Year 1531 A.F.
Continent II — Sylvarae
Where Time Is Measured in Roots, Not Years
....
The Continent of Sylvarae
Sylvarae did not rise.
It grew.
From the air, the continent appeared as an endless sea of green—ancient forests layered upon forests, canopies intertwining so densely that rivers became silver veins threading through emerald flesh. Stone was rare. Metal rarer. Everything that endured here was alive.
This was the homeland of the Elves:
High Elves, guardians of ancient governance
Wood Elves, stewards of the deep forest
Moon Elves, watchers of twilight and magic
Humans and Dwarves existed here—but as guests, traders, or tolerated settlers at the forest's edge.
At the heart of Sylvarae stood the Elven Empire, ruled not from stone halls, but from a living colossus older than recorded time.
....
The Tree-Throne Empire
Capital: Lethariel Root-Crown
The Tree-Throne was not carved.
It was grown.
A colossal world-tree whose inner chambers shifted subtly with the seasons, whose roots formed halls, whose branches bore balconies where councils met beneath open sky.
At its core ruled the Tree-Throne Dynasty, an imperial bloodline traced back over five thousand years.
....
The Imperial Family of Sylvarae
Emperor-Highwarden Aelthirion Vael'Sylvarae
Age: 1,142 years
Race: High Elf
Status: Reigning Emperor
Magic: Ancient Life & Air affinity (unclassified by human systems)
Aelthirion sat upon the living throne, unmoving, eyes like still lakes.
He had ruled for nearly six centuries.
Not because he conquered—but because no one alive remembered Sylvarae without him.
Aelthirion
"Time moves differently beyond our roots."
His voice echoed softly through the inner grove, where leaves shimmered faintly with mana.
....
Empress-Consort Lysanthrae Moonveil
Age: 987
Race: Moon Elf
Status: Primary Wife
Magic: Lunar Water & Illusion
She stood beside him—not beneath.
Lysanthrae was calm, observant, her silver hair braided with living blossoms that bloomed and faded with her breath.
Empress Lysanthrae
"But even forests feel distant storms."
....
Imperial Consorts (Elven Tradition)
Unlike human empires, concubinage in Sylvarae was ritualized, not scandalous. Each consort represented an alliance with a people or philosophy.
Consort Thiriel Greenbloom
Age: 812
Wood Elf
Represents the Deep Forest Clans
Consort Vaenya Starpetal
Age: 654
Moon Elf
Represents Astral Faith Principalities
Consort Elowen Rootbound
Age: 433
High Elf
Represents Old Noble Bloodlines
....
Imperial Children (Living, Recognized)
Elven heirs were few—but each was a force.
Crown Heir — Prince Aerendir Sylvarae
Age: 612
Status: Unmarried
Role: Keeper of External Affairs
Magic: Air, Nature, Time-echo sensitivity
Aerendir stood before a living map of Sylvarae, branches shifting as borders were discussed.
Prince Aerendir
"The Human Empire stirs more frequently."
Princess Sylvaelis Vael'Sylvarae
Age: 489
Marital Status: Married to the Moon Elven King of Lunareth
Role: Diplomatic Anchor
She was already gone from court—marriage having sealed one of the two Elven Kingdoms under imperial influence.
Prince Thalanor Root-Warden
Age: 371
Status: Single
Role: Military Overseer of Sylvarae's Borders
Disposition: Distrustful of humans
Thalanor's voice was sharp.
Prince Thalanor
"Humans breed faster than forests grow."
The Kingdoms and Principalities
High Elven Kingdom of Elarion — loyal, proud, conservative
Moon Elven Kingdom of Lunareth — mystical, diplomatic
Principalities were ruled by Arch-Guardians of Faith, tied to:
Nature
Moon Cycles
Life Renewal
City-States were grown around sentient trees, governed by councils of elders and druids.
....
Lady Aralyn — A Familiar Name
A ripple passed through the council when a leaf-formed sigil shimmered above the map.
A human name appeared.
Aralyn of Solvanyr Court
Prince Aerendir narrowed his eyes.
Prince Aerendir
"That name again."
Empress Lysanthrae spoke gently.
Empress Lysanthrae
"She walked the Silver Grove thirteen years ago."
A murmur.
Consort Thiriel
"The human girl who listened instead of speaking."
....
The Past Connection
Lady Aralyn, as a child accompanying a diplomatic retinue, had been permitted into Sylvarae's outer groves—a rare honor.
She had:
Spoken no lies
Touched no sacred bark
Asked permission before every step
Prince Aerendir remembered.
Prince Aerendir
"She bowed to the trees."
Emperor Aelthirion finally stirred.
Emperor Aelthirion
"Then she understood where power truly rests."
....
Current Sentiment Toward the Empire
Thalanor crossed his arms.
Prince Thalanor
"She stands beside the Crown Prince now."
Aerendir nodded.
Prince Aerendir
"Not as bride. Not yet."
A pause.
Empress Lysanthrae
"But she will influence whichever path he chooses."
The Emperor's voice was final.
Emperor Aelthirion
"Then we observe. No roots move yet."
....
Closing
As dusk filtered through the canopy, bioluminescent leaves began to glow.
Sylvarae did not rush.
It watched.
And far beyond the forest, a human Crown Prince and a woman who once bowed to trees walked unknowingly beneath the gaze of an ancient empire.