A Star and a Child

Story: A Star and a Child

In the year 2945, according to the Calendar of the Elves, a strange event was observed in the night sky by Elven Astronomers who are commissioned by their Kings to monitor the movement of heavenly bodies for any prophetic signs: A new star appeared in the night sky just above the northern horizon at first, and only visible during early morning hours.

The Astronomers from all three Elven Kingdoms (Northern, Middle and Southern) immediately began conversing with one another about this new appearance. As the months began to pass, the star slowly moved in position, edging towards the Radial Star, becoming brighter and showing itself longer in the early morning hours and also in the evening. When the heavenly body had positioned itself half way to the Radial Star, the Kings and Elders of the Elven Kingdoms were gathered by the Astronomers and informed of the new phenomenon. All beheld the bright star with wonder and new interest in prophetic conversation from the Sacred Writings began to spread.

During this time period, Estra - a young Elf Woman from the Northern Kingdoms of the Elves - made a decision to break away from her people and her father's traditions. She was travelling with her father to Eranolin, the capital city of Effrendell, to see the yearly public gathering of the Kings and Elders of the Elven Peoples. This regular festival of unity and prosperity continues the great partnership of the Elven Kingdoms, in opposition to the forces of Darkness that have declared the destruction of Elvish society. And during her visit she met a handsome Human man named Barik from the Northern Kingdoms of Men who was also travelling to see the festival. As fate soon determined, they fell in love, causing great concern in her father's heart and much gossip among the other Elves.

Estra knew from the stories of older women that she would have to leave her people if she wanted to join in marriage with a Human, and she might not have considered this had it not been for a strong Omen in her heart telling her that this man was a part of her destiny. So, despite her father's passionate protests, she sought audience with one of the Elders and made her desires known. After both Estra and Barik were called to stand before a larger body of Elders and warned very clearly what the consequences of this union would be - Estra and her Human love declared their decision, and they were granted peaceful leave. Estra left behind her citizenship as an Elf, and soon to come, her father's name as well.

But fate does not tell all that the path of destiny will hold, for to possess knowledge of personal tragedy is not something set aside for Mortals. The joy of love was short for the young couple, for Barik was struct with fever on their journey home, and died soon after arriving at his family estate. The Humans there did not know Estra and she was not well received. Indeed, they looked upon her with suspicion. As she pondered her situation and decided to return home to beg for a pardon of reinstatement, a strange phenomenon fell upon her. She discovered, by announcement from an Ancient Steward in her dreams, that she was with child. This was very odd, for Barik and Estra had vowed to wait for marriage to come together, to make all things right in the eyes of Barik's family and countrymen. But now she would be showing soon, and her urgency to return home fell into hesitation - what was she going to tell her people? On the other hand, what was she going to tell to Barik's family?

But the Most High did not abandon her. She was visited again by an Ancient Steward who declared to her:

"Do not be afraid, Estra, Daughter of Elves and Chosen of the Most High. Be encouraged for the Eyes of the Most High have looked upon thy heart and found it to be noble and true. This child is from the Most High and will be a Champion for his great purpose. His name will be Cur'Raden (for the reader: Kyir-RAH-din), which means "Way Maker", for he shall make a way for the Peoples of the Known World to return to the Throne Room of the Most High and enjoy fellowship with him, as it was in ages past."

As this announcement was confirmed in Estra's heart by Omen, her sorrow and concern turned into joy and wonder. The Ancient Steward continued with instructions to go at once to the house of King Eletroth of Effrendell and declare to him all that has happened. When she asked how a young woman of out-cast social standing could win such an audience, the Ancient Steward told her not to worry, for the Most High has already gone ahead to prepare her way.

And it was so: Estra packed her things and left early in the morning for her homeland. Three nights before she arrived at Eranolin, King Eletroth was visited by an Ancient Steward and instructed to watch for a young Elf Woman named Estra who will bring a message from the Most High. So the King sent word through the Elven Guard at the gates of Eranolin, and also ordered some Guards to travel a day's journey by horse along the roads from the city. So it was that Estra was stopped and questioned by an Elf Guard, and declaring her name and intention, was then carried on horseback into the city and directly to the King's Estate. On hearing of her arrival, King Eletroth met at once with her in his Royal Receiving Chamber.

"Greetings to you, my lady. It is Estra, yes?" he began.

"Yes, my lord. Thank you for receiving me. I have an urgent message to declare to thee, and I ask, if not too boldly, for an open heart and mind." she said.

"I am ready and willing, my lady, to receive your message, and with great interest. Please continue."

"I am from this great Elf Kingdom of the north that you and your family steward and rule with kindness and justice. But I recently fell in love with a Human from the Kingdoms of Men and petitioned for peaceful leave to follow him and join in marriage. However, tragedy struck and my love perished before we could wed."

"I am sorry to hear of your loss, my lady, " said the King.

"Thank you, my lord. But I did not have long to grieve, for soon after, I was visited by an Ancient Steward in my dreams and told that I will be with child, even though sir Barik and I did not come together. Indeed, we wanted all things to be proper for his family and countrymen until we were wed."

"But I do not understand, how is it that you are with child?" he asked.

"I do not understand myself, but according to the announcement of the Ancient Steward, this child is from the Most High. And his name shall be Cur'Raden (the Way Maker), and he will also be known as the Champion of the Most High, for he shall make a way for the Peoples of the World to return in fellowship to the Throne Room of the Most High!"

And as she spoke, her words were confirmed in King Eletroth's heart by Omen.

"I am astonished!" he declared. "I have never heard of such a wonder. What other instruction did you receive from the messenger of the Most High?"

"None, my lord, save to visit you and declare what has happened."

So the King pondered these things for a few moments, and as he considered what to do, the Omen of the Most High came upon him again, and he was instructed.

"I think, my lady, that you are to settle down quietly and raise this child in the Knowledge of the Most High. And let the Most High direct him when the time comes. Do you still have family here?"

"I do, " she said, "but I feel it will not be a warm welcome for us. And I am concerned they will not believe me when I tell them this child is not a Half-Elf."

"I see, in that case, I will send word ahead and prepare a quiet place somewhere in the Southern Kingdom, along the borders of the Halflings. Life is much slower there, and much closer to nature. Does this counsel seem agreeable to you?"

"Yes, my lord. I thank you in the name of the Most High".

And so it was that Cur'Raden grew up in a small town along the border between the Southern Kingdoms of the Elves and the Halfling Kingdoms. His early life was spent in the woods, along the streams, in glades of flowers, and in fellowship with animals. He was normal looking to most, though his mother noticed a keen understanding of the Knowledge of the Most High beyond his years and training, and a curious intimacy with the animal kingdom. For, all through-out his childhood, all manner of wild beasts would come to him from time to time, conversing silently with their eyes, then turn back into the wild when satisfied… as if some deep conversation had passed between them.