Ah, the fire is warm tonight! Good for my old, aching bones. The seasons are sharper than what they used to be, mark my words. What's that you say, little Saren? Yes, I should think I should know! I have seen a great many of seasons, oh aye, and mark my words, The Isle of Rose is not what it used to be. Too much pettiness, too much corruption, too many small men with big ideas and egos. Eh? No, it was not always like this. Once the realm that we sit in was larger, and existed peacefully with its neighbors across the water. How times change! Your poor Grandpa, Saren, he found that out, to his peril. We should look to the past, in order to see how it all begun. Only when we truly connect with our past can we have a strong future. To be sure, we do not want to make the mistakes of the past! Shall I tell you a story, Saren? Very well, then. Hearken well unto me and cease your yawning! There there, I did not mean to be harsh. Sit up here, on the chair beside the hearth with Grandma, and I shall connect you to the past, so that your future shall be a glorious one!
"In the beginning, when the world was new, the gods descended from the sky and shaped the land, breathing order, life and wisdom into the very soil. After their job was complete they retreated, to watch their creation flourish. But there were others who dwelt here, even older than the gods, and just as powerful. Fearing they would wreck their precious work, all the gods exiled them to a land that they felt could be spared. This land was The Isle of Rose.
This was long before the kingdoms of today stood, and there were only three peoples inhabiting The Isle of Rose: the Minau, fierce, strong and proud folk of the southern coast, the Wilva, a graceful, beautiful people who dwelt on a smaller isle covered in wildflowers, and the Auti, mysterious people of the central mountains. These people were dismayed that such a blight would be brought upon their homes, and that the gods disfavored them so. But the old ones stayed, claiming the land as there own and slaughtering any of the three peoples who stood in their way. As each race was on the brink of destruction they huddled together in the mountains, discussing what was to be done. Many thought that it was the end, but some felt that they must survive, at whatever the cost. So the three races struck an alliance, their leaders mingling their blood in a vial to sanctify the pact. Then an emissary was sent forward, to do business with the old ones. The first two messengers were killed, but the last was allowed to speak.
This is what he said, "Great and powerful old ones, the peoples of this land greet you cordially. They wish to make a deal, for mutual benefit."
At this the old ones laughed, a loud and harsh sound, like thunder. "What could we possibly have to gain from you?" they asked incredulously.
"You old ones are a powerful race, but have no females. We will give you our women, if in exchange you will leave this continent peacefully."
The old ones thought long and hard on this, for it was true: they had no females. And even a race as ancient as theirs could not possibly hope to live forever. So they agreed. "First bring us your best women," they ordered, "Then we shall seal the bargain."
So the emissary scuttled to the mountains as fast as he could, and relayed all that had happened. He returned a few days later with ten of the finest women from each race. Their beauty was unparalleled, each one a perfect, unique, untouched. He proudly showed them off one by one to the old ones.
"These women are from the Minau," he said. But the old ones were not impressed by the women, and rejected every last one. The emissary was perturbed, but not too worried.
"Very well, there are others. These are the treasures of the Wilva. These women, too, did not satisfy the old ones. The messenger was truly worried by now.
"If you do not impress us this time, the deal is off, and we will hunt your people to extinction."
Sweating heavily, he introduced the final ten beauties, from the Auti. And at once the ancients were taken in by their exquisite beauty.
"We are most satisfied," they said, "and will honor our bargain. We will leave this land, and take with us our brides. To their people we will bless a mighty gift; a gift to summon the immortal spirits of the land. They shall be the order, the keepers of balance in this land, henceforth known as The Isle of Rose; land of balance. So that jealousy may not threaten, to the other peoples we bequeath gifts as well. The strong people of the south shall have great fighting skill, and their armies will be surpassed by none. To the people of the fragrant isle we bless the power of magic, to control and wield the elements. Through this great power you shall grow from your island, into an empire. Both gifts shall be controlled by stones of great power, which shall be buried beneath your greatest city. If the stones are destroyed, then your blessings are no more. Also if the stones are destroyed then our deal shall be forfeit, and we shall return with a terrible wrath. Only the keepers of the balance can destroy the stones. Now, return to your people, and let the story of the old ones fade into legend."
So the kingdoms of Minaus and Wilvam were founded, and they did indeed possess the gifts the ancient ones had spoken of, and more. The Minau over a short period became hulking and brutish almost resembling beasts, a kind of bull – man mixture. The Wilva over much the same period took on an almost birdlike appearance become little and frail. The Auti, or The Only, as they are known today became almost ghostlike and ethereal and retreated to their mountain stronghold, to watch the world, and keep order. And yes for a time, Saren, there was order and balance in the land. Both Minaus and Wilvam grew to incorporate The Isle of Rose. Trade between the kingdoms flourished, and peace was widespread. But over time, they forgot and disputes broke out over borders. Disputes turned to fights, and fights lead to war. Soon the mighty kingdoms were occupied with trying to destroy each other. For centuries they fought, small battles and petty skirmishes, most of the time over useless swamp, little one! And while they fought, crime and famine spread across the land like a plague. Desperate peasants fled across the waters to where forests and deserts covered the land. They survived, against the odds, and fought for independence. The main kingdoms too preoccupied with fighting each other, could not hold on to the far reaches of their realms and thus the lands of Salinis, Reyhuves and Robilar were established. Finally, both sides exhausted the war ground to a standstill. The king of Minaus had his armies stationed on the Mantrua straight, on the southern side of the Isle. He was planning to ferry his troops across the sea onto the isle of Wilva. For that was the most infuriating part of it, Saren. Though they could win battles, it was almost always for naught. All of Minaus' settlements were over the mountains, on the coast, and all of Wilva's were situated on the other side of the straight. But if the King could cross the sea, then he could begin to conquer the cities of Wilva.
Of course, the mages of Wilva are not stupid, Saren, and they were waiting for the soldiers. The night before the armies mounted their offensive, the Queen of Wilva sent her armies of soldiers and mages to Mantrua. It was the largest and most violent battle this land has ever seen. Tens of thousands on either side were dead. In the end, Saleus was forced to retreat, but the armies of Wilva were sorely depleted. So much blood shed, for such a small amount of land to be won! This forced both sides into an uneasy cease fire; they had neither the resources nor the men to continue the campaign. Both sides were shocked at the severity of the battle. Your Grandpa, Saren, whom you were named after, was killed that night. Every year I honor his spirit.
But listen to me babble on! Your eyelids are drooping as if made of lead! Come; let's get you into bed, young Saren. Pardon? Do not worry for me, young lad. I miss your Grandpa terribly, but I go to meet him soon. Yes I am sure of it. Do not cry for me, it is my future. Do you not see now? Some people dedicate their lives to the past, others think only for the future. But those who truly go far keep one eye facing behind, and the other firmly fixed ahead. I wonder, Saren, which would you rather be?"