joy.

chapter one: numious sojourner:

Aleiliyo: A Country in the far eastern realms of Eora, the world in which our story takes place. It is a rural country filled with snow mountains, rare and exotic flowers, and of course, Hamadryad.

Hanariya Station: The most lively of train stations in Mumei, Novah. The station has three different train types: the Eoa Train, which goes along traditional tracks, the Nomë Train, which travels within the sky with the falling stars, and the Minem Train, which travels upon several types of bodies of water.

Novah: Also known as the Middle Country, for it rests protected by the five countries under the Clan Leaders. Despite being such a young country of only 300 years, it is the most notorious. Legend states that a mage with an astral name sacrificed his heart to create Novah and save his people from mortal danger.

Mumei: Though Mumei is in Novah, it has existed since the dawn of creation. As time passed by, it’s original name was lost, so it received the title Mumei, meaning nameless. It is the capital of Novah.

Aleithia Mission Organization: They are connected to the Ekklessia, and are also Chrisathala. Their sole purpose is to honor Elohim by serving Him and others with their gifts and talents.

chapter two: arrival//foxglow:

Midsummers: A memorial holiday celebrated by the fairies and other magical creatures.

chapter three: commuovere//misera anima:

Misera Anima: An ancient funeral poem sung by the Faerith Leid (see chapter six glossary notes for more info on the Faerith Leid).

It is often sung at funerals and is meant to bring hope to the mourner.

Below is the translation:

“Preciosa emitya noxtello, ena ta bresaiva morcorem abayaida.”

(lit: “Precious silent night, depart from the corpse with no breath.“)

“Ya, magnaisa lure, va irulimus desaiya ha mortia.”

(lit: “Oh, magnificent light, in the darkness of death, shine.“)

“Pureila, uliviye, sacryia echospe ue Elohim ien invochai.”

(lit: “Beautiful, divine, sacred hope, on Thee I call upon.“)

“Mira ke misera anima ha didache yo wai sha ie libera.”

Funeral of White: It is common for mourners to clothe themselves in black at a funeral. However, for those of the five clans, if someone who is ascending to Aeternia, where Elohim resides, all who are present must wear white in honor of the departed, who is far from impurity and strife.

chapter five: the elect paladin:

Tsaleri Né-viir: A Tevari word meaning, Five Great Countries. Tsa is a prefix for great. Leri is a suffix for countries. Né-viir means five.

Matheilios: A country in the east. It is a forested land where elk and deer reside. Numerous types of exotic birds live there also, for it is near the country Avianë, the Country of Wings. Matheilios is known for fur trading and their snowy winters.

Valisophe: A country from the south. It is tropical, sunny, and humid. Valisophe is known for its fascinating varieties of insects and rainforest growth. The ocean, which is named Nattë, is considered one of the most wondrous sights for its waters are crystal and blue but hide certain healing magic within their waves.

Saleidora: A country from the west. It is mountainous and forested, with many different herbs growing in its soils. The spring waters of the land are clear, and all its resources can serve a purpose for holistic healing.

Haisura: A country north of Novah. Many unique jewels come from the quarries of the land. The soils of Haisura always have a plentiful harvest. In this country, many exotic creatures coexist with the Chameliose people.

Aebeörn: A country in the sky, looming over Novah. It is a cold and windy country, as to be expected. However, the springs and summer can be warm and pleasant. Trees from the country contain wisdom in their bark. Within the caves of the mountainous islands dwell shell-like sacks. These sacks are used to preserve Aesiyva during times of chaos.

chapter six: the aberrant ago nagisa:

The Great War: Also known as Tsaleion-Nara. This war was between the Faerith Leid country Areon and the country of Hadesa. This war lasted for 15 years. Areon was victorious but had many significant losses.

Areon: The country of the Faerith Leid. Flowers and other assortments of plant life grow from the grounds of Areon, and they grow to become the most intelligent of botanical life. In this country, King Aredor rules over the Faerith Leid. Many fairies travel to live in Areon and dwell there to help the flowers grow. It is a country of music and beauty and is known for its forests.

chapter seven: xerazalea//explosion:

Flowers: According to Faerith Leid lore, flowers can represent the departed. They will grow in the proximity of the mourning, which brought many Leid to believe the flowers were spirits. Thus, when Tsubaki states the flowers are someone to him, he is referring to this bit of legend.

When Evangelique mentions the flowers singing to him, she is referring to the flowers’ ability to sing. Only humanoid creatures and fae can hear flower songs. Depending on how the flowers are feeling, they will sing songs of beauty or sorrow. They are empathetic creatures prone to despair if not cared for correctly, so they can pick up on the pain and memories in one’s heart and make it into a song. On the other hand, flowers can sense the joy someone feels, which inspires songs of glee.

chapter eight: rhododendrons from the halfling:

Rhododendrons: In the language of flowers, the rhododendron can represent danger.

chapter nine: conviction//soldier and shepherd.

Sacrytheola: Also known as the Sacred Scriptures. It is a book filled with holy words inspired by Elohim. Each passage tells of His glory and majesty, and gives unending wisdom. This book is cherished by the Chrisathala.

chapter eleven: floresco liberation:

Floresco Liberation: This is the event in Aleiliyo history that refers to the ending of the Hamadryad vessel system of sacrificing undesirable women to the gods. The significance of this event is not only in the freedom aspect, but the fact that it was a bloodless revolution as well.

chapter twelve: risoluzione// an unearthed phobia:

Andromeda Memorial Park: Mumei’s most beloved park and garden. It is a memorial to the founder of Novah and his selfless sacrifice.

chapter sixteen: theory//saudade:

Gandill Boardwalk: A dock that measures to be about twenty-five feet in length. Legend states the founder of Novah created Gandill Boardwalk in honor of his brother, who was a cursed soul blessed with a beautiful name.

chapter seventeen: kukka-albtraum:

Fytara Soup: A savory delicacy made in Aleiliyo. It is an herbal and hearty stew that helps with strengthening the immune system.

chapter eighteen: apprivoise:

Gladiolus Court: A neighborhood of small, Victorianesque homes.

1703: This is a personal reference. The house number is the same number of a house I lived in as a child. Tsubaki’s feelings towards the house and his developments in the house (which will be expressed more in book two) relate to my feelings during my last days living at the home of my childhood.

chapter twenty: prayer of silent lamentation:

312 Aroe Lane: This is another personal reference. The name, Aroe Lane, is fiction, but the house number is not. I lived in a home with house number 312 for almost three years as a teenager. The name Aroe means healing or well-being. During the last days of living in that home, I was sleepless and in deep pain. When I left, I began to heal from my sorrow.

chapter twenty one: hijo de la tragedia:

Asteria Majorio: The land where the Asteri, or star fairies, reside. The country is within the Celestial Forests, which is also known as Cyë-Kaluen. It is a star country, where the ability to visit the country is limited to the Asteri and those they deem worthy.

Castle Gloria: The royal home of King Aredor. It rests upon a mountainous place and overlooks the whole of Areon.

chapter twenty-two: llai na esgyrn:

Names for Faerith Leid/ Flowers Given Away: When Kioku mentions the difficulty of naming an older Leid, he is referring to the tradition of Leid parents. When a Leid woman is pregnant, it is tradition that she and her husband take a seed of unknown origin and plant it. The seed grows, inspired by couple’s love. The baby is born during the final growth stages of the plant or flower. When the plant has finished growing, the couple names their child after it.

When Eleanor mentions the xeranthemum and azalea flowers as given away, she is referring to the flowers of Tsubaki’s late siblings.

chapter twenty-three: mariposa oblivion//fabelwesen.

Village Zweite: An village in Areon. It is known for produce trade and fine pottery.