The songs of these night-blooming plants inspired the precious lyrics that banish darkness and silenced Sophie's echoes when nothing else could.

 

CALLA'S GREATEST GIFT

The Panakes tree healed my people from a deadly plague—and we're forever grateful for its blossoms. But we'll always miss the Brave One who sacrificed herself to save us.

 

ANOTHER PRECIOUS GIFT FROM CALLA

Created to help the moonlark chase away her nightmares

Reveriebells

 

Dreamlilies

Chosen for their night whispers

 

Sweetshades

Chosen for their sweet scent

 

Aethrials

Chosen for their soft song

 

 

TREES OF HEALING, CLEANSING, AND LOSS

THE PANAKES

Also known as the “Brave Ones,” Panakes trees only exist if a gnome shifts their form while life remains within their body. That sacrificed life energy then pours out through the Panakes’s abundance of blossoms, giving the petals a powerful healing quality. Only one Panakes exists—and only because of Calla’s incredible sacrifice. It grows in the pastures at Havenfield—a vision in pink, blue, and purple, with weeping willow–like tendrils and coarsely braided bark.

 

THE PURES

These towering palmlike trees are officially named Purfoliage palmae—but everyone in the Lost Cities calls them “the Pures.” And while the Pures may be the most common trees in the Lost Cities (every house has at least one, and every city has several), their fan-shaped leaves are nothing short of incredible. Each frond has a clothlike texture, allowing them to serve as filters for pollutants and impurities drifting through the air. As a result, the Lost Cities have perfectly fresh, clean air—despite the fact that the elves must share their planet with humans (and their abundance of pollution).

THE FOUR SEASONS TREE

This unique tree in the main courtyard at Lumenaria may at first appear to be nothing more than a marvel of nature—and with its limbs growing in four sections (each a manifestation of what the tree would look like during summer, winter, spring, and fall), it truly is a sight to behold. But until recently, few realized the tree’s tragic history, or mourned for the four brave Ancient gnomes who were cruelly infected with the plague and used the last of their energy to be reborn as this striking memorial.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLE PLANTS

SPECKLED SPIDER SNAPPER

Similar to a Venus flytrap—but with much sharper teeth. And as their name suggests, these strange, carnivorous plants feed off spiders. They also bloom with bell-shaped flowers that release a particularly fragrant perfume—which is why some elves consider them to be a unique gift (albeit slightly gruesome).

SPLENDORS

A rare species of plant that requires a great deal of specialized care in order to survive. Splendors only bloom once every year with purple flowers that are both beautiful and pungent. Their scent—and the unearthly glow from their freshly bloomed petals—draw the flickerwings, which is why splendors are used for Foxfire’s Opening Ceremonies. Every elite prodigy must cultivate a splendor throughout the course of Level Seven in order for it to bloom before they enter Level Eight.

STARGLASS FLOWER

The petals of this shimmery, star-shaped flower drip with a unique nectar that’s used to produce somnalene—a special type of eye drop known for its “midnighting” effect (which is described as feeling like there’s a twinkling universe inside the mind).

STARKFLOWER

These unattractive flowers have curled, shriveled black petals with gray speckles—and contain shadowvapor inside them. But once that darkness is removed, they turn lush, plump, and gleaming white—and even the shadowvapor serves a use, providing a smoky flavor to Calla’s legendary starkflower stew.

SUGARBELLES

Despite their name, the nectar from these pink flowers is anything but sweet. But sugarbelles have potent healing qualities that make their awful taste well worth utilizing.

SWIZZLESPICE

Long blue stalks that taste like sweet cinnamon—swizzlespice can be eaten by anyone, but it’s particularly popular with animals. Especially the alicorns.

TANGOURDS

These melon-size purple fruits grow on thick, thorny vines and are best known for their raw, meaty flavor. Most elves consider the taste to be too gamey, but animals being rehabilitated for the Sanctuary love them (except for the gorgodon, which has not seemed impressed).

THE WANDERLINGS

Grown in a special forest that serves as the elves’ only cemetery, Wanderling seeds are wrapped with the DNA of someone deceased before they’re planted. This allows these incredible trees to take on characteristics of the life that was lost, mirroring elements of the person’s appearance and personality as they grow. As a result, no two Wanderlings are alike, and the life they commemorate gets to carry on in a different form.

 

 

FASHION

I know Sophie thinks wearing capes is super weird. (I guess humans don’t really wear them?) But capes are more than gorgeous accessories that help keep you warm in the Lost Cities—they’re a sign of status! (Though they also help keep you warm—unless someone shares their cape with you…)

 

Some people wear gloves to keep their hands nice and toasty. Some wear them to make a fashion statement. And some wear them to hide a secret enhancing ability. Either way, once you put the gloves on, you can’t even feel they’re there—and they can be so pretty!

 

I *love* heels! But they may not be for everyone—especially people who have a hard time walking without tripping!

 

 

Biana’s Style File

Personally, I say, “The fancier, the better!” But what’s most important is wearing whatever makes you feel fabulous! (Though I still think sparkles make everything better!)

Gowns aren’t worn for everything—but they aren’t just for parties, either. Pretty much anytime you want to look important or be taken seriously, bring on the ruffles and frills! (And when you really want to impress someone, make sure to add a jeweled circlet or hair comb!)

 

Of course these are real jewels! Why wouldn’t they be?

 

If sparkles or jewels aren’t your thing, there’s always embroidery to add stylish detail! (Or a fun slogan! My next tunic is going to say: “You should stare—I’m letting you see me right now!”)

Everyone wears tunics here. And why wouldn’t they? Tunics come in every shape and style—every fit and fabric—and they always look awesome, whether they’re the whole “look” or something worn under a vest or jerkin.

 

 

Pants don’t always have pockets at the ankles—it depends on what kind of shoes they’ll be paired with. (And a lot of the taller boots have pockets at the top. Pockets are important, after all!)

 

The best part about wearing capes is the pin (well… unless someone puts a tracker in the pin).

Most of the time, this is where we wear our family crest—but the Foxfire uniform uses the grade level’s mascot.

And Team Valiant has special pins to represent the Prime Sources (because we’re fancy like that!).