The sun bathed the garden in a golden glow, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers. Seated at an ornate table beneath the shade of an ancient willow, Athena, her long white hair flowing like silver threads, sipped tea with a contemplative gaze. Her eyes, weathered by years of wisdom and power, softened only for one person.
"Grandma! Grandma!"
A gleeful voice echoed through the stone corridors, followed by the hurried patter of small feet. Aron, a bright-eyed boy of five, burst into the garden, his cheeks flushed with excitement. Clutched tightly in his hands was a small object he was eager to share.
Athena turned at the sound, her expression brightening as she opened her arms. "What's all this fuss about, my little firefly?"
"Look, Grandma! Look what I found for you!" Aron exclaimed, holding out his hands to reveal a delicate blue pendant adorned with a luminous white pearl.
Athena took the pendant, her fingers brushing over its smooth surface as though it concealed some secret. "Where did you find this, Aron?" she asked, her tone warm and curious.
"I saw it at the market, and I thought it would look lovely on you," Aron replied, his chest puffing with pride.
Athena chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're far too kind to this old woman. What have I done to deserve such a thoughtful grandson?" She leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently. "Thank you, Aron. It's beautiful."
Aron grinned from ear to ear, his joy radiating like sunlight. "I want you to wear it all the time, Grandma. Then you'll always remember me."
Athena's smile faltered briefly, a shadow passing over her face. "As if I could ever forget you, my little star," she murmured, her voice laced with an unspoken tenderness.
The moment of happiness was interrupted by a soldier. The soldier bowed to them and addressed the old woman. "Your Grace, the King of the North wishes to meet you. He is at the court." The old woman nodded and turned to her grandson. "Aron, Grandma has to go. You must return to your training." Aron nodded, kissed his grandmother on her forehead, and headed toward the training ground. When the old woman entered the court, everyone present stood in respect. She made her way to her throne and took her seat. With her silent approval, the meeting began. The herald stepped forward, addressing the King of the North in a loud, clear voice: "Behold! You stand in the presence of Athena of House Gorgon, the Five Elementer, ruler of Stellaraether, our protector!"
The King of the North laughed in a mocking tone. "Ruler! Protector! Athena, do not forget your place. You do not deserve the title of our ruler and protector." Athena replied in a cold voice, "I beg your pardon, Ser Theoden of House Baron, but I think you've forgotten that I am Athena of House Gorgon, the Five Elementer and your queen. You rule the North under my command." Theoden sneered. "Athena, do not forget who the real king is. The one who sits on the Stellar Throne is the only ruler of Stellaraether. And it has been ages since Stellaraether has seen The Great Five Elementer, so stop dreaming. Today, I am here to make a pact. I have invited the other kings and queens from the other regions—they will arrive any moment now. In the presence of the great five houses—House Gorgon, Baron, Lan, Caratheon, Tyrron—we will choose our king once again." Athena responded firmly, "No such thing will happen. My grandson, Aron of House Gorgon, is training, and I have faith in him. He will become The Great Five Elementer, and Stellaraether will once again see its rightful king." Theoden scoffed. "Only one who belongs to House Dragon, the rightful heir, can sit on the Stellar Throne, Athena. Do not be foolish. I do not think your grandson can do so." Athena's eyes narrowed. "What do you know about my grandson? I, the Five Elementer, am on his side to guide his way. And I am certain he will be the next Great Five Elementer."
As the argument continued, the heads of the other houses arrived. Lucille of House Lan, Queen of the West, spoke first: "Athena, ruling Stellaraether is neither yours nor mine to claim. You promised us before that your son would be the next Great Five Elementer, but his spell backfired, and he, along with his wife, perished. In this realm of magic, there are only two beings of immense power—the Great Five Elementer and the Five Elementer. After the Great Five Elementer, Stellaraether has only you. You must focus on finding your rightful heir rather than putting your grandson's life in danger." Trilwick of House Tyrron, ruler of the East, spoke next: "Athena, I believe Lady Lucille of the West is right. You must focus on finding your heir." Adam of House Caratheon, ruler of the South, added: "As we all know, we once had seven houses—House Dragon, Pendragon, Gorgon, Baron, Lan, Caratheon, and Tyrron. But ages ago, House Dragon and Pendragon disappeared, and the Great Five Elementer vanished as well. Therefore, I believe we must let Athena of House Gorgon rule us and pledge our loyalty to her." Theoden interjected sharply: "No, we cannot allow that to happen. Only the one who sits on the Stellar Throne will rule us. Athena may sit on a wooden chair, but she is not our queen." Lucille countered: "Besides, we cannot allow Athena to rule Stellaraether's capital alone. We have many countries in different regions, and we face numerous struggles in ruling them. How can we allow Athena to rule the four regions as well as the capital?" Trilwick asked: "Then who is going to rule us, if not her?" Barron responded: "No one. We have been ruling our regions effectively, and we will continue to do so. Athena can rule the capital, but her power will have no influence over the four regions." Lucille added: "I agree with King Theoden." Trilwick reluctantly agreed: "Alright then, I vote for King Theoden." Athena, sensing the defeat, replied, "No, this is my legacy, and I must do whatever it takes." Adam spoke one final time: "Athena, the majority is against you. I think you should stop ruling. Besides, if your grandson truly achieves success in his training and becomes the Great Five Elementer as you claim, we will all accept him as our king, ruler, and protector." Reluctantly, Athena agreed to remain silent and signed the pact.
The discussion ended after four hours of intense arguments, and Athena was removed from her position as Queen, ruler, and protector of the realm. The heads of the other houses departed, except Adam of House Caratheon. Athena summoned Adam to the palace garden. Athena, drinking from her cup, spoke: "Ser Caratheon, you know very well that after the Great Five Elementer, I am the only ancient, powerful being here. According to the laws of Stellaraether, I must rule. It is my legacy now." Adam replied: "Athena, they'll never let you rule. Lucille and Theoden are well aware that if you continue to rule, their houses will be ruined." Athena's voice grew cold: "Adam, do not forget that if I do not rule, you will never be able to continue absorbing the essence of Stellaraether again, which is illegal." Adam sighed: "Right now, we can do nothing, Athena. But I have a plan that will work. Go and find your heir, and then train both your heir and your grandson. Even if not a Great Five Elementer, you'll have two Five Elementers. With their help, you can regain your throne." Athena considered his words carefully, then agreed. She would begin searching for one who was worthy.
Author's Note:
1. Five Elementer: A rare individual born with the ability to wield all five elements—Water, Earth, Fire, Air, and Spirit. In contrast, most people are born with the power to control only one element.
2. Great Five Elementer: An exceptional being who not only wields the five elements but can also command their forces in nature itself, making them the most powerful and revered figure in Stellaraether's history.