Once upon a time, long before Dyn walked Ghilille, and long before five score of dwarfish generations had lived, there existed the first Pwmlydd clan. Fflam, the god of tan and mynydds, had molded these people from the mynydds. They were to be his faithful servants of tan, rock, and precious elements. As it was, these dwarves toiled every day, mining precious jewels and metals, so to forge magnificent works of art, none of which can be matched today.* They built the grandest dinases under the mynydds. Today, we call this clan the Oed Pobl. Ruins in front of Mwg Mynydds --so named not only because of their smoky colour, but also because much mwg rose during the earthquake that created the Mynydds collapsed the dinas's Mynydd Haearn.
One of the Oed Pobl molded by Fflam, an adventurous sort (unlike the rest of the dwarves) called Daerin, went out from his home under the mynydd one day, and into the forest. Using his bwyell, he hewed an onnen down, and with it, crafted a strong, beautiful tarian to protect himself with. Daerin then continued on his way, tromping through the wood. He tromped, that is, until suddenly he became surrounded by a group of tall, fair people, who later told him they were called Elves. Daerin hefted his bwyell and stood his ground. With a fierce, warning glare, he told the elves to leave him be. They would not. They were curious about this short, stout man, and so, took him to their king and queen. Introducing him as Onnetarian, or Ashenshield, by the tarian they saw him carry, he was presented in the throne room.
With immense interest, the royal couple questioned about him and his people (the likes of whom they'd never seen before). Daerin made no answer but to grunt and glare. But the king and queen could see into his heart, and what they read was good. They too called him Onnetarian, not for his tarian, but for his sturdy and strong-willed heart. He bowed stiffly when they let him on his way, but not before they sent him off with extra provisions. (In those days, Elves were quite generous.) One of these was the first everlasting magic ever to be given away, stored in a wineskin, which could be opened when needed. Later, this magic would be shared out amongst other dwarves, who used it in everything they forged. The magic, though it became Pwmlydd magic, and was supposed to be everlasting, is lost to us today.
Daerin's journey across Ghillie proved to be one of danger. Peril lay in every corner, but whether there was extreme cold and blizzards, strong water currents, high winds, rock falls, treacherous cracks in the earth, no food, enemy warriors, or many traps, the Elfin magic saved Daerin everytime his bwyell could not. Returning home from his journey across the continent, Daerin was grateful. He knew he had to give the elves something in return for their kindness. Even though the gift was considered a small one by the elfin people, it was not like a dwarf to be so rude and ignore kindness.
So Daerin went to his forge under the mynydd. With the help of other dwarves, he forged the most beautiful, powerful swords there ever were, and ever shall be. These four swords were made not only with ancient dwarfish skill--some today still consider it Pwmlydd magic--but also some of the Elf magic was placed in them. In those days, they were considered a nice, decent gift, but today they are of rare quality. The Swords represented Peace, Balance, Power, and Mortality. These powerful weapons were perfected in every way. It was not difficult for them to be made then, but the art is lost to us now. They were kept safe in the dwarfish fastness under the mynydds, waiting for the elves to come take them.
An elfin messenger, by the name of Maerdyn, was sent to Mynydd Gwylad. The dwarves, unused to visitors, seized Maerdyn as soon as he entered, hustling him to their king, Ginriade. King Ginriade angrily demanded to know who Maerdyn was, and what his business was with the Pwmlydds. Maerdyn, (after finding someone who spoke Common, as no one there spoke his own Elf language, but Oed Pwmlyddian), coolly and calmly explained that the Elves had received an invitation from Daerin to accept the Four Swords. Ginriade, grumbling, grudgingly agreed to let his captive go.
Maerdyn then found Daerin, who, after bowing and apologizing for His Majesty and the others, bestowed the Swords onto him, a gift for the Elves. He explained the power of the Swords to Maerdyn, telling him to use the weapons wisely, and keep them protected, so in turn, they could protect others. Daerin did not mention what could happen should the Swords be lost or stolen, as he knew that, possessing elfin magic, elves would know. It was best not to speak of it. However, he did make the promise to Maerdyn, and all elves, that should anything happen, he, his sons, and all his future kindred, would help the elves in that time of need. So, since then, the Pwmlydds and Elves of Ghilille, though rarely together, have been linked by a bond and an oath to keep the Swords of Virtue from harm. And dwarves, ever since then, have always bowed to others, and never break a promise made.
Now, the Swords caused discontent amongst dwarfish folk. Firii the Pwmlydd, seeing value in them, wanted the dwarves to keep the Swords for themselves. When they were given to the elves, Firii took a group of those dwarves like himself, and they left the Mwg Mynydds, travelling to Allhari in their resentment. To this day, the faction of traitorous dwarves hopes to regain the Four Swords, and keep them in the Allharian Mynydds fastness.
*Dwarves always mention their art/magic lost today, it being a thing of pride for them. |
