The Aerthlen did not always belong to the Aerthlings. Once, powerful beings of light, stars, fire, darkness-born, and many other celestials walked side by side with creatures possessing their own instincts and wits. These celestials, ancient and immortal, shaped the land, the seas, and the skies, each leaving their mark on the world. However, like any immortals, they eventually succumbed to the restlessness that accompanies the predictable.
Therefore, came the Aerthlings.
Unlike the other creatures that inhabited the Aerthlen, Aerthlings possessed virtues that made them unpredictable. Along with instincts and wit, they also had desires, love, kindness, weaknesses, and cunning. They were born from everything the celestials knew and were, as well as from the nothingness that came with the complexity of their existence.
The arrival of the Aerthlingss caused a great debate among the celestials. One celestial, known for their wisdom and caution, suggested that the Aerthlings should not be like them, as it would be too dangerous to give such unyielding power to many. Thus, the newborns were cursed with a limited lifespan, making them the first mortals.
Another celestial, who was compassionate and nurturing, argued that despite their potential power and the curse, the Aerthlings should be rewarded, as they were still part of the celestials—not only their creation, but their children. The celestial bestowed upon the Aerthlings the gift of magick, ensuring that their short lives would be rich and meaningful.
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Consequently, the gods and goddesses left the Aerthlen and found new places in the Realms, intending to welcome their children back. Though, The Eternal Ones only sought to reclaim the children who bore the closest resemblance to themselves, the mortals referred to Netheria as a punishment and the Beyond as a reward. They believed Netheria was the Realms of trials and tribulations, where souls were tested and purified, while the Beyond was seen as the Realms of eternal peace and joy for the virtuous and the wise.
The mortals built temples and monuments, wrote songs and stories, all in an attempt to praise the divine, understand their creation, and seek help from the gods.
In the relentless quest for the Beyond, all forgot the profound gift bestowed upon them: the blessing of the Nameless One. This divine chaos—an enigma—led them to dream, choose, and defy all. Within the core of every mortal lies a fragment of will that reshapes the threads they walk and alters the course of history in ways even the gods cannot predict.
As the tale goes, even the most sagacious among mortals could not fully comprehend the essence of their creation and existence, as they basked in the security that comes with the known.