Jeim'Dal

Chapter 1: The Place named to be La Paz

Once upon a time, in a realm steeped in enchantment and mystery, there dwelt a noble soul named Yondo. Yondo, a young and intrepid merchant, embarked on perilous journeys through lands both familiar and unknown, seeking wonders that lay hidden from the eyes of men.

One fateful night, he was graced with a celestial vision—a dream of a mystical realm where a wondrous spring possessed the power to heal all afflictions and mend every wound. Driven by this divine revelation, Yondo set forth on a daring quest, risking his wealth, his fortune, and even his very life.

After many arduous years of relentless searching, Yondo finally uncovered the sacred site. Before him stretched a land marked by an ancient sigil, eerily reminiscent of his dream. There, enshrouded in the mists of legend and lore, he beheld Jeim'Dal, the fabled Fountain of Youth.

With unyielding determination, he began to dig, and soon, a torrent of radiant waters erupted from the earth. Rising from the sacred spring, he immersed himself in the miraculous waters, and as he gazed upon his reflection, his youth was wondrously restored.

"Lo and behold, I have found it at last!" he proclaimed with exultant joy. "Jeim'Dal, the Fountain of Youth!"

With renewed vigor and purpose, Yondo founded a realm he named La Paz—a sanctuary of peace and joy where all beings, regardless of kind or race, were welcomed with open arms. Under his wise and benevolent rule, the kingdom flourished, and for a millennium, its inhabitants thrived in the blessings bestowed by the sacred fountain. Yet, as word of this miraculous land spread far and wide, envious neighboring kingdoms and foreign powers coveted its wonders.

Faced with the looming threat of invasion, Yondo made a fateful decision. He shrouded the fountain's location in secrecy and waged a valiant war against those who sought to lay claim to his realm. With unparalleled courage and sagacity, he defended his land and secured its safety. For another millennium, La Paz remained a bastion of tranquility and prosperity under his vigilant reign.

As the ages passed, Yondo grew weary of the burdens of kingship. He chose to shutter the kingdom, sealing away the mysteries of Jeim'Dal
for all eternity. Yondo, the founder of La Paz, lived to the venerable age of 217 years, ascending into legend as both a guardian of wonder and a ruler of an era of peace.

For countless generations, the tale of Yondo and the sacred fountain was woven into the annals of history, alongside the sacred duty to preserve the legacy. Through the ages, many emperors ascended the throne, and as the centuries waned, the memory of the fountain grew dim.

In a new era, a young emperor ascended the throne—Emperor Elmore. At the tender age of 24, Elmore, affectionately known as "Elmo," earned the revered title of Peacemaker. He was celebrated for his belief that not every discord could be quelled by bloodshed, and that diplomacy was the path to enduring peace. Yet, he understood well that there were times when a sword was as essential as a quill.

Under his wise and compassionate rule, the Empire of La Paz thrived in harmony. Elmore wedded the high-born Goniva Waters, renowned throughout the realm for her ethereal beauty and sharp intellect, and celebrated as the Blissful Flower Maiden.

Goniva hailed from the noble House of Waters in the town of Gabriel. She was a learned scholar, penning many tomes and advancing her town through her diplomatic acumen and ingenious inventions. Among her notable achievements were the standardization of coinage and the fair assessment of taxes, ensuring that every merchant and citizen agreed upon a just price.

Elmore, enraptured by her wisdom and grace, sought her hand in marriage. Initially, Goniva hesitated, citing her duties to her town and family. Yet, after much courtship and earnest pursuit, she relented, and the two were united in matrimony.

Years passed, and together they ruled the empire with grace, their reign marked by prosperity and joy. However, their happiness was overshadowed when Goniva succumbed to a mysterious affliction while bearing their thirteenth child. As her strength waned, Emperor Elmore, driven by desperation to save his beloved queen, ventured once more to the ancient ruins to reclaim the power of the mystical fountain.

In haste, he gathered the sacred waters and returned to the palace. Yet, upon presenting the waters to Queen Goniva, she gently refused them. "If it is the will of the Gods for me to journey to their realms," she murmured, her voice a mere whisper, "then so be it, my love." Her breath grew shallow as her strength ebbed."Take heed of our children," she whispered softly, "and name this boy after the great hero of our tales, my love..." With a final, tender kiss, she gazed upon her newborn son. "Ar..." she breathed, and with that, she gently drifted away, leaving behind a legacy of love and sacrifice, entwined with the magic of ages past.