Two Kingdoms

Two Kingdoms - Part 1

The story of how the two great kingdoms came to be is one that is linked to the first people to settle in the land of Pangaea. In the first days humans had a different home, which now is lost. That mystical land lied somewhere in the distant East, across the Sartharian Sea. Being a paradise was a paradise for the awakened man. It is a place that according to lore no longer exists - having been fractured and lost due to the first peoples actions.

Only a small remnant made it across the rough seas, guided by Ulmec, their true god. Eventually landing on Pangaea's Eastern shores. Now the lands of this world had been made stable in recent times, having fixed foundations established. Suitable now for the fledgling race - the ground before had been as if water and air, never settling as spirits and beasts shaped the natural world wherever they walked.

With fresh eyes human saw the Earth for it's unlimited potential, the ability to shape their destiny lying wide open before the people. Given the promise of Ulmec, that should they live wisely and fairly, what befell them before should never again happen. Then they set forth to the West and the light. During those days it was as in dawn, when shadows still lay upon the paths walked. People were afraid. They had not the weapons or skills defend themselves from the dark creatures that haunted the nights. Many who wandered from the tribe in exploration were never seen again.

The people began to despair. Not knowing where to turn, moving ever inland - following the light that appeared eternally on the horizon. One fateful day, the destinies of the world converged as the tribe stumbled into a clearing in a forest. Finding upon their entrance many spirits feasting and singing. At first the people fled, but their curiosity got the better of them and they crept back to the clearing.

With their keen senses, the spirits knew of the humans presence, though they were shocked and surprised for they had never before felt the soul of such a kind before. It was as if meeting a being from another world. Being welcoming and hospital they welcomed these small creatures into their midst, offering them food and drink. And so hope and cheer was restored to all mankind in that moment.

The two peoples stayed together for some time, learning to communicate. The forest spirits showed humans their ways, teaching them how to tend to and be provided for from their environment. With young and keen minds, people picked up these ways quickly, expanding on what they were taught, to the amazement of the forest keepers.

From these spirits the people learned of the great city of Tenavast, the heart of Pangaea - the home of all spirits and the link to the immortal realm. It was from that place people had seen the light emanating. Knowing of this realm, their desire for the light grew even further. They pleaded to be taken there.

While the forest spirits wouldn't leave their homes which they tended to, they promised the help of the Seraphs. Wandering spirits that were far wiser and knowledgeable about the world. In time the tribe met these beings who were tall and imposing. Being fearful to look upon. With stern rigor, a score of them (which was rare as they were often solitary) escorted the people of Earth to it's center. Protecting them and warding off evils. So the people came to revere them and they were looked upon favorably in legend and story ever after by humanity.

During these times, a young man named Feladrun had risen to prominence amongst the clans. Showing great courage and the ability to gather the people. Under his leadership the people made their way forward, following the Seraphs through the young and chaotic lands of new creation.

The going was slow and many times the tribe had to stop due to unforeseen hardships, making a long journey even longer. Spending months at a time sheltered from beasts and the elements. Feladrun's first son was born in this environment and he spent his first formative years on the move. Eventually, after six years humanity finally looked upon the shining city of Tenavast.

At the Gates - Part 2

Confronted with a magnificent walled city beyond all compare, the human clans were struck with awe. Crowned upon a mountain, the city itself was only partially visible behind thick mists that reflected the suns rays in a brilliant arrays of color. The towering walls at the base of the peak were fixedly visible, standing over the surrounding valley. From the summit of the peak stood a tree. It was unlike any other tree in this world. 

It's roots snaked into the mountain and past the walls, giving life to the land. The trunk was thicker than a hill, having many passageways to and fro, within in which housed many dwellings for all manner of creatures. In it's it height, branches stretched into the clouds, lost to sight. From on high it watched over Tenavast, and all of Pangaea.

Every soul from the surrounding lands came to partake of the water that flowed from the mount - the whole land teamed with abundant life. When the finally came to this place they were welcomed with great excitement and curiosity (many of the spirits had known of their coming). Though all their hopes were not realized as they were denied entry to that sacred city. Shocked, Feladrun and his people still rejoiced in the end of their travels. Putting down their things and partaking of the bountiful food and shelter, taking up residence in the shadow of the city.

While the children of men lived outside the walls of Tenavast, they experienced every good Pangaea had to offer, basking in the light of the tree. However this did not lead to contentment for all those living there. Specifically for Feladrun's eldest son Tanar. His heart grew restless and he spent much time traveling abroad into wild lands.

It in strange countries that he met a people who taught him the arts. Being that of tool craft for labor, ways of beauty, and of weaponry to protect oneself from evil. The more Tenar learned, the more distant his spirit became from Tenavast and his brothers. As was his change, so was that of his clan and those that learned from him and followed his ways. 

There were two other sons born to Feladrun before he passed away in peace, leaving the the people in the hands of his three heirs. Telus, the second son, and Tovan, the youngest. 

Telus' attention was capture by the city of Tenavast. He and his people devoted themselves to the teachings of the spirits that dwelt within. He would often visit them outside their walls. Learning their ways as a child might, gaining great knowledge and understanding of the world.

As Telus and his people drew nearer to the heart of the land, Tanar's sight also turned there, for he began to see the power the spirits of Tenavast possessed. Thus his jealousy became ignited towards his brother when he saw the secret knowledge given to Telus from the spirits.

This fire smoldered until a fateful time when a feast took place within Tenavast. Telus and his tribe were allowed to ascend the great peak of the city - while the rest of the people celebrated outside the walls. Provoked to great anger, upon the people's exit from the city, Tanar's clan fell upon the clan of Telus, striking them down.

Immediately the guilt and fear of what they had done fell on them and they fled from that place. No distance from that land would ease their troubled souls and they continued further North. Eventually building great walled cities in fear of retribution. Though none would ever come for them. Neither from the spirits of Tenavast, nor the tribe of Tovan. So their kingdom became strong in war and might, ruled in the grip of Tanar for all the days of his life.

Now the youngest brother Tovan and the remaining people outside the city were greatly grieved and also afraid. For sometime longer they lived outside the city, but eventually fell to melancholy and despair, feeling the need to move on. Then all but a small remnant who still followed the spirits ways journeyed onward to the South. Establishing a sprawling kingdom. 

So mankind became divided in those times. Each kingdom becoming wealthy and skilled, gaining glory for their kind and mastering the land.