In the year 799, Elantris was built. This was to be the first city to withstand being underwater for 500 years with the help if magic. Nira, the goddess of water, would protect the city from the harsh waters. The Meladrin built a glorious fountain in the center of the city to honor the goddess. The fountain protected the city underwater.

The Meladrin built the Fountain of Nira in marble and gold. The fountain took 20 years to build. The elaborate design frustrated construction crews building the 30 feet tall fountain. Nira’s face was engraved into the elegant marble along with stories of the Meladrin. The water spilled out on three different levels. Water splashed and trickled down the gold into the bowl. Offerings of carnations and gold coins are left there in the day and at night candles are lit and illuminate the fountain. The Meladrin worshiped at the fountain once a week. The fountain was a holy place for the people of Elantris.

The Fountain of Nira protected the city underwater for 500 years. But, how is that possible?  Where water once trickled down the walls of the fountain, air would be blown out of the spickets. The air was blown powerfully out of the fountain. A dome was formed around the city defending it from the salty water. Even though the city was covered by the dome, it was not livable. All oxygen was restricted from reaching the city. But, once the ocean receded and uncovered the city, the city was just how the Meladrin left it. Now that the city is uncovered, the only change is the bleached walls from sunlight. The fountain protected the city for 500 years and now it is the first city to survive the tides.

Today, the fountain is falling apart. What was once glorious is now crumbling. The marble is collapsing, and the gold no longer shines. It would take 10 years to fix without the works of magic. Now, it's up to the people of Elantris to rebuild the fountain so Nira can reign over the city once again.