A bard tells the alleged history of the Ilvari (log)

Background

After briefly mentioning rumors of a lunar conjunction earlier in the month, one of the bards of Ta'Vaalor returned to the King's Court on Niiman, the 7th day of Koaratos, in the year 5116, to tell the history of the Ilvari as he had heard it.

Log

A red-haired elven bard just arrived.

Jalodg looks at a red-haired elven bard and cheers!

A red-haired elven bard bows low.

>l bard

The elven bard is a handsome elf, not quite young enough to be a 'youth' but with a youthful air of energy and amusement about him. He wears a flowing cloak of many colors, not sewn of rags but pieced together of swatches of bright silks and brocades and obviously well cared-for. A jaunty feathered cap with a drooping brim rests atop his elaborately braided, silky red hair, and he carries a fine ebonwood mandolin on a richly brocaded strap.

A red-haired elven bard says, "Thank you for that kind introduction."

Speaking squeakily to a red-haired elven bard, Jalodg says, "Welcomy."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Well now, there is always another tale to tell."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Ordim says, "I have heard the ... "facts' of the story."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Ordim says, "But not the "soul" of it."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kezhia says, "I know more about those children you spoke of."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Facts is such a harsh word... they truly depend on who you talk to."

A red-haired elven bard asks, "Ah so you know of the Ilvari then?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "There is a history there to be told, but I suppose if you all know it already..."

A red-haired elven bard says, "There is always my flask."

A red-haired elven bard says, "I overheard some drunken scholars suggest around eleven as the elves tell time for the conjunction."

A red-haired elven bard shrugs.

A red-haired elven bard says, "Of course they were drunk."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kezhia asks, "Should we be prepared for battle?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "I don't know how one would fight the moons in the sky..."

A red-haired elven bard says, "I was to tell a tale if the fine soldiers wish to stay and listen."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Well the rest of you are already waiting."

A red-haired elven bard grins.

A red-haired elven bard clears his throat.

Jalodg recites:

"Presting the Greats Bard Again!"

A red-haired elven bard sings:

"A song I will sing, of elves long ago Who left their home lands for the west and lands low. To a forest they came near a small frontier town Where furs were aplenty and herbs did abound."

"The children of their kin they did meet Or at first they appeared though in truth twas deceit. Twas a race of mischievous pixies and sprites That played some mean tricks and gave the elves some frights."

"To save all their kids from these mean nasty pranks They banished the Ilvari to their forest with no word of thanks. Behind a curtain of light were they trapped To dwell there within till eternity passed."

"Many years passed in relative peace till the undead arose and moved through the forest with ease. Slaughter it was, every last creature and bud The very forest itself was turned red with blood."

"Now some say it's just a tale to scare kids Into minding their manners and obeying their parents - Arkati forbid! I always say when it comes to an old story There's usually some truth buried within, and with this one I worry."

A red-haired elven bard stands up.

A red-haired elven bard bows low

Laraynis looks at a red-haired elven bard and claps her hands.

Emindala looks at a red-haired elven bard and claps her hands.

"And That's The Greats Bardy!"

A red-haired elven bard says, "That is the short version of an old myth of lore regarding an elven settlement in the west."

A red-haired elven bard says, "There are bits and pieces I have gleaned over the years that might shed more light."

A red-haired elven bard says, "No pun intended."

A red-haired elven bard chortles.

A red-haired elven bard says, "It seems the elves who settled there had a friendly relationship with the Ilvari at first, harvesting the herbs and furs from their forest."

A red-haired elven bard says, "For it was truly the Ilvari's forest."

A red-haired elven bard says, "It is rumored they are a race of pixies and sprites that bond with their forest. Each taking on the characteristics of the other."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Though, truth be told, the very existance of the Ilvari is but a rumor or myth."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Over time, the elves grew tired of their pranks and did banish them to their forest."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kakoon asks, "How bad were the pranks?"

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kakoon asks, "Are we talking death and destruction or perhaps stringing someone's boots together?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "Some say harmless, others say deadly. It is hard to sort out the truth."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Many years after being banished, it is rumored that their forest was set upon by undead. Nearly everything was destroyed or tainted in some way."

A red-haired elven bard says, "The remnants of the forest still exist today near the frontier in the west, haunted by the spirits of the trees that once stood there."

Speaking quietly to a red-haired elven bard, Osokree asks, "Did the forest run red in blood of the elves or of the pixies and spirits ?"

Speaking to Ordim, Kakoon says, "I believe the bard had said when the undead attacked the forest, that."

A red-haired elven bard says, "That is correct."

A red-haired elven bard asks, "They are undead? It is what they do?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "It was so long ago none really know. You forget too, these elves laid down their weapons to take up the plow, and the saw. Most were mere farmers and hunters."

A red-haired elven bard says, "I have heard things....whispers really. Told only on the darkest night under a heavy dose of brandy. They chill me to the bone."

A red-haired elven bard says, "It has been said that the Ilvari blamed the elves for what happened to their forest."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Fey or no, they are not unintelligent."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kakoon asks, "Do any tales say why they blame the elves for the undead attacking?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "They do."

A red-haired elven bard says, "They blame the elves for the fall of the Empire. For the squabbling between houses that allowed Despana and her undead to arise."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Most of all, they blame House Vaalor, the Crimson Legions, the Sword of the East for failing to put down the threat when it first arrived."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Legaci says, "Well, that is what they believe.. and only what it is rumored."

A red-haired elven bard shrugs.

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Legaci says, "But yes, that sounded something like a gloriously told tale.. for bards to sing. Nothing more."

A red-haired elven bard says, "It is difficult to tell fact from fancy with a story as told as this."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Legaci says, "People look to blame anything."

A red-haired elven bard says, "They do indeed blame who they can. Though not all blame is misplaced."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Legaci says, "The fey were Evil at Heart."

A red-haired elven bard shrugs.

A red-haired elven bard says, "The tales tell of mischief. Not evil. But again, people will blame anyone."

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Sidhawk asks, "Have you any more to tell us?"

A red-haired elven bard ponders.

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Sidhawk says, "Anything."

A red-haired elven bard says, "If you see a sweet lass, scoop her up and take her home while you can."

A red-haired elven bard grins.

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Legaci asks, "You know what I heard not in ALL the tales concerning this Alignment.. undead.. elves.. Blames.. anger.. fear.. Where were the drinks in all of it?"

A red-haired elven bard asks, "The drinks? How do you think I got them to tell me the tales in the first place?"

A red-haired elven bard says, "I keep my ears open and my flask full. Tales will find me."

Ziria asks, "Does every bard have to include verses of some sort of hops in order for the tale to be believable?"

A red-haired elven bard grins.

A red-haired elven bard sings:

"The elves of the west live near a forest CHOP CHOP But at the end of the day, tis ale for the rest HOPS HOPS"

A red-haired elven bard grins.

A red-haired elven bard asks, "Believable now?"

Speaking to a red-haired elven bard, Kezhia says, "Don't you have a name? it's bothering me, them calling you Bard."

A red-haired elven bard says, "A true performer never reveals his identity. I am honored to be called "bard"."

A red-haired elven bard says, "Besides, it makes it more difficult for the husbands to find me in the morning."

See also

Brieson Discusses the History of the Ilvari (log), more background on the Ilvari from a human scholar that same evening, presented in the Landing's Wayside Inn.