It was not so much as half a century ago that Tir Sín kindled hope for the future of all [[Elves|elves]] within the [[Northlands]]. Having grown tired of the abuses they long-suffered within [[Men|Manfolk]] kingdoms, thousands of [[Elves|elves]] journeyed from across the [[Northlands]] to the forest of Gwyd Brenin in search of the ancient realm of Tir Sín, which had been restored by Myraweddien-an-Daran, the so-called Second Summer Queen, and her numerous followers. Myraweddien’s calling was simple: restore the lost glory of old elvendom and remain idle no longer in the face of [[Men|Manfolk]] oppression. Her call was answered with fervor and fury, for within only a few short years the Sínaeredd had not only gained control over the entirety of Gwyd Brenin and its surrounding lands, but they had also captured and occupied the cites of Rheganwy and Larent, subjecting their [[Men|Manfolk]] populaces to much of the same cruelty and violence that they had long endured. Whatever happiness had been bought with this blood of [[Men|Manfolk]], however, was short-lived, for within months the [[Hand of Alor|Hand]], [[Andar]], and [[Wlendén]] had mustered an army to drive the [[Elves|elves]] from Tir Sín and put an end to their trifling, permanently. They marched on the forest and quickly overwhelmed its defences, forcing the [[Elves|elves]] to its centre, where Templars, [[Andar|Andaran]] soldiers, and [[Wlendén|Wlend]] teulan tortured and defiled hundreds of [[Men|men]], [[Men|women]], and children before finally releasing them from their torment with wanton slaughter. And then, Gwyd Brenin, like Brocélydd before it, was put to the torch. It is said that the fire burned for a year and day, during which the skies above much of [[Wlendén]] were choked black with smog and the River Affalach ran leaden with soot to the harbors of Andaris. Naught but ash remained of Gwyd Brenin’s heart, and its remnants were riven in twain by the scar of this unspeakable crime. The forest to the west retained its original name, but to the east on the borders of Larent it garnered the [[Wlendén|Wlend]] name of Haflren Forest; in [[Languages|common]], the half-dead wood. Few have dared venture into the forests surrounding Tir Sín after its demise, for fear of the many yarns that have been spun of the horrors that now dwell within. It is said that what remains of western Gwyd Brenin was spared from the most vicious fires, and as such it is still wild and green as it was in ages past. But its territory has not been retaken by the Sínaeredd; rather by all manner of beasts and [[monsters]], which drag screaming into its shadowy underbrush any who travel too close to its borders. The trees of Haflren Forest, however, stand stilly and silently like ghosts, their ashen barked limbs lifeless, leafless, and twisted, the grey and scorched ground from which they sadly rise devoid of any shrubbery or foliage. At night, it is said, the dead forest seethes with sorrowful songs sung in the old [[Elves|elvish]] tongues by the soft and sweet voices of children. And what of Tir Sín itself? Since its demise a nearly impenetrable cloud of ash and smoke hangs heavily over the ruined temples, scorched homes, and desecrated palace of Summerhall, where Myraweddien-an-Daran did once hold court. None who have entered the smog have returned alive, nor has any evidence of their demise been recovered. Mages of the Conclave have been sent to investigate the clouds, but as of yet even the Arch Magi themselves have been unable to provide an explanation for its existence. The [[Hand of Alor|Hand]] preaches that this haze was given life by the Bones of [[Alor]] as punishment for the [[Elves|elves]]’ transgressions, while the few Sinaeredd guerillas that remain instead claim it to be a manifestation of the vengeance belonging to the uncounted souls who perished during the Burning of Tir Sín. Whatever the truth may be, setting foot in Tir Sín, Gwyd Brenin, and Haflren is considered by many to be taboo, not only for the dangers they now harbor, but for the memory of the atrocities that were committed on their hallowed soil.