The Temple of the Eternal Serpent
Prologue:
A Pandarian as wise as he was large sat down on the comfortable padded cushion. Flanked by incesnese, candles, and tributes to the great Lorewalkers of Pandaria. Storytelling was a wonderful facet of the southern continent and their practitioners took it rather seriously. Clearing his throat the Lorewalkers started;
“The story I am about to tell you happened many, many years ago. Far predating you or even me. It tells of a time of turmoil in Pandaria, when hope was scarce but never abandoned. A tale of power and immortality, and one's own folly in seeking it. A humble lesson in humility; The Tale of the Eternal Serpent.”
“You see, Pandaria was not always a place of mysticism and wonder. Even with the Mogu vanquished we were not without our hardships as well. It’s history is marred with dark stains, just like you would find in the rest of the world.”
“But this story in particular…. This story is about the offspring of Yu’lon, Fe’lon, a more selfish incarnation. One that Pandaria had avoided up until then. You see, Fe’lon did not wish to give his life and his power to the people of the Mists. Even those who devoted their life to studying the teachings of his mother.”
“While it was certainly a surprise, it was not unheard of. While the power of a Celestial’s offspring is near a demi-gods? With the patron still with us we endured.”
“Though Yu’lon grew ill one summer day. The monks of the nearby monastery sat in dismay to see their patron in such a weak state, with so many months left until the completion of her statue.”
“The Jade monks pleaded with Fe’lon. They begged for his aid in helping his mother recover. But the Jade Dragon denied their every attempt. Claiming that it was the natural order of things, and if it was her time to pass on? Then it must be so.”
“Many claim that he wanted to succeed his mother and take his place among the celestials. To be revered as a God. Though this is just conjecture for the scholars.” The Pandarian let out a chuckle at his own exhibition.”
“An unprecedented thing happened in their darkness. With no help from the August Celestials, the monks band together. They gathered at the Jade Temple and lent their energy to Yu’lon. For months they sat diligently and gave their life force to help Yu’lon recover, only breaking to eat and sleep. The communities of Pandaria eventually threw in their lot as well, hearing of the brave monks who had once liberated them from the Mogu- now facing their own time of need. Villagers lined up to give tribute what they could. Farmers lent the overtures of crops, townsfolk aided the monks in what ways they could, children came to sing their odes of appreciation. It was as if the whole of Pandaria came together to help this plight.”
“While everyone saw the act as a symbol of inclusivity and community? There was one who saw it as an offense. Fe’lon thought himself robbed of his ascension, and the people of Pandaria too stuck on their own ways.”
“Instead the young Cloud Serpent cursed the people of Pandaria and fled to the west. Vowing to find those who would appreciate him. But everywhere he went he was only compared to the deeds of his lineage. Discouraged and destitute, he wandered the western reaches of Pandaria until, finally, he settled onto the mountains to rest.”
“It wasn’t very long before a pair of children discovered the dragons resting place deep within the mountains that surrounded their village. You see the two youths came from a very poor village. They hadn’t seen the triumphs of Pandaria, the celebrations, the festivals. The culture that made us all band together.”
“When they set eyes on the Dragon… it was the most fantastical thing they had ever seen. Nothing in even their wildest dreams could make up. Naturally they wanted to know everything about the Serpent- and the Serpent in turn wanted to know everything about them and their village.”
“The news spread quickly over the small town. Many patrons went to pay their respect to the Serpent in the hills. It was all Fe’lon ever wanted. Love and admiration, no matter how small the source, led the great Serpent to contention.”
“To show his appreciation Fe’lon made a deal with the villagers. Every one-hundred years they could ask the serpent of one wish, and he would grant it. For a time the villagers were overjoyed. Their fortunes were finally changed thanks to their new Celestial friend.”
“But century after century things kept going awry… One year they asked for a bountiful harvest. And they did have a bountiful harvest that year. But the years after all had withered and small crops. The nutrients sapped from the soil, leaving it almost barren.”
“Another century passed. This time the villagers asked for good health, thinking there was no way for it to backfire.” A solemn sigh escaped the elder Pandarian. “The elders of that village all died that night. But the young ones were healthy all of their lives.”
“It continued like this for generation after generation. For every wanton wish, no matter how well intentioned, it came with a price.”
“The villagers began to become disenchanted with the Dragon who they assumed would change their fortunes. They became bitter and hateful, and so too did the Serpent. One year after their festival, the villagers had conspired to build a temple for Fe’lon. But this temple would not be to honor the Cloud Serpent, but instead to imprison him.”
“Fe’lon was overjoyed by the news. Finding a tribute to himself quite fitting. With his blessing the villagers began to build.”
“For years the villagers toiled. Their poor village pooled together all of its resources to build a structure that would house something as massive as a coiled Cloud Serpent. But they knew that it was better than chancing his ire by going back on generations of tradition.”
“It was too late when Fe’lon learned of his own hubris. His fate was sealed by the last generation. No one has seen or heard from anyone from that village in centuries. To the point where it is now a legend shrouded with myths. Some say that the original architects build in a series of trials to dissuade any would be treasure hunters. Set to test the mind, spirit, and soul of those who would seek out Fe’lon.”
“It is said that the temple still exists somewhere on the mainland of Pandaria, but where it is no one knows. It’s location lost to the annals of time. But some claim that those who find it will be granted a single wish for offering the Serpent some company in his solitude. Though only a fool would take a wish from such a snake.
“Others, however, claim there is a treasure waiting that is greater than a wish for those who can resist temptation.”
“Though I am but a mere storykeeper. The Legends of Pandaria are for you young ones to chase after.” The Lorewalker spoke with a broad smile.
Six faces no older than seven lit up at the Pandarians fantastical tale. “Woooooah! That is so cool!” Many of them said before breaking off into chatter about the story.
However one looked to their teacher before asking, “Ms Soriya, do you think the Eternal Serpent is real?”
Soriya’s lips curled into a confident smirk as she looked down to the young Orc boy, “Oh, I know it’s real.”
