In the year 3195 TS, Rahkzan began organizing the Tarian forces in the South in preparation for his assault on Salandorf. During this time, the various southern tribes posted reconnaissance scouts throughout the borders of Venar Woods. In order to discourage Rahkzan from leading his forces through their forests, various aggressive tribes raided Tarian villages along the edge of Venar. Most of these tribes harbored a long hatred for the Tarians and their expansion and destruction of the forests of the South since the War of the Forests.

The Iluhirrum, at this time, were a large tribe that occupied the most isolated areas of Venar. They lived in peace along a river they called the Iluvien, and built small canoe like ships to carry trade north and south to neighboring tribes. However, they did not venture much further than Venar for they feared outsiders, and trusted no one that did not speak Dalmesh. The Gwea of the Iluhirrum at the time was given the title and name, Iluvien after the Spirit of the River, and she had two daughters and a son, Na’luvien, Eledhwyn, and Elu’na respectively.

During that year, Rahkzan began his trek Northward despite Dalmite raids, and possibly because of these raids, entered the southern forests. Although many tribes received information on the en masse march of the Tarians, it was difficult for the tribes to hide from the advancing army. Many tribes refused retreat thus leading to their decimation.

At this time the Iluhirrum began to encounter many stragglers recognized by their markings from tribes known to inhabit the forests further south. First, unwilling to make known their whereabouts, Iluvien commanded that they be let through to the north without contact from the Iluhirrum. Eventually, the numbers of wounded Dalmites increased, and Iluvien’s heart gave way. She offered shelter and council to those who stumbled upon their settlement. Soon, tribal messengers entered the Iluhirrum requesting council with Iluvien. These messengers told vivid stories of the battle and the burning of Venar Wood. At this news, the tribal council was outraged, and set forth preparations to make war upon the encroaching Tarian force. For even though the Iluhirrum had remained isolated throughout history, songs of the War of the Forests were still sung in the winter to lament their fallen ancestors, and the scars of the past bore heavily on the hearts of Iluvien and her family.

Iluvien gave command to her children to gather all they could find of their tribe and urge them to gather their weapons for battle. Elu’na was given command of a small force to track the whereabouts and movement of the Tarian forces. Unfortunately, he was captured and slain. The few of his command that survived were captured and then set free to return to the Iluhirrum bearing only the arms of their beloved captain as a warning to Iluvien and her people. Iluvien, overcome by the grief of her loss, fell into a rage, and gathered all her people to strike fiercely and quickly against the Tarian.

Thus is told in the "Lament of Iluvien." In the battle the Iluhirrum, some 500 strong, planned to ambush several regiments of Tarian forces along a valley east of their river. The song contains an account of the fall of Iluvien, and Na’luvien, the eldest daughter who stood Gwea of her tribe for only an hour before she too was hewn down over the body of her mother. Eledhwyn seeing the madness befallen her tribe and family rallied what was left of her people and escaped to the north. She had heard word through many messengers of one who could bring vengeance and restore peace to her forests. Melting into the forests, she traveled with only a handful of her tribe. But they were stalked, and her people fell one by one until they could finally escape the grasp of Tarian scout units. It was then that they came upon Teila. To Eledhwyn’s distraught, she found that no other from her clan had reached Teila yet to alert her of Tarian presence.

And thus she laid before the feet of Teila her bow and spear and pledged service of any whom was left of her clan.