The Elven Era and the Taint

The Elven Era and the Taint

Anaron and Ithila saw it fit to grow their twin races together. In collaboration, they placed a special seed in the middle of the elven home. The seed grew into an enormous, broad-leafed tree that symbolized the harmony between the Gold and Silver races. This was their World Tree, the Tree of Dawn and Dusk, immortal and spreading life throughout the elven lands.

The two cultures of the elves were entirely different; one worshipping the day and the three suns, the other worshipping the silver moon and the night. Over thousands of years they developed into noble and elegant societies, one patriarchal and the other matriarchal, with impressive structures and beautiful language in the verdant meadows of Laine in the middle of Hyath.

Much later, when the two races were fully developed, a strange cult emerged within the race of the Silver elves. They spoke of darkness and the Great Abyss. Their tongue was harsher in language. Their eyes shined of deep reds and purples; their hair either lost all color or turned a jet black; their skin was abnormally dark. The cult began to grow within the Silver culture and those involved desired power and influence over the elven societies. The rest of the elves became extremely concerned that these others were a threat and so consulted their priests. Only an old cleric, an Amandil, of Ithila could give them a reason for this strange new cult. Slowly, she told the leader of the Golden elves of the goddess' plight:

Overhearing a conversation by her parents, Ithila learned of her secret brothers and sisters. Overcome with curiosity, she ventured downward into the deepest chasms of Palurina. Although guarded by fierce demons, she passed them all and found her ancient siblings. They had festered for a million years, no more beautiful than they were when born. Ithila took up conversation with the brother known as Wrath. Na ve, she was not aware of his power or insanity. With a charismatic personality he coaxed her closer to him and grabbed her there in the darkness. With a single kiss he tainted her with his evil. Before he could do any more, she fled the caverns of the Four Bane Ones as they laughed behind her.

Hysterical, she sought the advice of her father, Nav`ean. Ithila asked why she had never been informed about her ancient siblings and told how she had felt a change when Wrath had touched her. Before Nav`ean could speak, Iva`na interrupted and explained. "Our four sons and daughters were held below our world for its protection. They were not fit to create life, just as you are no longer fit to guide my moon across the sky, Ithila!" Iva`na called Her daughter foolish for venturing down to the Four Bane Ones, and blamed her for the event. Calling her Tainted One, She cast her out of the heavens. Shocked, Nav`ean pleaded for his daughter's position, but to no avail. Iva`na was a stubborn and unforgiving mother goddess.

The elves were shocked to hear of this story from the prophet. The House Council, Nosse Omenta, conferred and decided the Taint would only spread if they sat in complacence.