The Story of the Beginning
“It is said that in the time before The Burning Kernos, brought forth into the world as Terra’s lover, was often jealous of Mann. Being the only true male offspring of Ao, Mann was always favored by him as his only son. As time passed he continued to seek the favor and recognition of Ao through various means only to fall short and feel inferior as his brother, Mann, showed more promise. His frustration grew until he could no longer mentally maintain his timid state. On the day before the celebration of Oceanus and Terra's birth Kernos, throwing his arms up to the sky, yelled with such rage that the ground shook beneath him. Terra, hearing his cries, placed her arms around him and embraced Kernos. Feeling the warmth of the his lover the frustration Kernos had felt in his heart faded and a faint smile came upon his face. Placing his hand over Terra's he asked for forgiveness and vowed to reward her, the woman who saw him when all others looked away. "Tonight is the night of the new moon. A time when all light fades under Luna. Please rest for tomorrow is a big day. And on that day I will reward you for all you've done."
That night as the sun set and the new moon blanketed the sky Kernos descended and entered the domain of Terra where all dirt and stone blanketed the world of Elyria. It was then ,under the veil of Luna, Kernos kneeled down to the land and dug his hands deep into the earth. Turning to his pouch he removed a small green sprout and placed it into the hole he had dug burying its roots. Having finished what he came to do he returned to Haven under the veil of night and awaited daybreak...As the sun arose the next morning a joyous shout echoed throughout the chambers for which they stayed. Kernos awoke to see Terra standing amongst the window looking out to the Elyrian world with a gleeful smile. He arose and walked up to her to see the view she had so happily sounded out for only to see the world that was once barren and dry now covered in a sheet of trees and flowers creating an array of beautiful colors.
As the others arrived to see what was the cause they as well grew silent in awe, even Ao. As a few moments passed Ao turned to Kernos impressed by his work and the care he has shown for Terra. Looking to reward Kernos for his actions Ao turned to Terra's vibrant domain and with his blessing brought forth many a new life. From the lush ground to the cloud blanketed skies these creatures roamed Terra's domain. Kernos, wanting to protect and watch over this gift, reached and took ahold of his right eye. Stepping out onto the soil he removed his eye and placed it deep into the ground where it soon bore the Aeilphar, a race created to be protectors of the forests. These beings were said to be people of fair skin with pointed ears who had a natural affinity towards the magic of the Elyrian world. For centuries their kind spanned the forests of the world as its guardian protecting all that Kernos held dear. This however did not last. The second godswar soon erupted and the lands that were once lush green were turn into war torn wastelands. The battle ripped apart the land that Terra had created and with it many a living things perished including the Aeilphar. The few that remained decided to seclude themselves in an effort to survive so that one day they might rebuild the life that Kernos and Ao had once created.
Not until many years after the second godswar did they decide to leave the dark depths from which they hid and appear before the world once more. As they came out towards the light they saw new beings. They were very much like the Aeilphar themselves yet different. They were the Children of Mann. For many decades they remained in their forests watching and observing these new creatures seeing how they waged war against themselves, killed the creatures at which Ao’s gifted for sport and not necessity and continually ravaged the vegetative blanket which Kernos had created. Many of them, following in the footsteps of their father, held contempt for these beings that saw themselves superior but since they were outnumbered, instead returned back into the depths of the jungles protecting it from any who wish to harm it. There were a small few though who looked to teach these beings of Kernos and the Qin’s love for this land so that they may protect all of Elyria in their place. So, using the magic gifted to them by Kernos, they masked themselves as Children of Mann and integrated into their society teaching Mann the nature of the world. Since then many centuries have passed and the tale of the Aeilphar are all but considered myths in the eyes of the Children of Mann. There are few though villages that still believe and continue to practice in the arts and beliefs of their forefathers, the Aeilphar, looking to protect the the magic of nature.“
-- Orion Eberstark, First Leader of the Eberstarks & Rumored Son of the last Aeilphar Chieftain
