The Ca'rthavial Vales (Car-tha-vial-Veil)

All that is light and pure

C.R. Eede

The Ca'rthavial Vales:

• Name: The Ca'rthavial Vales
• Symbolism: Purity, Promise, Hope, Belonging, and Rebirth
• The Stars: The Caelorian Avialgeontrix, The Athominia, and The Mydha.
• Significance: The Ca'rthavial Vales is a significant location where high elves can witness the three stars closer than any other kingdom. The royal Aalarelai bloodline has raw starlight coursing through their veins, making them the only elves to look directly into the heart of a star without being blinded. The stars are used for navigational purposes for natives and non-natives alike. On the cliff edge are starlight infused rocks called avial gemstones. These are used in many aspects of Aethel Caelorian life.
• Location: Between C'avarnia and Epanon

The Ca'rthavial Vales is an official landmark of Aethel Caeloria and is used daily with many stories and historical events surrounding it. A few miles away from the kingdom on the same mountain top and between Epanon of House Tythal is where it stands. It is the highest cliff that the high elves protect. It's where the avial gemstones are embedded and shine the brightest. Avial gemstones have raw starlight embedded into their heart, making them both a jewel of beauty and a destructive force not to be reckoned with. The avial gemstone is Aethel Caeloria’s most sacred stone as it holds the light of the stars within the centre, making it incredibly valuable and sought. It is also incredibly destructive with a blinding light. It is the firmest belief of purity for the high elves, making it exceptionally unique and desirable among traders and the kingdom. The Ca'rthavial Vales is a sacred place to all high elves within the kingdom.

Purpose / Function

The Ca'rthavial Vales have many purposes that affect everyday life for high elves. The Aethel Caelorian God, Nelaeryn, loved gazing up at the night sky so much that he was inspired to create his kingdom and people around a bright star he gifted to them; The Caelorian Avialgeontrix. This star could be seen with the naked eye from the Ca'rthavial Vales and is known to be the brightest in the universe. He broke a part of the star and created the Avial Gemstone, planting it in the core of the Starlight Veil. See the purposes below:

• The Royal Bloodline: The royal family are different to the high elves because they have natural starlight flowing through their veins, making them formally known as, Ca’rthavial elves. Ca'rthavial translates into 'all that is light and pure.' Nothing compares to the light of a star, so if they are ever faced with a situation that requires others to close or cover their eyes, they can walk straight towards it without receiving any harm. This light provides a second sight that allows them to see more than most, especially in the dark. This sight enables the Aalarelai bloodline to look directly into the heart of a star without rendering themselves blind.
• Avial Gemstones: This is the power source for most establishments within the kingdom and its many lands. The small gemstone has enough natural starlight to power most places and offers comfort without excessively draining itself. It is used in a wide range of merchandise sold by Varcanian traders within Filarion Plaza. The saer stream has raw starlight flowing throughout it, which also courses into the core of the Starlight Veil and Rayai Tree.
• Avirial Coin: Most traders will accept gemstones if avirial coins are not something elves possess. There are two types of coin, Avirial and Raw Avirial. Avirial is a standard coin, comprising either saer or wien and has a small avial gemstone in the centre. Raw Avirial is a rare coin that has both smooth saer and wien materials on the face of the coin with a slightly larger avial gemstone in the centre. It is also worth more than the standard coin.
• The Starlight Veil: Within the core of the Starlight Veil is an avial gemstone, which has often been perceived as the tree's spirit, giving it life. 
• The Rayai Tree: The Rayai Tree shines brightly within Eca Gardens. Its many branches hang small crystalline teardrop-shaped avial gemstones collected every few hundred years by gardeners for sustainability purposes. Once the avial gemstones are picked, the next batch can begin to grow. This tree offers a life source to its surrounding flora and fauna, spreading its light into the Nelaeryn Springs.
• The King's Blade, Nithavideon: Nithavideon was forged during Miha Aalarelai's reign from 2998 NE - 2397 NE. To commemorate his reign, the finest blacksmiths made the sword. To gain a blessing, they then offered it to the star, the Caelorian Avialgeontrix. The sword was stuck atop the Ca'rthavial Vales for twenty-five years, where the star infused its starlight into the core of the blade every night for a few seconds giving it a fragment of power from the universe.
• The Princes' Blade, Heartwood: Heartwood originated from a myth and was merged into the heart of the Starlight Veil, where it became wrapped in the light of the avial gemstone, sourcing it with a distinct and balanced power.
• History: There is much history surrounding the Ca'rthavial Vales, which plays into modern-day teachings.  Though the Ca'rthavial Vales is just a place, it also indicates troublesome danger that could harm the entire kingdom and its surrounding lands.
• Myths, Stories, and Legends:  Different elves have created depictions of wars, stories, art, myths, and legends around this sacred landmark.
• Worship and Meditation: High elves often sit on the cliff's edge to worship or meditate because of how quiet and peaceful the environment is. It's a place where the elves can almost hear themselves think as they take time to appreciate the three stars.
• Name Days: The name days within Aethel Caeloria are spectacular and only last for two days. The King passes his crown onto the Prince on the first day, stepping down from his former role as the reigning sovereign. The Lead Varcanai Healer then crushes an avial gemstone with their saer hands and has the new king look into the very core of its light. This gives him a deeper connection to the kingdom and the ability to use the power of the stars in all of his decision-making. Additionally, it offers him a heightened sense of control. During the night, the new king must spend an entire night on the sacred cliff, the Ca'rthavial Vales and meditate until the sunrise allowing his newfound abilities to settle. Throughout the day, the high elves of Aethel Caeloria will celebrate in pride as their new king is named.
• Sacred Celebrations: L’amaturu, known as 'The Night of Light.' All high elves converge at Ca'rthavial Vales during this holy night to pay respects and honour their God, Nelaeryn. They stand atop the cliff and watch the Avial Gemstones glow their brightest as the starlight from above transfers its light down from the sky. The ridge becomes one of the lightest nights throughout the year and can be seen from thousands of miles away and from the ocean's depths.
• The Three Springs Tournament: This is a tournament that each king's son must undergo to prove to the people that he is fit mentally, spiritually, and physically to rule. 
• Execution Method: S'ivatheia, when the Varcanai Guards point their spears towards a convicted elf and slowly walk towards them, forcing them to the cliff's edge until there is no ground left to stand on.

Sensory & Appearance

The Ca'rthavial Vales Natural Growth: A few miles away from C'avarnia, over the Summergloss fields and on the border of Epanon is the sacred rocky cliff. This cliff is embedded with thousands of raw avial gemstones that reflect the Caelorian Avialgeontrix's blinding starlight. The cliff projects out over the vast blue ocean, overseeing House M'ithai's lands, the harbour, the lone island, Aerraven, and more. The ridge is 2500 feet tall above sea level, stretching out over 500 miles. There are no safety barriers around the Ca'rthavial vales other than guards who protect it on their patrols; therefore, elves who venture near are responsible for their safety. Elflings are not allowed near unless accompanied by a guardian. Petrichor is the aroma in the air around the time when rain falls on dry, stony ground, which is what the Ca'rthavial Vales often emits for a few miles. It can also smell sweet vanilla from the grass of the summergloss fields.

Denizens

The Heavenly Gate: Below the Ca’rthavial Vales is a dark cave dug with the bare hands of banished elves. Just before entering the cave are shallow waters from the ocean. The waters in this cave have changed to a murky black slime, and the clear gemstones have transformed into ebony crystals hanging from the upper walls. Inside the cave is where elven-like deformed, and strange creatures reside; The Vithra, who used to be living and breathing elves. They are now soulless creatures who will do anything to lure the living into their caves and devour them. The Vithra’s limbs are elongated, and their nails have been overgrown into a set of new fingers used to slice the throats or even decapitate any who dare venture where they reside. These creatures no longer have hair or eyelids but are nocturnal and sense heat temperatures. Their inability to blink strikes fear into the hearts of the living and their chattering set of layered sharp teeth. These creatures can camouflage into their surroundings because of their transparent appearance, giving them an advantage in combat. This area goes deep into the mountain and gets darker the further one progresses. The Varcanai Guard and Caelorian Incline must always travel in groups of 2-4 to ensure the Vithra do not attempt to attack. If they do, the guards can attack; however, the guards tend to leave them alone. The Vithra only tend to attack when provoked or when elves stray too far into the cave alone. 
The Locked Jaw: Within Heavenly Gate is a small side entrance with saer silver gates that leads down an enclosed tunnel. This tunnel leads to a closed-off room with no escape but merely a stone table with chains. This place is known as the Locked Jaw and was where secret torturous activities used to take place.

Valuables

Heavenly Gates, Well of Fortune: Deep within Heavenly Gate is a well, and within this well is a black substance similar to Saer. It is aesthetically pleasing to gaze at due to its gloss-like colours and consistency. However, it doesn’t have any magical abilities. A disadvantage of this substance is that once water is drizzled, it will create a catastrophic blaze and, later, an explosion. However, it does create a cosy fire that gently spits black listening embers if contained in a safe space. It is found within a sacred well underneath the kingdom but is the prized possession of the Vithra. This substance is known as Rone. This substance appears in the myth, The Tale of Three Warriors.

Architecture

The Caelorian Avialgeontrix: This is the largest and brightest star throughout Caede Galair. The star looks like it has two points from a long distance, whereas, up close, it looks more like a compass star. The Caelorian Avialgeontrix is often used for navigational purposes, illuminating the night, and worship. Many elves believe the star to be a manifestation of Nelaeryn, whereas others believe it to be a loved one they've lost.
The Athominia and Mydha: These two stars are found to the sides and slightly above the Caelorian Avialgeontrix. The two also shine bright, but not as brightly as the Caelorian Avialgeontrix. Together, they are all considered to be kin. These two stars also have shrines dedicated to them, which are located within the lands of House M'ithai. All elves within Aethel Caeloria pay their respects to the Athominia and Mydha as appreciation for their existence and pure light, which has been used to power up weapons for royalty and the Varcanai Guard.

Defenses

The Varcanai Guard and Caelorian Incline often defend this sacred site during their patrols. This is to ensure it is kept safe and doesn't attract any unwarranted attention from vagabonds, mercenaries, or thieves.

History

2999 NE:

• Aethel Caeloria’s Creation
• The Rayai Tree Seed Watered
• The Starlight Veil's Growth
• The Ca’rthavial Vales Growth

2998 NE - 2397 NE:

• The Ca'rthavial Vales Shining: High elves discover avial gemstones for the first time

2995 NE: 

• The Nagtaive Migration
• The Nelaeryn Springs Blossoming: Hydraen converge to the springs to habituate

2732 NE: 

• Aethel Caeloria’s Nature Change: Raw starlight was infused into the heart of Aethel Caelorian Nature
• Stream Transformation: The clear stream changed into saer silver

2440 NE:

• Planting the daughter seeds for Nithavaer and Nydon
• Heartwoods Forging

2396 NE:

• The Three Springs Tournament: A tournament to prove the Son of the future King is fit enough to sit on the throne and rule the kingdom

2310 NE:

• The Starlight Veil Honours its Promise: An almighty gift is given to its chosen lead healer, saer hands

1674 NE:

• The L’amaturu Celebration

1541 NE: 

• The Clearing of Ca'rthavial Vales

1212 NE:

• Ca'rthavial Vales Worship

302 NE: 

• The Starlight Veil's Gift: The Starlight Veil infuses the shields and staffs of the Caelorian Guard with raw starlight, making them more powerful

234 NE: 

• The Ca'rthavial Vales Warning

213 NE: 

• The Conqueror’s Conquest

212 NE: 

• The Conflict of Ca'rthavial Vales

147 NE: 

• The Starlight Veil's Withering

124 NE:

• G'aravei Tilundiun: Otherwise known as, The Sacrifice of the Seed. The Princess of Aethel Caeloria, G’aravei Aalarelai, transferred her life force into the Starlight Veil to stop its withering and prolong its longevity
• The Caelorian Queens Revealing

122 NE:

• The Starlight Veil’s Protection: The Caelorian Queen’s return myth was rumoured as ‘The Fallen Rise.’

10 NE:

• The Hyphicen's Appearance

0 VO: 

• The Day of Stratanum (Natural Event)

2 VO: 

• The Inconsolable Forlorn

10 VO: 

• The Passover of the Ancient Weapon, Insight

23 VO: 

• Battle of the Blue Mountain
• Bloodbane's Ferocity

28 VO: 

• Signing the peace treaty
• The Tale of Three Warriors Recording
• The Victorious Celebration

33 VO: 

• The L’amaturu Celebration

100 VO: 

• Rebuilding Aethel Caeloria
• Bloodsbane Rehomed
• The Remembrance of Might and Valour: A memorial for Dihavanor Aalarelai and his kin was held, alongside the D’ivalorth, the Vythai, Parnath; the Lead Varcanai Healer and the thousands of elves who gave their lives to defend the kingdom from darkness. This was the biggest memorial to take place within Aethel Caelorian History.

725 VO: 

• The Hyphicen's Existence
• The L’amaturu Celebration

825 VO: 

• The First Execution

999 VO: 

• Sacred Recognition: L'amaturu, Thinduru and Yilipha were officially recognised as sacred days within Aethel Caeloria.

1116 VO: 

• The L’amaturu Celebration

1825 VO: 

• The Glaciers Ravine’s Discovery: Eca Aalarelai and his younger brother, Mylo, discovered a ravine filled with crystalline gemstones beneath the Nelaeryn Springs

1994 VO: 

• The Expansion of the Rayai: The Rayai Tree of Aethel Caeloria grows and becomes known as the Avial Tree

2111 VO: 

• Nature Name Change: Eca Aalarelai of Aethel Caeloria officially renames Aethel Caeloria’s Nature, ‘Eca Gardens.’

2134 VO:

• The L’amaturu Celebration

2197 VO: 

• The Hyphicen’s Voice: The Hyphicen of Aethel Caeloria collectively groan in harmony as they birth new offspring into the world

2212 VO:

• The L’amaturu Celebration

Specific Event Details:

• The Starlight Veil's Growth: This is the expansion of the Starlight Veil's branches. Every 1000 years, the Starlight Veil's branches grow, and more leaves are added - prolonging its life. It is when it is the most vulnerable and needs tending to regularly. The Starlight Veil created 'healers' who would care for the tree with the mystical abilities the tree had to offer through its magical silver stream to rectify this situation. These healers became highly respected in all of Aethel Caeloria - later treating the wounded and performing miraculous recoveries.
• The Clearing of Ca'rthavial Vales: For just over 300 years, Ca'rthavial Vales became unapproachable because of a thick fog that had overtaken it. No elf knew why this had happened, but haunting noises could be heard from within, and it became a scary place to venture towards. Once the clearing had diminished, the Ca'rthavial Vales were the clearest they'd ever been, and the mountain became pristine. It is still a mystery to this day what was within the fog, but no one dares question it.
• Ca'rthavial Vales Worship: The Aalarelai bloodline decided that considering the Ca'rthavial Vales was vital to Aethel Caeloria's existence, they decided to make one day every year to worship the good fortunes it has brought to the kingdom. The people and royalty did this by placing any avial gemstones they found onto the tip of the cliff, for it later to engulf the sides, making the cliff a landmark of beauty and a powerful light source in the dark of nights. It became a very sacred spot that Caelorians would protect with their lives.
• The Ca'rthavial Vales Warning: The Ca'rthavial Vales shone the brightest it had ever shone in over 1000 years because it knew danger was imminently closing in. It shone throughout the entire year, which gave Aethel Caeloria a chance to prepare for the worst. It was an indication that bad things were coming. Elves from thousands and thousands of miles away could see this light, even from the ocean's depths.
• The War of Faith’s: This is the beginning of ‘Mutuak’ and the Forsaken, testing how strong the age of elves was against their forces. Elves were up against the Ashen (undead souls) and the Forsaken Commanders.
• Conflict of The Ca’rthavial Vales: A war between travellers, banished clans and criminals who wanted to steal Aethel Caeloria’s avial gemstones. The battle was driven by greed, whilst Aethel Caeloria’s side was driven by territorial and historical significance.
• The Starlight Veil’s Withering: This was when the Starlight Veil started to wither from the effects of the Ashen submerging themselves in high elven blood. The Starlight Veil felt this and grew weak, withering away.
• G'aravei Tilundiun: This was when the Princess of Aethel Caeloria transferred her life force to the Starlight Veil to stop its withering and prolong its longevity once more. Her life enabled the tree to flourish again and return light to the kingdom. The leaves stopped falling, which meant high elves no longer fell into the darkness. This became a pivotal point in history because G'aravei was the first Seed to sacrifice her life for a noble and dutiful cause.
• The Caelorian Queens Revealing: Once the Starlight Veil had flourished from the sacrifice of the seed, pure silver Elven figures emerged from the streams of the tree, wielding silver spears. They stood around the tree and allowed none near it - to protect it from darkness now that there was no seed to tend to its needs.
• The Hyphicen's Appearance: As soon as the Ashen and commanders arrived on the planet, the Hyphicen made itself visible to the outside world and banded together to protect their high elves from the imminent threat they ultimately faced. They only allowed the Aalarelai bloodline to ride on their backs and into battle, which was a moment elf and beast became one.
• The Natural Event: Yanaravei D’uag is the mother mountain of Caede Galair and erupts with deadly force.
• The Passover of Insight: The Horsebow ‘Insight’ was passed down to Dihavanor by his god, Nelaeryn, to defeat the Forsaken.
• Insight's Deceit: Once Insight was passed over to Dihavanor by his god, the bow caused problems in Aethel Caeloria. The royal guards wanted a bow as divine as Dihavanor's, so they began to infuse their blood into their weapons. However, all they did was deprive themselves of blood, eventually killing themselves from severe blood loss. Insight was a powerful weapon and the only one that Dihavanor could use. He soon realised his people were suffering at the beauty and power it withheld, so he hid it as quickly as possible and banned any use of bows within the kingdom ever again.
• The Hyphicen's Existence: The legendary and mystical creature made itself known to the High Elves and habituated one part of the corner, now known as 'Nelaeryn Springs.' During the war, the Hyphicen's made themselves present, so decided to protect the High Elves by living with them, but, no-one other than the Aalarelai bloodline could visit them as they were the only ones who had a real connection with them. The Hyphicen became a sacred beast who resided within the kingdom's walls and were not to be disturbed.
• The First Execution: The first execution occurred during Rhyzeal Aalarelai's reign when a young elf from Eyraeshir beat a young boy from Aethel Caeloria half to death as a strength challenge. In Eyraeshir, this was acceptable, but in Aethel Caeloria, it was treason and not permitted. Therefore, the young elf was sent to his death, and his life was to be taken by the King's hands only. The first execution made in Aethel Caeloria was brutal because the elf was young. The elf was taken to the Ca'rthavial Vales cliff edge and slowly pushed back by the sharp spear tips of the Varcanai Guard. The King was the one who forced him off the edge. With one final push, the young elf fell from the top of the cliff and into the deep waters below.
• The Sacred Days of Aethel Caeloria: L'amaturu, Thinduru, and Yilipha became officially recognised holy days within Aethel Caeloria. Not only would the natives of Aethel Caeloria celebrate these days, but the royal family would also sit amongst their people as equals to recognise these critical days. Each day was worshipped once a year.
• Glacier Ravine’s Discovery: The Glaciers Ravine was discovered by Eca Aalarelai and his younger brother, Mylo, during an exploration of their kingdom. They stumbled upon this open ravine that was big enough to hold hundreds of elves. The hollow was cold but possessed thousands of crystalline light-filled gemstones with prism-like reflections. They were encrusted within the walls and floors of this open area. The waterfalls from the Nelaeryn Springs delved down into this ravine, providing it with a peaceful atmosphere. Mylo Aalarelai stumbled upon it whilst delving deeper into the Glaciers Ravine to admire the reflections of the crystals. He found a hidden tunnel (just big enough for a child to crawl through) that led to an enclosed cave with a large crystalline prism sticking out from the ground filled with the memories of the Hyphicen. It was the biggest crystal Mylo had ever seen with his own two eyes, and he vowed to keep it a secret, thus, sealing the cave to a degree to ensure no one would ever find it and use it with bad intentions. This prism held the living memories of all the Hydraen and Hyphicen through the thousands of years. No living elf should have access to that unless granted permission by the species themselves. Mylo loved both species and respected their significance.
• The Expansion of Rayai (Avial Tree): The Rayai tree was vital as it oversaw the daughter tree's growth and ensured that they were always protected from harm. Rayai itself translated to ‘Protector' in Old Elvish. Its roots kept them close with a warm nature-like embrace. The Rayai was the father tree of Nithavaer and Nydon and oversaw the flourishing of the Eca Gardens and tending to its needs. During the expansion, Rayai saw its branches grow outwards, allowing it to hold more leaves and protect everything within. Even though it was a relatively large tree, elflings of Aethel Caeloria would often climb the branches to the top to oversee the kingdom.

Tourism

Travellers who want to see the Ca'rthavial Vales often accompany the Varcanai Guard to ensure their intentions are respectful. Travellers can only stand on the mountain's surface, not the cliff itself, because it is reserved for high elves. When the stars shine bright at night, travellers often need to cover their eyes because they cannot handle the intensity.

The Ca'rthavial Vales: The Ca'rthavial Vales is a sacred location where high elves can witness the three stars closer than any other kingdom. The three stars are used for navigational purposes for natives and non-natives alike. On the cliff edge are starlight infused rocks called avial gemstones. The landmark is also significant to the Aalarelai Bloodline because the natural starlight has created well-balanced weapons fit only for royalty, with starlight flowing through each royal member's veins.

The Three Stars of Aethel Caeloria:

1. The Caelorian Avialgeontrix
2. The Athominia
3. The Mydha

Founding Date

2999 NE

Owning Organization

C'avarnia

Avial Gemstones: This is the power source for most establishments within Aethel Caeloria and its many lands. The small gemstone has enough natural starlight to power most places and offers comfort without excessively draining itself.

The Heavenly Gate: Below the Ca’rthavial Vales is a dark cave dug with the bare hands of banished elves. The waters in this cave have changed to a murky black slime. Inside the cave is where elven-like deformed, and strange creatures reside; The Vithra, who used to be living and breathing elves.