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{{essay|title='''The Isle of Graces - Geographica Elanthia''' |author=[[Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l]]}}
{{essay|title='''The Isle of Graces''' |author=[[Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l]]}}


Drafted while convalescing in collaboration with Ceyrin and first published on the 14th day of Koaratos in the year 5119.
Drafted while convalescing in collaboration with Ceyrin and first published on the 14th day of Koaratos in the year 5119.
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Those seeking enlightenment would venture here to spend decades training themselves to let go of all things material and open their minds to the possibility of harmonious existence. Today, the Abbey is as much a spa and resort as it is religious order, giving up strict adherence of faith to gain a modest amount of support income in more recent times.
Those seeking enlightenment would venture here to spend decades training themselves to let go of all things material and open their minds to the possibility of harmonious existence. Today, the Abbey is as much a spa and resort as it is religious order, giving up strict adherence of faith to gain a modest amount of support income in more recent times.

- Geographica Elanthia


'''History'''
'''History'''

Revision as of 11:12, 14 July 2019

Title: The Isle of Graces
Author: Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

Drafted while convalescing in collaboration with Ceyrin and first published on the 14th day of Koaratos in the year 5119.

Isle of Graces, painted by Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

Introduction

Rising hundreds of feet above a solitary rocky isle in the Great Western Sea stands a little-known settlement. Built up over two centuries (from 4842 ME to the present day), the Isle of Graces is a testament to the ingenuity of men and elves, inspired by the Arkati.

Though the island itself is no larger than the city of Wehnimer's Landing, the bulk of the landmass is a small craggy peak atop which sits the Abbey of the Graces, supported by a small village upon the southern shore. In times past, the abbey was used as a refuge for those who sought to escape the trappings of life on Elanith proper, and free themselves from the politics of city-states, empires, and kingdoms.

Those seeking enlightenment would venture here to spend decades training themselves to let go of all things material and open their minds to the possibility of harmonious existence. Today, the Abbey is as much a spa and resort as it is religious order, giving up strict adherence of faith to gain a modest amount of support income in more recent times.

- Geographica Elanthia

History

The story of the Isle of Graces starts around the time of the Third Elven War when it was allegedly conceived in a series of dreams.

A merchant vessel had been shipwrecked on the isle following a violent storm at sea and the surviving crew had settled on the shoreline to await rescue. It was 4845 ME and Ronan appeared to them in a dream, instructing them to build an oratory atop the island. The vision of Zelia's descent into madness tormented their sleep. At first, they ignored the dream until Ronan cast the isle in darkness. The eclipse lasted for three days and three nights.

During that time, they were subjected to visions of other Arkati. On the first night, Charl and Niima ravaged the isle with storms: the rains fell and the waves battered the shore. On the second night, Phoen cleared the skies and replaced the thunderous clouds with dazzling sunshine. Hand-in-hand with Oleani, he walked the wooded pathways to the top of the isle and beckoned those in slumber to join them. On the third and final night, Imaera, Kuon and Aeia danced on the craggy promontory scattering seeds in their wake.

It was only when Ronan revisited them on the fourth night and lifted the darkness, that they realised he wished them to build a place for those in need to come for sanctuary and recuperation.

Architecture

A quiet and secluded location, the main attraction is the Abbey dedicated to the teachings of Imaera, Phoen, Ronan, Kuon, Oleani, Aeia, Niima, and Charl - collectively known as the Graces, for the gifts they grace the land of Elanith with.

The Isle soars 500 feet towards the heavens and is a throw-back to the structural hierarchy of the Turamzzyrian Empire's feudalistic society. On top, there are the Arkati, then the Abbey with its monastery and convent. Below this, the Great Hall, then stores and Guild members’ housing, and at the bottom, tucked behind the walls, the modest dwellings of the fishermen and farmers.

Wending its way from the tiny harbor, through the wooded gardens and up towards the Abbey, is an elaborately carved stone stairway. Each step is adorned with a different arrangement of flora and a fauna that can be supported in this climate. At the pinnacle of the climb is a massive teak door that is painstakingly carved with religious symbology depicting the eight Graces and punctuated with polished brass rings on either side.

The Abbey has become an important pilgrimage destination, such is the difficulty of the journey to reach it. It is a test of penitence, sacrifice and commitment.

The stonemasons who have made the Isle their home have added to the Abbey over the centuries. Of particular note is the transept crossing at the very top of the mount. Many underground crypts and chapels had to be built to compensate for this weight, forming the foundation for the supportive upward structure that is now visible for miles on a clear day at sea.

Linking the monastery and convent to the Abbey proper, the cloister is a place to meditate, with the fragrance of herbs, flowers, and the sea filling the air. The gardens within are home to all manner of birds and insects, adding to the sense of tranquillity.

More to follow.