Rhuannach

[Sorontar]

Discussion thread for Rhuannach (http://www.birthright.net/brwiki/index.php/Rhuannach). If you would like to add a comment, click the Post Reply button.

[Sorontar]

What do we know about this realm? Are there any extensive descriptions in any of the publications? I have noticed that for the Atlas it was originally assigned to Count Demeter to write but I gather than he has not posted since 2004 and nothing was done. For now I have managed to collect some stuff from the wiki and forum posts but it is next to nothing for what seems like an exciting elven realm.

Sorontar

[Rey]

One entry in timeline:
2010 Ma 1495 HC 522 MR Death of High Lord Daegendal of Rhuannach

Some short info in the cities of the sun. Maybe a few lines here and there on various matters, neighbors, awnies and alike. But I see you've put those and they seem a bit out of place.

[Sorontar]

For the wiki I have just cut'n'paste, not rewritten. I certainly think things can be worked together so they all make sense, but I don't want to try if someone has already done it all.

[Sorontar]

Okay, I have come across the Cities of the Sun pages. It isn't much but it is something to start with. The lack of control of over half of the provinces is .... interesting.

[AndrewTall]

I've been thinking about writing stuff on Rhuannoch for a while, but got distracted by the never-ending PS Dhoesone and then various computer games...

Several elven realms have law issues, stemming I think from a lack of willingness to consider expanded concepts of a law holding - elves may lack much formal governance but I see no reason why the word of the king can't be law even without a system of formal courts and so on - think of how influential some modern day clerics are even without any legal rights to give orders.

[Birthright-L]

At 12:34 AM 1/19/2010, Sorontar wrote:

>What do we know about this realm? Are there any extensive descriptions in any of the publications?

Here`s some stuff I wrote for an analysis of the Gheallie Sidhe that is part of a larger work on Cerilian elves. It`s much, but could provide some flavour and context:

RHUANNACH
Among all the Sidhelien nations of Cerilia the most bizarre manifestation of the gheallie Sidhe is in the battle worn lands of Rhuannach where human refugees and besieged elves have joined together to fight for survival. Beset on three sides by Iron Hand orogs, gnolls of the Black Spear tribes and the magically love-besotted slave soldiers of the Lamia, the elven hunters have redefined themselves as protectors of their lands against these three threats. After the fall of Djira, human refugees in Rhuannach have sworn loyalty to the elf queen, and their efforts on her behalf have earned the grudging respect of even the most hardened gheallie Sidhe footsoldier. On more than one occasion the gheallie Sidhe and humans of Rhuannach have fought side by side against their mutual enemies.

Under the tutelage of the Sad Queen and her sylvan allies, many humans have even embraced Sidhelien culture, values and ideals. For their part, Rhuannach`s elves maintain their communities and standards, but they cannot help but recognize the importance of human assistance in their continued survival. Amongst humans a spin off organization has developed; the Rhuannach Wardens. With the guidance of Madina el-Wasir and Cidre bint Corina (who are rumored to be involved in a romantic relationship) these fierce warriors define their faith in Leira in ways that are compatible with the elven love of nature, and utilize their zeal in defense of their lands using methods common to the gheallie Sidhe. In fact, they sometimes work together to patrol, defend and even launch coordinated raids against their enemies.

In truth, it is the unspoken goal of many of Rhuannach`s gheallie Sidhe to help their human allies regain their lost land in Djira. Once these provinces are secured humans from Rhuannach can return to their traditional lands and leave the elves in peace. In fact, perhaps the forested provinces of those lands could be ceded to elves as thanks for their efforts, and in recognition of their superior understanding of the woods. If they were asked, more than a few humans in Rhuannach would even share this vision of the future.

[Sorontar]

Yep, that's pretty much what I thought was the vibe from the realm. I certainly think we can use the Rhuannach Wardens in various ways, military, religious and political. The future planning of the elves can also be taken as the general political direction of the court.

Of course, it helps the intrigue if there are some human and sidhelien opponents to both these approaches. Some opponents can be locals. Some can be outsiders with ulterior motives for their guild (e.g. getting access to trade routes and forests) and realm (e.g. the Iron Hand Tribes, Kozlovnyy, the Lamia).

Other possible plots can involve the other Elven realms in the area. For instance, what should a regent do if Innishiere was having military problems with Kozlovnyy? How about Cwmn Bhienn and the Lamia or Iron Hand Tribes? Can Rhuannach or its domains help in any way?

[Rey]

Rhuannach elves will probably dislike leaving the forests to go across plains to Innishiere, but battling on the borders or joining in with Cwmb Bheinn is more possible. Both realms have had to open their borders to humans, and also there is the Lamia that remains threat to both realms, since it is right between them.

Rhuannach could "send" their human refugee units to help Innishiere, but we can asses this information after the Rhuannach army units are defined.

Only one remark to the text above, not to confuse the ghaellie Sidhe (Hunt of the elves) with Sidhelien (elves).

[Sorontar]

Rhuannach elves will probably dislike leaving the forests to go across plains to Innishiere, but battling on the borders or joining in with Cwmb Bheinn is more possible. Both realms have had to open their borders to humans, and also there is the Lamia that remains threat to both realms, since it is right between them.

Rhuannach could "send" their human refugee units to help Innishiere, but we can asses this information after the Rhuannach army units are defined.


Exactly. Common neighbours, some times common enemies, but not always for the same reason. Kozlovnyy could be a pain to both Innishiere and Rhuannach but for one it could a military problem and the other might be trade related or a religious incursion. The issue would be how could Rhuannach act so that it is most to their political advantage? Trade restrictions? Close access to certain provinces? Send soldiers? Say nasty things about Kozlovnyy in other realms? Or even get really friendly with the members of the Kozlovnyy court? Fighting is not always the only option. This is a game of diplomacy not wargaming.

Of course, if any resources are devoted to one problem, the realm might not be able to cope when other problems get bigger. :)

Sorontar

[Rey]

Kozlovnyy certainly has some problems of his own, and they are not typical Vos nation. Nevertheless there could be some good diplomacy in play.

Btw, there's a few lines on Rhuannoch in PS of Khourane.

[Sorontar]

Btw, there's a few lines on Rhuannoch in PS of Khourane.

As in the bit on page 4 in the history section? I couldn't find any other comments.

[Rey]

Yes, the history bit and some hints in geography when mentioning Drocandragh and Pipryet.

It's painful to discover such tidbits scattered around when you've already made your own and they don't fit the story.

[Rey]

Black Hand Tribes = Black Spear Tribes + Iron Hand Orogs? :)

[Sorontar]

Damn, I thought I fixed that typo.... my PC here at home isn't quite as reliable as at work.

No, its seems I did. Don't know which version you were reading. It was Iron Hand Tribes, though I could have also included the Black Spears. It's a rushed write.

[Rey]

It's all right, I was just mentioning. It could be a new name, though, a hybrid.

[Sorontar]

Okay, since there doesn't seem to be much officially said about this realm or its inhabitants, I think I'll just make it up as I go, trying to stick to what is published as much as possible. I'll write directly to the wiki so you'll see (hopefully) what I'm thinking as I go. I probably won't write much but it'll be better than nothing.

The basic ideas are:

Caelcorwyn and the Siren's mage are battling "regularly"
The northern borders are continually threatened, but Rhuannach has permanent military units in the provinces.
Much of the forestry hard work is done by the humans but the elves control the industry.
Outside of the main elven settlements, the humans are left alone.
Some trade is done with neighbouring realms and domains.
Northern Traders Guild is trying to get a holding started.
Some humans in the outer provinces want the elves to cooperate and win back Djira.
Some humans want to claim their province and its "industries" for themselves.
Some elves are pushing for greater military action against the raiders.
Some elves want to reunite all the elven realms in the region in military or trade, but not politics.
Cidre bint Corina is already on the High Lady's advisory table and is pushing for humans to be allowed a greater role in the goverbnment and management of the realm.
Cidre and Caelcorwyn are rumoured to be in a relationship.
Cidre and Caelcorwyn are rumoured to be arranging for one of the border provinces to be handed over to the humans.
Some humans are pushing for the trade road to be repaired and that the realm should improve its power in the region through greater trade.
The Djiran Temple of Leira wants to establish a bardic college with the full support of the government, which may result in official recognition of a human religious organisation.


Phew! It's amazing how much you can think up once you get started.

Sorontar

[Sorontar]

Oh, add to that:

Madina el-Wasir and Cidre are reported to be in a relationship
Cidre is rumoured to be a worshipper of Leira
The Rhuannach Wardens are training up elite human spearman with improved weaponry.
The Rhuannach Wardens are considering working with mercenaries as part of a major offence against the Lamia.


Of course, some of these are rumours, some are plots and some are reality.

[AndrewTall]

I'd consider adding:

* many human women have given birth to half sidhe / changed to hanner sidhe
* some humans resent the sidhe and think that they are preventing them from taking back their lands, or lured them in with false promises
* some sidhe hate the humans and think they are corrupting the sidhe
* some sidhe see the humans as a great boon due to boom in the numbers of half-sidhe / hanner sidhe - and are happy to 'recruit' more humans to produce more.
* ambassador from innisheire & coullabhie are worried / interested in the 'grand experiment'
* ambassador from the Lamia's realm seeks freedom for her people, and is happy to warn the sidhe of trouble to win their help in eventually destroying the awnsheghlien - some sidhe think she is a pawn of the lamia, some think she is a useful fool, some are genuinely eager to help
* some fey are happy with the influx - lots more people to play with, and these ones are clumsy and stupid....
* some humans wandered into enchanted glades, the spirit world, etc and came back changed
* The Gnolls of the south raid intermittently - when their master is able to leave Cerilia - perhaps the sidhe of Rhuannoch are the ones who forced him to spend most of his time in the Shadow World rather than fully entering Cerilia?
* The Monutains protect the east - or is it those who wait?
* The ancient karamhul realm of Kheleb-izhil may be lost to the Khinasi, but surely the sidhe remember it? Perhaps Rhuannoch it not so alone as its enemies might hope?

[Sorontar]

I'd consider adding:

* many human women have given birth to half sidhe / changed to hanner sidhe


I hadn't really thought of what the sidhelien thought of the half-elves. There would be some but I suspect it would be a rare thing. It is just that the general impresssion that I got from Cities of the Sun was that the humans and the sidhelien live fairly separate lives. They live in separate areas. Their cultures are different.

To quote the CotS:

While the elves of Rhuannach have much greater tolerance than elves elsewhere, they still like to keep their distance. Meetings between elf and human remain brief and polite, and most elves chose to avoid Rhuannach's western and southern regions.

That last bit about regions can be manipulated by us to refer to different places, but generally I take it that the strongest human populations are where the temples are. Human soldiers may be also found in other areas on the command of the High Lady.


* some humans resent the sidhe and think that they are preventing them from taking back their lands, or lured them in with false promises
* some sidhe hate the humans and think they are corrupting the sidhe


Yeah, there has to the odd doubting Thomas. I would suspect that the agents of the Lamia and external guilds would work on them. That adds to the intrigue.


* some sidhe see the humans as a great boon due to boom in the numbers of half-sidhe / hanner sidhe - and are happy to 'recruit' more humans to produce more.
* ambassador from innisheire & coullabhie are worried / interested in the 'grand experiment'


As pointed out above, I don't think that this realm cares for hanner sidhe from the point of view of reproduction. I rather think that there may be some who want humans to be recognised for their importance in the Rhuannach society and allowed to play a more important role in governing the realm. I would make the reproduction aspect either to be the aim of one controversial elf or a rumour, and leave it to the DM to expand on (or one of you to write another wiki page for).


* ambassador from the Lamia's realm seeks freedom for her people, and is happy to warn the sidhe of trouble to win their help in eventually destroying the awnsheghlien - some sidhe think she is a pawn of the lamia, some think she is a useful fool, some are genuinely eager to help


Very interesting idea, but I have doubts that the High Lady would allow there to be an ambassador/representative of the Lamia in Rhuannach. They are recognised enemies. The raids are commonplace and the Lamia's wizard has already taken control of some of the sources.


* some fey are happy with the influx - lots more people to play with, and these ones are clumsy and stupid....
* some humans wandered into enchanted glades, the spirit world, etc and came back changed


Yep. That can extend the stories of Rhuannach to other realms. Perhaps the wandering humans were foreign nobles. Perhaps they never left Rhuannach.


* The Gnolls of the south raid intermittently - when their master is able to leave Cerilia - perhaps the sidhe of Rhuannoch are the ones who forced him to spend most of his time in the Shadow World rather than fully entering Cerilia?


Yep.



* The Monutains protect the east - or is it those who wait?
* The ancient karamhul realm of Kheleb-izhil may be lost to the Khinasi, but surely the sidhe remember it? Perhaps Rhuannoch it not so alone as its enemies might hope?

I have been wondering about the mountains and the dwarves. And yes, I agree that the elves should know much more of them than humans. We will have to think about this. Dwarves and halflings seem to play a very minor role in Cerilia's story. Perhaps we need to promote them a little.

Sorontar

[AndrewTall]

I figure the hybrids should be relatively common - the sidhe gave the humans refuge - why? What did the humans have to offer? The things that the sidhe really lack are numbers and expendable soldiers, but simply letting the humans breed and act as janissaries means in time inevitably becoming a human realm - so half sidhe of one form or another are, to me, the obvious means. When you consider how many references there are to fairy foods and the like turning people into fairies in Celtic myths and the like, the human population slowly becoming half-sidhe, and in time fully sidhe, seems like a fine example of sidhe long-term planning - or act of desperation.

Of course if the refugees forced the sidhe to accept them at blade-point, then the separation of cultures works, but with many knock-on effects.

I can see the whole 'accept refugees and then slowly convert them' being run by a small number of sidhe houses, with other houses keeping well clear either from disinterest, disdain, or active opposition. What I don't see happening is the humans effectively kicking the sidhe out of their homes, running their own culture, and generally acting like they conquered the provinces that they now live in - the sidhe:human issue is key to Rhuannoch, simply ignoring it and saying that the two people go separate ways as canon indicates means effectively splitting the realm in two and losing its key differentiator.

Similarly how to the sidhe get on with the temple? The temples will be pure human, so giving a good example of human influence. They also quite possibly run the human side of things - law then being in the hand of the elves to indicate that the temple defers to elven law and culture, even though it has influence over the human peoples.


Re: The ambassador from the Lamia's realm I wasn't thinking about an ambassador from the awnshegh, but rather from the resistance. The Lamia may be a foe, but her people (the women at least) are well aware of how badly they are ruled, the sidhe are an obvious ally for these resistors - and the refugees an obvious example that the sidhe aren't necessarily hostile to all the khinasi making them approachable now whereas before they may not have been seen so positively.

Re: Dwarves - they are terribly ignored in Cerilia, mainly because many writers dislike dwarves, consider them comedy, or simply dislike the authoritarian/traditional worldview - unsurprising considering the initial D&D community. The dwarves can however easily add several low level provinces in the area without requiring major map re-writes, particularly as they can trade via the refugees (I wonder if the dwarves persuaded the sidhe to let the refugees in?) That bolsters the realms defences significantly and improves its ability to survive despite 3 actively hostile neighbours.

[Sorontar]

I figure the hybrids should be relatively common - the sidhe gave the humans refuge - why? What did the humans have to offer? The things that the sidhe really lack are numbers and expendable soldiers, but simply letting the humans breed and act as janissaries means in time inevitably becoming a human realm - so half sidhe of one form or another are, to me, the obvious means. When you consider how many references there are to fairy foods and the like turning people into fairies in Celtic myths and the like, the human population slowly becoming half-sidhe, and in time fully sidhe, seems like a fine example of sidhe long-term planning - or act of desperation.


I think we need to examine the timeline of Rhuannach history in order to work out how best to handle this. I think we need to roughly date the following:

Battles with the Anuirean Empire
The actions of Farid ibn Salim and other Khinasi
the building of the trade road
The invasion of Djira
The defeat of Djira
The start of the Siren's regency
The start of the major attacks from the Siren et al
The "present day"


From this, we can (hopefully) work out 1) why the human refugees were let into Rhuannach 2) whether the sidhelien can be expected to see them as a threat to elven control of the realm. How many human generations have passed since the refugees started arriving? Was there a military threat to Rhuannach at that time? Have the sidhelien plans relating to the humans changed over time? Is the half-elven apporach new, old or non-existant?



the sidhe:human issue is key to Rhuannoch, simply ignoring it and saying that the two people go separate ways as canon indicates means effectively splitting the realm in two and losing its key differentiator.


I would like to try and work out how best to accommodate the canon history, if possible. This may be (in effect) like Christians/Buddhists/Muslims/Hindus living in each other's worlds, but I think it is more important to work out the above dates first before we start arguing about histories and aims.



Similarly how to the sidhe get on with the temple?


Canon seems to indicate that Rhuannach likes to think of itself as a place of creativity and skill, being proud of its artisans. The Temple of Laerme is probably the one human faith that works best with that, so I can't see it as a problem. The sidhelien would have similar objectives, but they just wouldn't feel the need to have the backing of a deity to fulfill them. The only issues may come up if the Church tries to use sidhelien artisans for church projects, especially related to religious messages or missions.


The temples will be pure human, so giving a good example of human influence. They also quite possibly run the human side of things - law then being in the hand of the elves to indicate that the temple defers to elven law and culture, even though it has influence over the human peoples.


Within reason. The church is only where there are humans. The humans for a large part therefore are where the High Lady has law holdings. Therefore, she maintains the laws of the provinces. While some human matters may be settled by the church, if it comes down to standard crimes, I believe the High Lady's sheriffs would be the ones in control.


Re: The ambassador from the Lamia's realm I wasn't thinking about an ambassador from the awnshegh, but rather from the resistance.


Okay, that can be done. Makes me think of G'Kar on Babylon 5 - the unofficial voice of the people, but in safe foreign grounds.

Sorontar

[Rey]

Of issue relating human:sidhe - from RL history.
In the time of invasion of the Turks on Balkans, Serbs were hard pressed and some sought refuge in Croat lands. They were given shelter in exchange for joining the military forces and help maintain a border.

Perhaps Rhuannach sidhe realized they could not maintain border from yet another invasion, so they've agreed not to bring the war on the refugees arriving in vast numbers. They've reached an agreement to let them live by sidhe laws and traditions, and to grant them some freedom they've allowed the temples. In return they could call this land their home and help defend it. Sidhe taught them the architecture to build homes how they do and this coexistence has endured for the past couple hundred years, something like an exception to the rule in Cerilia.

Sorontar, the Siren? You were thinking about the Lamia?

Timeline:
596 Ma 81 HC -892 MR Rise of The Serpent's power; first mention of him in the Docandragh
1065 Ma 550 HC -423 MR The Serpent curses the surviving Masetians
About 700-800 years after Deismaar Height of the Anuirean Empire's power and expansion
1249 Ma 734 HC -239 MR Birth of el-Arrasi
1271 Ma 756 HC -217 MR El-Arrasi ascends to the throne of Ariya
1277 Ma 762 HC -211 MR Emperor Alándalae takes Iron Throne, opens campaign against the Basarji. Founds Lectis Magna on Saere Sendiere
1279 Ma 764 HC -209 MR El-Arrasi organizes Basarji Federation; Basarji revolution begins
1296 ma 781 HC -192 MR El-Arrasi sacks Lectis Magna
1299 Ma 784 HC -189 MR Alándalae killed in Basarji campaign at Battle of the Asarwe, Caercuillen becomes emperor and ally of el-Arrasi following Battle of Kfeira; Basarji Revolution ends with Anuire keeping only Suiriene
1300 Ma 785 HC -188 MR Khourane struggles to reestablish itself as a nation
1400-1500 Ma 885-985 HC -88 to 22 MR Height of Khinasi power
1470 Ma 955 HC -18 MR Founding of Besaïam
1526 Ma 1011 HC 38 MR Appearance of The Lamia in Besaïam
1633 Ma 1118 HC 145 MR Appearance of The Basilisk in Djira
1711 Ma 1198 HC 223 MR Medeci stormed by Vos hordes; Medec falls.
1857 Ma 1342 HC 369 MR Western Merasaf conquered by Iron Hand orogs; northwest Vos provinces secede, form Yeninskiy
1911 Ma 1396 HC 423 MR Sultanate of Djira conquered by Aftane and Djafra, Black Spear Tribes add chaos
912 Ma 1397 HC 424 MR Ber Falaïa fends off an attack by the Black Spear Tribes
1921 Ma 1406 HC 433 MR Djiran capital falls to gnolls
1935 Ma 1420 HC 447 MR The Basilisk and the Black Spear Tribes hold power in Djira
1996 Ma 1481 HC 508 MR Refugees from Djafra spill into Khourane
2010 Ma 1495 HC 522 MR Death of High Lord Daegendal of Rhuannach
2019 Ma 1504 HC 531 MR Guilds gain power in Djafra;
2021 Ma 1506 HC 533 MR Appearance of el-Sheighül in the Black Spear tribes
2029 Ma 1514 HC 541 MR Appearance of el-Sirad and founding of Mour el-Sirad
2039 Ma 1524 HC 551 MR Current date

Don't have the dates for Farid ibn Salim. There's already a mess here.

[AndrewTall]

Hmm, I did the unthinkable and actually checked my facts :rolleyes: According to the back cover of CotS Djiira fell in 1921 - lost to the gnolls although the basilisk probably did some damage too. Thats over a hundred years ago, >5 human generations, and actually several half-sidhe generations too. That's not long enough for some sidhe obviously, but it makes the P45 comment about no interaction bizarre.

The Lamia by contrast has ruled for 5 centuries, so is a much older issue - however human males within the borders may have made Rhuannoch more vulnerable to her influence.


Sorontar

Canon seems to indicate that Rhuannach likes to think of itself as a place of creativity and skill, being proud of its artisans. The Temple of Laerme is probably the one human faith that works best with that, so I can't see it as a problem. The sidhelien would have similar objectives, but they just wouldn't feel the need to have the backing of a deity to fulfill them. The only issues may come up if the Church tries to use sidhelien artisans for church projects, especially related to religious messages or missions.

As long as the church stays 'low key', almost an artisan guild, then I doubt it will have a problem - the sidhe may not even fully recognise that the humans are worshiping Laerme if they see only the artistic and aspirational aspects of the faith (Laerme probably being the ideal god for them to worship from a sidhe perspective). If the church tries to mandate faith it will cause issues, an atheist main population will not suffer a faith that seeks to enforce its beliefs - even within a small community - for long.


Sorontar
Okay, that can be done. Makes me think of G'Kar on Babylon 5 - the unofficial voice of the people, but in safe foreign grounds.

Sorontar

That was the thought, but without any official domination by the centauri - the Lamia is a despot, but her people don't really see it, merely feel the crushing taxes and arrogance. Some realise the problem, and unofficially seek help, but they are quite possibly still active within the Lamia's realm as 'law abiding' citizens - as long as their sidhe-foray's aren't discovered.

[Rey]

Hmm, I did the unthinkable and actually checked my facts :rolleyes: According to the back cover of CotS Djiira fell in 1921 - lost to the gnolls although the basilisk probably did some damage too.
Yes. Like it says in a post above yours from timeline.

1633 Ma 1118 HC 145 MR Appearance of The Basilisk in Djira
First, Basilisk appeared in Djira. Probably somewhere in the unknown northern Khinasi sultanate or maybe a son of the last Djiran ruler.

1911 Ma 1396 HC 423 MR Sultanate of Djira conquered by Aftane and Djafra, Black Spear Tribes add chaos
Second, Aftane and Djafra make a pact to invade Djira because the Djiran government was struggling for succession for the past 200 years, and the gnolls jumped in to get some of their own.

1912 Ma 1397 HC 424 MR Ber Falaïa fends off an attack by the Black Spear Tribes
Third, the gnolls rush even deep inside Khourane through Djafra. Or their initial base was in the today's northern Djafra. The second makes more sense.

1921 Ma 1406 HC 433 MR Djiran capital falls to gnolls
Fourth, gnolls surely didn't hold a capital of Djira in their hands till now. Whether it was still in the hands of Djirans (as an enclave) or conquered by joint force of Aftane and Djafra is unknown from the fact.

1935 Ma 1420 HC 447 MR The Basilisk and the Black Spear Tribes hold power in Djira
Fifth, we can see that the gnolls and the basilisk at this time pressed both the Aftane and Djafra from Djira. Maybe Djafrans put some effort in taking their northern provinces while the gnolls concentrated their tribes in Djira. And that's the end of the 25-year war.

[Rey]

First, Basilisk appeared in Djira. Probably somewhere in the unknown northern Khinasi sultanate or maybe a son of the last Djiran ruler.
Okay, so the Abominations under Basilisk entry confirm that his domain was actually a part of the grazing lands of Djira.

[AndrewTall]

Yup, looks like Djira was chomped at from all sides - retreating in the forests begins to sound better, even if it is inhabited by crazed wood spirits and the like...

Sorry about not quoting your comments on the timeline, I'd got it in my head that the immigration had been more recent than 100 years so went back to check. Can't help but think that in a land where sidhe are in charge, and of course young, good looking, etc, etc that lots of girls are going to have had crushes and so on.