Errenmel
Errenmel is an ancient elven farming village located on the planet Valaralda, situated north of the great city of Ilyrion. It serves as the childhood home for several pivotal figures in The Metalwood Saga, most notably Trey (Tarathiel), Arra (Alleria), and the sisters Cariel (Lara) and Lorelei (Cara).
Geography and Environment
Errenmel is described as a beautiful, idyllic settlement that resembles an old European village from Earth prior to the Sundering. It features sun-dappled, cobblestoned streets and a generally peaceful, quiet atmosphere.
Key landmarks in the village include:
- Trey and Arra's House: A cute, well-maintained home with a sliding glass door, a backyard, three bedrooms, and a quirky back window where a goat once grazed. In the modern era, it is occupied by the friendly older couple Laurenar and Naevys.
- The Church and Pastor's House: The religious center of the village, operated one hundred thousand years ago by Pastor Deryth.
- Hauruite: The village's general store.
Key Events
The Early Days of the Awakening
One hundred thousand years prior to the events of the main series, Errenmel was a focal point during the era of the Great Awakening. When the mysterious celestial object Guruthos (the god-machine Xyclami) appeared in the sky, an Ilyrion scientist named Olithir visited the village with a cylindrical "looker" device to study it.
The village was also the childhood home of the sisters Lara and Cara. After the girls lost their parents, Lara moved into Pastor Deryth's house, becoming his assistant. Though she secretly despised the villagers, she manipulated their faith and affection, eventually convincing Deryth to gather a special financial offering to fund her education at Ilyrion University.
The Riverbows
Errenmel was the original home of Tarathiel and Alleria. Tarathiel grew up in the village with his parents, Adamar and Delana. Alleria was an orphan who was adopted by a man named Ruven when she was fifteen. The two fell in love and shared a home in Errenmel, enjoying a quiet life where Alleria took up hobbies like dressmaking and archery before the planetary Sending altered their lives forever.
Trey's Return
In the modern era, Trey returns to Errenmel via a cart animal named Bessie in an attempt to recover his lost memories. Accompanied by Arra and his biographer, Lashel, Trey visits his former home. The visit successfully triggers intense flashbacks, allowing Trey to remember flashes of his past life with Alleria.
The Devout Ambush
Following the release of the Twins, the typically peaceful village descends into chaos. When Trey, Arra, and Lashel arrive to scavenge winter camping gear from the looted Hauruite general store, they are ambushed by four mages from the militant religious faction known as the Devout. Taking up positions on the store's roof, the Devout attempt to attack the trio, forcing Trey to cast a protective forcefield using his Tree Ring Staff to safely escape the village and head north toward the Thyl Mountains.