Elara's Veil

Location:

Elara's Veil, a mystical natural spring, lies hidden at the bottom of a breathtaking waterfall on the northern face of Obelisk Polaris. This majestic mountain is part of the formidable Bones of the Old Ones range, located near the ancient city of Ilik-Ving. The waterfall cascades from dizzying heights, its waters shimmering with an ethereal glow as they descend, creating a veil-like curtain that conceals the sacred spring.

Geography:

The Bones of the Old Ones mountain range is a jagged, imposing terrain, shrouded in perpetual mist and mystery. Obelisk Polaris, one of its tallest peaks, stands as a sentinel overlooking the landscape, its summit often cloaked in swirling clouds. The path to Elara's Veil is treacherous, first winding through the dense Great Forest to reach the mountain's base, and then ascending via narrow passes and nearly vertical, steep inclines. Only those who possess true purpose and unwavering resolve can hope to find their way to this hidden sanctuary.

Lore and Legends:

According to lore, Elara, the Fey Queen of Healing and Waters, blessed the spring with her divine essence. It is said that when the world was young, Elara descended upon Obelisk Polaris and, with a wave of her hand, caused the waterfall to spring forth from the mountainside. The waters, imbued with her magic, possess unparalleled healing properties, capable of curing even the most grievous of ailments and lifting the darkest of curses.

The Healing Ritual:

The healing properties of Elara's Veil are not easily accessed. It is believed that the alignment of certain celestial bodies enhances the spring's powers. The most potent time to seek healing is during the full phase of the Traveler, when its silvery light bathes the waterfall, causing the waters to glow with an otherworldly radiance.
To activate the healing, one must follow a sacred ritual:

• Purification: The seeker must cleanse themselves in the river that flows from the spring, symbolizing the washing away of impurities and doubts.

• Offerings: At the base of the waterfall, a small altar stands adorned with ancient runes and offerings left by previous pilgrims. The seeker must leave a token of their journey—something of personal significance—as an offering to Elara.

• Invocation: As the Traveler reaches its zenith, the seeker must recite an ancient incantation, calling upon Elara's blessing. The words, spoken in the Sylvan tongue, resonate with the natural world, summoning the Queen's attention.
  El Elara, Tel'Quessir en'Undu, Amin anta lle en'laure tanya ando'quessir, Amin hir'tina sal'alle. Lanta amin'kaima ya taurna alassë, Harya amin'quessir, ar'auta amin'feä. Amin mel'alle ná mellon, Sina amin il'er.
  Translation: O Elara, Queen of Waters, By the light of the moon and the purity of my heart, I seek your divine touch. Cleanse me with your healing waters, Mend my wounds, and lift my spirit. Grant me the blessing of your grace, So I may be whole once more.

• Immersion: The seeker then immerses themselves in the spring, allowing the waters to envelop them completely. It is said that those who are pure of heart and true of purpose will feel a warm embrace, as if cradled by Elara herself.

The Waters' Touch:

Not all who seek healing are granted it. The waters of Elara's Veil are discerning, responding to the true intent and spirit of the seeker. Those with selfish or malicious motives find the waters cold and unyielding, while those who seek healing for themselves or others out of genuine need are embraced by the spring's warmth and light.

Myths and Tales:

Many tales are told of Elara's Veil. One such story speaks of a dying warrior who, guided by a Fey spirit, braved the treacherous path to the spring. Upon completing the ritual, he was not only healed but also granted visions of future battles, enabling him to lead his people to victory. Another legend tells of a grieving mother who sought the spring to cure her ailing child. During the jourey to Elara's Veil, the child died. The mother still completed the journey and begged Elara to revive her child as she bathed her daughter in the pool. The waters responded to her pure love, and her child emerged from the spring healthy and full of life.

Elara's Veil by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Type

Spring