Halflings

In the westernmost part of Andúnë, millennia ago, there lived a people who grew into a large and flourishing civilisation that lived in harmony within themselves and with nature.
Over time, it is said that two different philosophies evolved, one that pushed to improve society through the development of science, crafts and arts, the other that valued exploration, indulgence and shied away from formal academics.
From this kernel of difference in opinion, over the centuries, debates developed into arguments, then into fights and, ultimately, in a complete separation and opposition between people who once were kindred but who now found themselves warring against their former brothers and sisters.
Brought to the brink of extinction, the war waged for decades, before Vaces, the Scales. decided to intervene directly, by separating an entire chunk of the continent and forcing the war to a stop.
The leaders of the two opposing factions met in parley, to try and figure out where to go from there, but found themselves unable to solve their differences and to bury decades of grievances.
It is said that Vaces intervened once more, fundamentally altering the two factions to their core.
On this day , which is celebrated by both races, the Halflings and the Gnomes were born.