Nitesong Sidhe

[Alais d Nitesong]

Alais ‘d Arma Graham ‘d Nitesong Sidhe is of Eldar descent. She traces her heritage back to the first of the elven world, and was born to the Heir of Nitesong and his mate. Upon their deaths, she inherited Nitesong. She also inherited the house in RhyDin named I’ Taurn.

I’ Taurn means “The Doorway” and from I’ Taurn, she has access to 4 primary locations. The first is her homeland of Nitesong, the home of her lifemate Ulysses known as Harmony, the home of her former Mentor in Riverbend, and recently, her island home of Matlal.

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I' Taurn House (pronounced: ee-torn) North Side of RhyDin is her primary residence now that she has turned over Nitesong to her son Telemachus.

This historic house is located on the North side of RhyDin city, on a broad, tree lined avenue and is the metropolitan residence of a former Overlord of DoS. The home has been in RhyDin for about 1700 years, and has not been changed on the exterior since its construction by Alais' grandparents. The view of this residence from the street is that the home appears to be set upon a large, heavily treed lot, and surrounded by high stone walls. The stone used to build the walls is dark, greenish basalt that was transported in from a past ocean floor by the sorceress' family centuries ago. Atop the 14' high walls are rapier sharp spikes of mithril-tungsten alloy, meant to discourage the curious from attempting to climb the walls for a view of the yard and house beyond the wall and gates. For those able to "see", the wall is also formidably warded. The walls are nearly 10' thick, in typical style copied by the middle ages of Earth. What is not typical are the wards and the material, which can be opaque or transparent as the need of the owner requires.

The gatehouse is also constructed of the dark green basalt and overlooks a beautifully worked mithril gate. The ornate Celtic Knot and Dragon pattern that forms the gate separates the shady avenue from the private drive to the House. The gate itself cannot be touched by undead or kindred, but is on the surface harmless to all other passersby. The gate itself does have protections against attempted forced entry, but otherwise customarily remains silently passive. Visitors to I' Taurn are met by Sidhe trained staff prior to admittance to the residence. They are trained in many languages, as well as security. They will do their best to assure rapid and courteous reception.

Beyond the curtain wall facing the front avenue, a gentle slope rises and is dotted with an abundance of large, old trees of mostly Burr oak, and White oak near the edges, but creating a veritable arboretum of rare and unique species as one approaches the house. There are small groves of trees interspersed among grassy open areas to create many small ecosystems for maximum diversity of both flora and fauna. Birds and other creatures have found safe haven among the botanical collection on the property surrounding I' Taurn House. Some of those creatures are quite rare or endangered. This haven does not hold the creatures in, but most have chosen to remain and do not wander away from the property.

As you follow the tree lined drive toward the house, there are livery points for the animals of conveyance just short of a paved walk to the front entry. Guests may arrive using any number of means of transportation, including horses, camels, pegasi, gryphons, and each creature needs specialized tethering or livery points. The paved walkway is done in the same green basalt as the curtain walls and gate house. The paved drive and walkways create veins of green that tie the exterior walls to the house. The main house itself is constructed of white albite cut into ashlar blocks, rising 4 stories in height, and roofed in muscovite mica. The stone used in the construction of the house is starkly different from the curtain walls. The brilliant white appears to be a shining gem set in the dark green of the lawns and stonework. The house is vaguely reminiscent of later crenellated manor houses of Renaissance Britain.

From the exterior, the mullioned windows reflect and refract rainbows of sunlight in prefulgence. The albite rock showing glimmers of more muscovite mica, which enhances the image of sparkling gems set among the emerald greens of the lawns surrounding I' Taurn. This glittering visage lends credence to some of the legends of the Fey. The glittering stone does not look entirely real or solid in sunlight.

Shading the front entry stands a single ivory tree soaring well above the height of the house. The tree is unique in all of RhyDin, and has been growing in this spot since the first ashlar block was laid for the foundation of the house. Alais' forebearers planted this Rouwan with the laying of the foundation stone in accordance with Sidhe beliefs that the Rouwan and the house would stand the tests of time together. When one falls, both fall. As long as they both survive, they prosper together. The tree's massive branches provide shade for those approaching the front entry way of the structure. As you step through the tall, magnificently wrought oaken doors, the entry foyer is a study in white. The polished albite stone of the floor is met by the white marble of the foyer walls in a seamless transition. Overhead, the vaulted stone ceiling soars 2 stories as dual curved staircases arch elegantly to the floors above. An enormous, ornate Mithril chandelier dominates the overhead space, and is lit with fairy fire when required.

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Open balconies overlook the entranceway. White marble railings have been worked into intricate designs that are polished to a satiny sheen and provide a soft glow in the daylight, or by fairy light. Furnishings are sparse as this is not the congregating area, but merely reception, and all furnishings in the foyer are in silvery mithril and white materials. The effect is one of cool, elegant simplicity.

To the right of the entrance hall, there is a set of elaborately carved white oak double doors leading to the Great Hall. These 4 doors have a dragon and Celtic knot pattern first seen at the mithril entry gate. The design seems to change depending on the weather, as though the dragons carved into the wood can move, yet they are never seen in motion. The warm shades of the white oak is the first greeting guests receive to the Great Hall beyond after encountering the cool light of the white marble and mithril entryway.

The Great Hall rises 2 stories in height. The floor is cut and polished blue granite that spans from wall to wall, meeting walls paneled in rich mahogany burlwood. The paneled walls support tapestries that depict some of the historic deeds of Nitesong, RhyDin, and in recent times, several commissioned works commemorating the Harmony worlds, the home world of Alais' lifemate who was slain in Harmony a number of years ago. At the far end from the door rises a stone fireplace of the same polished blue granite as the floor that commands immediate attention upon entering the Great Hall. Above the fireplace mantle are the Nitesong coat of arms and the Harmony sigils. Various weapons of history hang on either side of the dominating heraldic centerpiece. Some of the weapons are ceremonial in nature with elegant metal work and gems while others of significance belong to the bloody wars fought in ages past. All of them starkly efficient in purpose and deeds.

Mullioned windows span from floor to ceiling; overlooking the front yard as well as the back lawns because the Great Hall is the entire width of this wing of the house. Overhead, timbers crisscross the entire expanse. Royal blue moiré cloth dominates the few furnishings. This room is meant primarily for large gatherings and formal affairs. Flexibility of furnishings is crucial, and permanent seating maintains the blue and mahogany motif. Fine silk and wool rugs in intricate Moorish patterns of blue dot the floor, prohibiting echoing from making the vast room feel cold and uninviting. Along one wall stands a long table of burlwood, which doubles as a formal dining table when entertaining requires furnishing for formal sit-down dinners for large numbers of guests. Tall floor candelabra of wrought Elven gold cast soft golden light after nightfall as hundreds of ivory beeswax candles are lit for such occasions.

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Left of the entry are the kitchens and storage areas of the residence, the working part of the house is found opposite the Great Hall. A wine cellar with fine olde vintages, and a collection of single malt scotches predominate, but the House caters to whatever beverages the guests would prefer. The kitchens are equipped with most of the conveniences of Uly's homeworld, which took some convincing for the Sidhe staff to learn to use. However, with time, they have adapted to the conveniences and seem to enjoy the modernization. There are still 2 large fireplaces in the kitchens, and there is always a fire within them for cooking something as the staff needs to eat even when Alais is not in residence. Counter tops and cabinets are furnished with all of the accoutrements of a large royal kitchen required to entertain important guests, nobility, and gentry in large numbers. The china and crystal are purely elven with intricate patterns on natural materials. They are nearly translucent ivory with muted shades of blue, green and salmon botanical designs. The crystal is very long stemmed in glittering leaded glass. Very thin and tall, the crystal refracts the candle light in rainbow glitter over the table. Silverware is available in two patterns. One of moonsilver in soft swirls, and one set of gold done in an ultra modern design for Harmony guests. The gold is never used any more as there have been no guests from Harmony since Uly's death. Alais still cannot bear to use Uly’s possessions.

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Climbing the gracefully curving stairs to the 3rd level of the house above the great room leads one to the guest rooms over the Great Hall. Six suites of rooms are available. Each suite follows a predominant theme for honoured guests in an attempt to provide touches of other homes. Each is provided with a sitting area, fireplace, a balcony, a sleeping space, and a private bathing facility. Since Uly's death several years ago, Alais has begun restoration of this wing of the house. Workers come according to the staff scheduling and feedback is provided by the Sidhe Seneschal

1) The first suite on the left is decorated in Moorish style. There are privacy partitions in finely wrought wood that segregates the room into whatever size spaces are desired. Or they can be used to permit the separation of males and females. Large pillows in brilliant jewel tones, and low ottomans covered in coordinating silk patterns provide the furnishings. The carpets are silk Aubusson in the rich textures and colors of the Ottoman Empire. No bar despoils the room in deference to the beliefs of several of Alais' friends. Overall the room has a desert oasis feeling. The walls are done in off-white stucco. There are painted friezes of desert themes in enough abstract form to not violate laws governing the rendering of images by humans. The effect of the friezes is one of a watercolor left in the rain and running together. The bathing area has a sunken oversize tub of intricate Byzantine-like tile. The fixtures are gold, and there are sheer silk draperies surrounding the tub. Lighting is accomplished with beaten brass lanterns and scented oils found in abundance throughout the suite. Living plants abound in all rooms with flowering jasmine growing all year long. The scent of jasmine and spices create a relaxing atmosphere to compliment the rooms and balcony.

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2) The next suite is prepared in light pastels. This sitting room is very light and feminine, and is carpeted in soft ivory wool. The furniture is refined and light, following a tradition of elegance in pale peach moiré and light oak. Crystal vases abound with fresh flowers and airy greenery both on tables and in wall sconces as well. The walls are painted in candlelight ivory and adorned with colorful paintings of some of RhyDin's famous parks and botanical gardens. The bed is draped in ivory lace for privacy, and the linens are of finest flax linen in pale peach for color. The headboard is hand crafted in light oak with creatures of fantasy amid scroll-work and ivy. The ivory tiled floor is liberally littered with wool and silk rugs in shades of ivory, beige and peach. This suite has a balcony that overlooks a fountain and flower beds in pastel shades of peach, yellow, white shades. There are 3 topiary plantings on the balcony and stephanotis vines coil around the door frame scenting the whole area with the soft aroma of flowers all year long. In the bath, there is a raised and tiled soaking tub with scented bath oils arranged within easy reach. The towels are imported cotton of the softest weave. Colors here are tone on tone peach and salmon.

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3) The last suite on the left side is done in a Highland flare. This set of rooms follows a rugged theme of grey stone fireplace, more massive furnishings, and accented in darker wood tones. The ambience is one of solidity and endurance. The doors are iron bound hinges and hardware, as are the wall sconces. There are hooks at the fireplace for hanging swords, or family tartans. Chairs are large and deep. The carpeting is heather and green laid over slate tiles, allowing the use of appropriate plaids for visitors. An ornate bar with stocked scotches is available, along with the heather ales, meads, and other assorted spirits. Paintings hung on the dark panels of the walls are mixed highland and lowland scenes throughout history, though by design, no clan or tartan is rendered visible. Large double doors open onto a stone balcony that has planters of heather and fern to add a splash of color to the slate greys of the floor.

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4) On the opposite side of the hall, at the farthest end from the stairs is a suite appointed for Fey guests. This suite is suited to elven and fey alike. The appointments are completed in exquisite elven craftsmanship starting with all natural materials used to create the suite. The use of mithril, gold leaf, and crystal work is extremely liberally used throughout the rooms. The sardanapalian needs of the fey catered to in every detail from the intricate stone carvings in the fireplace to the small fountain that bubbles softly in the center of the sitting area. Live plants abound and form a living partition between the sitting space and the sleeping spaces. The partition contains scents from flowers only found in Sidhe lands, and provides the scents of home for many of Alais' visitors from Nitesong. The materials of the furnishings are imported silk damask and deep velvets in jewel tones. There are no manmade materials, only natural substances worked in the highly crafted ways of the Sidhe. Every piece of furniture is exquisitely crafted and each detail carrying the signature of art and beauty. The easily insulted fey guests will find no appointment lacking in this room. The balcony balustrade has been worked into the flowing, beautiful lines cherished by elven folk, and polished smooth alabaster mimics the color of the sacred Rouwan wood without actually cutting down Rouwan trees. Details right down to the "grain" one would expect to see in things crafted of wood have been carved into the alabaster. Illumination is provided by fairy light, which adds a warm glow to the suite of rooms and balcony. The bath is finished to appear to be a secluded hot spring, including the rich shades of aqua found in the depths of hotsprings. The grotto appearance is very lifelike, and includes birdsong with the bubbling splashes of the comfortably warm water.

[Alais d Nitesong]

5) The middle suite on the right side is prepared for other mages and sorcerers. The room is extensively warded and shielded for privacy and solitude. The floor is carpeted in deep blue ghax wool that is so luxurious that it invites guests to walk barefoot in the rooms. The walls are dark basalt ashlar blocks, polished to a satiny bronze sheen. The furnishings are a rich dark oak color with midnight blue silk covers. Wall sconces are mithril and gold leaf and will accommodate either candles or torches. There is a fireplace and workbench with a carved oaken tome stand provided. The mullioned windows and balcony doors overlook part of the grounds where a large fountain stands. The small balcony allows a sorcerer access to an uncovered starlit sky for any casting that requires such provisions. The balcony floor is made of the same bronze basalt, and is reasonably impermeable to spell components. The room may be additionally warded easily by the resident if they so choose. No other sorceries may intrude on the space. The walls have several magnificently carved deep oak bookshelves with reference materials at hand. Common spell components are lined up on the workbench, although exotic components need to be brought by the mage. A small bronze brazier sits near the fireplace. The bed is dark oak and the motif is dragon carved reminiscent of the entry gates and great hall doors. The bed is mattressed in Eider down. Deep blue silk comforter tops the soft down bed. There are no paintings hung on the walls, rather tapestries provide a warmer feel to the stone rooms. Mythical creatures and exploits of legend are the subject matter for the tapestries.

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6) The next and final suite was under renovation to accommodate visitors from Uly's worlds. But, the renovations were halted when Uly passed beyond this realm into another. Already in place however are a small scale replicator/transmorgrifier, and a transponder for quick teleportive travel throughout the public spaces of the house, both bearing the Made In Harmony manufacturing stamp. This suite of rooms remains closed now, with no activity toward finishing it. The teleport landing sites in the rest of the house have gone un-used for several years, and there are no plans to reinstate their use.

Alais can use them, as can Ozymandias, but since their return with the books, most of them have been disabled by Ozymandias pending instruction from Alais to activate them.

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The rooms over the kitchens and storage areas provide office spaces for Alais, formerly for Uly, the House Steward, and various House Staff. These are traditionally not visited by anyone not from the family or immediate staff. This area of the house and the fourth floor are considered private.

Alais' office and lab overlook the grounds at the back of the House. The office is appointed with an ornately carved desk of rich mahogany inlaid with runes of mithril. The dragons of the desk do shift positions and "move" when not being watched. Beneath the desk is a deep pile carpet of midnight blue ghax wool that covers part of the greenish serpentine stone floor. Surrounding the desk on all sides, the walls are lined with bookshelves carved in the same dragons and Celtic knot work. Where there are no bookshelves, the walls are made of light beige granite in a satin polished surface. A mahogany and royal blue moiré sofa faces a small ashlar fireplace done in polished blue granite. A low mahogany table sits in front of the sofa, with candelabra of mithril at each end. Several scrolls and parchments are scattered on the table, but have no visible writing on them. Upon the floor is a black tanzanite gate rune outlined in mithril. The gate rune is protected not only by the usual restraints of such a rune, but Alais has a Guardian from Riverbend lurking within the rune. While the "other" does not trouble Alais, those who have traveled with her oft comment on the "uncomfortable" effect the Guardian creates for them. Stepping through a narrow doorway, you may enter the lab. This is the heart and soul of most sorcerers. The room is completely built in stone.... a rich greenish serpentine cut in rough cut, allowing a natural cave like ambiance. Sounds from the rest of the house do not penetrate into this sanctuary. Lighting is accomplished using sorcery or fairy light depending on the need of the moment. Candles can also be brought in for illumination. The bench top shows several scars from experiments or chemical attacks. The walls are lined with glassware and assorted containers holding all manner of spell components. The proliferation of spell components has grown considerably since Alais finished her studies with the Annaran sorcerer Morrin. Some of which are better not studied too closely.

A tome stand about 5 feet high and carved from nearly black wood stands offset from the workbench. The stand depicts a dragon rampant entwined with a sorcerer and familiar. Upon the tome stand is Alais' spell book, guarded by a Tome Guardian. The Guardian remains transparent unless approached, where upon it takes any manner of appearances designed to dissuade the would-be guest. The Guardian is authorized to use deadly force if needed. The Guardian has seldom been pressed into action, but with the recent events in RhyDin, Alais keeps the Guardian where it is. And so, here the book remains, untouched, unless summoned by Alais herself.

A balcony just beyond a pair of mullioned doors gives access to the sky and gardens. Several free standing candelabra give the only evidence of a light source within the room. For those capable of "seeing", the room is heavily warded by Alais. This is the inner space belonging to the Sorceress, and its peace is powerfully protected, and so is the security of her spell experimentation. Few are admitted to this place of sanctuary. There is a secret exit from the room, and that leads both to the roof as well as the basement of the house. Both of these exits are guarded by rather nasty familiars of Alais' calling.

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The door to Ulysses' office is plainly labeled, "Do Not Enter". Here he had chosen to manifest the portal to the other-realms where his primary energies resided. Those versed in space-time-probability travel are wise enough not to meddle in another's manipulative mechanisms. Those inexperienced and excessively curious soon find themselves battling for their very existence against the all-absorbing power of being. Thus far Uly had managed to save the imprudent from themselves, but disclaimed any responsibility for future mishaps.... having added the universal symbol of a skull below the door label. Alais has not changed anything in Uly's office, and at this time, she cannot see any reason to make changes. She knows Uly is not returning, the starfire ring is now cold and black, it's brilliant starfire nothing more than a faint glimmer. There is no essence to return. But, the size of the house means there is no need to delve into this place as long as the staff continues to respect the warnings her lifemate had posted at the entrance to his personal space.

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Following the curving stairs to the entire 4th floor gains you access to the Sorceress' familial residence. Here, changes have been made in abundance since Ulysses death. Above the great hall is the family living area. A large, well-lit sitting room, which is carpeted in deep, soft, ivory ghax wool is the first room entered beyond the privacy of the dragon doors. Here is where intimate friends and guests are entertained. The dragon doors are warm medium oak, and mullioned windows line 2 sides of the room, with life-size statues of famous elves and others between each window carved from various marbles. At the far end of the room, a walk in fireplace of pale salmon cut rhodochrosite permits a crackling fire to cast warmth and light across the room. Facing the fireplace are 2 matching sofas of deep forest green velvet. Several chairs dot the space near the fireplace, and are of forest green, rose, peach and gold silk brocade. Low tables with golden candelabra fill in where needed. A small series of book shelves sport leisure reading selections varying from biography to history to fiction to technology. The ceiling soars to a vaulted 16' with carved wooden rafters supporting a translucent muscovite roof overhead. In one corner near the original entry point, a musicians' nook sits. A harpsichord, music stands, and 3 chairs sit in preparedness for a small ensemble of chamber music. A stone balcony beyond mullioned doors permits the family access to a table and chairs for dining out of doors beneath a trellised and wisteria draped roof.

The master suite is behind a set of deeply carved doors above the offices and lab. Stepping through, the floor is carpeted in deep forest green plush ghax wool. The walls are paneled in burl wood trimmed with bronze fittings. The ceiling is 16' up, and supports the muscovite roof tiles with large carved timbers. Mullioned doors open onto a private balcony overlooking the gardens and the great fountain. A fireplace of brilliant green dioptase stands against the farthest wall. Above the fireplace are portraits of Alais' dogs.

The bedroom furniture is predominantly deep forest green and peach with gold trim and highlights. An obsidian bath is submerged in the floor near the fireplace. Moveable screens of peach moiré stand partially surrounding the obsidian spa. There are 5 large Grecian urns in stands filled with fresh genestra, gingers, and pincushion protea amid eucalyptus and tree ferns. The room is comfortably appointed with 3 overstuffed chairs of deep salmon moire, several golden floor candelabras and 2 table top candelabra. The scent of genestra with a hint of gardenia and fir accents the ambiance of the room. All the candles are a rich ivory pillar rather than simple tapers. Alais' suite has many personal items scattered around it that would tell a great deal about the sorceress. Her dogs, 3 Borzoi have free run of this floor. The suite is comfortably appointed, and clearly lived in, though the time spent in RhyDin has taken somewhat of a decline. The influence of Alais' Lifemate Uly remains to be felt around I'Taurn, but fades with each pasing year.

There are several smaller rooms adjoining the master suite. In times past, they served as nursery and the children's rooms. Alais has had them closed for her tenure in I' Taurn House.

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From this house in RhyDin, Alais can access Riverbend and Matlal.

Matlal is where she is relocating, and building a new home, or was before the War there. Her partially completed home on Matlal was overrun by the daemons and undead through the tear between worlds. It will take every bit of elven skill and ability Alais possesses to rebuild Matlal. The destruction was nearly complete, and she came to RhyDin to wrap up some open things before returning to begin the long work.

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Nitesong is an island that was created by Mauritaurn after the wars between elves and men. He splintered the land and set the Sidhe of Nitesong apart from the world of men and other creatures. It floats in the mists of confusion, where few have travelled since the separation millenia ago. The island is protected by the elves and their association with the land. If you are not invited, you will not find the Island of Nitesong.

The war was utterly devastating, and the battleground where so many died is now known as the Decimated Lands. Nothing survives there. Not plant life, nor animal life. The rock is barren obsidian that ends in cliffs that drop hundreds of feet into the sea. It was here that the island was ripped from the landmass it had once been attached to before Mauritaurn separated permanently. There had been great dissention and disagreement at the time, but since then, Nitesong has grown accustomed to the solitude and safety.

The island is self sufficient in its ability to produce everything the Sidhe inhabitants require. During the orogenesis of the holy mountains, home to the Nitesong Druids, many of the precious metals and gemstones were formed. In the caldera of the great volcano is where the precious moonsilver is mined by a colony of Dwarves who have been on Nitesong since the Island was created. They keep to themselves, but provide the fabled dwarven craftsmanship in exchange for their food and supplies.

At the foot of the mountains lay a meadowland where gardens abound, and most of the islands food is grown. There are orchards around the edges of the meadows, and beyond those are the great Rouwan forests. The elves reside within these fabled white trees that tower over the countryside. There is no known location outside of Nitesong where these trees grow with the exception of one tree on the grounds if I’ Taurn House.

The tallest Rouwan is home to Alais, and during her absence, is inhabited by her heir, Telemachus III. The Druids have been led by Legendazona’s successor since her death. They have lost some of their influence over the Heir after the High Priestess had declared open warfare with Alais over her taking a lifemate not from the Tuatha de Danaan heritage.

Alais left the island shortly after the birth of her twins, and the death of her lifemate. The twins were essentially raised by Xenograg and Legendazona until she became unable to reconcile that it was they who would inherit this island refuge for the Eldar. But by then, the twins were young adults, and Xenograg had schooled them in the arts of statecraft to the point that Telemachus was able to take the reins himself.

Once she had hoped to re-open ties with the outside world, but during her time in that world, she learned it would be a terrible mistake to make the existence of Nitesong known to outsiders, and so she keeps the secrets of her forebearers safe. The invasion of the Lich Ghrial changed many of Alais’ views on the outside world. It was also one of the things that sent Alais to seek training from the Arch Mage Morrin.

Today, only Xenograg Bey has the freedom as a nonresident to come and go from the island. Even the elven Queen, Teleperien, must obtain permission to come to the island. Alais trusts no other living soul with the location of her realm.