A Fae Hunt
During The Dawning, Yldrivon was in search of the elusive Tenemas Deer, a large stag that was able to traverse the lands so fast that not even water could halt its speed. The god of the hunt chased the beast for five days and five nights until he pierced the hide of the creature with his bow. When the deer was struck down, Yldrivon came over to the creature and blessed the deer in the grassy hill where it lay.
Through many years, a tree grew atop the grassy hill. The tree had a dark brown bark that would occasionally “bleed” with a thick red sap. A village grew around the knoll upon which The Bleeding Tree stood, it was guarded by a powerful serpentine creation of Ilvyr known as Maldranik, The Reaper. As the town grew, The Reaper became increasingly greedy, demanding payment through food and riches that it could take to its den.
A Girl and The Reaper
During this time, a girl named Xivarin was born in the village with a special marking. Both of her eyes were a different color and yet also a swirling kaleidoscope. As she grew older, she became absent minded and confused using strange words that sounded alien to the people of the village.
One day Xivarin entered the den of The Reaper, who carefully looked upon the child.This was an impossible request, with most of the village’s prized possessions given to The Reaper already. Xivarin, almost seemingly unaware of the situation, decided that she is going to go sit under the tree at the top of the hill, to contemplate her next movement.
It was for a time that she laid here, her eyes heavy, until they dropped, leading her to sleep. In her faint dreams, she heard the voice of a strange creature in the pattern of all things tell her to eat the fruit that grew upon the Bleeding Tree. When she awoke, whether following the voices commands, or pulled by her own curiosity, Xivarin pulled one of the fruits from the tree. It was shaped like a pear, but needed to be peeled like an orange. Its pulp though a blood curdling red. Xivarin took a breath before they consumed the fruit in one piece. The power of the fruit overwhelmed her, leaving her filled with a clarity that she had not faced in all her life.
With the freedom of mind that she was granted, Xivarin picked another fruit to take with her as payment for The Reaper. When she delivered it, she coyly smiled and offered it directly for consumption by the giant serpent. The Reaper became aware that in any moment they could be struck down and killed due to their avarice. Xivarin took her blade and in a flash sliced down the side of the serpent, releasing the many treasures it had kept within.
An Idol Reborn
The villagers were happy and relieved that Xivarin had freed them from The Reaper, proclaiming her the Guardian of the City. However, this jubilation was not to last. Xivarin, in finding the balance between the two sides of her coin, had rediscovered many of her long forgotten memories. Previous lives as Frenzy and Clarity, a Dual Idol, which would grant her the wisdom to be the deity they were always determined to become. At that moment, she took on her divine form. In doing so, she granted mercy to The Reaper and made him into a constellation that still is said to hang above the sky of
Ossalimar, searching for its final meal.
History
The myth of The Vescent Orb originates as far back as the beginning of the
Age of Creation, but has been passed down both orally or written to the present day. There are many parts of the mythology that have been contested, for example, Xivarin was being selected to be a member of the Dual Idols due to their experience, or were they always determined for great things. Many questions still remain unanswered, leading to a general understanding that the Myth is a story to help understand the idea of Xivarin.
By the time that people reclaimed the continent of Ossalimar, the lack of any specific additional resources, meant that the priority was food and shelter. Those who had heard the story of The Vescent Orb and wanted to find the knowledge and clarity for themselves. Several scholars believe the truth of the world is enough to make you mad, which is why many have determined themselves not to find the end of this path, just to keep the world a surprise, and also keep them alive.
In the present day, any set of fruit that has a connection to a powerful tree in the continent of
Ossalimar is sometimes considered to be The Vescent Orb, with some people believing that such a fruit is being hoarded. Another strong belief, especially in the
Ossalimarian Empire is that The Bleeding Tree, was stolen by the Sovereignty and is now held in the southern reaches of their lands. Which lines up with the existence of the
Interesting myth. I like that parts of it are contested. Makes sense as it was passed down as an oral story. The fruit sounds weirdly tasty.
Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2026
I am tempted before the end of Summer Camp to write up how the fruit was meant to taste!