Neldor/Cousins

In-universe date: Era Nova, June-July, Year 3

Real-world date: 2026-08-31
Author: Neldor

A Flashback to Era Nova, October-November, Year 1

A letter finds its way to the home of an Elven woman and her daughter. It reads as follows:

My dearest Elanor, and my dearest Estelle,

It has been some time since I have last written to you of my adventure! I hope you are both well! Today, I am writing to you of a people that are kin to us. Cousins, in that way!

During my travels around the regions near my current residence, I stumbled upon a most curious sight. A massive tree caught my eye, visible from many, many paces! It was a beautiful sight, and of course, ever the curious man, I had to investigate!

As I drew closer I spotted another curious sight; a meteor, a beautiful, massive thing, slapdash in the middle of this place! I drew closer, and came across another person; a fellow elf! Her name is Sylvis, she is the Archdruid! She informed me that the meteor is called The Star, and asked me whether or not I hailed from “Cuuperdam” (I reckon she meant Koperdam, another nation nearby).

She led me to a little bonfire, as the area around The Star is a holy place! Not fit for conversation, as you might imagine. At the bonfire sat other druids and relaxed! All of them were in animal form! Such curious magic! I will have to go back for more information…

Nevertheless! We chatted, and eventually another druid joined us! She… well, she was certainly a unique character! Her name is Mist! She is the newest of the Druids, so I was told. She came to join us in our chat!

As it turns out, Sylvis is Ilaeni! Their people are also sometimes called Star Elves! Our people and hers, then, must be somewhat related! Possibly? More research to be done. But we decided on being cousins, in that way! Distantly related, with similar ideas and lore. Isn’t that lovely? United by the belief in the stars!

We had another… strange conversation. About maps, of all things! The visitor from Koperdam must have… drawn a map for them? And somehow, these two confused it with some sort of get to know or, stars above, a mating ritual! Strange folk, those of Koperdam, to be sure… I have yet to pay a visit! Perhaps I shall soon!

I asked about The Star after this, and have been informed it has landed on these lands many, many eons ago! Or at least, for as long as the druidic records have existed. Which must be a long time! The Grove was founded around The Star, or the Sūle as it is also called. Sylvis told me that she theorizes that it nurtures the ground around it, as nature flurishes and blooms around it, and that much is true! It is a beautiful place, the Grove, and I wish I could put its beauty into words for you.

Before I left, they bestowed a gift upon me! Berries from the Grove! A ever so kind gift! Ah, I was supposed to keep news of their existence… well, not exactly a secret, but not tell everyone I meet. I trust you can keep this here letter to yourself!

Meeting the two druids was truly a highlight, and I hope my letter has brought you some joy! How do you two fare? I do so hope you are well. I shall come to visit soon, with more stories and gifts for you both!

Yours truly,

Neldor