Isle of Rebirth
The Isle of Rebirth is located in the Sea of Dusk in the Inner Sea of Ulthuan. [1a]
Here on the isle is the Cavern temple and shrine of the Earth Mother, Isha in the depths of the lush Gaen valley, also known as the Gaen Vale. [1a] Before the Sundering it was attached to the mainland of Ulthuan by a narrow, easily defended strip of land. [3a]
Contents
Gaen Vale
The forest possess a consciousness of its own and many forest spirits, infused with the life of Isha walk and talk within it. [3a]
No males are allowed within the temple and every female High Elf is expected to travel here and pray to the goddess at least once in her life. It is here that the Everqueen is crowned. [2a] Oracles sacred to Isha also reside here, using a Tear of Isha to communicate with the goddess and they also are often called upon to try and seek the fate newly born nobles. [2b]
History
The Gaen Vale is said to be the birthplace of the first Everqueen and where Isha cried her last tears in the mortal world. [3a]
Morelion and Yvraine, the firstborn children of Aenarion were said to have been hidden here, the only elves that had ever traveled to the vale. [3a]
The Sundering
Alith Anar attempted to enter the vale and whilst the pack of wolves with which he traveled were allowed to seek sanctuary within, the elf was turned away due to the darkness in his soul. [3a]
Morathi marched on the vale, seeking to take the power of the Everqueen for herself - she devastated the forest as she advanced until confronted at the Battle of the Gaen Vale.[3b] In desperation, Yvraine faced her down in person and drew upon the power of her lands once more, despite the protests of her own captain, Althinelle. The very ground heaved, throwing all but the Everqueen to the ground and now Yvraine told everyone to Run. The Isthmus was cracked from shore to shore and a wall of water descended towards both armies who fled. The Gaen Vale was now separated from the mainland, reducing the power of the Everqueen and Avelorn itself and the Aein Yshain itself dimmed. [1]
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (8th Edition)
- 1a: The Kingdoms of Ulthuan, pg. 11
- 2: Tears of Isha
- 3: The Sundering (anthology) (Time of Legends edition): Shadow King (Novel) by Gav Thorpe
