The Vadashar

In the beginning, Adoshen looked upon the void and was dissatisfied with its form. We do not know how much time passed between this decision or what came before, because time had no meaning. Our Great Father always was and always had been.

So, with the power of his voice, his will, and the Spoken Word, he declared: “Let there be beings formed from myself and the void, that I may call them my sons and daughters.”

And it was that once spoken, the darkness trembled, for it was torn asunder as he imbued his essence into it, giving form to the nothingness, and from which twelve majestic beings emerged.

The first was Yaesnos, wise and honest. He spoke only truth and had insight greater than his siblings. He was handsome, radiating warmth and comfort of one worthy of trust. In the presence of his light, no deceptions could take root.

Then came Numa, powerful and fierce. From her came the elements of fire, earth, water, air, and spirit. Her very presence sundered the void further, for when she spoke, her words buffeted the nothingness, pushing it from her.

She was, at times, a beautiful maiden of flame, at others, a pristine sculpture of stone and earth. Sometimes she would shift between a shapely form of ice or an elegant maiden of water. Her spirit form was perhaps the most beautiful. It exemplified the purity of her essence and power.

Next came Czvresh. He borrowed his might from his Numa’s fiery essence and spirit, and the void itself. His birth began as a tiny ember, a spark that grew into a mighty inferno, and took on the form of a majestic phoenix. In him lay the power of life, death, and spiritual force. From him, the void would stir yet again.

Then came another, born of his brother’s stirrings. He was order incarnate and when he spoke, others listened. Within him was Adoshen’s ability to create order, the power to shape chaos. In form, he had none, but all felt his presence. The void conformed to him, parting at his passing and closing like waves responding to a ship. When asked for his name or was offered one, he refused.

“I neither have a name nor do I need one. I simply am.” But Numa dubbed him ‘Nameless’, though he neither acknowledged it as his name nor did he refute it.

After Nameless came Serrathi, glowing with all the beauty of the sun. He embodied Adoshen’s purity and goodness, unsterstanding what it meant to be righteous and devout. Both Serrathi and Name found symmatry in each other and grew close as siblings.

Like Yeasnos, Serrathi was beautiful, with fair skin and long white hair.

Esterishal followed after him. She was clad with such beauty that her brothers and sisters were in awe. Before her, there was no color only the dull, black, gray void. But the gown she wore held the bluest hues, and her hair held shades of red like the brightest rose.

Esterishal embodied Adoshen’s creativity and spirit of inspiration.

Now save for Numa and Czvresh, the others found the empty void cold and uninviting, but no sooner than they felt its icy touch, Lunaria was born. She was the embodiment of light and warmth, exuding an aura of comfort, love, and confidence to her siblings. With her birth, the cold of the void no longer touched them.

From her warmth sprang Eathrine. She embodied Adoshen’s hope and encouragement. She could speak to her siblings and enable them to see the best of any circumstance. They drew close to each other alongside Lunaria, for they complimented each other well.

Erine came next. She embodied Adoshen’s power over the celestial heavens. Clothed in a dress that sparkled like starlight, her very presence gave more substance to the void than ever before. Her eyes shone with the brilliance of a pale moon and her skin held the yellow hues of a sun.

After Erine came Naez Shin, Menari and Darrokan, each peculiar in their birth. Naez Shin came from the darkness itself, but was born of Adoshen’s unconscious desires. He was a dreamer, capable of granting rest to those who needed it and enabling them to imagine what could be. He and Esterishal took a liking to each other. For while he could grant the dream of what could be, she could grant the inspiration of how it can come about. In appearance, his skin was like soot, but with tiny pinpricks of celestial light smattered across it.

Though spoken into being by Adoshen’s words and essence, as she was birthed, Menari drew her power from Numa, Czvresh, Naez Shin, Nameless and Esterishal. Later, she would come to be known as the Mother of Nature and Living Things.

But of all of Adoshen’s children, Darrokan was the strangest. When he emerged from the darkness, he did so born clad in crimson armor, with a cape of flowing shadows. Standing in his presence the others were beholden with both reverence and respect for him.

Darrokan had a sharp mind and radiated Adohen’s raw strength. Unlike his siblings, he seemed to have no special power or characteristic, save that of the Spoken Word. Later, when his power became more understood, he would be called the Father of Magic, Giver of Speech, and Master of Time.

Darrokan’s siblings weren’t sure how to take their youngest brother. Through his steel helm, the red glow of his eyes seemed watchful, calculating, and discerning. He never spoke, however, at least not openly. Instead, he communicated by touching their minds, converying his thoughts and feelings.

When Adoshen stepped back, he observed his children as they interacted with one another and grew pleased. Yet Adoshen sensed how different Darrokan was from his siblings. The youngest among them had thoughts not of of a newborn child, but ones similar to his own. Quietly pondered this, Adoshen, noting how little Darrokan interacted with the others.

Regardless, Adoshen was patient, and he embraced his children, sharing all the love and compassion he could muster. From then on, he taught them about themselves, withholding but a few things, for the time was not yet right.

            Then his children came together. They had decided on a name for themselves. So from that moment on, they called themselves the Vadashar or First Ones.

The Birth of Vatalla

After a time, Adoshen noted a curious thing, though it came as no surprise for he had foreseen it. Menari and Numa were playing together within the void, but they were standing on something. It was hard and drab in color, but brittle at its edges. It was a vast mass, floating in the void like an island oasis.

            “What have you made there, my daughters?” he asked.

            Numa spoke first. “We took some of my solidified essence and formed it into this,” she said proudly.

“Yes, Father, and I was about to make it more comfortable on which we could sit,” Menari beamed.

“Oh, this is a fine thing you have made, Dear Ones. Did Naez Shin help you dream it?”

“Brother Nae said he had an itch of a thought and shared it with us. Sister Estie helped inspire us about how we should enact it.”

“This is truly fine indeed. What do you call it?”

His daughters appeared perplexed. They have never thought of naming the thing on which they stood. Adoshen smiled lovingly. “Oh, Dear Ones, it is called earth. For it is a thing I have often dreamed of making, but I was patiently waiting to see if my children could dream and create as I have.”

Upon hearing his praise, his daughter’s faces lit up. “Can we make more of this ‘earth’, Father? Something that could fill this empty place?”

Then Erine appeared, her sparkling gown of stars lighting up the void for leagues on end. “Is it time, Father?”

Adoshen gave her a knowing smile. “Yes, my dear, it is. Call your siblings together and I will share my dreams with you all as Naez Shin shares bits of what he dreams with you.” So his children gathered, each eager to use their powers to make something new and take part in their father’s dream.

First, Adoshen instructed them on how to uses their powers collectively and they expanded the large plot of earth Nima and Menari had made. They fashioned a vast landmass within the void, filling it with all manner of things, each according to their heart’s desire. When they finished, Adoshen smiled and named this land Vatalla or Immortal’s Rest. It would be their home and place of respite from the rigors of the creation to come.

Vatalla sported beautiful rivers and streams and even more vast bodies of water. Within them swam all kinds of fish and sea life. Some were bizarre, others simple. Vegetation abounded, with great forests and beasts. Many of these beasts were great and monstrous, while others were not. Through their creation, Czvresh and Menari learned that life had a cycle. That it flowed like the rivers and streams Numa had created. With Nameless’ help, an order among them was established, ensuring the cycle was never broken.

Serrathi worked to keep Vatalla pure and free of imperfection throughout its creation. With Nameless maintaining order, Vatalla was incorruptible. All things lived in and behaved in harmony with the other.

Darrokan gave the animals and creatures a voice, and Esterishal tuned each sound, making them beautiful and distinct. She gave the plants and vegetation color. Even the animals had vibrant plumes of feathers, hides, and fur. Darrokan also tuned the existence of the animals and plants, numbering their days, so they would not disrupt Vatalla’s order.

Czvresh, in turn, took their spirits into himself and when his cycle was at its end, the Great Phoenix would immolate himself, becoming reborn. With his rebirth, the spirits of the animals and creatures would return to Vatalla, thus birthing new life into it.

Erine and Lunaria combined their power to create two small orbs of light, One they dubbed a moon and the other a sun. Numa approached them, sharing Nae Shin’s vision of seasons and times when each would have its orbit above Vatalla and Nameless gave shape to this dream, ordering the orbits of these two spheres along with the ‘seasons’.

Eathrine encouraged each of her siblings, allowing them to work without care or worry. The hope she brought them combined with Lunaria’s warmth prevented any disagreement among the Vadashar. Doubt had no place among them. Yaesnos ensured truth remained ever constant, becoming a mediator when uncertainty sprouted.

Adoshen looked on, once again pleased. Then he noted a curious thing. A few of the creatures his children created became aware, and seeing the Vadashar gave them homage and reverence. They were in awe of the wonders and power Adoshen’s children displayed.

Darrokan immediately acted, taking away their gift of speech and reason. Without these gifts, the creatures returned to their previous state and none among them differed from the other. So swift was the youngest among the Vadashar’s actions, that none of his siblings took notice. Darrokan had even expunged the altars and places of honor given to his siblings, even the ones raised up to himself.

Adoshen then went to Darrokan and asked: “Why have you done this?”

Because, Father, you did not birth us that we should be given homage and honor. We do not deserve such adoration. Such beings would even claim we are greater than you. Though you have guided us, but they have only seen the work of our hands and would diminish your works over ours.

Your works began long before they could perceive them, so they, lacking understanding, would honor what they see without honoring what they have not.

Adoshen smiled. “You are indeed wise, my Son. Your answer is true and shows the depth of your understanding.”

Darrokan nodded, and distancing himself from Vatalla, vanished into the void.

Existence Is Born

By this time, Vatalla was complete. Adoshen gazed upon its vast landscape. It’s mountains and hills, rivers and streams. Its oceans were vast and deep, and its seasons, perfect and true. Every creature and creeping thing was beautiful and serene. The time had finally come.

Adoshen cast his breath across Vatalla. The paradise his children created vanished, and they stared on in shock, but he raised his hand to calm them. “Be at peace, my children. Vatalla is not gone. I have made a space for it, for the time of the next dream has come. Your home is intact, and you may visit it anytime you wish. The path remains open to you.”

He then took the Vadashar deep into the void and Adoshen took part of his essence and fashioned the first star. “From this Great Star, all things begin,” he declared.

Erine, seeing the star, immediately understood, for at the moment of her birth, she had glimpsed such things, but could not forge them herself. Now she understood. She had seen one of her father’s dreams.

Awed, Erine reached for the star, but Adoshen stayed her hand. “You can never touch this,” he instructed. “Its power is too much and will harm you. Wait and see. Watch and learn.”

So, while eager, the Vadashar did as instructed, especially Erine, who was eager to see Adoshen’s dream become manifest. But in the back of the group, Darrokan watched, his crimson eyes observing the others. If he were as excited as the rest, no one could tell.

So, for time untold, they watched the star while Adoshen stood back and observed his children. Throughout their wait, Naez Shin spoke of his dreams and his siblings took note.

Esterishal became the Vadashar’s muse, shaping the dreams into ideas to inspire the others as Eathrine encouraged them and gave them hope for the day all would come to pass.

Nameless kept things ordered, allowing each to speak in turn so that all were heard.

Yaesnos helped divine the truth, for he learned he could see what he called: Outcome of Action. In this way, all could arrive at the best possible decision for what they desired. He continued to mediate as he had done on Vatalla.

Serrathi worked alongside Yaesnos to make sure each decision was pure and good, so Adoshen would be pleased with the outcomes chosen.

Lunaria would offer them warmth and comfort through the wait.

Still, throughout the discussions, there was one who said nothing. Instead, he simply waited, watched, and observed with crimson eyes. Strangely, none took notice. For they were too engaged with the dreams conjured by Naez Shin, who never seemed to have a dream for Darrokan.

Adoshen, pleased to see the siblings worked together, stepped forward. He saw Darrokan sitting back, not engaging with his siblings. “Why are you not taking part in Creation, my Son?”

Because my time has not yet come, Father. I am not like my siblings. I see and know things, because that part of you is inborn within me. I possess the Power of the Spoken Word, the Gift of Thought, and an understanding of mysteries. It is unlike anything the Vadashar can muster.

Adoshen smiled. “I am proud that you understand this, my Son. You are right to say ‘your time has not yet come’, because I know when that time is.”

I can hear your sadness, even if they do not understand what it is.

“Let them be children for this season, for I see you perceive much and are already grown.” Adoshen then turned to the others. “It is time! With this star, I will show you how to begin.”

Stretching out his mighty hand, Adoshen made a fist and shattered the Great Star. It exploded in a brilliant burst, its pieces scattering across the void, giving it shape. Still, where the Great Star once sat, was a smaller star, though it still burned with the same intensity as before.

After all was settled, Erine paused, noting her awareness of the void had expanded. “Father!” she cried. “I understand. Please, let me make more stars!”

“Make as many as you like. Make as many as you can dream, all as your heart desires. This void is yours to fill with them.” Delighted, she focused her power, creating star after star, casting them into the void like seeds across a fertile field.

Her siblings, overcome with excitement, eagerly thronged to Adoshen. They asked to know who was next, to which Adoshen replied, “Each, in turn, has a place. Each a season and time.” So he turned to Czvresh, Lunaria, Numa and Menari. “From one will spheres of earth spring, from another warmth and light from the stars. From one vegetation and animals, to another life and substance to maintain.” Then he gazed at Nameless, Serrathi, and Yeasnos. “Order for all to bring stability, purity and goodness for peace, truth and wisdom for guidance. As with Vatalla, so will all of Creation be.”

Instantly, they understood, and each began working as instructed. But when he had yet to address Esterishal, Eathrine or Naez Shin, they approached Adoshen with pleading eyes.

“Oh, Dear Ones, I have not forgotten you. You have fulfilled your potential well and are still important. For you will grant dreams, inspiration, and hope to those yet to come. To creatures and places beyond number. Be patient and you will see.”

Encouraged, they eagerly waited. But Naez Shin paused, turning to Darrokan. He attempted to use his power to dream a dream for his brother, but was shocked when none came. He then remembered how his sibling never took part in the discussions of what could be or what all had dreamed together. A terrible feeling overtook him, and perplexed, he asked Adoshen what it was.

“It is sorrow, my son. For Darrokan cannot dream.”

Clutching his chest, Naez Shin felt his cheeks grow damp. “What are these?” he asked.

“They are tears, son.” Adoshen reached down and transformed the tears into two gems. He then took vapors from the Great Star and fashioned it into a string, placing it around Naez Shin’s neck. “Some of those to come cannot dream and for them you must fight the hardest, so they have something to live for. Others will come to take the dreams you give away, so you must fight to protect them so your sister can give them hope.”

“What of Darrokan?”

“His time has not yet come,” Adoshen replied.

Naez Shin took all that he heard and hid them deeply in his heart. He looked at the necklace and swore he would protect the dreams of those to come, because for the first time, he understood the sadness of those who could not dream at all.

Soon after, as the universe neared completion and Adoshen taught his children how to create and manage all that was, one by one they came to inquire of Darrokan. Each time, Adoshen gave the same answer. “It is not his time.”

Whenever they asked Darrokan, he would also give the same answer. It is not my time.

So the Vadashar resumed their work, aiding Adoshen in fashioning Creation. But when it was finished, they saw that something was missing. Everything was ordered and structured. True and pure. Beautiful and inspiring. Warm and wondrous. Full of life, but still as if frozen.

Then Darrokan came forward and removed his helm. His siblings stared in wide-eyed wonderment. He was so beautiful. His hair was blonde, skin tanned, but fair and soft. His eyes were blue, not red, but held within them an ocean of power.

Darrokan then spoke. “Let it begin.” His words were like thunder, full of power and might. It shook his siblings to their cores, and they hid behind Adoshen to withstand the explosion of spiritual force. Now that he had spoken, all of Creation moved.

It was then Adoshen’s prophecy came true. Naez Shin, Lunaria and Esterishal could hear the cries of many voices from many more places, each in need of what they could offer. They, along with the other Vadashar, finally understood. Darrokan was the last piece, infusing the power of the Spoken Word into Creation. He had given voice and thought to the creatures to come and with that, the embers of magic were born. Darrokan then donned his helm and vanished.

With his departure, Darrokan’s siblings stepped out from behind Adoshen. They were uncertain of the future, for with their youngest brother’s words, time began moving forward. They sensed the measurable shift and weight of its presence as the celestial heavens moved with the pristine order of its design. Connected to Creation, and with Adoshen’s guiding hand, all was made perfect. And though delighted, they were also sad. For their brother was not with them to witness it.

.

But one among them stood behind the rest. His gaze had drifted, as if peering at something in the distance. Yaesnos’ expression was that of concern. But if he knew anything, the eldest among them kept it to himself. And so the First Dawn arose.