Palace of the Elenaran

Side wing of the Palace of the Elenaran. View from Lake Cashma, at sunset.

Side wing of the Palace of the Elenaran. View from Lake Cashma, at sunset. Different angle from above.

The Palace of the Elenaran (in Hurmumol: Aryun Elenaran, or in long form, b'-Aryun-b'-w-Elenaran; Hurmu Norse: Arion Elenaran; Lakkvian: Elenarani loss) is the former capitol of Hurmu, and a landmark of Huyenkula (Vesüha)), and the seat of the Order of the Holy Lakes and the Senate of the Lakes.

It was severely damaged during the Battle for the Palace of the Elenaran (as part of the 1719–1720 Hurmu civil conflict). It is currently undergoing renovation, expected to be finished by 1725.

Description and use

Palace itself

The Palace is one of the few buildings remaining on Micras from the Menelmacari era, in a fully Menelmacari imperial style. The Menelmacari style is one that emphasised the view that buildings should look as if they have "always" been there and become organically part of its sorrounding. Talathiel's view of this palace was transferred to Lake Cashma. The plot of land available for the Palace Elenaran, just by the shore of Lake Cashma, made it possible for his vision to be realized.

The palace, to outside viewers, looks like a mix of Neo-Gothic and Elfinshi architecture.

Memorial obelisk

An obelisk, measuring 230 metres tall, was erected in the gardens of the Palace as a memorial to the dead of the Hurmu genocide.

Cemetery

There is also a cemetery on the Palace grounds. Important people buried here are:

• Hallgrím Aðalgeirsson, first and only President of Hurmu
• Ylva Andelarion, first lady of Hurmu, Baroness Consort of Hurmu
• Thoenen Helios, Leader of the Thingy
• Cashmaiel Andelarion, Chairman of the Senate
• Arviður Andelarjunarbroðir, Hurmu statesman

History

Construction of the Palace began in 1479 AN using plans from the Menelmacari architect Elnorin Talathiel, originally intended for a summer palace for the Menelmacari elenaran/elentári. Construction was finished in 1488 AN, in record time, due to the masonry and stones intended for its construction had already been procured by the time in 1479, and it was all about transporting it to Huyenkula while foundational work was being in place. The Menelmacari government donated the materials and transport of the materials to Hurmu, and the costs 1479–1485 were covered 75% by the Menelmacari government. The rest was paid by Hurmu.

The Palace was intended to be the residence of the Elenaran of Menelmacar when in Hurmu (as Hurmu was a Menelmacari protectorate then), but by the time the palace was finished, Hurmu had left the collapsing Menelmacar and joined Cranda. At this point, the Palace became the capitol of the new Hurmu government, and the residence of the overlords of Hurmu since. In the years 1574 AN–1592 AN, it was the official residence of the Prince of Elwynn, Amokolia and Hurmu, however, due to its geographical position, the Prince never did spend much time there, preferring Eliria instead.

The palace was severely damaged in 1603 AN, in the aftermath of the Hurmu Genocide. Small renovations, sponsored by the Lakkvian government, were carried out to allow for viewings of some of the main rooms, for making the foundation safe, and cleaning up the façade. In the 1650s, the Lakkvian government, in collaboration with the Order of the Holy Lakes, undertook a robust renovation of the Palace.

Following the reestablishment of the Hurmu state in 1690, it has become once again the headquarters of the Order of the Holy Lakes and the meeting place of the Senate.

The façade of the building was damaged in 1704 by insurgents during the Barikalus–Hurmu war. By 1706, the damaged façade had been fully restored.

The palace was to suffer further, and more serious, damage as a consequence of factional fighting during the 1719–1720 Hurmu civil conflict. It is, as of early 1721, undergoing renovation (expected to be finished by 1725).