The Elves – Part 2
The illustrations of Erwin J. Arroza have once again brought a race from The Veil Saga to life. This month we revisit the elves of The Veil Saga. In Journey of a World Builder Part 4 we looked at how the mainstream ideas and views on elves in our culture, mythology, and legends are used to create the elves featured in The Veil Saga. This month will look at some specific aspects of those elves, and will use Erwin’s amazing illustrations to highlight those aspects. 
The elves began as one race many millennia before humans first set foot on earth. Disagreements lead to wars, and wars lead to separation. The elves branched off into two subcultures, those of the Light Elves and those of the Dark Elves. The Dark Elves were not evil at first, just a group of elves who thought differently… who thought that the earth should be ruled by the elves.
Many centuries later, after the Dark Elves had firmly established their own cultures, the elves would unite again to war with a common enemy; the goblins. It was at this point the United Elven Nation was formed. However, the goblin attacks proved to be merciless. Goblins were invading Elven cities in secret and striking at the young and defenseless elves. To save their kind, the elves sent many of their young and weaker brethren to live in the Northern part of Canada; a place where goblins would not dare to go for fear of the cold. The war with goblins lasted several centuries, long enough for the elves living in the North to establish their own culture.
Light Elves: The Light Elves are the most prevalent elves, having cities in Germany, Chile, The United States, China, and Vietnam. Along with the alfargnym, they govern the Veil and regulate the use of magic. Their city in Germany, Sayalla, is the Elven Capitol. It is hidden deep with the Spessart Forest. Sayalla is the largest of the enchanted settlements and is home to not only elves, but alfargnym, koth, and faun.
Dark Elves: The Dark Elves remain an enigma to all but themselves. They have chosen to remain in their underground settlements that they formed when they hid from their Light brethren. They have also chosen to keep their culture a secret. When they appear in public amid non-Dark Elves, they shroud themselves in mystery. They wear dark cloaks that cover most of their face. All that can be seen below the cloak is a hint of a black mask. The masks vary from person to person. Some masks are featureless, giving the appearance of a faceless void. Other masks are ornately designed with colorless patterns or carved into a fearsome face. These masks serve two purposes; 1) to preserve the anonymity of their people and 2) to protect their sensitive eyes from the light of the surface world. As part of their surface dress, they will also wear black gloves and boots to hide their skin. When they are in the company of their own people, the dark elves do not hide their features. Below their surface-wear hides a beauty that rivals even the light elves. Dark Elves have cities in Scotland, Nigeria, and Australia.
Northern Elves: The Northern Elves have one city located in Northern Canada. They have no guardians of their own. A small detail of guardians from Sayalla are stationed there just in case, but the bitter cold keeps all but the Northern Elves away. Northern Elves do not have any particular resistance to cold. They have used magic to create a settlement where the temperature is regulated all year round.
Of course there is much more to the rich history of the elves of The Veil Saga, but all will not be revealed until the series debuts. However, if you have any questions about the elves or The Veil Saga, just ask. If I can answer it without giving away any spoilers, I certainly will. And if you have any feedback, I’d love to hear that as well.
