Velmara has the largest and most complete collection of texts on magic and the history of our world. Scholars wishing to visit Velmara’s archives are required to submit a request that includes their research topic and justification for their visit. It is estimated that ninety percent of requests are denied by the librarians who run the collection.

The Secrets and Stories of Velmara

I’ve been here nearly six weeks, and the Velmaran court still eludes me. Thayaria is political, with countless advisors all angling for influence or higher positions within the Council of Advisors. But Thayarian political posturing is nothing compared to the viper’s den I’ve entered. The Velmaran court is made up of a combination of nobles, influential merchant families, and various courtiers who’ve made a name for themselves with the strength of their magic. King Mazus has a small group of advisors who have any real power or influence, which leaves the rest of the fae at court to their own machinations. They claw at whatever control they can get, engaging in complex schemes to secure things like bigger rooms, access to the King or his advisors, and party invitations.

When I first arrived, I could barely walk to the archives without a dozen fae trying to speak with me or invite me to their next gathering. Initially, I accepted as many of these invitations as I could, hoping to uncover more information about Mazus, Velmara, or the thayar flower. I quickly learned, however, that the fae at court have no interest in or access to the inner workings of the kingdom. The parties were vapid affairs, an opportunity for courtiers to share gossip and trade barbs. Once the courtiers realized I had no interest in playing their games or discussing the latest rumors, the invitations stopped coming, and I was free to spend my time dedicated to research.

The archives have been life changing. There are books on every topic, dating back thousands of years, and King Mazus has honored his word—I have unlimited access to everything. I’m sure Mazus has his own collection of volumes hidden away, but the librarians haven’t denied me any section or topic housed in the archives themselves. The head librarian—Dern—loathes me, but I’ve found a few younger librarians who are more helpful. One female in particular, named Genevieve, has been extremely accommodating.