The Valleys of Tears[1] were natural environment modules on the Covenant holy city High Charity. They were located between the towers near the edge of the city's main dome, and accessible by gravity conveyors. Environmental modules known as Hanging Gardens were located nearby. Ponds in the valleys contained Covenant koi.[2]
During the first hours of the Great Schism the Covenant loyalists and the Covenant separatists fought in these areas. At some point in the battle John-117 passed through on his way to Far Tower in pursuit of the Prophet of Truth. It is assumed that after the Flood took over High Charity these areas were overrun with infection and may have been flooded after High Charity crashed into the Ark.[3]
Known Valleys of Tears
Valley of Tears A
Valley of Tears A was located between the High Council Chamber and the Mid Tower.
During the first hours of the Great Schism, the Sangheili and their allies took this exposed location, stationing Mgalekgolo and Unggoy in the center while posting Sangheili Honor Guardsmen on the perimeter. Shortly afterward, the Covenant loyalists sought to retake the Valley of Tears A, sending forth Jiralhanae and Kig-yar Snipers. John-117 killed them all during his pursuit of the Prophet of Truth.[2]
Valley of Tears B
Valley of Tears B was located between the Mid Tower and the Far Tower.
As with Valley A, it was the site of a battle between the Sangheili-led Covenant separatists and the Jiralhanae-led loyalists during the opening stages of the Great Schism. The separatists invaded from the north, while the loyalists from the south. In the center, there was a tremendous fray, with Jiralhanae engaging Sangheili, Sangheili Rangers, and black-armored Special Operations Unggoy armed with fuel rod guns. Keeping the separatist entryway to the valley secure were two Stealth Sangheili armed with energy swords along with several Unggoy. During his pursuit of Truth, John-117 passed through the valley and eliminated the Covenant in the area.[2]
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