Four years had passed in the blink of an eye, inside a bright, old styled kitchen, the aroma of a delicious soup wafted through the air. A kid with messy black hair and light bronze skin dashed in the kitchen enthusiastically, his extremely dark eyes filled with excitement as he spotted his mother stirring and called out to her.
"Mom! Mom! What's this?"
He held up the book to his mom, practically bouncing on his feet as he looked at her with star-filled eyes.
His mother turned around, a faint smile appearing across her face as she took the old dusty book from his hands. She was already accustomed to his habits of uncovering old worn-out books from all around the house.
"Let's take a look at what you've discovered this time "
She said warmly as she glanced at the cover of the book that read out;
"History of the starlight kingdom"
"Look! It's all about our kingdom!" Crius exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "It has stories about our kingdom's founders and their legends!"
Jeanne chuckled softly, her heart warming at seeing his enthusiasm.
"That's a great one, there's so much to learn about inside of it, how about we read it after having dinner?"
"Deal!" He called out, sprinting to the dining table, excited to weave together the wonders of their kingdom's history with the inviting warmth of their kitchen.
*******
Jeanne moved gracefully around the dining table; her presence as warm as the aromas filling the air. The wooden table that was slightly worn from years of family gatherings, was like a canvas for her culinary creations, each dish a testament for her love and care.
She arranged a roasted chicken at the center, its skin a deep, golden brown, glistening with a sprinkle of sea salt and a touch of melted butter. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the room making it smell enticing and rich. Surrounding the chicken were colorful roasted vegetables, carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. each one caramelized to perfection, their natural sugars enhancing their flavors. Their vibrant colors created a feast for the eyes, while the earthy scents filled the air.
Next, Jeanne carefully placed a large bowl of buttery mashed potatoes, their creamy surface inviting, topped with a generous pat of melting butter that shimmered like liquid gold. A scattering of fresh chives added a pop of green, completing the picture of comfort.
Next to it was a smaller dish, a medley of fresh green beans glistened, steamed just enough to retain their bright colors and crispness. The tang of lemon zest danced in the air, mixing with the more robust scents around the table. Crispy rolls were nestled in a basket lined with a cheerful cloth under them, each one a promise of warmth and comfort. A small bowl of her homemade herb-infused butter sat close to it, ready to elevate each roll into something truly special.
Watching intently was Crius, Jeanne's son, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He stood at the edge of the dining room, mouth slightly agape as he took in the sight before him. His stomach growled softly, betraying his eagerness. He couldn't help but imagine the crispy skin of the chicken giving way to tender, juicy meat, and the way the buttery mashed potatoes would melt in his mouth.
His gaze darted from the roast to the vegetables, and finally to the rolls, each dish igniting a deep hunger within him. He shifted his weight, his toes curled out of excitement, his mouth watering at the sight of the comforting feast Jeanne had prepared for them.
****
{an Hour later}
"Ahh that was really delicious!"
Crius, now full of content leaned back on his chair with a satisfied expression.
Jeanne looked at him with a proud expression as she laid her arms on her hips.
"Well of course, who else can makes food this delicious like your mama!"
Crius grinned, his contentment evident on his face. "You should teach me how to cook, I want to cook food like you in the future"
Jeanne chuckled lightly at his comment and nodded.
"One day, my little chef. But first, let's pack up some of this deliciousness for your father; He's had a long day today and would come late."
While speaking, Jeanne began transferring the remaining roasted chicken and vegetables into a sturdy container, careful not to waste a morsel. Crius jumped up to help, his eagerness spilling over as he awkwardly scooped mashed potatoes into another dish, his little hands struggling to keep the fluffy goodness from spilling over the sides. It was a comical sight, he leaned over the dish with all his might, his face scrunched in concentration, determined to do his best despite the mess he was making.
***
Once they finished packing the food, Jeanne wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked around the cozy kitchen, her heart full. "Now, let's set this aside for him.
I also promised to read you the book: "History of the starlight kingdom"
Crius's dark eyes lit up with excitement seemingly forgetting about that after eating dinner and nodded enthusiastically.
"Mhm!"
Jeanne then held Crius's small hand and led him to the living room. The warm glow of the lamp invited them in, casting a cozy light over the soft couch. She settled in with the book, its pages worn and filled with stories of adventure.
As she opened the book, Crius snuggled up close, his small frame curling into her side. "What part are we starting with?" he asked eagerly, his voice a soft murmur filled with anticipation.
Jeanne smiled, running her fingers over the worn cover, feeling the familiar texture beneath her touch. "Let's begin with the very first chapter---the tale of how the Starlight Kingdom came to be, guided by the stars themselves."
With a gentle turn of the pages, she began to read, her voice warm and inviting. "Once upon a time, the lands were filled with the first origins that shone like the stars. These origins were not just lights in the sky; they were the essence of hope and guidance for those who wandered beneath their glow."
Crius's dark eyes widened, and he leaned in closer, captivated. He envisioned the vast, open fields where the first settlers stood, looking up at the sparkling origins above, feeling a sense of wonder and belonging.
"What happened next?"
he whispered, unable to contain his excitement.
Jeanne continued, her voice painting vivid images in Crius's mind. "In those ancient days, the people faced many challenges, rugged mountains, dense forests, and rivers that roared like thunder. But each night, when the sun descended below the horizon, the origins would illuminate the paths, whispering secrets of the heavens and the earth to those who listened."
As she spoke, Crius could almost hear the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of creatures in the night, as if he were right there with the settlers, navigating through the wilderness. He imagined them gathering around campfires, sharing stories and dreams, their hearts filled with hope as they looked up at the shining origins.
Jeanne paused to glance at Crius, his expression one of awe. She loved these moments, sharing stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity. "The people believed that each origin was a guide, a protector of their dreams."
"mother, Can you tell me about their names?" Crius asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
"Of course! There were 6 origins; each created their own kingdom" Jeanne replied, smiling at his enthusiasm to learn.
"First, there was the Starlight Kingdom, the kingdom of light, formed by the origin Aether. That's where we come from!"
Crius nodded eagerly. "What about the others?"
"Then there was Gaea, the Kingdom of Nature, formed by the origin Gaia," she explained, her voice filled with warmth.
"And Moir, the Kingdom of Destiny, formed by the origin Moirai, where the threads of fate were first gazed upon..." Crius added, remembering some of their tales.
"Yes! And then there was Phaestus, the Kingdom of Blacksmiths and Fire, formed by the origin Phaistus, where great forges blazed and crafted powerful tools," Jeanne continued, her eyes sparkling.
"What about the last two?" Crius pressed, leaning closer.
"Ah, there were Devas, the Kingdom of Destruction, formed by the origin Perses, and Drasteia, the Kingdom of Retribution, formed by the origin Themis," Jeanne said, her tone growing more serious.
"...But as time passed, one of them fell into the first sin, which led to great turmoil between the origins resulting the kingdoms to becoming divided, each forging their own paths and waging wars against one another at later times."
Crius frowned, absorbing the weight of her words. "So, they all separated? What happened to them?"
Jeanne took a deep breath, her voice softening. "It's a tale of both sorrow and hope. Though they fought, the stories of their origins still lingered, reminding them of the bonds they once shared. Our king, the origin Aether always held on to the hope that one day, the kingdom might find a way to unite again."
As she spoke, Crius felt a mix of sadness and solace. He imagined the great battles and the possibility of peace, his young heart yearning for the beauty of unity amidst the chaos. He snuggled closer to his mother, feeling comforted by her presence, his heart filled with respectful awe toward the stories that shaped their world.
Jeanne continued, her voice a gentle lull, "And so, as the kingdoms drifted apart, each one held onto the stories of their origins, seeking supremacy over other kingdoms. The people of the Starlight Kingdom always remembered the light that guided them, hoping that one day they could mend the bonds that had been broken."
She glanced down, noticing the way Crius's dark eyes began to droop, the weight of sleep pulling him down. Her heart warmed at the sight of him, his small frame curled against her, his breath evening out as he succumbed to slumber.
"Ah, my little dreamer," she whispered softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "You've journeyed far into the world of stories tonight. May your dreams be filled with adventures and the shimmering origins that guided us all."
As she paused, a heavy feeling settled over her, a mix of contentment and the bittersweet realization that their evening of storytelling was coming to an end. She adjusted her hold on the book, allowing it to rest in her lap as she savored this peaceful moment. The soft light of the lamp flickered gently, casting a warm glow over them both.
Jeanne took a deep breath, feeling gratitude wash over her. These quiet evenings spent together, sharing tales and weaving dreams, were treasures she would always hold dear. As she looked at Crius, lost in his dreams, she couldn't help but smile, knowing that he would one day carry these stories with him, just as she had.
With a final glance at the pages of the book, she closed it gently, embracing the stillness of the room.
"Goodnight, my sweet Crius,"
she whispered in an affectionate tone, her heart full;
"May the stars watch over you."