Virkara Vyndal – The Feuding Era (-11000 to -8000)

Life was again peaceful in those creating years, and Aebaster seemed to be correct in predicting that his siblings would be satisfied as they dwelled in infantile Esha. It burned and churned wild beneath their metaphorical feet- taking one shape then another with each passing of Eshabal overhead. None were creation what beauty could be created, but each were drooling at the mouth with anticipation. In this moment, a single moment among a thousand moments of sorrow, was complete bliss. The world was everything for everyone, none excluded nor one favor over the other. Would it be that it remained such, but the Eshan were too imperfect in their infinite power to forge a world in a perfect manner.

Acolitus named this place Neserumos, or Great Garden in the ancient Eshanic tongue. All the world came into this categorization which succinctly outlined its purpose. He did not presume to decorate or arrange all its beauty, but left to most of it to his numerous children. They watched from above in Vussalas with immense eagerness, and swarmed down upon the world with glee to take hand in the forming of Neserumos the Beautiful.

The Eshan called forth the immeasurable raw energy of creation to forge nature into a form familiar to modern olûndi. It swept across the charred and barren world, seeping low and gushing high. One might picture it like a golden ocean cascading without any soulless, mundane barriers. Eshan danced behind its churning waves with cheerful songs of novel creation upon their lips. The massive formative fissures of magma and natural malignity created from unhewn manifestations of energy were closed and forgotten. In this way the world’s birth wounds were sewn. Mountains and forests, along with rivers and vast oceans were crafted from the bold and whimsical fancies of the Eshan manifested into creative power- washing upon the land or twisting nimbly toward Vussalas. In their celebrations they created vast gysers and volcanos of Eshanic power to spray that raw beauty in dazzling lights, such that Eshan and olundi name look to such occurrances as blessings and good luck. This was the creation of the original continents, named Anthu by the early Eshan. Around 15 of them originally existed in Esha- long before the world was considered two halves.

Other mundane objects were spawned as well, which were unplanned by the Eshan but brought into reality through some strange calculus unknown to reason. Gems, mineral ores, and different varieties of stone appeared throughout the Eshan’s creation. Why? The exact origin is uncertain, but the dispersal of these resources was caused by the uneven concentrations of Eshanic energy. Stone was a more condensed iteration of the same energy which wrought soil, and iron more condensed still, and so forth. An inescapable wonder enthralled the masses, binding together the once quarrelsome Alor’eshan and Ebal’eshan. Each eager mind offered some insight, wisdom, or craftwork to increase the beauty of Esha and sustain it. Their powers were expended to the extremes of perceived and real capability again and again- new discoveries silenced the doubtful who claimed that Eshara was nothing but Vussalas made manifest. This new world was greater than Vussalas. It was greater than the Ollulos rocks which once reigned over the universe. It was greater than the Eight Eshor of Kolura. It was greater than Acolitus’ eternal fabric, not because it was truly greater, but because it was created with collective hands and thus the jewel in the eye of every Eshan.

The magnificent landscapes of the Anthu bid the Eshan to come together, dwelling in harmony and common creation. One might misunderstand the significance of this development, but in Vussalas the Eshan were rarely in such close proximity, save for those dwelling in common within Ollulos. Now the Eshan were close. Personal unions, gatherings, and early dynasties were formed among them at far greater speed than Acolitus could have predicted. Esha was broken apart into the loose domains of certain factions, not warring, but choosing very deliberately with whom they associated. This was an identical path of development which Acolitus witnessed with the destruction of the Ollulos- harmony with a dark shadow of factionalism, which would one day spiral into violence. He saw the signs and was afraid. Esha could be broken just as the Ollulos of old. Acolitus determined to act as the teacher, illuminating the shortcomings and personal ailments which destroyed their pervious world.

The natural beauty of Esha was coming into being, such that the Eshan were glad and united in their hearts. Ancient rivalries and evils subsided to insignificance. Acolitus desired to capitalize on this Eshanic community by establishing certain understandings and orders as would govern the world. He thus gathered together the many dynasties and lone wanderers of the world to communicate to them what might considered good or evil. Indeed, the lawless years of the Void Struggles were endured without any sense of morality articulated by basic suggestion. Each Eshan was false in only loving themselves and their own creations. Naming these noble ideas, codifying them, might just direct the Eshan on a better path. Acolitus setout the terms as follows:

This was the First Mandate, being the guideline upon which Acolitus expected the Eshan to build their worldly domain in Esha. It succinctly outlined the nature of this place, as a garden of creation rather than field of war, and what should be done therein. It was the earliest moral code offered to the Eshan, during a time when morals and ethics were strange and unarticulated concepts. The Eshan heard this First Mandate from everywhere in Esha. None were allowed to escape it. The words made some feel secured and happy. Others, such as the combative Aebaster and Atun, were fearful and confused by these words, and ignored the tenets of the First Mandate which damned them. Acolitus traveled to all realms of the Eshan to expound these ideas and chastise the wrongdoers. These travels became mobile synods in which all manner of concepts and philosophy was discussed and contextualized in the Kalsu/Nerothu framework.

During this moment of uncertainty, love was first spoken of by the creator. Ácolitus descended upon Esha, biding that his children come forth to him into the plains of infinitesimal growth. Standing before the multitudes of Alor’eshan and Ebal’eshan, he described love as it appeared to his own mind, opening their eyes to its existence. It was a rude introduction to a concept hitherto experienced but unarticulated, casting it in a dour and corrupting light without the merits justly due. The motives of this exchange were obscure. It is known to olûndi through the memory of the Eshan themselves, but to their recollection the slandering of ‘love’ by Ácolitus struck them all as bizarre and ominous. In a sense, the assertions to come were true. Ácolitus could perceive what others could not and was skeptical of its effect on the powerful Eshan. Mordrim Terovan's account of the exchange from The Awakening is considered the most ‘historically’ accurate, though he himself was certainly not present.

At that time, the Eshan were naïve- new to olûndari existence and unaware of its dangers. They heard the words of Ácolitus but were oblivious to their meaning. When Ácolitus released them once more to the world with that message in mind, those predisposed to fear shunned ‘love’ like some dark miasma. Relationships between the Eshan became cold thereafter. Qazun departed from Zaregallis to his own domain with the Qazunari, taking close heed of Ácolitus’s words to ensure the sanctity of his own experimentation. It thus became devoid of acute emotion and replaced with simple pragmatism and labor, just as Ácolitus had desired. Others followed suit, separating themselves in remote places to craft the world which was lain open to them. For a time, the Eshanic world was introverted and silent, offering some form of peace enforced by the mandate of Ácolitus and personal fears. Why? The most reasonable explanation is two-fold. Perhaps Ácolitus did fear the influence of love as he stated. More likely yet, Ácolitus feared the unity which it might create between the Eshan, so that they might align with one another rather than his whims. The sermons against love were political tools meant to discieve a population of growing strength who knew nothing greater. However, the period of Olûn was not to be defined by Eshanic acquiescence to the creator’s will. In this circumstance, just as with olûndari creation centuries later, disobedience and half-truths were the dominant mode.

At center stage of this unfolding drama stood Aebaster, the eldest of the Eshan and prolific instigator of conflicts amongst them. While Ácolitus warned these deities about the intoxicating and corrupting nature of love, Aebaster scorned him with convictions that the creator desired to subtly curtail the power of his children though barring their conceptions. The debates he waged against Ácolitus himself and sharp rivalries he shared with the likes of Atûn hardened his own perceptions with bitter cynicism. It was clear that the creator did not willingly manifest the world with his Eshara but merely bent to the demands of his spawn who greatly outnumbered him. It was fear alone. The other Eshan were blinded by the apparent kindness of Ácolitus and refused to consider the desparate resignation which existed upon a foundation of profound, seething anger. Aebaster could sense it and read his motives plainly. With this revelation in mind, Aebaster endeavored to defy Ácolitus and pursue his own desires and bids for power.

Aebaster moved deftly among the Esha, creating alliances among them in opposition to the creator and sowed clandestine seeds of dissent verbally and with action. First, he approached Ámilus and Proden, two of the closest bound siblings, and gained allegiance from them; Ullum came next, followed by Onidriv, Seyesir, Toriv, and Arragzadaras. Each of them were promised freeom of creation- a universe where Esha and the Ollulos coexisted in beauty without unfair regulation. He appealed to their vain hopes. While things were good now, he argued, they could always be improved! When further demands were made from Ácolitus, however that might manifest, Aebaster could theoretically reply upon them. This gave him confidence. With his position secure, the eldest began to preach against the mandate barring relationships between the Eshan as artificially hindering and cruelly self-serving. The result was a series of illicit rendezvous between Eshanic beings, who in turn birthed further generations that were hidden from the eyes of the creator until the First Feud. Aebaster participated in this rebellion by tying himself to Mesian, who ranked among the Alor’eshan yet viewed the factionalism among deities with disdain. This was perceived as an important alliance but lead to further conflict.

Mesian and Aebaster’s relationship endured for some number of olûndari years, and great love was cultivated between them. They were close companions then, never witnessed far from one another. One might see them upon the verdant plains of Zaregallis one morning, then beneath the turquoise tree-boughs of Etal on another night. Greater peace was achieved now than any other time in Esha’s history. No further rivalries were initiated among the Alor’eshan, and Aebaster’s traditional enemies attended to themselves rather than seeking competition. Yet, the comfort and bliss found in a stable relationship could never eternally appease the ambitious mind of Aebaster. His eyes began to wander onto new, exciting subjects. Chief among them as Zelai, being an attractive but little-known member of the Ebal’eshan ranks. How the Eldest encounter her is uncertain, but he was enthralled with her furtive ways and wry charm. Aebaster thus bound himself in a secret trist with Zelai. They rendezvoused in a palace which Zelai constructed for herself in secret, which became the prime destination for romantic escape. In time, however, he grew bored with her and abandoned her for Mesian once again. This is to speak nothing about the two children Aebaster and Zelai parented together, but that is a matter for another narrative.

In anger, scorned Zelai emerged from her place of hiding to present herself to Ácolitus. Before him she revealed the vast network of clandestine relationships into which numerous Eshan were interwined. The creator was livid with news of the Eshan’s transigence but vindicated in his ruling by witnessing this disobedience. It was possible to punish all violators, but the creator chose a more powerful, tactful methods by punishing the source. He chose to curse Mesian, the being whom Aebaster had personally drawn into darkness, by commanding that all her further spawn would bear the aspects of beasts. After all, Ácolitus argued, if the Eshan were to act like Qazun’s beasts, then it was just and right to manifest this as reality. Everafter, when Mesian attempted to craft beautiful instinctual beings much like Qazun’s craft, they were stymied and corrupted by Ácolitus. Magnificent wild-things with flowing hair and many limbs were ruined with barbs and tendrils. Towering, fair creatures who were meant to dwell in peace within forests eating fruits were corrupted with hideous claws and malformities. Not one creation was left untouched. All was forsaken. The creator become alike the bully who bothered his weaker neighbors every moment possible. A scourge; a bane he became for an Eshan who was subject to the cruel manipulation of another in the guise of love.

The immediate ramifications of the bestial curse drove Mesian away from further interactions with Aebaster, ending their compassionate relationship and replacing it with cold, calculating pragmatism. Renewed turmoil plagued the Eshanic world as the Alor’eshan plunged back into the political scheming which was for some time dormant. It was different now, however, a more silent breed of machinations waged through conversation and inter-presonal maneuvering rather than bold statements and violent destruction. Aebaster was quite heartbroken upon such an end- but could blame no others but himself. Yet, it was such that his nascent faction was nipped at the bud, reduced to nothing, and he withdrew from public affairs in shame, and was lonely and bitter in personal affairs. Once at the brink of violence, Esha was once again stable and peaceful, more attentive to creation than factionalism and proving which Eshan were stronger or better than others.

Following the rousing terror that was Ácolitus’ abortive mandate against relationships and the curse against Mesian, matters in Esha calmed. No more did Ácolitus aggressively pursue this policy which was once so important. It was obvious that its reception was negative and further attempted would align the Eshan against him. Eshanic creators devoted themselves to the process of creation and strove to beautify the virgin world. Acolitus withdrew from the sight of his children, and for himself delved into the arts of creation which he never deeply explored. He created number mountain peaks and handsome creations upon the Anthu, taking respite from the crown of rule- setting the laurels of Esheryne light upon a peak and laying his garments across the boughs of lush trees. It was such that the mountains of Voryndal twinkled with Eshoric light, honoring the bestial things which naturally took shelter in their warmth. The forests here became shaded grottos where life flourished, and nowhere else in Esha was life so freely flowing than the country of Acoltius- the first of many places named Acothellos. The Eshanic children watched with awe, and respected and were jealous of their creator.

This period of peace between Mesian’s Curse and the coming turmoil is known among the Eshan as “Esha’s Sunset”- just before the world took its plunge into darkness. Beside the aforementioned peace, the great narrative of this period was the Campaign of the Atuyari, which swept from now Voryndal to now Qadal. It was not a campaign of conquest but change and evolution. The manner was as follows: the Atuyari were an ancient dynasty of Eshan, deeply interested in creation and the science of their newborn land. They studied it close and examined the relationships between Eshanic designs and the non-sentient, living creations of Qazun and others, such as how they endured and died. Their studies throughout the peaceful Sunset age revealed that Esha, though an artistic canvas of Esha, and beautiful therein, was an insufficient ground for living creations to flourish. The environments varied too much and the lands too irregular in resources to support anything. The Atuyari argued that the next Eshanic frontier was to make Esha not only beautiful, but HABITABLE as well. Only then could the Eshan best exercise their independence as creators akin to Acolitus.

The Atuyari thus made it their business to travel throughout Esha, to the various domains and living places of the Eshan, and guide their power, as far as could be done peacefully, to repaint the world to new specifications of their design to make it more habitable and more handsome in its utility. This endeavor lasted for the span of many olundi centuries, such that now place was unaccounted for or untouched by the Atuyari’s hands. Those Esha with no interest in assisting were a minority, and their domains naturally evolved in relation to the majority of land elsewhere- made more standard in natural growth, ocean coverage, peaks and depths of land, whereupon Eshabal might shine, and where great reservoirs of Eshanic power erupted onto the world. The Atuyari manipulated all of it to perfect Esha. What was once many dream-hewn worlds neighboring upon the same fabric was now a cohesive and beautiful universe. The beasts of Eshanic creation grew more numerous, larger, and healthy then, and all the Eshan were delighted an inspired to perpetuate these ideas and this world for their own benefit, even though the Atuyari had done it for the benefit of ALL.

The work of the Atuyari was the transition of Eshan from art to utility; a place of dreams into a place of life. In a certain sernse, it was a long-awaited time of maturing which all, even Acolitus, were more than happy to embrace once presented. It stirred the hearts and inspired the minds of the Eshanic race. If Esha was more habitable, what more creations could be born upon it? What universes of Eshanic fancy could be created? Each Eshan could be their own Acolitus, lording over their own race. Now that the possibility was spoken openly in the air, it was only a matter of time until the next logical phase arrived.

Ácolitus was pleased with all the comings and goings of this period, until he noticed something strange. One of the Alor'eshan, Qázun, cared not for the mountains and oceans that the other siblings were creating. He kept to himself on a continent far apart from the others. What he was creating there was a mystery to both the Eshan and Ácolitus, who became curious of his work. In fairness, Qázun was known for creation, and that was no secret among the Eshan. It was he who had experimented with living life first, creating the vast majority of animal life which exists today. All manner of things, from wolves to sheep, and cats to dogs, had been subjects of his experimenting. However, it was in his nature to be proud of his work, and he often came to his siblings and creator to display what had been done. They had always looked forward to remarking on his creations, but nothing had come to them in weeks. That was enough to stir their excitement, and a certain measure of suspicion as well.

The Eshan gathered together and went to Qázun on his island, eager to discover the secret. What they found when they arrived was that Qázun had been creating strange, bipedal creatures of similar form to the Eshan themselves. He called the life he had created Viscari. They bore crimson skin which was smooth in touch but hard like stone, and their eyes were of fire, deep set within hard skulls. Most were plain in this regard, but it was known for numbers among them to have pale white horns that grew every which way. They operated on instinct and orders rather than faith or thought, and in that manner, were closer kin to gwazkerrag and constructs than the sentient races of Qadal that would come later. The existence of life for these Viscari was to expand and survive, and to prosper and reproduce. What made them different from the mundane beasts that may be found elsewhere is their consciousness and means to alter the land around them. They were sentient, which was the great secret of Qazun. He managed to create a living being which was separated in mind from the infinite consciousness of Ácolitus.

How was this done? The Eshan, this author included, are still unsure of the inception. However, that knowledge which was deliberately passed is known. Sentience for Olûllosia was derived from the same model as the Eshan themselves, who possess certain mental protections which separate them from Ácolitus. These defenses could be replicated by the Eshan themselves and replicated onto olûndi, allowing reason to blossom where instinct would dominate. The Viscari were therefore a step, though perhaps a staggered one, along the path of creating life not unlike the Eshan themselves- independent and free minded. The creation of the Viscari was the ultimate experiment of Qázun, which had dominated his thoughts and imagination for years. His success brought a new class into the hierarchy of creation. Where there was once only creator and children, there now existed children of the children, life that fell outside the direct preview of Ácolitus himself. Nothing was more terrifying or exciting.

The responses to the Viscari were divisive. Aebaster and a number of the other Eshan saw it as brilliant and were inspired to create life of their own. Ácolitus was furious, as he had held exclusive right over life both in Vussalas and in Qadal. The ability for his children to create life of their own compromised his position and broke the balance of power as it existed up until that time. He ordered that Qázun destroy the Viscari and never again attempt to experiment with such advanced creations. This disheartened Qázun, but he was dutiful and willing to yield before the creator. Others were not so compliant. Aebaster, Mesian, and a number of the Ebal'eshan protested the decision, each for their own reasons, and argued that the Eshan should have the right to create the highest orders of Olûllosia- sentient beings. Aebaster argued that the Eshan were the direct spawn of Ácolitus, so in what fairness could his power be denied to them? Denying Olûllosia would imply that the Eshanic themselves were weakn and imcompetent to wield such power. Mesian argued that Qázun had done nothing malicious, but only wished to make the world a more beautiful place. This was, after all, at the heart of Ácolitus’ own decision to create the Eshor and Vussalas in the beginning, was it not? In both cases Ácolitus denied them completely. Sentient Olûllosia beyond the bounds of Eshanic law was another matter than anything prior and threatened to further divide the already divided siblings. The disagreement would lead to blows in a conflict known as the First Feud, worst of the stifes of Esha.

Yet, the first strikes of this First Feud were not thrown by a known belligerent. It was a lesser Eshan in the service of Acolitus named Semeqan. The Creator came to him and commanded that he fulfill a certain task for the maintenance of peace in Esha. It would be a vicious task, but necessary. Acolitus spoke about an Eshanic dynasty known as the Nenyari who teetered back and forth in support of Aebaster or himself, and whose careful example many Eshan followed. Waiting for the Nenyari to measure their position could result in a cascade against him, and thus he required Semeqan to terminate the Nenyari, or break their ranks in some manner, and trusted Semeqan to do it in secret after centuries of loyal service. This poor Eshan, unwilling to question his faith in the motive or outcomes of the Creator, accepted the task with cold silence, and prepared his strategy.

Semeqan alone wielded insufficient power to destroy an entire dynasty of Eshan, but researched deeply. He conferred with numerous wise Eshan in subtle ways, asking what natural outpourings of Eshanic power might be relied upon in the world. The answer was few, but the Eshan of the Atuyari, still famous for their reforming of Esha to be more habitable, possessed an answer. They explained that in certain place where the Curning Layer and Living Layer were close, Eshanic power might erupt on intervals of 20 passages, or the time it roughly takes for Eshabal’s rotations to withdraw that power. Semeqan was profoundly interested. He asked the Atuyari where such places might be found, to which they responded that quite a few were known since their recent forays across Esha. They directed him to one such place named Qalsha by them, which was a rocky valley who bottom was known to burst with Eshanic power. Semeqan was delighted, and he had his methods prepared.

The next stage was to invite the Nenyari to Qalsha on precisely the proper time. This was done with less difficulty as might be expected, for Semeqan told them that he desired to join their ranks and speak his mind about the coming troubles. They were deliberating on such matters to begin, and were thus eager enough to introduce a new member. A time was agreed upon, being of course one of those 20-day intervals spoken about, about the true nature of which the Nenyari were less versed. Each one arrived throughout that passage, such that by evening all Nenyari were present. Semeqan bid them welcome and they began to speak a measure. Yet, at the falling of Eshabal the ground around them shuddered and burst, kicking forth an immense plume of Esheryne power, straight up toward Vussalas without halting. Before any could comprehend it, Semeqan leapt into these fires, and absorbed for himself that immense power, such that his whole body was burning to great pain! He unleashed this Eshanic power against the lounging Nenyari, and roasted their bodies and seared away their Esseythu- murdering them in a hail of miserable howling. None escaped, and Semeqan departed the scene maimed and weak.

Horrid disgust beyond words was the universal response- remember now how peace had most recently reigned, and the Eshan believed themselves to be settled from their previous transgressions. The death of the Nenyari polarized the various Eshanic factions for or against the perpetrator, and soon between Aebaster or Acolitus who were opposites in their response. Semeqan returned to Acolitus receive some manner of recompense or praise, but Acolitus would not see him. He could never risk being directly associated with the perpetrator of such an act, and Semeqan was banished from all domains named Acothellos. Now poor Semeqan went into hiding, enemy of Aebaster’s kin and Acolitus, reviled for a task given and unrewarded, and he witnessed from shadows the horrors of the conflict he unleashed. What at first anger and regret eventually became miserable self-loathing and existential dread.

The battle between Aebaster and Ácolitus that began over the creation of life set the Eshan against each other as battle lines were drawn. Aebaster was joined by Mesian and Qázun from the numbers of the Alor'eshan, as the former was amiable with Aebaster and the latter felt obliged to defend his creations. The decision to do so was vigorously debated by the Alor’eshan, but they reasoned that the opportunity to create life and have true power of their own was worth the hardships and ire of the Creator. They in turn were joined by Ámilus, Róbus, Zelai, Proden, and Seyesir from the ranks of the Ebal'eshan. These beings had little stake in the fight in their own right but were eager to establish themselves in the affairs of the Greater deities. For some, the belief was that if their side was victorious, they might be granted higher status among the Eshan. For others there were more complicated reasons for fighting, ranging from loyalty to the Alor'eshan or a desire for peace and a return to the old life, before olûndari life. Aebaster gathered these Eshan together and spoke to them gravely and honestly, telling them of the dangers that would befall them if they failed. In bravery much to his surprise, none of them departed upon hearing that news.

Their small army then fled to a remote part of Qadal to gather strength away from the sight of the creator. It was in this time that Aebaster took his own measure of olundi creation. He created the ancestors of the Aemardic race, naming them Qarthast, or Children of Qadal, making them with towering features, rough flesh, great tufts of hair for warmth, additionally with wisdom to make the basic tools of war in reflections of Eshanic rods of Esheryne. They were crafted in the ideal of Aebaster’s martial prowess, but fewer in number as his Eshanic power would allow. Each stood twice the height of the Viscari, though they never witnessed Viscari, for one was in Voryndal and the other in Qadal. Aebaster left various “tribes” of the Qarthast sown throughout Qadal, such that they might in their own nature resist the invasions of Acolitus’ allies without the need for direct command. It was such that in various places the Qarthast created great dwellings of narrow, standing rocks, into which one might be sheltered and sleep standing up as to never be taken unaware.

Ácolitus was quick to gather support as well, beseeching its children to support their creator. Surprisingly, Ácolitus was only immediately joined by Atûn from the numbers of the Alor'eshan. It is less for the reason that Atûn was loyal to Ácolitus, for he too craved the power that Ácolitus would not deliver. Indeed, it had been the case in the past that Ácolitus denied Atûn's request to create a unique form of energy that could be utilized by the Eshan. His proposed energy, which he called Vojûn, would grant them a degree power in their own right by allowing them to create and destroy, conjure fire and move earth, and possibly bring death and restore life. Ácolitus was, however, fearful of this and denied him. The creator's denial of this request gave Atûn more reason than any to rebel, yet he remained. Atûn only allied himself with Ácolitus during that conflict because of his rivalry with Aebaster and his hatred for Aebaster's aggressive accruement of power. The result was an artificial brand of loyalty that placed Atûn on a thin line between reward and ruin. Beyond Atûn, a number of the Ebal'eshan joined the ranks of Ácolitus, such as Toriv, Ullum, Simas, Herot, and Jorn. A majority joined out of fear of Ácolitus and his power, especially if the rebellion failed. A minority, yet still a significant number, joined out of a genuine sense of loyalty to the creator and a desire to gain his favor. Once they were rallied, Ácolitus led his followers to quickly subdue Aebaster and his allies.

As the conflict developed, both alliances appealed to the Ezontach for support, as the enigmatic quadruplets remained dangerously neutral. The Four were the strongest bloc of power among the Eshan, for while their individual power was less than that of the individual Alor'eshan, their combined strength was more impressive than any of their siblings. They received these calls but were deeply torn on what should be done. It might be thought that as siblings the Ezontach would be compelled to side with each other, but like all siblings they too fought amongst themselves. Their fights for dominance drove them to conflict often during times of peace. Vada and Otaoradu, the younger pair of the Four, were courted by Aebaster- he appealed to their pride by offering them choice lands in Qadal if the rebellion against Ácolitus succeeded. They could therefore choose any place in the world to settle their chosen people once they were created. This impressed them, and they agreed to join with Aebaster. Duboartu and Nahu, the elders, were weary of the silver words of Aebaster, as it was known to them that personal power was his objective. They did not trust him and implored their siblings to remain neutral as they had been prior. For all of their pleas, the words fell upon deaf ears.

Yada and Otaoradu shattered the balance of power when they joined with Aebaster, and the other two siblings were forced to side with Ácolitus to challenge Aebaster's power mongering. The divide between them is known as the Brordaz, or the Sibling’s Divide. It was a hateful separation, and the wounds never truly healed between them. Indeed, even into modern times there exists a bitterness between them. Duboartu and Nahu, determined to defeat Aebaster, created the Odyrzid as their response to the Viscari, for they bore the most creative spirits among Ácolitus' allies. They did this with the support of Ácoltius. The creator was more concerned about defeating his rebellious children than maintaining the principles that began the war. The appearance of the Odyrzid was odd to the Eshan, for they only had a single eye, thick limbs, and stood at the height between a modern man and average Daorhu. Despite their odd features, the Odyrzid were intelligent in their own right, unlike the Viscari who were under the command of Qázun. They proved to be valuable warriors in this regard, and forged weapons of stone for themselves that were imbued with energy from Ácolitus itself. It would allow them to harm the Eshan, both the Ebal'eshan and Alor'eshan. Their armor as well gave them protection against the attacks of the Eshan, for it was iron enchanted with the energy of the creator. Thousands of the Odyrzid were created from mud by the two brothers, and they marched with Ácolitus to the frontlines. With their allies alongside them, the followers of Ácolitus were prepared to hunt Qázun and the Viscari.

The two sides met at a place called Zaregallis, a land beyond the reaches of the Sea of Zolrassus that was the home of Qázun. A great palace was built thereupon, known as Omotollar. It was the greatest feat of Qazun’s craftwork during the years of geographical formation which proceeded Olûllosia. Omotollar loomed above the virgin plains and shallow hills of Zaregallis, rising atop a broad crag of white stone. The emerald grassland crashed upon the slopes as does the ocean its shore. Within the marble crag was a chamber where Qazun conducted the great experiments of beastial and olûndari creation which earned his fame. It was there where the birds and horses, fish and cattle, and lowliest insects were created. Eshanic legend does recall, and can be verified by the author, that the chamber was illuminated with raw Eshara which shamed in olûndari form the Eshor above. This was but one portion of the super-structure. Upon the crest of the immense marble foundation was Qazun’s dwelling proper. It was a forest of towering pillars, once white like the chamber-house below but tarnished with vines and fertile soil. The grounds were coated with thick moss which was pleasurable to the feet and flower bushes where one might lay and sleep. Further, sweet fruit and animals abundant wandered between their shadows and bred like it were nature itself. During the day, Éshabal’s light flowed freely within the space; come night, the numerous glimmers of Eshor cast a secure warmth over that paradise. Yet, this was still not the full measure of Omotollar’s beauty. Above the pillared halls was another layer of marble coated beyond recognition in earth. At the heart of this level was an opal lake from which flowed four great rivers. When the rain poured, the lake swelled, and the rivers grew to flow over the precipice in great falls. Omotollar was so grand that the water dissipated to mist before reaching the plains below. Nowhere in Esha could a taller spire be found. Birds and Eshan both lounged upon this upper rise to enjoy Omotollar in its immensity. The descent of Ácolitus and his allies upon Omotollar as the place of battle carried a grim significant which was recognized in its own time.

Foremost, Omotollar was more than a simple pleasure palace and intermitten workshop of Qazun’s fancy. He rested here with his creations and entertained the Qazunari who gathered to partake in his brilliance and eternal peace. His home was their refuge from the tumults of sibling rivalry which plunged – into chaos. In his way, Qazun became their guardian and they his charges. Omotollar was a beacon. Among those Eshan unassociated with factionalism, the mere existence of this bastion of passive contentment offered some façade of normalcy as conflict between the Alor’eshan increased. It was the proverbial life beyond life, sharing the same olûndari plane but occupying an altogether higher stratum of prestige. The other Alor’eshan, namely Aebaster the Eldest, envied the boldness of its design and perfection of its execution. Through sheer skill and personal labors, Qazun created for himself what the competing siblings desired. His creations exceeded the works of any, including Ácolitus as master of creation. The Eshan were idle mistakes which outstripped the capabilities of Ácolitus to oppose, but Qazun brought life into existence that was deliberate and beautiful in its nigh-infinite variety. His humble demeanor and incredible achievements were attractive to prospective Eshan who sought alliances and guidance. Aebaster and Atûn, combined, could not present anything so well conceived. His ascent appeared effortless, his merits unchallengable. Qazun’s built off this reputation by denouncing the schemes and petty plots of his siblings, seeking to undermine their positions for the protection of Omotollar. The weaker Aebaster and Atûn’s positions, the more secure the world would be from venomous attacks. However, as Qazun’s acquired influence on that end, the Alor’eshan began to suspect his own rise to power. Later in the era, the nature of Eshanic plotting shifted from competing with Qazun to pondering how to manipulate his popularity.

When the First Feud was brewing, then, Aebaster recognized that physically encamping himself within the vicinity of Omotollar implied the legitimacy of his cause. His own machinations for power were disguised as an honorable defense of Qazun’s creation, home, and allies. In turn, the assault of Ácolitus was perceived as an attack against Qazun himself and the utopian freedom of creative expression which he represented. It was a brilliant, albeit cruel, political maneuver.

In the shadow of Omotollar was the home of the Viscari, whom Qazun created as his magnum opus, and they made a civilization for themselves of cities dug within deep pits and built of stone. These small hamlets were nothing compared to later metropols such as Ghethemas, Tarimikras, Amikiras, or Chogad, but they were unmatched for the time.

The first phase of Qasundar began in Zaregallis, right among the unsuspecting Viscari. Ácolitus, shining in his olûndari form, led his allies to assault the natural palace. The Odyrzid were the first troops sent into battle, for Ácolitus was eager to see how they would perform, being the first of the non-Eshan to fight. They bore their weapons of enchanted stone and were encased in armor of wrought iron, primitive compared to modern standards, but impressive for early olûndi. The Viscari that opposed them were protected by their natural armor, and wielded fire from their hands that was their sole weapon. The Eshan stood back and watched as the olûndi fought, little attention paid to each other and gazes locked before them. The ground was swiftly drenched with blood as the two sides battered against one another, and the air was filled with their cries and howls of death. The Creator and the Eshan were awestruck by what had been created: In their pursuit to create life, the Eshan had created death to accompany it, and in great abundance. The Viscari and the Odyrzid, two races bred for war, slaughtered each other amongst the stones of Zaregallis until they were both exhausted and forced to break from the fight. The fighting lulled as each side took stock of what had been lost. A great many olûndi were killed on each side, and well over 4,000 bodies littered the field. Their limp corpses formed deep piles among the stone huts of the Viscari, obscuring the ground beneath them.

The Eshan themselves engaged after the initial clash, followed by the surviving Odyrzid and Viscari. The weapon used by the Eshan was their divine power, called Eshara, which was raw and untested. It was outstandingly luminous and highly dangerous in its weaponized form. The physical manifestations of this energy differed between the Eshan. Aebaster took the field with a hammer of blistering fire, broad on its face and spiked three ways along the back of the head; Atûn used his power to create two daggers of shimmering light, vulnerable to similar divine power but entirely resistant to olûndari weapons and weak olûndari armor; Mesian bore her whip of opaque green energy, able to extend and retract as necessary. Ácolitus cared little for the idea of weapons, and simply used his own power to blast away terrain and opponents alike. The other Eshan had weapons of their choosing as well, but to try and name them out would be a futile endeavor. What should be known is the destructive abilities that they brought upon each other, and in the process, decimated Zaregallis and all life that lived upon it.

Atûn struck the first mortal blow, as he knew that without action his side would be overwhelmed by the strength of the other Alor'eshan. With daggers in hand he plunged into the mass of his opponents, taking them by surprise with his aggression. Ámilus and Proden met him in combat, doing their best to withstand his rapid attacks. They struck back, but every one of their blows was turned away or made null by the speed of Atûn, for they were either blocked or missed entirely. This infuriated Proden, who was among the proudest of the Eshan, and known for his strength and fury. Ámilus was known for his quiet demeanor but was no less skilled of a fighter. They fought Atûn to the best of their ability but were steadily repulsed by the power of that Alor'eshan. Their allies had as well engaged, leaving them alone to fend for themselves. Atûn took the opportunity to bring his full power to bear. The fighting continued only a short time before Ámilus was smashed to the ground, bleeding and broken, but not dead. Proden attempted to drag him from the fight, but Atûn assaulted with a renewed vigor, emboldened by his success. They exchanged blows over Ámilus's body, showering sparks upon the field and threatening to crush him. Finally, even for his strength, Proden was brought low by the force of his enemy. Atûn struck him through once with his daggers, then again, and again after that, bringing forth a steady stream of blood down onto the unconscious Ámilus. The corpse of Proden dropped down in a heap upon the unconscious Ámiltus, who remained buried for the rest of the fight. Victorious, Atûn stalked off, searching for another victim.

The hideous casualities of the initial clash outside Omotollar compelled the two factions to retreat. This began the second phase of Qasundar, wherein the allies of Aebaster and Ácolitus expanded the scope of their war across the whole of Esha.

Perhaps more terrible than the increasing bloodshed was a broad desire among the Eshan to replicate the creations of Qazun. The Ezontach attempted it already with the Odyrzid, but these beasts of war lacked the senitence and reason of the Viscari, even if they shared the same form. This made them even more dangerous. A horde of races sharing similar characteristics were created to fight and die. Enumerating the numbers or recording the names is nigh impossible, for all remnant of them rose and was destroyed prior to Kovûnkal, and thus nothing remains to examine.

The great first engagement between the Eshan stunned them all with its ferocity and swift mortality, such that the most powerful among the Eshan drew off from one another and restored themselves. In this moment lesser dynasties rose to assert for themselves honorable positions in the battle array of the Eshan. First and chief among them were the Larasari, who girded themselves bravely and stormed forth on the side of Acolitus against the Aebastodmar rebels.

Brave among Aebaster’s allies to withstand the onslaught were the Hallusyari, who swiftly set themselves to battle against the allies of Acolitus, weaving themselves thick among their enemies so that no order could be arrayed among them.

Atûn encountered the warriors of his enemies in eastern Othos, though no name was yet reserved nor common for the continent. He was accompanied by the Eshan Pokon who ranked chief among his allies during the First Feud. They divided their warhost in half to encircle and destroy the Aebastodmar warriors. The mistress of the Aebastodmar host in Othos was an Eshan named Ethosa, who was herself a veteran of the destructive wars of the Ollulos waged before the creation of Esha.

The final resistance of Aebaster’s alliance in Othos was in the southern reaches, now named the Golbesh, but then no different in overgrowth than the rest of the continent. Ethosa and her embattled, surviving companions fortified themselves among the dense trees, creating traps in shaded places to ambush the allies of Atun. The wisest among them broke ground and traveled in fresh-hewn tunnels beneath the land to pass from one location to another, rising only to assault the allies of Atun. They waged this war to great effect, causing considerable casualties among Acolitus’ children and draining his resources in Qadal. Atun grew more enraged with each passing moment, for winning dominion over the continent was simple enough with powerful arms, but crushing the resistance incurred twice the cost, slowed his progress, and worse of all marred his glorious reputation in war. Soon whispers began to swirl that Atun was not wise enough to remove these holdouts and other Eshan began to pursue their own methods and ignore his commands. Atûn responded with wrath, taking what influence remained to him and conducting a campaign of utter annhilation with his siblings. With fire they torched the continent, devastating its wild character (removing Magyagardu as the Odyrzid knew it) and cut deep chasms into the land to uproot those travelling through tunnels. Those Eshan who isolated by these methods were torn apart.

The cowardly of Ethosa’s contingent now attempted to escape to Vussalas, but their Esseythu and power and intercepted and destroyed by their furious siblings, leaving those who remained to continue fighting or to hide themselves. Yet, hiding meant little for Eshanic sight can in subtle ways perceive the powers of Eshara, and thus reveal any Eshan in due time. Atûn’s warriors hunted them as beasts in the dark places until only Ethosa, a half dozen siblings, and an erratic collection of expendable olundi races were left in Othos. The followers of Atun hemmed them in tight so that every moment their world became smaller. Ethosa and her survivors held counsel to determine how to proceed- continue fighting, and if so then how? If not, then how to escape or with what terms to surrender? Ethosa desired to fight but her companions saw no future in their struggle, only death. They begged Ethosa to surrender and under this great duress she accepted, speaking from Esseythu to Esseythu with Atun to request peace and parlay.

Atun agreed, but brought with him the full measure of his warhost, for he was cunning and perceived a good opportunity when it showed itself. Ethosa spoke with Atun, offering the terms that her warriors would depart this land if they were pardoned. Atun waved a hand at it, counter-offerring that Ethosa’s ilk should align themselves with Acolitus, as justice demanded, and fight to quell the chaos which they themselves had sown in this world, contrary to the Creator’s every wish. Ethosa could not convince her companions nor herself to return to Acolitus’ side, and thus dragged the negotiations with worthless appeals back and forth. Once again, Atûn grew frustrated. He roared out that there would be NO SETTLEMENT. On this uncommanded note his companions fell in a violent fury upon Ethosa and her companions, slaughtering wildly and crushing unprepared olundi beneath their feet. They tore a massive chasm into the ground, so deep that fire gushed from below. Atun took Ethosa and cast her into the depths with her living allies to follow. Atop them were cast the numerous dead, Eshanic and olundi, burying them solid beneath a thick layer of flesh. He cries grew muffled beneath, and the dead were cast down into that place until they washed out upon the surrounding land- the allies of Atun cast their Eshanic fire upon the mound until their emotions were calmed. When all was said, they claimed victory, departed, and never spoke of the place again.

Meanwhile, Aebaster and Mesian challenged the growing Ácolitus influence on the far-side of Qadal, in ancient Nevan. In those parts dwelled the Eshan Peln and his created race, the Pelna, who were settled in that place in peace. They were chosen as sentinels by Acolitus and Atun, with the intention of building a life for themselves and thus being willing to die in its defense. This of course would be superior to stationing a race with no investment upon the land. Aebaster and Mesian moved together as one wrathful body, seeking to break with superior local force whatever barriers which the Creator erected in Qadal. Yet they found the Pelna to be of a peaceful tempermant, and the Eshanic pair was prepared to declare them neutral and move along. Aebaster then halted Mesian, and stirred on a dreadful thought- what of Ethosa, their companion? Atun slew her miserably and her allies. It would be a dishonor to her death to allow Acolitus’ allies walk free, just so they might rise up as belligerents later along. Mesian was against it and refused to harm a harmless people. Aebaster bid she leave then, and he would do the duty, for there was no stopping his mind. He descended among the Pelna and brought death with him.

With the warriors of Ácolitus temporarily routed in Qadal, the Aebastadmars secured for themselves a region of relative safety.

Woe to the Ezontach who became bitterly divided over the First Feud. They were broken down their middle such that the Elders of them sided with Acolitus whereas the Youths sided with Aebaster.

Qazun was not idle while the war devastated Qadal. He was busy in Omotollar, preparing the Viscari for the ultimate encounter and preserving what information he could which spawned from the novel expanses of their olûndari minds.

The Qazunari and their warriors remained in Voryndal to protect their master against the forces which Ácolitus reserved to harass them.

Elsewhere in Voryndal, the dual deities Orduza and Syhlshei fought on behalf of Ácolitus against the disorganized forces of Aebaster.

Amidst these terrors, the author must make a confession which was long suppressed and brought great shame. An alliance was brokered between Ácolitus and I, for my present love for Olûllosia was unknown and the chaos which Aebaster wrought was grievous for all.

The burden of the slaughter was too great for the Aebastadmars in Voryndal, and they were scattered away in all places but Zaregallis where the Qazunari yet defended well.

The Younger Ezontach were no cowards and greater in ferocity though lesser in wisdom than their Elder counterparts, and thus they waged their own campaign.

Against Aebaster the anger toward an insolent rebel was strong among the Eshan, such that in support of Acolitus stood the Orders, those some in dynasties and other free, who lamented the divisive spirit of one faction to tear apart the world.

Mesian was bitterly saddened by the merciless slaughter carried on by both sides and bid to wage a campaign not only in arms, but against the foolishness of the belligerents’ senses.

Slowest to move was Acolitus himself, whose power was infinitely great but whose grasp over his own children was weak. For much of the Feud, it was the Eshan fighting among themselves over rebellion or freedom alone- not for or against the Creator. Now he stirred against the clever machinations of Mesian which could not be well ignored.

In this onslaught of miserable violence came the death blow to the Eshan’s first, blissful creations- the Anthu, or continents, which broke and buckled beneath the relentless war. This was the infamous “Breaking of the Lands” lamented by every generation of Eshan living or to follow, for many of the most handsome creations of Acolitus’ race were plunged into the churning pools of Zaryne below. The process began in quiet, unassuming ways, with narrow fissures cutting upward through the ground where certain breaches were created. Raw flame and molten Zaryne gushed forth, oozing like blood onto the landscape. As the fighting continued upon the continents, greater concussions made upon the unprepared land, further did the fissures expand, until the Zaryne surged freely outward. The land crumbled and broken above it, causing certain sections to rise while others sank completely- chaos reigned and nothing could survive. Before any remedy could be devised, the whole land was destroyed, reduced shattered islands or sucked back into the depths of Zaryne below.

The chaos was more profound than lands appearing or disappearing alone, but the whole face of Esha migrated and altered according to the Breaking. Sections which sank beneath the Zaryne were gone, leaving greater space for the others to drift. Places which were once close to one another became far away according to processes beyond the ability of the Eshan to guide.

Among all the Eshan, none was faster than Atun to claim a portion of the remainder while land yet remained to claim. He travelled to the ground which later became Etal, and which was a place where his forces gathered to rally before their campaigns. He loved it dearly- its position and its nature. On that spot, in that moment, he used his Eshanic power to create beasts of instinct, not reason (for such skills were not yet publicly known) to defend the place. They were formless, but vicious in that formlessness, for they could create spikes and fists from their bodies without difficulty. Atun gave them many names, one among the Eskul, for they were warriors of Eshara. He commanded that these beasts dwell in this land and be aggressive to all creations save for himself, their maker and master, and his children wherever he so came around to make them. Their power was great, such that the Eskul remain into modern times to defend Etal from ANY foreign entrance, benign or malignant.

After numerous olûndari years, more than might be accurately remembered, the third phase of Qasundar was initated in Voryndal. Warhosts and Eshan aligned to Aebaster and Ácolitus now returned to the region, for the war in Qadal was vicious yet indecisive. Save for the races which were destroyed wholesale and Eshan who perished, nothing of long-term strategic gain was achieved. Qadal was Aebastadmar, Voryndal was Ácolitus worshipping, and nothing moved in between. The greatest war in Esha’s history now came to conclusion upon the same battlefield which it began.

Aebastadmars and Ácolitus worshippers took their respective positions, nothing was spoken for each combatant knew their place in the ranks.

Whilst Proden and Ámilus fought Atûn to the death, Yada, Otaoradu, Qázun and his Viscari fought Duboartu, Nahu, and their Odyrzid troops at the center of the field. The bloodshed that characterized the early stages of the battle returned ten-fold, and now included the Ebal'eshan among the ranks of olûndi. Unlike the fight between Atûn, Proden, and Ámilus, the battle at the center of the field required little skill at arms for either side, as it was a struggle of vicious hacking and slashing. Róbus, who had sided with Aebaster for promises of new beauty and creation, was brought down by the Odyrzid. They used their weapons of stone and energy to first maim him at the legs, then went to the grisly work of slaughtering him like a butcher cuts up a common animal. The Viscari fought back as necessary but were concerned with nothing more than protecting Qázun. He was not a warrior like Proden or Ámilus, but rather an inventor. He never desired a fight but was forced to defend himself against Ácolitus's fury. Therefore, he needed every additional support his allies could provide. The Ezontach of Aebaster's alliance, Yada and Otaoradu, defended him as well, knowing that his death would leave the Viscari vulnerable.

Unfortunately for Qázun, Duboartu and Nahu knew of this weakness as well, and made every effort to exploit it. The Odyrzid, already having made a reputation for themselves as brutal warriors, were ordered to hunt down and slay Qázun. They pushed forward through the ranks of Viscari to reach him, leaving behind a bloody swathe of dead, both of their own and of the enemy. Indeed, they began to pile up in some places, where the dead of the first battle mingled with the dead and dying of the recent fight. It was a futile effort, however, and the Viscari managed to kill them to a halt, neither side being able to gain an advantage over the other. It was, as Terovan describes:

The slaughter was halted by the intervention of Duboartu and Nahu into the fight, for they tired of watching the slaughter of olûndi and wished to take advantage of the situation. With axes in the hands of Nahu and pure energy in the hands of Duboartu they set forth into the bloody fray and set it in their favor. The Viscari, no matter how skilled, were no match for the two Eshan, who cut through them easily. Meanwhile, Yada and Otaoradu were embroiled in combat against Simas and Herot, two of Ácolitus's followers known for their proficiency with Eshara. They were hard pressed by these two Ebal’eshan and were unable to assist Qázun against their rogue siblings. Both Duboartu and Nahu hounded and hemmed in Qázun, using fire and threatening him with their weapons to surround him like the cruelest wolves do a defenseless flock of sheep. Once they had isolated him, they set upon him and did their best to quickly slay him. As history tells it, however, they were not the final Eshan to see Qázun alive.

From across the field, Atûn, who had just defeated Ámilus and Proden, noticed the dire peril of Qázun at the hands of the elders, Duboartu and Nahu. Unlike his siblings among the Eshan, Atûn recognized the great significant of Qázun and his discoveries and wished to keep him alive. Without him, many of the secrets in Qadal's creation would be lost. He began to rush to him, but his vicious allies were too quick. Qázun tried to defend himself against the two brothers, but without this Viscari near him or the other Eshan to support him there was little hope. Duboartu and Nahu broke him, he who wished only to create and have peace, by smashing his body with axes and burning him horribly with fire. By the time Yada and Otaoradu had dealt with Simas and Herot it was already too late, and Qázun lay olûndarily wounded like so many around them. The divided brothers fought each other only a dozen strides away from Qázun with a renewed fury, but neither side was able to inflict lasting damage against the other.

While the Ezontach fought against one another, Atûn carefully stepped aside the wounded Qázun and crouched beside him. He gently apologized to Qázun for what had happened and explained that it was never his intention to see the Eshan fight among each other. Qázun, in return, made peace with him. They spoke a short while, pleasantly reminiscing about more simple times as the din of combat burst around them. As they sat, it became clear that Qázun's wounds were fatal. Luminous blood seeped from the edges of his mouth and dripped upon the foundation of magnificent palace. In those final moments, Atûn requested that Qázun share his knowledge of sentient creation so that it might not fade into Vussalas with his passing. Qázun reluctantly agreed but warned Atûn not to stray from Ácolitus as he had done, for the price had proven too harsh for all involved. He then imparted all he could to the Father of Etal before slipping out of consciousness, then away from life. Atûn was astounded by the simple brilliance of Qazun’s revelations. The secret which Ácolitus so despised and the Alor’eshan so desired was within simple reach. Sentient olûndi, in opposition to their instinctual counterparts, required artificial barriers between the consciousness of Ácolitus and the being itself. This could be achieved through the power of Eshara and without significant expenditure! While Qazun’s corpse yet lay warm upon Esha, a broad grin grew across Atûn’s face. He possessed truth, a straightforward truth which translated into immense power. The war continued, but Atûn’s desire for it was passed. Victory now meant peace. Whether he knew upon his death or not, Qázun had laid the foundation for Qadal's tumultuous future by offering the Alor’eshan his wisdom. Atûn rose from the corpse and now called to Acolitus. He told the Creator that now was the moment to arrive upon the field and claim victory.

Aebaster and Mesian broke from their allies and the main battle to fight Ácolitus directly in an attempt to quickly conclude the battle. They brought with them Zelai and Seyesir, and together they had wounded Toriv whilst fighting toward the Creator. The young Toriv was known for his skill in crafting mountains and valleys rather than fighting, and in that way was similar to Qázun. The two Alor'eshan and Ebal'eshan easily battered him aside. It was an unequal fight, for he was outnumbered. To his credit, however, he resisted bravely and to the best of his ability in the situation. The group surrounded him completely, having caught him away from the protection of the Odyrzid and the other Eshan. They proceeded to beat him brutally in a bid to gain the attention of Ácolitus. It succeeded, and the Creator surged forth in his luminous form to fight them.

The battle began with an attack by Aebaster upon Ácolitus, swinging his hammer in a mighty arc to come down upon his creator. It met its mark, breaking with a sharp crack upon Ácolitus as Aebaster bared his teeth in fury. It was a strong hit by any measure, yet for its power it did very little if nothing at all. Ácolitus simply caught the blow in his hand, like a parent halting a fitful child. This locked them in combat, leaving an opening to be exploited. Mesian and Seyesir charged forward, slashing at Ácolitus with a fury rivaling any warrior among the Eshan, though they themselves cared little for battle. The creator's armor, golden like the sun, began to dent and break from the flurry of attacks, causing it great anger. With a swipe of its arm, Ácolitus threw Aebaster away like a doll, breaking his hammer in the process and incapacitating him. With another swipe, it slammed into Mesian and Seyesir, hurling them away as well. Above them it stood, the Creator lording above its creations, wounded but still standing.

Seyesir stood first to face Ácolitus, for she was known for her loyalty to Mesian and wished to protect her. It was perhaps a rash decision, as then she stood alone against the enraged Ácolitus, a lesser being against the Creator of all things. They stood facing one another, waiting for the other to make the first strike. They lingered there for a time, the torrent of battle raging around them, leaving olûndi and Eshan both dead on the field. Seyesir broke the stalemate, charging forward as Ácolitus stood his ground. She wielded a short sword of intricate design, three blades protruded from the hilt and flared out in all directions like wild tendrils. It Served her well, for while the brute attacks of Aebaster's hammer were easy to counter, Seyesir and her dagger were the nimbler. They came upon Ácolitus and cut it relentlessly, dodging out of the way of its swipes and blasts of Vojûnic energy. For every missed attack of Ácolitus, Seyesir was given more time to stab into the armored form.

The constant damage dealt by Seyesir severely wounded Ácolitus, who was unprepared for such a determined attack. It was staggered, and for every step backward came another vicious attack. For a moment, it appeared this Lesser Eshan would bring down the olûndari form of the Creator, but it was not to be so. Ácolitus took every hit as an opportunity to brace itself, growing in anger and power with every backward stride. Finally, with an audible crunch Ácolitus implanted itself to the ground, moving not one step farther, throwing Seyesir off balance. Utilizing this opportunity, Ácolitus reached down and grabbed Seyesir by the throat, hoisting her up so that all may see her demise. It came swiftly, a closing of the gauntlet to make the pain go by quickly. It was like a bug being brought between Aemar fingers: crushed without compassion and little care for the life that was lost.

The death of Seyesir brought the battle to its final scene, as the surviving Eshan of each side rallied on their leaders. Aebaster and Mesian were weakened by their wounds, and Ácolitus came forward to slay them and finally end the rebellion of his children. In its hands, the Creator conjured a great spell of fire, drawing forth spiraling rays of light from the skies and stars themselves. It appeared to all that the First Feud had come to a fruitless end, many had died, and nothing gained. As Ácolitus was on the verge of executing Aebaster, Mesian moved herself in front of the blast, catching it full force. It maimed her, scorching her with the Creator's fire, but her bravery had saved Aebaster. The wasted shot left Ácolitus drained, as its olûndari form restrained the power that Ácolitus could possibly use. In this moment of vulnerability, Atûn struck a blow that was entirely unexpected. He took his daggers, still bloodied from his fight with Ámilus and Proden, and stuck them through Ácolitus from back to chest. Whilst this did not kill Ácolitus, for such as thing isn't possible, it destroyed the Creator's olûndari form, leaving nothing but a monumental corpse behind. Suddenly their defeat had become victory.

The betrayal of Atûn was a shocking surprise when it happened, but it was not an extraordinary break from his normal character. This was known. Atûn was cunning in the cruelest sense, always vigilant for an opportunity to gain advantage over his peers and dominate them. When he decided to side with Ácolitus against his siblings, he understood that his allegiance to the Creator was not to his long-term benefit. His plan was to assist only so long as Ácolitus was victorious, then betray him in the last moments to secure his place among the victors. Whilst Ácolitus is the most powerful being, the trend was that the olûndari realm was slipping into the control of the Eshan. The First Feud was simply the event that officiated that fact. The end of the conflict brought about the creation of the Divine Mandates, known as the laws that govern the heavens, the olûndari realms, and the relationships between them.