Elves 2

Though in Olor (then named Toldoloralf), things were different - and at the coming of men the haven of the high-elves was hidden. For in that time Olor was encompassed by the 'The Ring of Enchantment' which rose from the waters of Lake Gilnen ('star water') as a great curtain of mist that prevented the passage of anyone save those permitted by the elves. And so the lake was named anew, and it became Lake Híthnen ('mist water') - and so it has remained.

But the elves did not shut themselves in this land, and it is said that those men that dwelt nearest to Olor learned much lore from the high-elves and increased ever in skill and knowledge. And though they had the friendship of the elves, few ever passed the girdle of enchantment - and in like manner it was rare that any of the elves dwelt for long amongst the shorter lived race of men.

Yet in these latter days the relationship has waned somewhat, and like the wood-elves, many of the folk of Olor have since departed and dwell now in Alucinor, or have journeyed westward to Dór-Aduial - where they maintain the memory and majesty of their former days.

And so it is that Prince Edennil reigns now in Olor, though after him the rule shall pass to Gilthan (the child of his cousin) rather than one of his own sons - for they were slain by hill-giants more than two centuries ago. Of that tragedy little is told here, yet it with little surprise that for this, and many griefs besides, the hill-giants of the Silver Peaks are hunted without mercy whenever they venture down from their mountain lairs.

Yet to the wood-elves of Luna Silva the recent centuries have been less kind - for it was little more than 300 years ago (some 11 centuries after the Daerdagor, and less than 700 years after the coming of men) that prince Orodmír was abroad with a few of his folk. He had been sent by his father (King Caranmír II) as an ambassador between elves and men, for orcs were reported to be amassing in the south in greater numbers than ever before, and the borders of Luna Silva had seen frequent skirmishes with foes baring the mark of the black dragon.

Caranmír II deemed an alliance between the two kindreds would be wise, and it was for this purpose that his son departed - and though many of the humans heeded the warning, few agreed to march south in a battle where many must surely perish (thinking instead to defend their own lands from behind strong walls).

This, it is said, displeased the king greatly, though far greater was his wrath when he learned that during his son's journeys, the young elf lord had given his love to a human woman. Indeed, upon Orodmír's return, the elf prince made clear his desire to marry this woman (whom he loved above all other things), and despite his father's disapproval, he forsook the homeland of his people and took up a life of (self imposed) exile with his new wife Deore (for she was forbidden entrance to the elven king's realm).