Submission (#7794) Approved

Thank you all so much for the help and feedback. This is my first closed species and I'm slowly learning the ropes. I've been very busy with moving out too. I decided to really sit down and read more about the regions and Elnins. Read some previous prompts from other people for the monthly prompts. I find the other prompts (not flora, fauna, etc) to be easier to write. I struggled a lot at first with these but creative writing has always been fun for me.

Ealei is a well known region in Eyre. Amongst its expanse, water covers the majority of the terrain. This water is crystal clear as far as the eye can see, a bright and shining array of many hues of blue and turquoise that radiate endlessly and transform with the currents. The ocean teems with life, from schools of iridescent fish that weave between the coral to colorful kelp forests that sway gently in the ocean flow. Coral reefs stretch along the seafloor, a landscape vivid with color from the countless anemones and where the massive roots of mighty mangrove trees sink deep, forming an intricate ecosystem of life expanded beneath the surface.

In the skies above, giant clouds resembling cotton and fluff drift lazily, their various shapes remerging and dissipating as the sun sets or rises, painting the horizon in various stunning hues of gold, violet, and crimson. Here and there, the horizon is broken by stony shores and scattered islands, outcroppings of rock scattered across the landscape. Some of these islands host hidden groves where the air is thick with the scent of salt and blooming flowers, while others serve as waypoints for travelers to stop and rest as they venture across the waters.

At the heart of these lands is Yggdrasil, the great Eldertree of Ealei, its looming branches expanding for what seems like forever as it reaches toward the heavens. It acts as the anchor of the main island, a guardian of the region’s balance. From its limbs grows the main food source in Ealei, manaberries, a precious fruit known for its nourishing properties. The eldertree’s massive roots extend outward, forming a foundation for the region’s ecosystem. Smaller trees grow from the branches of Yggdrasil in different areas of Ealei, serving as local anchors and landmarks, each with its own unique presence.

Across Ealei, the vast network of mangrove trees extends in all directions, their gnarled roots bridging water and land, entangled everywhere in the landscape as far as the eye can see. These trees form natural pathways, some thick enough to support entire settlements within their canopies and amongst their roots and bases, while others dip into the water, creating hidden coves and sanctuaries for aquatic life. The further out an individual drifts from these trees, the deeper and darker the waters become, where the ocean floor plunges into vast trenches, concealing mysteries yet to be discovered, but ready to be explored.

Among the towering mangroves, entire cities have taken root. Some rise high into the branches, their wooden walkways and hanging lanterns glow in the night. Bridges made from woven vines and sturdy planks connect homes and marketplaces, where elnins sell fresh seafood, handcrafted goods, and enchanted trinkets. Below, at the bases of the mangroves, wharf cities thrive, their wooden docks extending far into the waters. These bustling hubs serve as centers of trade, where ships laden with goods drift in and out, ensuring the region's prosperity.