The Lands of Yuandong

The Lands of Yuandong is a First Era book about the expedition of Orwa Sinawis, a Celestial Elf diplomat and emissary to the lands of the east known as "Yuandong", the name of Escharien by the Aurlûnor Velande.

Book
''Her majesty looked at me as she bought me forth a book, made of fine leather, and paper, soft and writable. “I assign you on a mission to visit the lands to the east. To reach the isles of Yuandong. If you are to visit them, greet them as if you would greet myself: Courtesy, Respectful [sic], and positively. These people had come to visit us once before, and I expect you to share the same respects.”''

''And so, I set out. Leaving the mighty city of Lhûmar, I would head toward the docks, with an entourage of 60 armed guards, 100 soldiers, carrying multiple tons of gold, silks, luxury goods, lacquerware, and other assortments of riches. This included some of the Velereth’s own personal objects to present before their ruler.''

''Unfortunately, I was told by the harbormaster, that the weather would not be good for boats to travel from the ports. I would give a huge sigh, and would tell my entourage to proceed to gather provisions for a long land trek. I wouldn’t want to risk this whole expedition from some storms out at sea.''

''Our journeys would at first take us along the eastern road, where the fields frolliced [sic]. The armed guards became weary as we left past the Great Wall, and out toward the Hinterlands, and into the land of the Barbarians. We had no idea what would lay beyond. But I knew that it would be no big of a deal.''

''Our first overland trip would come to visit the Ardat-Mosul Caliphate to the apparent south of our borders. We would figure it would be faster to go by boat, but we had no idea what was even beyond that sea. That was until we reached the unforgiving deserts of the Ashurites.''

''Luckily, we had a guide of a strange dark skinned woman by the name of Yata. She would stand as a tall woman, with pointed ears, much like our people, but her skin was that of a dark ebony tree. We would travel several li through the unforgiving wastes, all while drinking water at a rapid pace.''

''But the woman did not take one swig. It was as if she was one with the desert herself. The barbaric beauty even had little to no clothing on at the time. When a sandstorm hit, she stood out there, and held out her arms. We don’t know if she was causing the storm or not, but we dare not question this apparent apostate.''

''When we reached the southern tip of the desert, we would be told this was “The borders of the Order of the Green”, and that we would be taken care of by them. Before she departed, she set us up a camp, and some food. We thanked her, and like that, she would disappear into the dunes.''

''“That apostate… why did you not kill her?!” one of my soldiers, Yandon asked myself. “To kill someone who was helping us would be considered a dishonourable act.” I would reply to the soldier. He would shut his mouth, and we would continue into the Order’s territory.''

''We were treated with kindness, and respect, as we were given ample provisions, as ours were staling up, camels, and in return, we gave them gifts of silks and gold. This pleased the order, and we would even gain ships, able enough to carry our much tired horses.''

''We would set sail toward an Ardatian Outpost [sic] located southwest of the order, and would be greeted by the governor there. “We have come to meet with her Highness of the Kingdom to the south.” I would tell them. “She is a Dragon Wife of her Highness, and we want to give them a gift as a show of respect between our two nations.”''

''The Governor [sic] was delighted, and would tell them that he would pass on the gift to her majesty. I would order a horse to unload the goods at a stable for them to be ready to be shipped to Ardat. We would however, continue on our way, for our men do not wish to travel the vast deserts north of this land. The map of the surrounding areas would help us greatly in mapping the regions out.''

''We would set sail toward the northeast of the outpost, and visit a place known as “Tlahatl.” There, we would pay our respects, and gift them bolts of silk and gold to their king. We then heard a rumor that an empire known as “Escharia” would be located east of this land. Interested, we would visit there.''

''We were greeted by their governor, and was told this was a mere outpost, and that their Empire was much more further east. But I do not know if they were telling the truth or lying, as they said it would take over three months perhaps even nine to cross the open ocean with what we have right now. Disappointed, we asked which alternative routes would be available.''

''“The nearby nation of Bardonia [sic] is connected to where his Majesty’s land is located.” he said. “However, if you wish to travel from the port to the southwest in Bardonia [sic], prepare for a three year trip.” Our men were upset, very upset. Understandably so. I meanwhile, was disappointed. I gave a sigh.''

''“If it will take that long, then please, pass these gifts on to his majesty.” she said. The Governor would bow, and we left the gifts there for him to take to his majesty, and we begun to make our way home. From what according to our map, the ancient city of Ashura was nearby, and we sailed toward their ports, and started our trek homeward.''

''The trip, though unsuccessful, had brought us a larger understanding of the region and area that surrounded us. Cartographers would show me a more completed map of what the world was. Though I was disappointed that the map could have been much more… accurate.''

''I have a feeling that we were tricked, and that perhaps, he was hiding a powerful ship that could lead us to the Empire. But next time, perhaps a new governor will be not as greedy, and lead us toward the east.''