The Book of Magic by T. A. Barron Page B

first mortal to survive such journeys through the inner pathways of the Great Tree . So strong were her leadership skills that she amassed many followers among the wood elves, who ultimately proclaimed her their queen. After deepening her knowledge of travel by portals, she led several expeditions to other parts of Avalon, including repeated journeys to Waterroot . These journeys culminated in the founding of Caer Serella, the first colony of elves in Waterroot, at a bay on the Rainbow Seas. Thus the society of water elves was born. In honor of Serella, and in memory of their origins, the water elves made their symbol a rainbow-colored wave encircled in forest green. Even today, that emblem graces the sails of all elven ships.
    Serella continued her travels through portals, as did her fellow explorer, Krystallus . Although they spent many years as bitter rivals, a surprising turn of events brought them together as lovers. Often in the years to come, they could be found climbing sheer cliffs or trekking through uncharted forests—still competing with each other, but also enjoying their rich companionship. When, at last, Serella decided to return to Shadowroot to find the origin of the terrible disease darkdeath, Krystallus tried hard to dissuade her. But she went anyway. And when she did not return, he searched for her without success, ceasing only when she came to him in a dream and declared, "Explore the world while still you can! For that is the purpose of life and the reason for breath."
    Society of the Whole
    … The supreme moral authority for Avalon's peoples.
    Founded in the earliest days of Avalon , the world-tree that sprouted from Merlin 's magical seed, the Society of the Whole became the supreme moral authority for Avalon's peoples. Under the guidance of Elen and her daughter, Rhiannon , the Society developed two basic principles: first, that all creatures should live together in harmony and mutual respect, and second, that everyone should help to protect the Great Tree that supported all forms of life. The new faith focused on seven Elements —what Elen called "the seven sacred parts that together make the Whole"—Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Life, LightDark, and Mystery.
    With help from the great spirit Dagda (and several giants, led by Merlin's friend Shim) , Elen and Rhia journeyed to Lost Fincayra to find the great circle of stones that was the site of the famous Dance of the Giants. Together, they transported the sacred stones all the way back to their compound in Avalon, and rebuilt the circle as their Great Temple. Soon thereafter, the Drumadians—as Elen called members of the Society, in honor of Fincayra's Druma Wood —ordained their first priestesses and priests. They included Lleu of the One Ear , whose scholarly bent would lead him to write the Drumadians' classic text; Cwen , the last of the treelings; and (to the outright amazement of many) the warrior Babd Catha , the Ogres' Bane . Traditions flourished, and for centuries the Society thrived. The faith became as vibrant as the compound's many gardens and as solid as the famous Buckle Bell (which had been made from the belt buckle of a giant, melted down by the breath of a fire dragon, molded into shape by dwarves, and exquisitely decorated by faery artisans—as a symbol of unity and cooperation among Avalon's creatures). The Drumadians' most famous tradition involved maryths , lifelong friends of every priestess and priest who could be any kind of creature except human.
    In time, though, the Society strayed from its ideals. Concerned with its own stature and power, it grew arrogant and rigid. This led to the abrupt departure of Rhia, who had succeeded her mother as High Priestess, in the Year of Avalon 413. By the time Coerria donned the silken gown of the High Priestess (a gown made originally for Elen by the Grand Elusa) , the Society's troubles rivaled Avalon's. Indeed, the Society's very survival would require the courage, wisdom, and