In the beginning, there was Thalios. He was there before
the beginning and apart from time. He
always has and always will exist. Around
him there was the Void. It was an
intangible darkness that embodied all that was nothing. The Void was not evil, but neither did it
make a suitable companion. Thus, Thalios looked into himself and drew out
a shining gem. He called the gem Kaës and together, they dwelt in the
heart of the Void.
Though Kaës was in
the Void, it did not become a part of the Void.
At Thalios’ touch, its many
faces shone a light from within and became the beginning of the Birth. The light pushed darkness aside and gave
space for work. Thalios reached into this empty space and created. He is the Creator and Kaës is his helper.
With the influence of a thought, Thalios caused seas to rise and lands to be birthed. All habitats from frozen tundra to lush
forests to arid deserts were given the freedom to flourish. With a single breath, clouds filled the air
and winds danced through them. Celestial
bodies soon followed, their guiding light providing direction to those which
were to come. A brush of Thalios’ fingertips against water then
gave rise to a multitude of marine life and a touch of his palm against the
earth inspired animals of every type and nature to rise from the ground. Thalios
and Kaës saw the life and were well
pleased.
Of the animals of the earth, Thalios had created one special.
He named him Talam and blessed him above the others. To Talam was given the responsibility and
authority to care for all that was created.
Thalios also gave him Maeira,
a companion to help him with his new responsibilities. As a further promise of his affection to
Talam, Thalios finally entrusted him with
Kaës, so that the gem might bind Thalios’
and Talam’s will as one.
All this was accomplished in perfect time and, upon
completion, Thalios and Kaës celebrated. The Void, however, did not like the lack of
attention. It hated Kaës’ light and it hated Thalios
for creating Kaës. The Void became Darkness. From Darkness came pride, lust, gluttony,
avarice, acedia, wrath, and envy. Darkness
pressed against the light and looked to penetrate it. However, the light was too strong and so
Darkness sought another target. Darkness
saw Talam, the jewel of Thalios’ affection
and the holder of Kaës. Darkness descended upon Talam and called him
his own. He called him Talamféin and so
started the war.