The basement of the elven temple was not particularly large: one hall and two inner rooms, filled with scattered odds and ends, twenty-two sacks of coffee beans, and assorted junk. Dim torches and kerosene lamps hung on the walls.
The elves had once been a civilization that ruled half the world, and had even come close to dominating it entirely. But at the height of the elven kingdoms' prosperity, the famous "Crown Wars" had erupted. Supposedly, there had been five of them in succession.
Historical records of those wars were now exceedingly scarce. The only certainty was that they had caused the "Dark Disaster" and the "birth of the Drow." The former had wiped an entire elven kingdom out of existence, while the latter had divided the elves. The dark elves known as Drow had retreated underground and become evil and bloodthirsty under the influence of the former Goddess-Queen of the elven pantheon, now Lolth, the Spider Queen.
From then on, the Elven Empire had declined, falling from a world-dominating power to one with merely regional influence.
Miss Cleric knew little about elven history. Even as a half-elf, she had heard only scattered fragments. Northwestern Cormyr had once been part of the elven Cormanthor Empire, but its glory belonged to the distant past. Few books today recorded just how powerful the Elven Empire had once been.
After casting Light, Miss Cleric focused her attention on Aaron. There was no one else in the room. Asha was still outside counting their spoils, so Eleanor removed her face covering, revealing her radiant features, as delicate as a flower.
She quietly watched Aaron, taking in the handsome face of the man absorbed in his task.
This fellow actually looked... pretty charming when he was serious! Eleanor reluctantly admitted.
By the light of Miss