Marta Taurë (Fey Woods)
The frontier between the Kingdom of Zinkst and Radiant Melthurien is defined not by walls or fortresses, but by one of the oldest and most mysterious landscapes in Warlderia, the Marta Taurë, or Fey Woods.
In truth, the Marta Taurë consists of two ancient forests that almost meet at their northern and southern edges. To the west lies Vána Marta Taurë (The Beautiful Fey Wood), whilst to the east stands Mórea Marta Taurë (The Dark Fey Wood). Although distinct in both nature and temperament, the forests are separated only by a narrow strip of open ground, and most travellers simply refer to the whole region as the Marta Taurë.
Neither Radiant Melthurien nor the rulers of Zinkst claim sovereignty over the woods. Both realms recognise that the forests are older than any kingdom and belong to powers that neither Elf nor Human fully understands. Maps mark their boundaries, but no ruler has ever seriously attempted to govern what lies beneath their ancient canopies. Though both forests are unquestionably Fey realms, they could scarcely be more different.
Vána Marta Taurë
The western forest is a place of extraordinary beauty. Crystal streams wind beneath towering silver-barked trees, wildflowers bloom throughout the year and the air is filled with birdsong and the laughter of unseen Fey. Dryads, sprites, unicorns, satyrs and countless other creatures dwell beneath its boughs, watching all who enter. Visitors who show courtesy and respect may receive guidance, healing or unexpected gifts, though the Fey delight in riddles, bargains and harmless mischief. Those who enter seeking conquest or greed usually find themselves hopelessly lost until the forest decides they have learned humility.
Relations between Radiant Melthurien and the Fey Courts of Vána Marta Taurë stretch back thousands of years. Though never subjects of the Senate, the Fey have long regarded the Elves as trusted neighbours rather than intruders. Diplomatic envoys still pass between the city and the forest on rare occasions, maintaining one of the oldest alliances in Warlderia.
Mórea Marta Taurë
The eastern forest is another matter entirely. Once said to have rivalled its western neighbour in beauty, Mórea Marta Taurë has become a place of whispered legends and ancient dread. Its trees grow impossibly tall beneath a perpetual twilight, while strange lights drift silently between blackened trunks. Travellers speak of beautiful voices calling from the darkness, impossible pathways that lead in endless circles and silent figures watching from just beyond the edge of sight.
Long ago there was cautious contact between the Elves of Radiant Melthurien and the Fey who dwelt within the eastern forest. Whatever friendship once existed has long since been broken. The creation of the great barrier that now divides the forests ended all communication, and since that day no Elf of pure or mixed blood willingly enters Mórea Marta Taurë. Those few who have ignored this ancient taboo have never returned, and the reasons for their disappearance remain one of the most closely guarded mysteries of Radiant Melthurien. Even the Senate refuses to discuss what truly befell the eastern Fey.
Among the common folk there is an old saying: "Should you hear music from the eastern trees, close your ears and walk away."
