"First of all the deathless gods who dwell on Olympus made a golden race of mortal men who lived in the time of Cronos when he was reigning in heaven. And they lived like gods without sorrow of heart, remote and free from toil and grief: miserable age rested not on them; but with legs and arms never failing they made merry with feasting beyond the reach of all evils. When they died, it was as though they were overcome with sleep, and they had all good things; for the fruitful earth unforced bare them fruit abundantly and without stint. They dwelt in ease and peace upon their lands with many good things, rich in flocks and loved by the blessed gods."
-Hesiod's Works and Days
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As Selene rode her chariot across the sky, she peered down and looked towards Othrys. She saw several servants moving throughout the castle wherever the moonlight reached. As she looked towards her monarchs' bedroom, she saw Kronos sitting on a chair by the window. His face appeared to be deep in contemplation as he stroked his tree-brown beard.
'It's been a few years since I last entered this world, or is it time? So many things have been changing, yet staying the same. And I've learnt so much in these years.'
He glanced towards his sleeping wife.
'The stories I've learnt have changed by just a few of my decisions.' He paused for a second. 'Were those really my decisions? I feel as if they were, but how is it that I have so easily accepted my place as a Titan and a husband? How is it that I've fathered three children with more on the way? I'm not the original Kronos and, logically, it would have been near impossible to accept my new life so easily. So why is it that this has happened?'
He stood from his chair and walked towards the bed with a heavy look on his face before slowly lying down on the bed, trying not to wake Rhea.
'I do not regret accepting this life. It is far better than my past one, but it has always been my nature to question the unknown variables of life. If there is one thing I'd like to know in this life, it'd be to find out why I've been given it.'
As Kronos drifted to the dark embrace of Hypnosis, the realm of Hypnos he smiled as he properly found a resolve within himself.
Kronos opened his eyes to the light of Helios and made his way out of his bed. He walked towards the window and looked through it. His eyes looked down from the apex of Othrys to the base of it and saw many simple huts. Around the area of the huts, there were many mortals with minimalistic clothing and youthful appearance walking and talking with smiles on their faces. As always, Astraia was there with them, guiding them and spending time with them. Kronos smiled as he spoke to himself.
"This is the age that I rule, the Golden Age, the time of peace and prosperity for mortals. Where Titans and mortals lived together in prosperity. The land is abundant in resources and the weather is never too extreme. The mortals never need to work and they can live as idly as they want. It's just amazing, yet it won't last."
"Why won't it?"
Out of nowhere, Rhea's sweet melodious voice echoed throughout the room, questioning his last statement. She walked near with her pregnant belly and hugged him from behind.
"Why, shall this age end, dear?"
His smile grew before his rumbling voice echoed throughout her ears.
"This idle life won't be good for them in the future. The mortals under other gods such as Ahura Mazda will probably be much more violent and expansive and if they're not ready for that, they'll be doomed."
"How do you know that? It doesn't necessarily have to happen and your skills in temporal vision is terrible, so I know you don't definitively know that."
Kronos turned around, releasing himself from her hug and held her face before planting a peck on her soft lips.
"You are an optimist and I love that about you, but I don't need to use any of my divinity to know that I'm right. If we went to Khronos, he'd tell you the same."
She started to walk towards the door, with Kronos right behind her as she answered.
"Well, you may be right or you may be wrong, but it doesn't really matter. I'll always be there to support you"
Kronos laughed
"So, you'll never challenge what I do is what I'm hearing."
Rhea looked at Kronos from the corner of her eye as she opened the door to their dining hall.
"Of course not, are you not my king so I will follow you, but as your wife I will challenge your ideas and actions to make sure you've thought about all the facts and are making the right decision?"
Kronos sat down at the table as a few servants brought some food for them.
"That's exactly what I expect from my beautiful wife. Now what is it that we're having this morning?"
Rhea smiled at his comment before she answered.
"Today we'll be starting with some Honey-Glazed Lamb along with Stuffed Grape Leaves and a Fig and Almond Tart. Washing it all down will be some milk. We'll be having the same thing tomorrow, but with wine instead."
As Rhea finished speaking, a servant came and placed the food before them.
"The food looks great, my love. If only our daughters could experience this with us."
"Unfortunately for them, they love to sleep for most of the morning."
Kronos laughed at her words as he began to eat and talk with his lovely wife before he had to start his work as the king.
Kronos opened the door to the meeting room and made his way to a long table with several chairs around it. Each chair had a symbol of various Titans and beings that occupied a position of power within Kronos's kingdom. He walked towards the largest chair at the head of the table. He touched it and felt the familiar feeling of gold. He looked at the top of it and saw his symbol. With a scythe within a black clock with golden details.
He sat down and placed his hand over the symbol of his messenger Arke, two pale-coloured wings. The wings glowed a pastel rainbow colour the moment his hand touched it, as if a disease. The glow spread to the symbols of each chair until they all lit up.
After a few seconds of waiting, Kronos heard the sound of popping in the room. This went on for a while until all the chairs around the table were filled.
As the room filled with the presence of the Titans, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation and respect. Kronos looked around the table, meeting the gaze of each individual seated there. He cleared his throat, ready to address the gathered assembly.
"Welcome, esteemed Titans, Cyclopes, and Hecatoncheires of the Golden Council," Kronos began, his deep voice resonating through the room. "It has been many years since we last met here, my family. The reason I called you here today is to tell you of the changes that shall take place in the coming years."
As Kronos looked around the table, acknowledging each member with a nod or a smile. He could see the anticipation in the eyes of the Titans, Cyclopes, and Hecatoncheires gathered there. It was a diverse group, representing the various aspects of his kingdom and their responsibilities. Each member of the council held a significant role in the governance and protection of his kingdom, and their presence reflected the importance of the matters at hand.
Kronos took a deep breath, his voice resonating with authority and wisdom. "My fellow divine beings, we stand at a crucial juncture in the history of the kingdom. The Golden Age has brought peace and abundance to the mortals under our care, but we must remain vigilant and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."
Rhea, seated by Kronos's side, looked at him with unwavering support. Her gentle presence was a constant source of strength for him.
He continued, "The mortals have thrived under our guidance, but we cannot shield them from the forces beyond our control forever. Other gods may rise, and with them, the potential for conflict and upheaval. It is our duty to prepare the mortals for the future, to equip them with the necessary tools and knowledge to face whatever comes their way."
Oceanus, the Titan of the oceanic waters, spoke up. "Kronos speaks the truth. Mortals must learn to navigate the storms that may come, both figuratively and literally. They must understand the power and potential dangers of the natural elements."
Prometheus, the clever and resourceful Titan, added, "And we must enlighten them with knowledge and innovation. I may be young, but I have seen how their minds can create wonders when guided properly. Let us nurture their intellect and curiosity, empowering them to make advancements that will benefit their lives and the kingdom."
"But we must remember the significance of justice and fairness," Themis, the Titaness of divine law and order, nodded in agreement."
Mnemosyne, the Titaness of memory, spoke softly, "Their past must not be forgotten. We must preserve their history and culture, for it is through understanding their roots that they can build a stronger future."
Crius, Coeus, Tethys, Phoebe, Iapetus, Hyperion, Helios, Selene, Theia—the other Titans and beings present offered their insights and suggestions, weaving together a tapestry of ideas and strategies.
Kronos listened attentively, his gaze shifting from one member of the council to another. The room was filled with an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect. As the meeting progressed, Kronos couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. He had accepted this life and embraced his role as a Titan and a ruler. With the support and wisdom of his fellow deities, he would navigate the complexities of the mortal realm and strive to create a lasting legacy of prosperity and harmony.
Finally, he raised his hand, and the room fell into a hushed silence. "My dear family, I thank you for your wisdom and contributions. Together, we shall implement a comprehensive plan to prepare the mortals for the challenges ahead. We will establish centres of knowledge and education where mortals can learn and grow. We will encourage innovation and creativity, fostering an environment that nurtures their talents. And we will ensure that justice and fairness prevail, guiding them towards a society built on principles that honour the divinity within each being."
The Cyclopes, known for their craftsmanship, raised their massive forms and spoke in unison. "We shall forge the tools necessary for their progress, empowering them to shape their own destinies."
The Hecatoncheires, with their numerous arms and indomitable strength, joined their voices. "And we shall provide protection and security, so that they may live without fear and focus on their pursuits."
Kronos looked around the table, a sense of unity and purpose radiating from each member of the council. "Let us embark on this journey together, my family. The fate of the kingdom and the mortals within it rests in our hands. Through our guidance, they shall thrive and overcome any obstacles that lie ahead."
With a unanimous nod and a renewed determination, the Golden Council began the intricate task of shaping the future, their collective efforts dedicated to securing a prosperous and enlightened era for both the divine and mortal realms.