Through Bark and Wood

This page contains information regarding the myth, Through Bark and Wood

Summary

Through Bark and Wood: The elves of Aethel Caeloria have long questioned the sustainability and mystical illusion of the Starlight Veil, wondering whether it is truly a tree or something else. Many have rumoured it to be the biggest Hyphicen throughout the land, whereas others have believed it was merely a tree.
After analysing the Starlight Veil, the D'ivalorth and Vythai of the kingdom throughout the ages have questioned its authentic appearance recording their notes each time they visited it. While there is no solid myth surrounding this topic, it has been rumoured that the Starlight Veil is no tree at all, and instead, something else entirely merely taking the form of a tree. This has aroused suspicion throughout the ages from all elves.

Spread

The existence of the Starlight Veil is pondered and questioned by many elves throughout the planet of Caede Galair for its very existence and capabilities stun them all. With roots delving deep into the planet, stretching out to lands beyond Aethel Caeloria's borders, to the mystical properties of its saer stream, elves are astonished to learn and come into contact with it when the kingdom opens its gates to outsiders.

Variations & Mutation

The questionable myth has been recorded differently throughout time by the different D'ivalorth's and Vythai's of the kingdom who have noted their opinions in the tome about the Starlight Veil, 'praesidium,' (Latin for Protection).

• First D'ivalorth (2998 NE - 2397 NE): "It looks like a tree. It's likely nothing less than a tree. I see it flourish and change colours from time to time, but do all trees not do that? I am witnessing the life cycle of a tree determined to live longer than its kin. Nothing more, nothing less."
• Second D'ivalorth (2397 NE - 1675 NE): "This tree is mystical yet brings great sadness with it. I can feel it within my very core. There is a loneliness that I cannot shake and a joy I cannot release. How is this possible?"
• Third Vythai (1675 NE - 776 NE): "I have seen the tree for something else. I ponder it often. It does not look like a tree to me, but instead, an animal. Are its branches truly branches or something else? Are the leaves truly leaves or something else? I do not believe this is some mere tree, but perhaps something we, Caelorian's, have encountered before?"
• Fourth D'ivalorth (776 NE - 114 VO): "I hear it sometimes, the tree, in my dreams as if it were calling out to me, but when I approach it physically I hear nothing. Perhaps it can only communicate to me through the subconscious, for when I talk with it in my conscious state, it remains silent. Perhaps there is more to this tree than meets the eye."
• Fifth D'ivalorth (114 VO - 726 VO): "I think I saw the tree move. I think I saw it blink. I... I do not know for certain, but sometimes I feel like it is watching me. Perhaps it is, but I will never know."
• Sixth Vythai (726 VO - 1544 VO): "There is something strange about the branches of the Starlight Veil. The branches seem to be stronger than wet bone and hard to break. Are these branches or bones? I do not know, but a branch should snap depending on its width. No matter how thin or thick these branches are, they cannot snap or break. I have seen small strands of velvet spring above the branches too, which is something that the Hyphicen's antlers do when rutting. Is this a coincidence?"
• Seventh Vythai (1544 VO - 2135 VO): "I don't know how this is possible, but I saw the Starlight Veil running in my dream, but it was not a tree. It was a creature of wood and bark. It strutted and jumped and leaper farther than the eye could see. Is this is a tree or is it something new entirely?"
• Eighth D'ivalorth (2135 VO - 2355 VO): "I hear it sometimes, the tree, in my dreams. It was calling out to me, telling me to prepare for what was to come. When I ask what is to come I receive no answer. Does it know what it speaks of or am I hearing random voices? I hear only hear one voice, though, nothing else, and it's very distinct."

Cultural Reception

Elves outside of the kingdom are baffled by the existence of the Starlight Veil, often paying little-to-no attention to its mystical abilities. While they have vaguely heard of the myth, they tend to ignore it.

In Literature

The tome, praesidium notes all the recordings of the D'ivalorth and Vythai's throughout the ages, stating what they have witnessed about the Starlight Veil. Throughout time, other elves may have written about it but their notes are yet to be discovered and read.

In Art

There are many paintings, tapestries, songs, clothes, and jewellery relating to the Starlight Veil:
Lux: Within Silencium, there is a large painting that captures the beauty of the Starlight Veil with the Aalarelai Crown cupped in its branches, two Hyphicen legendary beasts on either side of it, the legendary Twi'phray perched on its branch and a beautiful pool of saer beneath it. Behind the tree are rays of light beaming into the midnight sky where the three brightest stars hang overhead - The Caelorian Avialgeontrix, The Mydha, and The Athominia. The painter of this marvellous painting is unknown.
Tapestries and Jewellery: Within Filarion Plaza, native traders sell beautiful handmade items for travellers to purchase surrounding the marvel that is the Starlight Veil.
Gowns and Tunics: The traders of Aethel Caeloria sell three gowns and three with the Starlight Veil embroidered/stitched within:

1. Aurum: This version has a corset-style bodice made from a beautiful, embroidered faux silk in a stunning pale golden shade. Attached to the lower edge of the bodice is a full-length skirt that is made from meters of gathered chiffon. The chiffon is bold gold in colour, shot with faint silver. The colour often changes with the sunlight. The skirt falls into deep drapes with a long sweeping train at the back. Under the layers of chiffon is a layer of gathered white silk. The back of the bodice fastens with gold satin ribbons through tiny eyelets. The stunning feature of this dress is the amazing oversleeves. The long fluted 'sleeves' attach to a ruched silk shoulder strap and flow down to the floor. The effect of this as you walk is just beautiful, as the sleeves appear to float on the air like wings. In the centre of this gown is a silver symbol of the Starlight Veil. This gown comes in gold, teal, peach, and red.
2. Resplendere: This beautiful dress is made from a high-quality pink velvet, fully lined in satin. The contrasting front panel is in luxurious silky velvet. Each side of the front panel is trimmed with an ornate purple braid. This braiding is laced under the bust area with a pretty satin ribbon. The ribbon can be adjusted to ensure a perfect fit at the waist. The sweetheart neckline is also trimmed with the same ornate braiding. The sleeves of the gown are just beautiful, the top sleeve is made from light pink velvet and fully lined in contrasting purple satin to match the front panel. The undersleeve is in stretch lace, this is tightly fitted and comes to a point over the hand. The point of the sleeve is trimmed with a tiny satin rosebud. Along the sleeves of the gown are silver branch-like patterns directly themselves inwards towards the centre of the gown where a symbol of the Starlight Veil is stitched in silver. This gown comes in pink, purple, orange, yellow, green, and brown.
3. Pulchritudo: This beautiful gown has a sturdy corset bodice that is fully boned with sprung steel rods. It is not designed to be worn as a full reduction corset but it will pull one in a couple of inches and provide a wonderful shape. The bodice is made from pure silk and padded with leather for comfort. The back of the bodice laces with wide satin ribbon in a deep 'V' shape, where there is a wide modesty panel behind the lacing. The skirt is made from four offset layers of chiffon, the top two layers are deep blue, the bottom two layers are black with patterns along the face. There is a further satin layer under the chiffon to ensure that the dress is fully opaque. On the corset of this gown is a silver embroidered Starlight Veil branching out all over the gown. This gown comes in deep blue, crimson red, magenta, white, and black.
4. Invicta: The tunic is made of pure linen and finished with a gold or silver brocade and trim. Moreover, the costume can be complemented with a natural woollen cloak backed with satin that will make one look even more expressive and in touch with their emotions. it comes with a brown/black leather belt. The Starlight Veil is attached to the tunic through a bold brooch found on the left of the piece of clothing. The tunic comes in black, gold, blue, grey, or purple.
5. Atravesar: This attractive leather jerkin is made from durable cowhide, treated to stand up to the elements, and carefully crafted. Tailored for a fitted look, this can serve elves during ceremonial occasions or general attire. Closed in the front by four swing clasps, and laced on the sides for versatility. It is lined with cotton to assist with breathability and insulation. There is a silver symbol of the Starlight Veil on the back of the jerkin. It comes in brown, beige, cream or ivory.
6. Lacrima: This long elf's tunic bears with gorgeous pale green sleeves made of suede. The belt is the same colour as the sleeves and it highlights the elf wearing it. The sleeves are made of lightweight satin. it is one piece of clothing. The tunic bears a saer clasp on the collar, which is a symbol of the Starlight Veil encrusted with miniature diamonds. This tunic comes in pale green, pale blue, pale red, pale pink, pale yellow, pale orange, and pale grey.

The Starlight Veil's Creation: In 2999 NE, the Starlight Veil began to grow and it was Miha Aalarelai who became the first king to take care of it alongside the first Queen, Yyna.

The Starlight Veil: The Starlight Veil is the largest vibrant autumn blazed maple tree, comprised of a pool of tiny light-filled gemstones (Avial gems) and a silver stream smoothly running from the cavities of the tree, ever-flowing throughout all Aethel Caeloria. The Silver Stream is known as ‘Saer’ and is extremely rare outside of Aethel Caeloria.

Date of First Recording

N/A

Date of Setting

Throughout Time

Who are the D'ivalorth and Vythai? These two positions within the kingdom always come to be when the reigning sovereign is in need of guidance. They help the sovereign to acknowledge and learn from past mistakes and move further into the future from the knowledge they have gathered together. Positions as below:

• The D'ivalorth is formerly known as 'The Guardian of Knowledge.'
• The Vythai is formerly known as 'The Tender of Scrolls.'

The D'ivalorth and Vythai Positions: Whenever a new D'ivalorth comes to be, a Vythai will shortly follow, for she is the D'ivalorth's assistant. These two positions are always filled by an elfa as instructed by the Seed and the Starlight Veil.