Long before Evergild banners flew from citadel walls, the realm was known as Esmarion — a name spoken like a sigh between river and reed. Rooted in the land itself, Esmarion belonged to the mists, the marshes, the green hush of ancient groves, and the quiet wisdom of creatures and kin who lived by the rhythm of stone, stream, and root. But when the Evergild rose to power, they sought to gild not only coin and crown, but the land itself.
They renamed the realm Gildraen, a name of luster and imposed balance, forged to reflect their dominion and legacy. Though Gildraen appears on maps and in the mouths of nobility, Esmarion lingers — in lullabies, in lichen-covered carvings, and in the hush before rain.
Humans and the Evergild
Humans rebelled once their everyday lives began to be edited and restricted by the fae’s new council. The Evergild quashed the rebellion with a magic set to enchant the land for better compliance, or as they worded it, “unity and harmony”.
However, the enchanting affected the memory of the realm for all its inhabitants, regardless of race. The Evergild became further removed from their ancient origins and more obsessed with dominance, grandeur and perfection. Humans forgot that the fae had ever not been there, and the name “Esmarion” faded to memory.