by S. J. Wist
Sylvan Aur—The blue light that is the result of estus and aeri energy being together in balance, that was also an equilibrium for the estus and aeri Aurs on Aster. Fay are the only creatures known to be able to safely create this energy without explosive consequences. The Sylvan Aur was destroyed with the Sylvan City at the end of the Last War, and the second Aster has been falling more to estus energy ever since.
Sylvan City—Also known as the Golden City, where Sylvans, Ancients and Eminor could co-exist in peace 300 years ago. The Last War eventually led to the city’s destruction, when the Phoenix and Moon fought it out in the Sylvan Aur, causing an explosion that decimated the city in a rain of fire.
Tenu—A mermaid whose somn is a sea serpent. The first mermaid created by Aragmoth to assist him in healing Asil. Extremely bright but quiet and cruel, Tenu prefers to stay out of the limelight and manipulate others from a safe distance. Rumors has it that she swallows living sacrifices, then lets them free in the waters of Earth, where she watches the Sentry kill them afterwards. She is also known as Nyx.
Toria—A white castle that rises around the Ain Soph Aur and spirals outwards into the Sylvan Woods. It is the main holding and home to the dragons. Its Aur rises and falls every twelve hours. Its walls glow a warmth of white light even when the Aur is down, making the tower visible at night as well as day. It is surrounded by four waterfalls that are fed by the Lunar Waters, that rise at its sides, keeping the castle constantly surrounded by mists and rainbows.
Trial of Somn—Different for phelan and dragons, the Trial is an initiation into adulthood to unite with one’s Ancient or eminor and be able to host the spirit from their body. For phelan, this Trial includes crossing the Ice Fields and defeating a snow serpent, then offering it as a sacrifice to their somn as proof of their strength. If successful, the phelan returns with a somn and are then capable of taking the form of a phelan. Those who fail are usually killed. The Trial must be done alone.
For dragons, their Trial includes swimming to the deepest reaches of the Eternal Waters and finding their shadow, then pulling it forth to take the dragon form for themselves. One must have the strength to survive the pressure and the enemies who exist underwater. Failing can lead to drowning or being eaten by a larger sea creature, though dragon Trials are usually done as a small group so dying doesn’t happen often.
Trista—Daoran Bond of Tynar. Long straight blue hair, light brown eyes. Twin sister to the deceased Estar and half-sister to Fevre. A descendant of Tenu and Moon. Blamed for the pluma’s attack on the Fay Wall, she was never allowed to become High Priestess despite being the best choice previously. The position was instead taken by her sister-in-law, Yri. Trista’s son is Cecil.
True phelan—The Eminor of the first Aster and a type of Nightmare Eater, originating from Earth and bound by their names to the festra. They once served as slaves to the Sentry and were more wolf-like. Damek later refashions them into their own species. They are phelan spirits without a soul.
Tynar—Dragoon Headmaster of the Dragon Caverns. Descendant of Solar and father to Cecil. Frizzy red hair that is usually a mess and orange eyes. Tynar has a short temper and an equally painful resolve as a fire dragon. His Bond is Trista.
Urio—A phelan somnus and Hain’s best friend. Long white hair which he usually ties back in a ponytail and red eyes. He was an excellent Custos in his younger days. When Kira died, he left the Sanctus and opened his own business in the Harbor.
Unicorn—See kyrie.
Vanir—Long black straight hair, red eyes. The reigning phelan somnus Atrum Lord of the Suzerain Continent. He claimed the throne 250 years ago, just fifty years after the Last War. His age is well past that of most mortals and his power and ability to manipulate those to his will are unsurpassed. His parents are unknown.
Xirel—300+ year old Tribe leader of the chimeras in the Efereal Mountains. He became an Awl like many of his kind. He resembles a large, silver deer with purple eyes when somned, and long white hair and purple eyes in his human-like appearance.
Xires—See Delare.
Yri—The High Priestess of Toria and Dyaus’ older sister. She is of the Line of Solar. Her brothers and sisters include Dyaus, Fevre, Tynar, Day and the deceased Crystal. Her daughter is Kayla. Pale blond hair reaching her ankles, grey eyes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
S.J. Wist is a fantasy author, reviewer, and an artist on the side. Addicted to books, blogs, chocolate mint ice cream, and all things creative. She lives in Toronto, Canada.