The First Contact between Norlanda and the Zillar People
In 167 BCE, the Niran tribe, located in the far west of Norlanda, lived a peaceful and stable life across coastal plains and low hills. The tribe relied on fishing and limited agriculture near the river that cut through their lands from the west. This river, later named Aureus River, originated from the Zillar territories and flowed into a vast gulf bordering Norlanda to the west.
The first encounter between the Niran tribe and the Zillar
people on the banks of the Aureus River
One summer night, the guards of Niralah, a coastal village situated at the mouth of the Aureus River, noticed unusual movement along the riverbanks. A small group of strangers was cautiously moving near the river, clearly unfamiliar with the area. These individuals were not from Norlanda; they wore thick fur garments adorned with geometric patterns and carried simple wooden and stone tools.
The guards immediately sent an urgent message to Harel Niran, the leader of the Niran tribe, informing him of the presence of these strangers. Harel, accompanied by a group of warriors and fishermen, traveled to the site to assess the situation. Upon arrival, they observed the strangers from a safe distance, analyzing their movements and behavior.
At dawn, the strangers approached the village of Niralah. They appeared to be explorers searching for new resources or fertile lands. Harel Niran, along with his warriors, stepped forward to meet them. The objective was not conflict but to understand the strangers' intentions.
As the two groups approached, Harel raised his hand in a gesture of peace. The leader of the strangers reciprocated with the same gesture, signaling their willingness to communicate. Both groups sat by the river, using gestures and body language to establish a rudimentary form of understanding.
The Zillar presented simple gifts: polished wooden tools and stones engraved with basic symbols. In return, the Niran people offered dried fish and some copper tools, which greatly intrigued the strangers.
After hours of cautious interaction, the strangers decided to return to their lands via the Aureus River. They left behind an air of mystery and curiosity among the Niran people, marking the first interaction between Norlanda and an external civilization.
Harel Niran convened a tribal council to discuss the encounter. The council decided to increase vigilance along the western borders of the river and the gulf. A detailed report of the incident was sent to the Council of Elders in Norlanda, emphasizing the significance of the event.
This event became a pivotal moment in Norlanda's history. The Council of Elders debated the importance of preparing for interactions with other peoples outside Norlanda. However, the focus remained on strengthening internal development rather than expanding beyond their borders.
The encounter inspired many stories told around the fires in Niralah during winter nights. The Aureus River came to be known as the "Western Vein," symbolizing a link between Norlanda and the mysterious world beyond, holding both potential opportunities and challenges.