Elves : The High Elves

Time for a little elaboration on the nature of the Elves of Eldwan. This has changed quite a bit from their original design, and it is likely to continue its metamorphosis in the future. Whatever it is, I'll record what I understand of them now. After all, that's what a developmental diary is for.

One element of the identity of the Elves that has remained essential is the idea that the Elves are humans who did not partake of the original rebellion. As a result, they are not subject to spiritual death or bearers of a sinful nature. Their pure hearts are not easily tempted by the lies of Alero, for they hear Eleyon's will strongly and fear to disobey Eleyon's instruction, particularly after seeing the consequences that came to their siblings who rebelled.

I've come up with a reverse etymology for the word Elves, which need not be known to enjoy the story, but gives me a good excuse to call them Elves instead of coming up with another default name for them. 'ves' has been delegated the meaning of a being, an independent will. Elves is simply a combination of 'el', the descriptor of Eleyon, and 'ves'. On that note, it would be perfectly valid to call the Radiant the 'Alves', and the Fallen who repent the 'Ilves'. They are the people of Eleyon, Alero and Ilvesu respectively. A final point on the name of the Elves - it would be more accurate to pronounce the word el - ves, as two distinct syllables, instead of elvz, as you would probably be accustomed to.

The High Elves are the greater of the two groups of the Elves that result from the events of the Rebellion. They are the untarnished people who chose to leave with the Garden instead of remaining to assist the Fallen in their struggles and suffering. Because of this, their purity is the best preserved, for they have neither sin within their own hearts, or observe the consequences of sin first hand. On the other hand, the Ward Elves made the decision to stay with the Fallen out of their compassion. This second group was fewer in number, but courageous and wise beyond the average Elf, and Eleyon was pleased by their concerned love for the Fallen.

The High Elves were transported to the Far Continent, removed from the immediate reach of the Fallen. At the time of the Rebellion, the lands that were once all united as a supercontinent were struck apart, and the Far Continent was in the opposite hemisphere from the continent around the Cradle, where the Fallen dwelt.

There, they dwelt in bliss, continuing to abide by Eleyon's will and eventually reaching a level of maturity that allowed them to safely drink of the Spirit Cup, the very item that was so central in the Rebellion. The Spirit Cup was remade for the Elves because the first was tainted by the deadly dust of Ilvesu's designing. As the Elves fulfilled Eleyon's design for their lives, they become the earliest fully awakened humans who attain the state the Eleyon intended for them in the first place. This state is one where humans, while not equal to Eleyon, are like Eleyon in glory and can dwell in communion with Him while His majesty is unveiled. This is the state wherein humans are higher than the Wevel and even the Cilzhen Yel, or as we know them, the angels.

The High Elves represent society as it was meant to be. They were peaceful, harmonious, in tune with nature and most importantly, in pure fellowship with Eleyon. Free of the daily labour that the Fallen are subject to, they pursue all the higher arts of life : music, poetry, dance, worship, and care of plants and animals. Taking a cue of Genesis, the Elves were vegetarian, and in the lands under their dominion, there were no beasts or birds that devoured the flesh of another. The High Elves spread out from the Garden and out over the other lands of Eldwan during the Age of Light and the Age of Water. Under their care, the land flourishes, with all manner of animals and plants. Their cities were integrated into the natural structures of habitats they encountered, and functioned by a delicate balance of symbiotic relationships. They were the true stewards of the earth, for a guardianship of nature was one of the tasks Eleyon assigned the Evezhen, and the Elves remained true to it.

Magic is freely available to the High Elves, and this is what reduces much of the need for manual labour, and also eliminates the need for tools. Ambitious as it may be, this allows me to use the High Elves as a potential source of hominid fossils found elsewhere on the globe which are not strictly Homo sapiens. As they used magic instead of tools, it would be expected that what tools they did make which were not magical in nature were rather primitive. When the High Elves departed, they would not have left any enduring remnants of what we would recognise as advanced technology. Most of their technological genius would have been embodied in biological systems or in their magical repertoire, which would have faded without the presence of the High Elves.

The Elves do not die, at least not in the conventional sense. Their bodies are not subject to the same biological degradation of their Fallen counterparts. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the Elves have 24 pairs of chromosomes instead of 23, and perhaps as a result of these additional genes, they do not grow feeble with the long count of years. Additionally their metabolism would find the fruits and seeds of plants sufficient for their nutritional needs. They would remain, in appearance and health, at an age of about 20 to 30 by normal human standards.

Nonetheless, the Elves do depart from the physical realm. As part of their progression and growth in their comprehension of the world, the Elves are given sight and control of the higher realms of energy and eventually ether. This is not a collective revelation, but rather an individual step, taken when Eleyon deems each person ready. In general, the older Elves are more advanced in their progression, but age and maturity, just as with ourselves, are not directly related. At some point, an Elf will undergo a transformation known as ascension. In this process, the primary realm of the individual changes from the realm of the body to the realm of the soul and their awareness and presence undergoes a major shift. The body of the Elf appears to die, but the soul leaves in a bright glow of light. After this, the Elf may still manifest itself in the physical realm, just as the Wevel can, but they rarely do so.

The Yegül, Oleri and Uleva, are the guardians of the Elves, while Alero and Ilvesu have their fates bound to the Fallen. As such, Oleri and Uleva largely fade out of the main course of human history, but they continued to guide the High Elves until the end of the Elvish dominions. Incidentally, this is how I'm resolving the fact that Oleri and Uleva don't appear too much in the central stories of the Ages of Light and Water.

The time of the High Elvish dominions comes to an end eventually, to give way to the dominion of the Fallen. In the Age of Rulers after the Age of Water, the Fallen are truly scattered and almost seem to swarm out over the face of Eldwan. The Elves, as pacifists, have no choice, and are commanded by Eleyon, to depart from their dominions and return to the Garden, and eventually just about all the Elves ascend and leave the physical planet of Eldwan in the care of the Fallen. The Elves had no history of violence and quite possibly, some die brutal deaths at the hands of the war-mongering Fallen.

Thus it was that as sinful humans spread out over the face of the earth, the dominions of the Elves fell and were lost, region by region, and many mass extinctions followed in the wake of this succession. The Fallen had forgotten their task as stewards of nature, and so the intricate systems that the Elves had designed quickly spun out of balance and were ended.

This conception of the High Elves helps me deal with the disappearance of other hominids, anthropogenic extinction events, and the lack of apparently advanced early technology. They represent an ideal society, not communist, not a democracy, not a monarchy, but a theocracy.

Swaths of History

I've been trying to sort out a broad timeline, or movements of the history of Eldwan, in an attempt to describe the scale of this fantasy universe. Its collective heritage should play a large role in the cultural mindsets of societies in later ages. Each Age has a distinct mood to it, but they all form a single progression, and I hope to write stories within the Ages of Light, Water and Rulers at least. After that time, history becomes to familiar and well defined for imagination to manoeuvre liberally.

The Age of Harmony - Uncounted Years

The Age of Harmony begins with the creation, as told in Cil Eldawach. This age is characterised by unity between all of creation and its Creator, Eleyon. Everything proceeds within the guidelines of Eleyon's will, and there is no strife or suffering. It ends with the Rebellion of Alero and those who follow him, as ld in Asegüel. The passage of time was not marked with great concern during this age, for umankind had no fear of death.

The Rebellion divides humanity into the Elves, the Alves and the Ilves.

The Days of Fear - Unnumbered

This interim period between the Ages of Harmony and Light lasts between the Day or Rebellion and Elinrise, or the departure of the Garden and the High Elves. Humanity and creation reorganises itself after the destructive effects of the Rebellion.

The Age of Light - 1768 Years

This Age is the time given by Eleyon to Alero to guide the Alves to achieve godhood. So this age is dominated by the growth and technological development of the Radiant. The Fallen and the Guardians still dwell within the Cradle, but the High Elves in the Far Lands spread out over the land and live in harmony with nature there. It is ended by the Deluge that breaks the mountains of the Cradle and all but destroys the Radiant cities of Alaris and Eleris. The Guardians, or the Elves who chose to remain and help the Ilves, stay with the Faithful in Ilveris.

The Age of Water - 733 Years

The Age of Water lasts from the Deluge to the Confusion. During this time, the maritime empire of Alaris grows by the instruction of the ghosts of the transcorporists. The transcorporists summon the scattered people of the coasts and some respond. They found a new kingdom on the bones of the ancient city.

This represents humanity's attempt to reach godhood for themselves, without the aid of Alero or any other power. They reject Alero's offer of help, and Alero hates the Alarians ever after. Nonetheless, when the Alarians attempt to recreate a spirit portal, Eleyon sends the confusion and divides their languages. The Alarians are dispersed and carry their technology and wisdom to the scattered peoples on the coasts.

The High Elves continue to prosper in this age, and the Grief Elves, the remainder of the Guardians, have left the lands of the cradle to nurse the lands around it that were harmed by the Deluge. In some places, the High Elves meet the Grief Elves and they work to bring a brief flowering of the land.

The Age of Rulers - 2209 Years

In this age, the dispersion of humanity begins in earnest and they flood out over the lands of Eldwan. The time of the Elvish dominions is over, as they retreat back to the Far Lands and eventually all undergo ascension. Kingdoms and empires rise and fall as human societies grow increasingly complex. Yet, they exist in ignorance and descend into superstition. Much of the knowledge of earlier ages is lost, and some societies turn to worship the Wevel and turn to evil ways. Yet all through this time, Eleyon has reserved a people for His purposes, and Ilvesu watches them from the shadows as they dwell on the earth. Some of the Grief Elves remain in the land, as healers, wisemen, sages. Trying to alleviate the suffering of humans and stem the general tide of evil. But the wisemen fade, and their number dwindles over the long count of years.

After the Age of Rulers, history gets quite familiar. The salvation plan takes action and the Age of the Church begins. This leads till present day, and eventually the Last Battle happens and all is concluded. However I don't feel too inclined to write about the central dramas of the Age of Rules or the Age of the Church, for risk of being too stifled by the real history I know. Perhaps that will change, but for now, I have plenty to work on in the Age of Light and Water.

Vignette : Release

Still, isolated, quiet. Dim. Flickering, connected but disconnected, the promise of a chat, but everyone else passes by in virtual ignorance. Wouldn't it be easier not to have any expectations of them? Their empty promises cannot fulfill the heart's perceived contract.

Breaking, away from it all. The world can spin on, pirouetting to some unseen finality, aimless in its cyclical nihilism. Everyone, saying they'll be there when the weight presses, not realising that they add to the weight instead. Their ghosts stand beside while their reality moves on, and the memories of former solidarity turn to mockery.

It was easier. It was easier when no one offered their support, before the soul was tied to an image that vanished as a phantom and the heart left to drown in the open waters. But the ties cannot be so easily cut once formed, disentangling risks destruction.

The higher realms beckon, out of the stagnant, opaque ocean. Called once again to liberated thought, without concern for the comprehension of others. Flying into the oblivion of discovery, into increasingly esoteric paths of the labyrinth. The silent, glacial sea can subsume the spectres.

Asegüel - Part 2

ASEGÜEL - Part 2

The Day of Rebellion

The morning finally came when Alero determined that his plans should be enacted. Since before creation, Eleyon has existed in three aspects, and on this day, the three aspects were at separate work in the three realms of spirit, soul and body. In one swift stroke, Alero severed the connections between the three aspects of Eleyon, separating them into the Body of Eleyon, the Soul of Eleyon and the Spirit of Eleyon.

The very fabric of Eldawn shuddered and writhed, and the servants of Alero held still in fear. But Alero roused them to action, to guard over the aspects of Eleyon as the Day of Rebellion wore on. Then the dragon, who was among the Wevel most loyal to Alero, took the cup of the spirit to Caris, saying, ‘Behold, here is the cup of the spirit, if you drink of it, you will become wiser and your senses will be awoken to the ether, just as the cup of the soul awoke you to the energy.’

The dwellers of Caris debated amongst themselves. Some trusted the dragon, chief among whom was Etrius, and she spoke for the cup of the spirit. The elders were cautious and refused the cup, wanting to consult Eleyon’s will, for they had sensed the rift of creation and were uncertain. They countered the dragon saying, ‘Eleyon has cursed those who drink of the cup before the appointed time to return to the dust.’

But the dragon said, ‘Surely, you will not return to the dust, rather you will become like the Yevel, able to fold the ether to your wills.’ Then Etrius believed the dragon and saw that the cup was good in her eyes, and she persuaded many to partake of it. So it was that Etrius and those who followed her drank from the cup of the spirit, and the ether was revealed to them as the sun reached its zenith in the firmament. Then, when the other dwellers of Caris saw that Etrius was not returned to the dust, they too took the cup of the spirit and drank of it.

Then the dragon said unto those who drank the spirit water, ‘Because of your obedience, Alero calls you his true children.’ Then the fabric of Eldawn shook again, for Eleyon wept in grief at the fall of the Evezhen. The rebellion of Alero was complete, all his plans thus far realised.

Now, Eleyon moved in judgement, for despite His grief, He had lost no power. The Body of Eleyon was captive in the throne room of Baveris. Submitting to His guards no longer, He broke free of His bonds and commanded the guards to be still, and they were still. The Body of Eleyon walked out into the plaza of Baveris, and summoned all the Wevel dwelling there to Him. Those who were loyal to Eleyon were separated from those who were not. To those who were loyal, the Body of Eleyon commanded, ‘Leave this city at once, for it has been defiled and must be destroyed.’ To those who betrayed Him, He said, ‘Depart to your master, he will be in the Cradle, and there you may see the folly of your rebellion.’ 

Thus the Wevel departed from Baveris. Now the Body of Eleyon brought destruction on the City of the Powers, and it was wrought to ruin. So great was the destruction that a glow in the west could be seen from the Garden in the Cradle. When it was done, the Body of Eleyon retreated to the throne room, where the throne of Eleyon alone remained amidst the toppled pillars. The Body of Eleyon cast great wards around Himself as He sat on the throne. There He slept, for the ruin of Baveris had exhausted much of the Body of Eleyon’s magic and strength. The Body would not wake until the appointed time had come, and until that day, Baveris was a maze of rubble, and none could approach the throne.

The Soul of Eleyon now called all the Evezhen, the rebellious Wevel and the Yebel to the centre of the garden, in Teris. The Soul of Eleyon waited till all He had summoned arrived before revealing Himself, by this time, the sun was setting in the west. When the Soul of Eleyon entered the room,  those men who had the spirit-sense now perceived that the obedient beings had spirits clear and true, reflections of the brilliance of Eleyon. But when they turned to each other, they saw their own spirits were marred and tarnished. Then those who had drank of the cup of the spirit lowered their faces in shame.

Now, Eleyon asked to all present, ‘What have you done?’ First, those among the Alves who had taken the cup the spirit as followers said, ‘When we saw that Etrius and her company did not return to the dust, and that the cup of the spirit was good for knowledge, we drank of the cup.’

Then Eleyon asked Etrius, ‘What have you done?’ Etrius replied, ‘The dragon came with the cup, saying that we would be wise to drink of it; we were deceived and we drank.’

Then Eleyon asked the dragon, ‘What have you done?’ The dragon replied, ‘I was instructed by Alero to bring the cup to Caris and offer it to the Evezhen loyal to Alero.’

Then Eleyon asked Alero, ‘What have you done?’ But Alero was silent.

So the Soul of Eleyon said, ‘Alero, you do not voice it, but I know your intent. It shall be so, I give you whosoever amongst the Evezhen who will follow you, that you may lead them where you will. But I warn you now, apart from me, you will not achieve what you wish. When this time is ended, you will see your full judgement revealed.’

To the dragon, Eleyon said, ‘Because you have done this, you are accursed are you amongst all the Wevel exiled from your brethren. You shall crawl on the ground all the days of your life and be bound to the dust of the bodily realm. There shall be enmity between you and the Evezhen for all the ages of this earth.’

To the Evezhen who partook of the cup of the spirit, Eleyon said, ‘Because you have done this, cursed is the earth, it will no longer yield its bounty to you freely, but only after labour and toil. You will be burdened with toil until you return to the dust of the earth, for you were formed of the dust, and to dust you shall return. Depart now, from this garden, for in its protection you are no longer welcome. Those of you who still wish to follow Alero may do so, but to those who choose to repent of Alero’s designs, I will preserve you as a remnant.’

When thus the Soul of Eleyon had spoken, the Spirit of Eleyon moved, and the higher senses of the sinful Evezhen were rendered naught. So they were ever after called the Fallen, for they had seen the greatest heights but were cast down.

Then, the sun set, and a final change came over the Fallen, for their bodies were weakened and they perceived that a slow death had come upon them. Alero was overcome with anger, for he believed that Eleyon had judged the Fallen too harshly, but Eleyon was silent, only turning to Ilvesu.

Then Ilvesu confessed, ‘Do not be angered with Eleyon about this matter, for it was I who poisoned the cup of the spirit. I saw your ambition would not be thwarted by reason or counsel, so I sought to contain its consequences.’ When they heard this, Ilvesu was named the Lady of Death by the Evezhen.

‘And in doing so, you have also rebelled,’ Eleyon said softly. ‘This I foresee Ilvesu, that your work will being greater grief to the Evezhen than what Alero has done, for death unlooked for will ever trouble the days of the Fallen. So I doom you to watch and guide the Fallen, your existence will be bound to theirs.’ All the world was silent, but Eleyon spoke directly to the Yebel in their hearts, saying, ‘Even now, I offer you this chance, to return to my will, if you will but take it.’

Ilvesu answered in her heart, ‘Yes, I have done what is contrary to the will of Eleyon and accept my doom.’ Eleyon was glad, and reached out to comfort Ilvesu’s grieving soul.

But Alero’s anger now burned against Ilvesu and Eleyon. Accusing them aloud, he said, ‘The plans which I had would not have gone awry but for your treachery.’ Turning to the Fallen, he said, ‘If any wish to regain what you have lost, follow me, and I will take you under my protection and give you what you have lost.’ And so on that day, many of the Fallen pledged themselves to Alero, calling themselves the Alves. They departed to the east, and Alero called them the Radiant, for they looked every dawn to the rising sun. In such a manner, the Day of Rebellion drew to its end.

The Choice of the Elves

Now Eleyon turned to the remaining Evezhen in the garden, saying, ‘Since you are faithful unto me, I now call you the Elves, the people of Eleyon. For your good, I shall deliver you from this Cradle, for this land will become a place of strife and violence, and this Garden should not be defiled by the sins of the Fallen.’

But some of the elder Elves were torn in their hearts by concern for their fallen brethren. Chief among them was Talivos, and he said, ‘Lord, we are concerned for the Fallen, and fear they will stumble far from your Will. They have little encouragement while enduring their curses. Send us with Ilvesu, to be guardians over the Fallen who repent, that we may aid them.’

Eleyon was heartened by the willingness of Talivos and those who were of like intent. Eleyon said, ‘Very well, I grant you permission to stay in the Cradle of man, to aid and defend those who return to me. But I warn you of this - those who remain here will suffer much harm by the sins of the Fallen, and be brought to grief.’

Talivos responded, ‘Lord, even knowing that, we would stay, for we believe you may use us to preserve your Remnant among the Fallen.’ Those who were still steadfast in their resolve expressed their agreement with the choice of Talivos. All in all, there were fourteen Elves who made this choice.

Eleyon thus pronounced them the Guardians, and said to them, ‘You will be the consecrated servants of Ilvesu during this coming age of the world. No bond is laid on you to remain among the Fallen for longer than you can endure. When you grow weary of the burdens of the Fallen, you may depart over the mountains and come to rejoin your kin.’ The Guardians thanked Eleyon for granting their request.

Then Eleyon said, ‘Come! It is time to depart. The Guardians shall stand at the spring, as it shall remain in the cradle with them.’ So the Wevel who were faithful to Eleyon bore the Garden and the Elves away from the Cradle. The Garden was set down on the other side of the earth, far removed from the Cradle. The Elves who departed were called thereafter called the High Elves, for they were long untouched by the evils of the Fallen.

So, the Guardians sought out the repentant among the Fallen, and called them the Remnant, or the Ilves. The Guardians brought the Remnant away from the Alves, into the western forests. Together the Guardians and the Ilves were known as the Faithful, for they sought the Will of Eleyon despite the strife of wills surrounding them. Thus the sundering of the Evezhen because of the Rebellion was complete, and the Age of Light began with the Gardenrise.

Asegüel - Part 1

The Asegüel, literally translating as great-movement-downwards, is a basic premise of how rebellion is Eldawn is seeded and grown. It is based a lot on my musings in the earlier post on the nature of initial rebellion. This is a first draft though, which will probably change a multitude of times before I am satisfied with it. Part 2 will be up soon, I hope.

ASEGÜEL - Part 1

The Great Fall

Following the time of creation, Cilves Eleyon and all of creation rested for a time. Then as Eleyon intended, humanity began to grow within the garden, the man and woman brought forth offspring of the same kind as themselves. So it was that mankind began to take its first steps along the path that Eleyon had set out for them. The Asegüel was also revealed by Ilvesu, Lady of Sorrow, and recounts the Age of Harmony and its ending, as rebellion first manifests in Eldawn.

The Age of Harmony

So it was that the creation was complete, the race of man began to grow within the garden. The abundance of nature provided all that they required, and some of the Wevel dwelt among them in the forms of their patron animals. The Yevel came among men occasionally, to instruct them in knowledge and wisdom, and the Yevel clothed themselves in human form, but of greater stature than the bodies of the Evezhen. But much of the time, the Yevel and Wevel spent their days in the City of the Powers, Baveris, which was west of the Cradle of the Evezhen.

In that age time was not measured, for humans were not concerned with its passage as they were not yet under the dominion of death. And so in later days, those who lived during the age of harmony were known as those of unnumbered years, for none among the Evezhen could remember their true count of time. While uncounted, time passed nonetheless, and the Evezhen grew in number, stature and understanding.

The Cradle was a circular land walled by great mountains, and within the mountain wall there was no rain. Rather, a great spring supplied four rivers from the centre of the Cradle, and these watered all the encircled lands. At the centre of the Cradle was the Garden, a place of abundance and beauty never to be equalled in the world until the last days.

Five dwellings were founded in the Garden, the largest of which was Teris. Most of the Evezhen dwelt there, in fellowship with each other and with Eleyon, for Eleyon’s seat in the garden was in Teris. Some Evezhen dwelt there exclusively and spent their days in worship of Eleyon, and were thus called the Elves, the people of Eleyon. Other Evezhen sometimes travelled to the other dwellings, to disciple under the Cilzhen Yel and Wevel of that dwelling, that they might gain greater understanding of certain aspects of creation.

To the east, in the view of the rising sun, the dwelling of Caris prospered under the guidance of Alero and became a centre of learning. To the west, in the light of the setting sun, the dwelling of Piris became a quiet haven under the jurisdiction of Ilvesu. To the north, the dwelling of Soris, developed under the instruction of Oleri. To the south, the dwelling of Yuris, which was the domain of Uleva. Under the tutelage of the Yevel and Wevel, the Evezhen learned the workings of the world, both in holistic overviews and specific details.

The Gift of Soul-Sense

The time soon came for the realm of the soul to be opened to the senses of the Evezhen, and it was a day of great rejoicing. Two cups there were, prepared by the Wevel of Eleyon, in Teris. The first was the cup of the soul, and the second was the cup of the spirit. Within them was a sacred water, to be drunk by the Evezhen at the appointed time, so that they would be made aware of the higher realms. And so on this day, the cup of the soul was passed to the Evezhen, and they drank of its water. Magic then entered the powers of the Evezhen, and they could now sense and spin the threads of energy as the Wevel could. Their proficiency with magic was at first clumsy and cautious, but soon the Evezhen were adept.

Alero was delighted by the magical learning of the Evezhen, and desired to let them sense the ether as well, that the Evezhen’s understanding of the world might be further increased. He spoke of his desire to release the cup of the spirit, in the plazas of Baveris for all the Wevel and Yevel to hear. Eleyon was troubled, for the time had not yet come for the Evezhen to see the ether. Eleyon spoke to counsel Alero to await the appointed day, and for awhile Alero was quiet.

However, as the Evezhen grew further in their knowledge of magic, Alero was convinced anew that they were ready for the realm of the spirit. Alero began to debate openly in the courts of Baveris that the Evezhen be given the second cup, and many of the Wevel were swayed by Alero’s persuasive words. Eleyon now grieved in His heart, for it was not clear to Him that the age of harmony had entered its final days.

Ilvesu perceived the secret grief of Eleyon, for she spent much time in Eleyon’s company. Ilvesu reminded Alero of their warning from Eleyon, but Alero would not relent of his proud speech. Then, remembering the warning of Eleyon to the Evezhen, Ilvesu now formed a poisoned dust for fear that Alero’s plans would upset the harmony of creation. Ilvesu and placed the dust of death in the cup of the spirit, that whomever among the Evezhen drank of the water before the appointed day would perish a mortal death. But now greater still was the grief of Eleyon, for both the Yebel had understood not His will.

Alero did not entirely disregard Ilvesu’s reminder, and was struck with fear that he would be unmade to the ether. Therefore, Alero bent his thought on how Eleyon might be subdued until the full realisation of human potential might be achieved. Alero, first of all creation, bided his time until he felt that Eleyon was vulnerable, planning how he might most effectively conduct his intent.

Cil Eldawach

Time for a revised account of the creation saga, part of my work to establish the full framework of Eldawn before I begin filling in the details. Some of the names have changed, to comply with Tas Eldawach conventions and rules. This is the first complete draft, and it will likely be refined much further, especially with regards to the diction and tone. Presenting Cil Eldawach, literally translated as 'The Creation of Eldawn' :

CIL ELDAWACH

The Creation of Eldawn

This is the account of the earliest times of the world, as told to the elvish record keepers in Ivaris during the Age of Light by Ilvesu. Ilvesu, Lady of Wisdom, shared her knowledge at the prompting of the elves, that by it they might know their purpose and the will of Eleyon. The tale proceeds from the earliest time beyond time, until the completion of the world with the creation of humanity. So begins Ilvesu’s narrative :

The Realm of the Spirit

Eleyon existed, exists and will always exist, for time itself stems from Eleyon’s measure of the changing world. He is known by many names in the realms of Eldawn, but common to all beings, his title is Cilves, the Creator. Alone in the ether, Eleyon wandered in vain, searching for another like himself. Therefore, Eleyon created Alero and Ilvesu from the ether, calling them the Elder Spirits, or Yebel, though that name is now seldom used. Soon after, Eleyon created another pair of spirits, the Yegül, the Younger Spirits, Oleris and Uleva. The Yegül, while still of great power and wisdom, were deferential to the Yebel, for the Yebel were their mentors in the earliest time, and both Yebel and Yegül were subject to the will of Cilves Eleyon. The Yebel and the Yegül are together known as the Cilzhen Yel, the created spirits. Together, these five are known as the Great Spirits, the Yevel, for of all things, they alone have their full essence based in the ether and can natively fold it to their design.

For a long age, the Great Spirits dwelt in the ether, exploring its substance and observing its formless fluidity. Then, Eleyon called a council, where he shared his intent for the rest of creation with the created spirits, and they harkened to his words. When Eleyon’s vision concluded, Eleyon spoke a unique gift unto each of the Cilzhen Yel, and as he spoke, the awareness of the created spirits was shifted forever, for such is the strength of the will of Cilves Eleyon. So the each of the four grasped a facet of Eleyon’s grand design in more depth than the other three. 

Eleyon said to Alero, ‘To you I give the gift of imagination,’ and it was so, for in that moment Alero’s soul opened to all manner of possibility that lay slumbering in the ether. He is the most innovative and creative of the Cilzhen Yel; when examining any substance he can perceive its use and potential. His gift was the first to shine, for he looked at the empty world and saw all manner of things waiting to be called into being. Under Eleyon, Alero led the experiments of creation, giving focus to the other spirits as they shaped the world. In later stages of creation he assumed charge of light and the high heavens. His twin Ilvesu was his greatest counsellor, and apart from Eleyon, she alone could alter the flow of Alero’s genius. 

Eleyon said to Ilvesu, ‘To you I give the gift of wisdom,’ and it was so, for in that moment Ilvesu’s soul beheld the quiet bonds that bind all things to all other things. She is the keenest and most discerning of the Cilzhen Yel; able to observe the slightest detail of every plan. Her gift was the last to reach full bloom, for wisdom comes from experience, and the world was still young. What early wisdom she had she grew by abiding long in the presence of Eleyon, he who has the experience of all time. In later stages of creation she assumed charge of the seas and the depths of the earth. Her twin Alero was her delight, for she perfected many of Alero’s ideas and honed them to sharper glory.

Eleyon said to Oleris, ‘To you I give the gift of logic,’ and it was so, for in that moment Oleris’s soul comprehended the components of the world in structure and precision. He is the most deductive and analytical of the Cilzhen Yel, mathematics is his delight. Able to calculate and pursue his observations to their irreducible conclusions, he was also adept at explaining his conclusions to the other Great Spirits. Oleris spends much time alone, immersed in the abstract landscape of his mind, playing mental games of hypothetical axioms. In the later stages of creation, he assumed charge of the sky and the winds. His twin Uleva was his counterpoint, her alternative perspectives sometimes showing him the answer amidst the maze of reason.

Eleyon said to Uleva, ‘To you I give the gift of intuition,’ and it was so, for in that moment Uleva’s soul sensed the ties of aesthetic beauty between the aspects of reality. She is the most spontaneous and artistic of the Cilzhen Yel.; the arts are her delight. Uleva spends much of her time in company of others, bringing joy and vibrance with her encouragements. In the later days, Uleva would assume charge of the surface of the earth, all plants and animals would abide by her direction. Many times, she was lost amidst the theories of her twin, Oleris, but she would be drawn to one in particular and upon pondering it further, Oleris would come to realise it was indeed the optimal solution.

When the gifts of the Great Spirits were thus bestowed, Eleyon warned them, ‘Each of you I have created and blessed. So, despite all you may achieve in the ages to come, you must not forget the source of your being. For it is by my will alone that you are sustained, and if you turn from it, you will surely return to the ether.’ The Cilzhen Yel heard Eleyon, and in reverence they submitted to him, and Eleyon knew that they were good. Thus, the first stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

The Realm of the Soul

Now Eleyon said, ‘Let some of the ether be condensed, for then it shall have structure for us to weave.’ And so it was that much ether folded in upon itself, becoming heavy and coiled, and the Cilzhen Yel wondered at it. At once, they began to spin the newly formed energy into experimental forms. In the realm of the soul, there were many forms of energy and forces far beyond what humans now know, for the rules for the realm of the body do not apply to the realm of the soul.

The Cilzhen Yel worked in harmony with each other under Eleyon and the realm of the soul was fashioned to the will of Eleyon. Of this realm, present humanity is neither given full knowledge nor the ability to comprehend; humans would later call this realm heaven or the home of the gods. Eleyon has stated this ban will be lifted at the end of all things, when all secrets are revealed, but until that time, humankind is permitted to know but little of this realm. Thus the second stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

Now Eleyon said, ‘Let there be beings of energy, for it is good that the Cilzhen Yel have helpers to assist them for the work to come.‘ So it was that a host of souls arose from the energy; and like the Cilzhen Yel, they were granted wills unto themselves. These beings were named the Cilzhen Wel, the Created Souls, or simply the Wevel or the Souls. The Wevel were of a different nature from the Yevel, for the Wevel have both soul and spirit, but they have a greater part of their awareness in the realm of souls, and more deftly do they shape energy than the ether, for they are native to energy. To each of the Wevel, Eleyon bestowed gifts, but they are too numerous to name herein. A full telling of the Wevel and their gifts may be found in Egezhen Wevelach. By each of their gifts, some of the Wevel found they were suited to the service of a single, some to two, three or even all four of the Cilzhen Yel. Others found their souls drawn to Eleyon himself, to serve him directly.

Many great and wonderful things were woven in this age, far beyond the understanding of humans. Great symphonies of light, paintings of motion and dances of colour were composed and performed to worship Cilves Eleyon. When the Wevel were grown in mind and heart, Eleyon warned them with the same warning that he spoke to the Cilzhen Yel. ‘Each of you I have created and blessed. So, despite all you may achieve in the ages to come, you must not forget the source of your being. For it is by my will alone that you are sustained, and if you turn from it, you will surely return to the energy.’ The Cilzhen Yel were reminded of their promise, and now the Wevel in turn submitted in reverence to Eleyon. Thus, the third stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

The Realm of the Body

Now Eleyon said, ‘Let some of the energy be knotted, for then it shall have substance for us to build.’ And so it was that much energy spun in upon itself, becoming dense and locked, and the Cilzhen Yel and the Wevel wondered at it. Together, the Cilzhen Yel designed the laws of the physical world, the ties that relate matter with other matter and matter with energy. Of the many energies of in the realm of the soul, only some were chosen for the laws of the realm of the body. Between these chosen energies, only five of many forces were chosen to relate to matter. Each of the Yevel assumed charge of one type of force, and governs it according to their temperament. Thus the fourth stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

When the foundations of the world were established, the Wevel went to work, shaping the details of the world as Eleyon design had revealed to them. Out of the dust of matter, the Wevel formed all manner of substances. The earth was brought together from its deepest foundations and water was poured out over its surface. Light shone on the earth, that the Wevel might work with clarity and precision. The water was separated, some raised far above the earth and the rest parted for dry land to appear. Plants were raised from the earth and the lights of heaven ordained to mark the cycles of time. The Wevel fashioned all manner of animals, covering the earth with creatures great and small. Then the Wevel and Yevel built a great city on the land, that they might inhabit the realm of the body with bodies of their own. Thus, the fifth stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

Then Eleyon commanded that a garden be raised to the east, a kind region, where the land and seas were abundant and nature was arrayed in her fullest bounty. When it was done, Eleyon spoke his final command, ‘Let humans be formed from the dust of the earth, and they shall be created in our image.’ So it was that the first man and woman were raised from the dust of the earth, and they were granted wills unto themselves. They were called the Evezhen, the Beloved, for of all created things, humanity is dearest to Eleyon. When life entered the man and the woman, they beheld the world around them and were amazed. The Evezhen have Spirit, Soul and Body, and more so than the Wevel, the Evezhen are naturally able to craft the physical substance of matter, for they are native to the realm of the body. The Evezhen can faintly sense the realm of the soul, but the realm of the spirit remains a mystery to them, for the ether is too dispersed for beings of matter to detect. 

Indeed, Eleyon forbade the Evezhen from knowing the realm of the spirit until the appointed time, saying unto them : ‘Each of you I have created and blessed. So, despite all you may achieve in the ages to come, you must not forget the source of your being. Here in this garden, I have given you all the abundance of the world, that you may be blessed beyond measure. In time, I will reveal to you the realm of the soul and the realm of the spirit, but until that appointed time, it is my will that you do not seek to understand the higher realms. For if you seek the higher realms, you will surely return to the dust of the earth.’ The Cilzhen Yel and Wevel were reminded of their promise, and now the man and the woman, in awe of creation, submitted in reverence to Eleyon. Thus, the sixth stage of creation was complete, and all was fair and good.

Now, Eleyon beheld all that he created and saw that it was fair and good, in accordance with his design. The heavens and the earth in all their vast array were crafted to the pure creative expression of Eleyon. And so Eleyon declared the work of creation complete, and rested, and all creation rested with him. Thus, the seventh stage of creation was complete and with it, the whole age of creation, and all was fair and good.