The Growth of the Forest of Entreities: An Elvish Parable

In the time of Geil’solim, third emperor of our people, the lands we claimed were a barren and dangerous place. Many of the first elves faced lives shortened by violent death as we had not the strength nor skill of the races and beasts that dwelt in the more fertile lands.

It was in those days that Geil’solim and his warriors came upon traveling fae in conflict with great beasts of the plains. Caring not for their own lives, the elves joined the battle to save the fair folk from the monsters that beset them. Many elves died in the resulting battle, but the fae were saved and among them was the Fairy King, Oberon.
In honor of the lives given for his defense, Oberon declared eternal friendship to the house of Geil’solim and chose to dwell with the elves for a brief time. During these three years, the fairy king taught out people the gifts of skill in blade and bow so that we might better protect our lands. This fae glamour sharpened our senses, quickened our movements and instilled in us a love of archery and the arts of swordplay that are the birthright of every elf born since.
After three years among the children of Geil’solim, Oberon declared his intent to return to Arcadia, the realm of his people. Geil’solim ordered the provisions of the elves open to Oberon so that he might take for himself the choicest food and best water for his journey. Touched by the hospitality of his hosts, Oberon called forth his retainers to give great gifts to the elves. From the Seelie court was given the Orb of Dreams, a glowing crystal made from the essence of hope itself; and from the unseelie court was given the Nightmare Rock a stone of blackness forged for the fears of all the mortal races. Geil’solim claimed his right as emperor and took the Orb of Dreams, gifting the Nightmare Rock to his brother Elbain.
Geil’solim studied the Orb of Dreams for an entire cycle of the seasons, for he felt within it the power to protect his people. As the first day of spring came, Geil’solim reached within the Orb and drew from it a paradise for his people. This paradise was a primeval forest filled with game and fresh waters offering shelter and sustenance to the weary elves. So perfect was this forest that Geil’solim named it in honor of his grandfather, Entreities, the first of the elves. But no gift from the Fae comes without a price, and as this gift was the fulfilment of all the Dreams of the elvish people the cost was just as steep. The Orb drew away the dreams of our forefathers, and with it the restfulness of slumber. From that day forward, our people would only find refuge in the Reverie surrounded by the contemplations of the past, forever separated from the hopes of the future.
And so, we learn the dangers of rushing to complete our goals, for complete accomplishment leaves us nothing to look forward to but strands us forever dwelling on the glories of yesterday.