The Path of the Faendryl
I. Beginnings
As Researched and Recorded by Eredhen i’Larien Faendryl
Published: 1 Lormesta of the year 5104 Modern Era
Long ago, before the rise of the Great Houses, while the Elves still lived as one people in the forests, the Arkati walked among us. We first beheld them as gods, for so they represented themselves to us. Then came the Ur-Daemon War, and our people were forever changed. We came to see the Arkati for what they were. We also came to a new understanding of ourselves.
We knew that we were the greatest of the mortal races. As the Arkati were to the Elves, so the Elves were to those who came after us. How could we not be? We were born of the new dawn, at the conjunction of the celestial lights, accompanied by a chorus of song the likes of which has not been heard since. This Grace, and this Song, infused our being. We know these things, for the Arkati saw our birth and marveled.
We were the First of the peoples of Elanthia. While we did not behold the creation of the other races, we knew of their coming. It may be that, like the Elves, these beings sprung from the clay and rock of the Earth, the clouds of the sky, the merry laughter of the waves upon the shore, and the strike of fire from the sky. It is also possible that the Arkati molded these beings from these basic elements, finding joy in their creation.
The truth of their coming is lost to us, but many believe that we Elves were the last spontaneous creation of Life, that so much was given for our Breath that no others could follow. The Legend of L’Naere lends credence to this thought. Long have we kept our promise, and held her secret as a Mystery, until the coming of the Aelotoi and the breaking of that promise by the Illistim.