There are many worlds, and all are different. Yet they are the same creation, for there is but one Creator.
And the mark of the Creator can be seen in them all. Truth and beauty, love and justice, joy and goodness – such are the elements of the Creator’s character, and thus these are found in all worlds throughout creation.
There is also freedom. The power to choose. The Creator takes no delight in slaves. His creatures are free to do His will, or else to seek another way: but since His will is always perfect, all other ways fall short of it. Wrong choices have marred some worlds, some creations. Pain, sorrow and death have come where they had not been, where they did not need to have been.
The Creator is also Judge of His creation, and where there is evil He brings righteous judgement. But His judgement is tempered with love and mercy: He seeks to bring back those who have strayed from His will, rather than destroy them.. Thus there is forgiveness and redemption in the worlds of creation, where there is need of such. In ways uncounted, in worlds unnumbered, this drama has been played out. It’s sorrows and pains are not of the creation only, but are shared by the Creator’s heart. But the glory of victory is His alone.
All stories reflect the One Story. All acts of redemption are shadows or reflections of the greatest and truest Act of Redemption – that of the Creator Himself. The details change from place to place and time to time. But the central theme does not, and will not, until all time comes to its end at the Creator’s will.
This is the story of one such world, on such place. Ah’nan Ahlerion it was named, in the dawn of its time, by the first of its people to open eyes upon it. In the language which the Creator gave to them, this meant Land of Beauty. And so it was.
And, since we talk of names – many names have been given the Creator. In many ways is He described. To some He is the Weaver, to others the Singer. Often He is a parent – Father, or Mother, or something not known to the race of humanity – but always carrying the sense of loving power, of authority and care.
Councillor, Righteous Warrior, Healer of Worlds, the Prince of Peace – all these names has He borne. Always and in every place He is Lord.
All names are true of Him, no name defines Him. That which is both Eternal and Infinite cannot be encompassed.
But in Ah’nan Ahlerion – Alannahl, as it became known in time – He is most often The Craftsman. Meshilan, in the First Tongue. For He said to the first to rise and walk in Ah’nan Ahlerion “Come, see what I have crafted for you!” For this reason, the work and call of a craftsman of any kind has special honour in that world, and the act of making is a holy thing.
Romal was the one to whom this was said. Romal First-Named, and it was he who gave the land its name. The Craftsman called him forth upon the high slopes of a mountain at dawn, so that his first sight was the glory of green-gold light on the horizon. Then he saw the land below him, blue and silver-white, red-gold and soft gray, with the sea in the far distance, pale silver-green against the darker sky. Above all rose the brilliant spark that was the sun, and as the land was revealed to him, Romal named it.
Romal was the Namer, and the First Named, and after him came others, and they were the Tethané, the First People of Ah’nan Ahlerion.
Romal was the First-Named, but after him came others, and they were the Tethané, which means the Guardians. There were, in all, one hundred of them, and in appearance they were somewhat like men and women - but of greater stature, and possessed of more grace and strength than ever man had. Romal, it is said, was half again the height of most men: his skin was dark, and his hair was sliver white. From his back, wings rose above his head – not feathered for flight, but of black skin, like leather. The function of these wings was to draw strength directly from the sun. So it was that the Tethané had no need to eat as men do, but could sustain themselves on sunlight alone. Indeed, it is said that it was many hundreds of years before they learned to eat at all, and then it was for pleasure, not from hunger.
The Tethané were created for a special purpose. A task was set before them, and powers given them for that task.
“You are the First People of this world.’ Meshilan told them. “You are the Fore-runners, the Guardians. You will live long, but there will not be others like you. You will have no children of your own flesh. Instead, those who come after you will be your children. They will be the Second People. It is your task and purpose in this world to prepare the way for the Second People. Go out across the land: learn of it, rejoice in it, explore and understand it. Then, when the time is come and the Second People are called forth, you shall be their guardians and guides, you shall be as mothers and fathers to them. You shall teach them what you have learned of the world, and show them how to live in it. You will teach them also of me, and be as priests to them for a time. In this shall be your joy and fulfilment, for this is the reason for your being”.
One the Tethané, Vorsinya, then spoke, and asked “Lord Meshilan – what then? When our task is done – what of us?”
Meshilan smiled upon her, “Do not fear for that,” He answered gently. “but trust my love for you. Do your task, find fulfilment, find joy. And when the time is right, I will tell you what else there shall be.”
Then did Romal speak, who was First-named – though in those days there was no thought of rank or precedence amongst them: but often Romal would be the one to speak for all – “Lord Meshilan, we thank you for this gift, and for your love. We will do this task with joy and trust you for whatever might follow it. But, if it be your will, then tell us this: at what time will the Second People come – that we may be prepared for their coming?”
Meshilan spoke once more. “The time is in your hand, First People of Ah’nan – Ahlerion. When you have learned all you wish to learn, and the burden of knowledge grows heavy, and you wish to pass it on…. When you have enjoyed the land to your fill, and it begins to seem lonely and empty…..and when you are all of one mind in this – then gather once more in this place, and call upon me, and I will hear you. At that time, you must name the Second People. And when you name them together, they will come”.
Then the Lord, the Craftsman arose from that place. “Go to your task and to your joy. And know that I will watch over you at all times.”
So it was spoken, and the Tethané went out from that place and into the world.
Long years passed – many long years, but the Tethané took no account of them. There was no sickness or death amongst them, no hardships or sufferings. They spread out across the world of Ah’nan-Ahlerion, and rejoiced in all they found.
In course of time, each turned to particular concerns and interests.
Osran loved the lakes and great rivers, and it was he who built the first boat. Shalasa had special joy in the smaller streams, in rushing waters and sparkling brooks. In their similarity of interests, they drew together and eventually made a special bond of companionship. They gave thanks to Meshillan for the special joy they had in sharing thus together, and bore witness of it to the other Tethané: and this was the first marriage.
Gisen and Tortrae likewise bonded. They shared a love of water with Osran and Shalasa, and lived with them awhile. But then they built a boat, such as Osran had, and journeyed downriver, coming at last to the sea. There they dwelt, building bigger and bigger vessels, and took to travelling far across the waters.
Othanta took to the forests, and devoted himself to study and learn of the trees. His bond-wife was Atwiel, who’s interest was in the smaller plants of the woodlands. Shirida came to stay with them for a while, and seeing the fallen boughs of trees, began to work with the wood, finding ways by which it could be shaped and fashioned. In this way he became a carpenter, as was much honoured for being a Craftsman in emulation of Meshilan.
It was Shirida who discovered fire, for he worked the wood with such energy that it grew hot, and eventually burst into flame. This was a great wonder among the Tethané. Many experimented with fire and it’s uses. Skallan used it to invent the art of cooking, and Deshina baked clay to produce pottery. Uriska became the first to smelt ore, and so became a craftsman in metal.
Armed with Shirida’s fire, Drothti travelled and explored in the frozen lands of the north, which before had been cold and uncomfortable even for the Tethané.
Crinell invented cloth. With her bond-husband Nondel devised the arts of dyeing and weaving.
Latrad was the first singer, and found many ways in which sound could be made, and turned into beauty. In particular, he sang many songs with Essat. They bonded, and made the first musical instruments.
Fremalen lived on the plains amongst the great herds of beasts. It was he who first learned to ride. Though the Tethané are fleet of foot, and do not tire easily, Fremalen shared with the them the thrill of being carried along on the back of a galloping beast.
Romal First-Named stayed amongst the mountains and in the high country, where he thought deeply on many things. He devised a form of writing, by which thoughts could be recorded, and shared across time and distance.
It happened one day that, as Romal walked amongst the high peaks, he met with the Prince of the Messengers of Light – who has many names amongst the worlds, but the Tethané new this being as Zarel.
“Hail Zarel!” Romal greeted him.
“Hail Romal, First Named of the First People.” Replied Zarel.
“Welcome here.” Said Romal. “Do you bring a message from Meshilan?”
“I bring warnings.” Zarel replied. “It is with sorrow I bring these tidings: but you are bid to beware! The Cursed One, the Ancient Enemy, has come to Ah’nan-Ahlerion.
“These are grave tidings indeed!” Romal told him. “Why has this happened? Why does the Craftsman permit it? For surely the Enemy will seek to damage this world that our Lord has Crafted!”
“Indeed it is so.” Zarel agreed. “Which is why I bring warning. But know this: your Lord and mine will not bind any to his will, except by love freely given. So the choice is always open. The Cursed One made his choice many long ages ago. And so did I! We fought in those days, and the Enemy was cast down, but it was not permitted me to destroy him. Instead, he is allowed freedom to travel the worlds and give this choice to all, that they may choose his path, or that of the Craftsman.
“So then – what must we do that he may have no power amongst us?”
“He can have no power except where he is allowed.” Zarel told him. “He cannot speak to you if you will not listen. He cannot act if you will not act for him. But beware, for he is cunning and subtle: a liar, a deceiver and a twister of truth.”
“Who then can resist him?” Romal cried.
“If you will, you can! At the end, the choice is yours. And if your choice goes against him he can do nothing. He will be defeated, and will leave the world in peace.”
“But should we make the choose wrongly?”
“Then there will be great trouble and suffering amongst you, and what the end will be I cannot say.”
With these grim words Zarel left him, and Romal sent warning to all the Tethané.
(It is said that the First People were gifted with this power, that they could speak to each other across any distance should they have need. But, as with so much else, the full truth is not known in this age).
Thus were the First People alerted to the coming of their Enemy. But time passed, and no more was heard of him.
But he was there. And he pursued his designs in Ah’nan- Ahlerion with the same subtle malice that he displayed in all his dealings. Long did he watch, and listen, and learn of the Tethané, even as the Tethanén learned of Ah’nan-Ahlerion. Then when, he had learned what he wished, he began to speak to certain of the First People. Not, at first, openly. He was a whisper on the wind, a thought in their minds, a disturbed dream. He suggested things, he raised questions, sowed doubts. And all with such cunning that those he spoke to did not recognise his voice, but believed they had thought these things themselves.
And the mark of the Creator can be seen in them all. Truth and beauty, love and justice, joy and goodness – such are the elements of the Creator’s character, and thus these are found in all worlds throughout creation.
There is also freedom. The power to choose. The Creator takes no delight in slaves. His creatures are free to do His will, or else to seek another way: but since His will is always perfect, all other ways fall short of it. Wrong choices have marred some worlds, some creations. Pain, sorrow and death have come where they had not been, where they did not need to have been.
The Creator is also Judge of His creation, and where there is evil He brings righteous judgement. But His judgement is tempered with love and mercy: He seeks to bring back those who have strayed from His will, rather than destroy them.. Thus there is forgiveness and redemption in the worlds of creation, where there is need of such. In ways uncounted, in worlds unnumbered, this drama has been played out. It’s sorrows and pains are not of the creation only, but are shared by the Creator’s heart. But the glory of victory is His alone.
All stories reflect the One Story. All acts of redemption are shadows or reflections of the greatest and truest Act of Redemption – that of the Creator Himself. The details change from place to place and time to time. But the central theme does not, and will not, until all time comes to its end at the Creator’s will.
This is the story of one such world, on such place. Ah’nan Ahlerion it was named, in the dawn of its time, by the first of its people to open eyes upon it. In the language which the Creator gave to them, this meant Land of Beauty. And so it was.
And, since we talk of names – many names have been given the Creator. In many ways is He described. To some He is the Weaver, to others the Singer. Often He is a parent – Father, or Mother, or something not known to the race of humanity – but always carrying the sense of loving power, of authority and care.
Councillor, Righteous Warrior, Healer of Worlds, the Prince of Peace – all these names has He borne. Always and in every place He is Lord.
All names are true of Him, no name defines Him. That which is both Eternal and Infinite cannot be encompassed.
But in Ah’nan Ahlerion – Alannahl, as it became known in time – He is most often The Craftsman. Meshilan, in the First Tongue. For He said to the first to rise and walk in Ah’nan Ahlerion “Come, see what I have crafted for you!” For this reason, the work and call of a craftsman of any kind has special honour in that world, and the act of making is a holy thing.
Romal was the one to whom this was said. Romal First-Named, and it was he who gave the land its name. The Craftsman called him forth upon the high slopes of a mountain at dawn, so that his first sight was the glory of green-gold light on the horizon. Then he saw the land below him, blue and silver-white, red-gold and soft gray, with the sea in the far distance, pale silver-green against the darker sky. Above all rose the brilliant spark that was the sun, and as the land was revealed to him, Romal named it.
Romal was the Namer, and the First Named, and after him came others, and they were the Tethané, the First People of Ah’nan Ahlerion.
Romal was the First-Named, but after him came others, and they were the Tethané, which means the Guardians. There were, in all, one hundred of them, and in appearance they were somewhat like men and women - but of greater stature, and possessed of more grace and strength than ever man had. Romal, it is said, was half again the height of most men: his skin was dark, and his hair was sliver white. From his back, wings rose above his head – not feathered for flight, but of black skin, like leather. The function of these wings was to draw strength directly from the sun. So it was that the Tethané had no need to eat as men do, but could sustain themselves on sunlight alone. Indeed, it is said that it was many hundreds of years before they learned to eat at all, and then it was for pleasure, not from hunger.
The Tethané were created for a special purpose. A task was set before them, and powers given them for that task.
“You are the First People of this world.’ Meshilan told them. “You are the Fore-runners, the Guardians. You will live long, but there will not be others like you. You will have no children of your own flesh. Instead, those who come after you will be your children. They will be the Second People. It is your task and purpose in this world to prepare the way for the Second People. Go out across the land: learn of it, rejoice in it, explore and understand it. Then, when the time is come and the Second People are called forth, you shall be their guardians and guides, you shall be as mothers and fathers to them. You shall teach them what you have learned of the world, and show them how to live in it. You will teach them also of me, and be as priests to them for a time. In this shall be your joy and fulfilment, for this is the reason for your being”.
One the Tethané, Vorsinya, then spoke, and asked “Lord Meshilan – what then? When our task is done – what of us?”
Meshilan smiled upon her, “Do not fear for that,” He answered gently. “but trust my love for you. Do your task, find fulfilment, find joy. And when the time is right, I will tell you what else there shall be.”
Then did Romal speak, who was First-named – though in those days there was no thought of rank or precedence amongst them: but often Romal would be the one to speak for all – “Lord Meshilan, we thank you for this gift, and for your love. We will do this task with joy and trust you for whatever might follow it. But, if it be your will, then tell us this: at what time will the Second People come – that we may be prepared for their coming?”
Meshilan spoke once more. “The time is in your hand, First People of Ah’nan – Ahlerion. When you have learned all you wish to learn, and the burden of knowledge grows heavy, and you wish to pass it on…. When you have enjoyed the land to your fill, and it begins to seem lonely and empty…..and when you are all of one mind in this – then gather once more in this place, and call upon me, and I will hear you. At that time, you must name the Second People. And when you name them together, they will come”.
Then the Lord, the Craftsman arose from that place. “Go to your task and to your joy. And know that I will watch over you at all times.”
So it was spoken, and the Tethané went out from that place and into the world.
Long years passed – many long years, but the Tethané took no account of them. There was no sickness or death amongst them, no hardships or sufferings. They spread out across the world of Ah’nan-Ahlerion, and rejoiced in all they found.
In course of time, each turned to particular concerns and interests.
Osran loved the lakes and great rivers, and it was he who built the first boat. Shalasa had special joy in the smaller streams, in rushing waters and sparkling brooks. In their similarity of interests, they drew together and eventually made a special bond of companionship. They gave thanks to Meshillan for the special joy they had in sharing thus together, and bore witness of it to the other Tethané: and this was the first marriage.
Gisen and Tortrae likewise bonded. They shared a love of water with Osran and Shalasa, and lived with them awhile. But then they built a boat, such as Osran had, and journeyed downriver, coming at last to the sea. There they dwelt, building bigger and bigger vessels, and took to travelling far across the waters.
Othanta took to the forests, and devoted himself to study and learn of the trees. His bond-wife was Atwiel, who’s interest was in the smaller plants of the woodlands. Shirida came to stay with them for a while, and seeing the fallen boughs of trees, began to work with the wood, finding ways by which it could be shaped and fashioned. In this way he became a carpenter, as was much honoured for being a Craftsman in emulation of Meshilan.
It was Shirida who discovered fire, for he worked the wood with such energy that it grew hot, and eventually burst into flame. This was a great wonder among the Tethané. Many experimented with fire and it’s uses. Skallan used it to invent the art of cooking, and Deshina baked clay to produce pottery. Uriska became the first to smelt ore, and so became a craftsman in metal.
Armed with Shirida’s fire, Drothti travelled and explored in the frozen lands of the north, which before had been cold and uncomfortable even for the Tethané.
Crinell invented cloth. With her bond-husband Nondel devised the arts of dyeing and weaving.
Latrad was the first singer, and found many ways in which sound could be made, and turned into beauty. In particular, he sang many songs with Essat. They bonded, and made the first musical instruments.
Fremalen lived on the plains amongst the great herds of beasts. It was he who first learned to ride. Though the Tethané are fleet of foot, and do not tire easily, Fremalen shared with the them the thrill of being carried along on the back of a galloping beast.
Romal First-Named stayed amongst the mountains and in the high country, where he thought deeply on many things. He devised a form of writing, by which thoughts could be recorded, and shared across time and distance.
It happened one day that, as Romal walked amongst the high peaks, he met with the Prince of the Messengers of Light – who has many names amongst the worlds, but the Tethané new this being as Zarel.
“Hail Zarel!” Romal greeted him.
“Hail Romal, First Named of the First People.” Replied Zarel.
“Welcome here.” Said Romal. “Do you bring a message from Meshilan?”
“I bring warnings.” Zarel replied. “It is with sorrow I bring these tidings: but you are bid to beware! The Cursed One, the Ancient Enemy, has come to Ah’nan-Ahlerion.
“These are grave tidings indeed!” Romal told him. “Why has this happened? Why does the Craftsman permit it? For surely the Enemy will seek to damage this world that our Lord has Crafted!”
“Indeed it is so.” Zarel agreed. “Which is why I bring warning. But know this: your Lord and mine will not bind any to his will, except by love freely given. So the choice is always open. The Cursed One made his choice many long ages ago. And so did I! We fought in those days, and the Enemy was cast down, but it was not permitted me to destroy him. Instead, he is allowed freedom to travel the worlds and give this choice to all, that they may choose his path, or that of the Craftsman.
“So then – what must we do that he may have no power amongst us?”
“He can have no power except where he is allowed.” Zarel told him. “He cannot speak to you if you will not listen. He cannot act if you will not act for him. But beware, for he is cunning and subtle: a liar, a deceiver and a twister of truth.”
“Who then can resist him?” Romal cried.
“If you will, you can! At the end, the choice is yours. And if your choice goes against him he can do nothing. He will be defeated, and will leave the world in peace.”
“But should we make the choose wrongly?”
“Then there will be great trouble and suffering amongst you, and what the end will be I cannot say.”
With these grim words Zarel left him, and Romal sent warning to all the Tethané.
(It is said that the First People were gifted with this power, that they could speak to each other across any distance should they have need. But, as with so much else, the full truth is not known in this age).
Thus were the First People alerted to the coming of their Enemy. But time passed, and no more was heard of him.
But he was there. And he pursued his designs in Ah’nan- Ahlerion with the same subtle malice that he displayed in all his dealings. Long did he watch, and listen, and learn of the Tethané, even as the Tethanén learned of Ah’nan-Ahlerion. Then when, he had learned what he wished, he began to speak to certain of the First People. Not, at first, openly. He was a whisper on the wind, a thought in their minds, a disturbed dream. He suggested things, he raised questions, sowed doubts. And all with such cunning that those he spoke to did not recognise his voice, but believed they had thought these things themselves.