was both feared and beloved, but he lived a very lonely and arduous life. Beloved of Gaelen Taldin, he was killed during the Third Uprising, taken by the Black Flame. His given name was Farahin, but Gaelen simply calls him "Rain". His name means "King of Wisdom". From ri- (ruler) and elathas (wisdom).

  Rogond (ROE-gond): Man of the Tuathar, born during the Plague Year and fostered by the Elves of the Verdant Mountains. Name means "treasure within the stone". From oro- (golden, gentle) and gondas (stone).

  Rosalin (ROS-a-lin): "River-beauty". Woman descended of Tuathas, mother of Rogond. From Ros-(river) and –aille (beautiful).

  Rûmhar (ROOM-har): Dwarves. Their speech is known as Rûmhul. From Rûm (to delve).

  Rûmm (RHUM): Ancient and Great Dwarf-realm known as the Deep Delving, which was lost in the War with the Eádram. From Rûm (to delve).

  Rûndiam-har (Roon-dee-ahm-HAR): The Book of Mystery, an accounting of what is known of the time before the First Reckoning begins. From rûndiam (deep/hidden mystery).

  Sanctuary: Lord Shandor built the Sanctuary so that all free folk of Alterra would have a place to study and learn. It is a huge edifice of white granite, and contains many levels both above and below ground. It represents an enormous repository of written lore—an irreplaceable treasure.

  Shadowmancer: Wrothgar, the Dark Power of Alterra. He is thought by many to be an extremely powerful, black sorcerer, hence the name. The name has also been applied to Lord Kotos, but in these tales it refers specifically to Wrothgar.

  Shandor (SHAN-dor): Arguably the most powerful of the Asari, he loved Liathwyn, an Elf of the Èolar, and together they founded Mountain-home. He actually challenged Wrothgar in battle and defeated him during the Second Uprising. He is the sire of Lady Ordath. When Liathwyn relinquished her spirit and went to Elysia, Shandor withdrew from the world, eventually seeking refuge in the great stone crystal of Léir, which is presently in the keeping of Lady Arialde, the Asarla of

  Tal-sithian. Shandor was the only Asarla to leave his protected realm and go forth to war. Physically, Shandor is strikingly handsome, but cold, with silver hair and ice-blue eyes. Air is his element. His name essentially means "great spirit".

  Siva (SEE-va): Silver-white horse ridden by Gaelen, her name simply means "grey".

  Srath Miadan (Srath mee-ah-DAHN): Meadows to the east of the Ambros and west of the Linnefionn. From srath (riverbank) and miadan (meadow).

  Stone of Léir (Stone of Leh-eer): One of the most powerful and renowned magical objects remaining in Alterra, this gigantic crystal is now kept in the realm of Tal-sithian by the Lady Arialde, and she alone governs its use. It was made in Tal-elathas, and was first relocated to Monadh-talam. Originally endowed only with power to behold pleasant visions of the past, it was of limited use until the coming of Shandor.