by S. J. Wist
Somn/Somnus/Shifter -- Somns are the spirit form that a soul can become in the physical. Named such as the soul is said to rest while the spirit is physically materialized by its host's energy. The soul slows in aging while somned, much like a deep sleep, which is why many shifters can live a hundred years or more. Shifters never actually sleep, as their souls are always conscious and when they aren't, then the animalistic nature of the somn takes over and they go berserk.
Suzerain Continent -- The second Continent of the three that were split apart at the end of the Last War by Aragmoth's wrath.
Svarog -- The first fire dragoon born of Nephena and Moon. He had black hair with orange eyes and was a black dragon. A natural blacksmith.
Sybl -- A 25 year old woman from Earth, who was sent into foster care when she was 13 after her attempted suicide. Long wavy brown hair, dark blue eyes. As the reincarnation of Asil, she remembers who she was in her past life. The Sylvan Aur exists within her. She dies exorcising Daath from Nafury.
Sylvan -- Similar to humans, they were the inhabitants of the first Aster. They were originally spirits in servitude to Hino, until one was discovered amongst them who could give them souls. When their soul-giver was destroyed by Hino, the Sylvan fled Earth to a star, where they made a habitable planet of it. Many Ancients followed them. When their soul-giver was reborn to them as the Sylph Asteria, they became a prosperous, powerful and happy race up until the planet's destruction by the Dragon Moon.
Sylvan Aur -- The blue light that is the result of estus and aeri energy being together in balance, that is 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 and restored after Daath's defeat.
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.
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.
True phelan -- The Eminor of the first Aster and a type of Nightmare Eater, originating from Earth and once bound by their names to the festra. They once served as slaves to the Sentry and were more demon-like. Damek later refashions them into their own wolf-like species. They are now phelan spirits without a soul.
Unicorn -- See kyrie.
Vanir -- Long black straight hair, red eyes. The reigning phelan shifter 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. He dies from old age before Sybl's death.
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.
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.