The Ward of the Sun, is the largest and most densely populated of the Eonir Wards, and is considered the heartland of Laurelorn Forest. This capital region of the Golden Wood is situated around ancient magical sites at the heart of the forest. Nordlanders refer to this independent enclave as the Protectorate of the Laurelorn. The Ward of the Sun comprises roughly one third of the greater forest. Although Eonir also inhabit the Laurelorn east, south, and west of this region, the borderland woods are shared with Imperial citizens. The Ward of the Sun is populated exclusively by Eonir and forest spirits.[1a]
The Laurelorn’s Dryads and Treemen thrive closest to the magic glades. Queen Marrisith has a strong affinity with forest spirits on account of her Everqueen lineage. She’s served by a bodyguard of loyal tree kin that were Elves in a former life. When the Laurelorn is threatened, the Queen musters Dryads and Treemen to its defense. Forestborn Eonir are generally familiar with spirits, owing to their frequent interactions. Non-elven trespassers usually fall afoul of hungry spirits or suspicious Eonir before reaching a sacred site.[1a]
At the heart of the Laurelorn are two tracts of majestic, mosscovered conifers called lornalims in Eltharin. The lornalims’ dense canopy blocks out sunlight, but metallic strands in the trees’ bark ensure the forest is never completely dark. At night, moonlight and torchlight reflect off the massive trunks, producing eerie coruscations and phantasms. The lornalim glades are patrolled by Elf rangers who show little mercy for trespassers. For centuries now, the magic that binds all living things into a greater whole (called ‘the Weave’ by Elves) has gradually been weakening. Sarriel the Seer once foretold that Laurelorn Forest would die with the last of the lornalims.[1a]