Lineage of the Mortals: Fall of the golden era

"That’s it” I heard as I strained to extend my arms and legs. “Come on dearest” I strained further, the encouraging voice pushing me on. Suddenly, the soil above me gave way and I straightened my back. I fully stood, the taste if the earth still in my mouth, and felt the enveloping heat of the sun on my skin. A squeal of delight rang in my ears. “It’s not every day you see the birth of a mortal!”The voice exclaimed excitedly. I opened my eyes and saw an angelic woman before me. Her violet eyes met mine, they were full of excitement. Her waist length curls of blonde hair shone, golden, in the sunlight. The yellow shine contrasted with the stark white of her feathered wings, surrounding us as she moved closer. Each feather was traced with silver that glimmered with every step. The silky material of her lilac chiton brushed lightly against my skin as she embraced me. I knew I would never forget the next words she whispered in my ear. “I'm Astraea, welcome to this beautiful land” “I don’t understand” I whispered back. She broke our embrace and held me at arm’s length, still beaming. “You must meet the rest of your kind” “What?” I gasped as she moved, revealing a large crowd behind her. They were all looking at Astraea eagerly. Unease began to weigh on me more than the earth had. “Come on” she squeezed my hand in reassurance. “I’ll be here every step of the way” I swallowed hard and we stepped forward out of the overturned soil and onto the grass. “As ambassador for the southern province I introduce you all too….” Astraea paused and looked at me expectantly. I didn’t know what she wanted from me but the word was murmured from my lips before I could think. “Callidora” “Callidora!” Astraea echoed. “Your new addition, Callidora” The crowd continued to stand, resolute. They seemed more interested in Astraea's words than mine. Their unblinking stares were fixed on the goddess, as if she were their only light in a dark cave. Their gaze didn't break when the ground began to shift under my feet. I turned and saw the small patch of over-turned earth, where I had been born, change before us. The earth shuddered back into its original place and a tree began to sprout and grow. Before long a fully grown elm stood where I had been born. “I think Gaea approves of you Callidora" Astraea beamed. But I could see in the set of her mouth and the slight puzzled look on her face that something wasn’t right. Her warmth had ebbed slightly. Slowly the elm bent a branch down, which Astraea broke off slowly and deliberately. In her hands the branch curved into a wreath, sprouting delicate red flowers. “We have a new arrival to celebrate” Astraea placed the wreath on my head and traced the side of my face lovingly with her hand. Her touch now felt like ice. An echo of tradition and regimen. There was so much I didn't know yet but I felt in my core this wasn't how this normally happened for Astraea. “Callidora means the gift of beauty. It's definitely a fitting name” I smiled weakly at the complement. Astraea then turned to the crowd spreading her silver gilded wings. “We shall hold a celebration for Callidora. I'm going to announce the good news back at the palace” The crowd remained eerily silent as they took in her commands and disbanded accordingly. "I will return just after sunset to begin the celebrations." Astraea assured me as she gave me one last smile and leapt into the air. Seeing the reaction of the crowd I resisted the urge to stare after her as Astraea's figure, sparkling silver and gold, grew smaller into the distance. When the last traces of her had disappeared the crowd began to dissipate to their various tasks. I could see the large flower meadow spread out before me. The grass was a bright emerald dotted with flowers with more colours and shapes than I could count. Beyond them the meadow was ringed by the trees of the forest. The crowd had now expanded across the meadow and into the forest collecting what Astraea had requested of them. But one had lingered. Her gaze shifting from the tree to me, her hazel eyes fixed on mine. Somehow they were different from Astraea's. I couldn't place it but I felt that there was something lacking that set them apart. “I'm Xyanthe” From her tone the words sounded more like a statement than an introduction. The despondant look in her eyes left me unsettled. We stood in front of each other in silence for many moments. I cleared my throat and managed a weak smile. “Nice to meet you” Like a spark setting light to dried leaves Xyanthe smiled back. The detached air around her evaporated and her posture straightened, even her dark hair seemed to lighten a shade. I frowned, unsure of what to make of the woman's change. “Is there something wrong?” Xyanthe asked as she placed a hand on my shoulder. Even her voice was less terse. Her hand was warmer than I expected. “No nothing. I was just wondering what preparations everyone is making” “There is a stream over to the south and the best place to pick fruit and berries is in that direction. There will also be wood collected for pyres and animals will probably approach the meadow soon too.” Xyanthe seemed more animated as she pointed in the various directions the people were moving. This seemed like a lot of effort to me, especially since none of them had even met me. The fact that they were so easily commanded was unsettling. “Is a celebration like this done for every birth?” Xyanthes' brow furrowed as if searching for the answer was causing her discomfort. “I………… I can’t be sure” “Wasn’t it the same for yours?” I could see Xyanthe tense and rub her temples. I had to distract her before I caused her anymore distress. I looked quickly for a different topic and spotted the flowers at our feet. "Never mind. These flowers, the purple ones they look nice” Xyanthes' discomfort eased immediately as I diverted her attention. “They're called an Iris. They actually have yellow on the inside as well” She bent down and picked one for me to admire. “I didn’t see that before, are these the only flowers?” Eventually we sat at the base of the elm as I distracted Xyanthe with questions about the plants, the forest and the celebrations to come. All the time I had my eye trained on the horizon for Astraea's return. If Xyanthe couldn't answer my questions then maybe Astraea could. 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 The sun was setting before Astraea saw her Grandfathers mountain-side home. As she flew closer the goddess began to glide to the enormous gateway. The high marble walls glinted like ivory in the evening light. 'I hope he listens this time' Astraea thought as she came closer. She righted herself and glided slowly to a flat marble platform just below the gates. She wasn't the only member of her grandfathers family to have wings and objected to having his roof used as a landing platform. Before her feet had even brushed the cool marble, she rushed to the main gate. The gate itself was of simple construction, two large square towers with a pair of dark wooden doors between them. Every block of stone was made of stark white marble with deep azure veins tracing their way seamlessly around the structure. The gate watchers spotted the approaching goddess and promptly bowed as the large doors opened. Normally she would have stopped to greet them but she was in too much of a rush to notice them now. She began to ascend the stairs that led from the gates to the main complex. Astraea couldn't help but think that she could have flown up them in half the time. Eventually she reached the top into the entrance hall. The hall itself was more of an open amphitheatre with a series of columns arranged in a square. Black curtains drifted lazily between the ornately carved stone. The roofless hall was mostly used for entertaining guests and other official functions, in an effort to the keep the residential buildings more private. There were loungers and tables with bowls and glasses lying in wait to receive company. But all were empty, alone and unused for tonight. "Please don’t be visiting others today" Astraea said to the empty air. The titans were close siblings and were very common visitors in each other’s homes. Astraea brushed aside the layers of fabric and emerged from the hall. Krios’ palace was certainly one of the most difficult to navigate. Astraea looked out onto the large complex built on the mountainside, ringed by the marble wall. Some would have found the wall imposing but to Astraea such a thing was more an inconvenience than a barrier. There were many smaller buildings scattered in the forest landscape. These were the residences for the descendants of Krios, the titan of the stars and constellations. She could see the tall slender tower she shared with her parents and brothers. Krios’ own home was the largest and placed in the centre. Astraea started down one of the many mountain paths which led from the entrance hall to other buildings within the complex. Krios' wife Eurybia had insisted the landscape within the walls remained at its most natural as a homage to her mother Gaea. Astraea hastened her pace as the path through the forest grew darker under the elongating shadows of the trees. Before long she had reached the high columns of Krios’ home, made of the same marble as the gates. She made her way up yet more steps and into the corridors of the palace. “Grandfather! Grandfather!” Astraea called as she darted from room to room, each lit by the soft orange of the setting sun. Eventually she bumped into one of the mortals of the palace. “Your Grace. Is there anything I can help you with?” Astraea acknowledged him as he bowed his head in greeting. She didn’t recognise his boyish features. Her grandfather was always accepting new mortals into the palace, but only when they volunteered. Most volunteered to serve the gods out of respect rather than force but they still showed respect to the titans who lived there. Astraea inclined her head. “I’m sorry but I don’t know your name. Could you tell me where grandfather is?” Astraea said politely. The servant only smiled and bowed. “Pacorus, your grace. I have only been here recently but I think….” Pacorus replied. The mortal’s voice trailed off as he counted on his fingers. With each count Astraea felt the urge to tap her foot impatiently. “About this time the master moves to the roof to watch the setting sun” 'Great, the stairs to the roof are on the other side of the palace.' Astraea thought impatiently. Pacorus noticed the goddesses face fall. “I’m sorry my lady is there something wrong? Can I help?” Ignoring his questions, Astraea grinned. She had spotted a wide window over the mortals shoulder. “Thank you for your help Pacorus" Before the servant could respond Astraea was brusquely walking down the corridor, her wings spread wide. It was known that flying was prohibited within the walls but there was no time, this was urgent business. Within moments Astraea was landing on the roof. Instantly she spotted where Krios and Eurybia were lying on pillows watching the sunset in each other’s arms. Astraea saw the last rays of the sun were gleaming on the horizon and approached in earnest. She cleared her throat. “Grandfather I have some news” Astraea announced. The couple jumped, shocked out of their moment together. Krois turned on the pillows to face his grand-daughter. His short, sandy hair slightly tousled where Eurybia had run her hands through it. His deep, midnight blue eyes glittered in the brightening starlight. He was always more vibrant once the sun fell below the horizon. “Astraea. It’s a pleasure to see you” He turned awkwardly to Eurybia. “However unexpected it may be” Krios rose from the pillows, straightening out his black chiton. He had almost finished adjusting the silver clasp of his dark blue himation when Astraea persisted with her news. “A mortal was born today” “How is it you reached the roof? I don't recall hearing your footsteps” Krios asked, appearing to dismiss Astraea's statement. He raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I think you need to know about this one" Astraea replied ignoring her grandfather’s queries. Krios' eyes flicked to the side resisting the urge to fully roll them. “A new mortal is not worth the effort of flying all the way here. I'm glad you are passionate about your new position but you have said the same many times before.” “But its different this time. I swear something is going on, grandmother you understand" “Astraea the mortals are not dying out. how many times do i have to have this conversation with you?” Eurybia said as she propped herself up better on the pillows. Grasping some discarded silver pins she covered herself with the material of her sea blue chiton. Astraea nervously glanced to Krios then to Eurybia, she persisted despite their misgivings. “This isn't about all that. When the mortal was born, her name is Callidora, an elm tree grew on her birth mound. Not only that but the way she speaks and moves, its different to the others.” While she explained the couple looked at Astraea as if she had gone mad. A few moments passed before Krios opened his mouth to speak. “I’m not sure what the issue is Astraea. It’s not the first time Gaea has propagated a tree on a birth mound” Astraea looked to the now dark horizon in frustration and saw the Aries constellation, Krios’ symbol, rise in the sky. “That maybe true but you weren't there. It felt different. I’ve seen olive, pine even cypress but never an elm in the event of a birth. The tree itself moved and lowered a branch to me. Tree's have never responded to anyone like that. I know it has something to do with Gaea. She is affecting the mortals somehow, their births have been declining in the southern province since I started as ambassador.” Astraea's explanation became more insistent. Eurybia brushed back a wisp of black hair and looking at her grand-daughter in concern. “I think you are putting together pieces that are not there. Just because you have never seen an elm does not mean it has never happened. I know mother. She has never been known to be subtle. You should just enjoy this as any other birth.” “ I have spent enough time as their ambassador to know when something is wrong. Please Callidora could be a warning, maybe if I could bring her here you could see it too” Astraea began to get more frantic the more her grandparents denied her theory. Krios reassuringly placed a hand on her shoulder. “Enough now. It will be time for me to go soon and my wife and I would like to enjoy the time alone.” Krios tried to reassure her. But Astraea looked defiantly into her grandfathers eyes. she wouldn't be so easily diverted this time. Krios sighed. “How about you keep watch on this mortal? If there turns out to be anything further then you can come back and we’ll look into it. But for now there truly is nothing to worry about, life is as good as it has ever been.” The titan then joined his wife on the pillows. “For now go and celebrate, it is a beautiful night” “Fine, but I will be back as soon as there is anything new” Astraea spread her wings and started her flight back to Callidora’s birth celebration, leaving the titans to their evening together. 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 “I hope she comes back in time” I said nervously, tapping my fingers restlessly on the ground. “Her grace will be back, she said she would after all” I gave Xyanthe an exasperated look, not that she could see it. She was behind me braiding various flowers into my hair for the celebration. The two of us had spent most of the day together in the meadow. Just as Xyanthe had said various boar and large animals had come to the meadow, settled and lay still. For the others it was normal stroking the fur of the animals who had willingly appeared at our convenience, but to me it felt wrong. Did they have a choice in this? And if they did was it right for us just to use them in such a way? Surely they have lives like ours, are they less because we don’t understand them? Nevertheless I remained silent. If Xyanthe’s initial reaction to my questions on the past were anything to go by those would definitely have to wait. I continued to watch as the wood pyres were piled up and, when the sun eventually set, were set alight one by one. The mortals continued with their work but to me their mechanical obedience was unsettling. What was the difference between the boar dying so willingly and these people spending an entire day preparing a celebration that had been commanded of them? The light of the pyres didn’t quite reach us sat at the foot of the elm but the full moon gave a soothing pale hue to the tree bark and grass. It was still plenty of light for Xyanthe to carry on her work. “How can you be so sure?” I sighed watching the starlit sky between the leaves of the elm. I felt her hands pause slightly before picking up the next bloom. This was another problem question. “Because her grace gave us her word” Xyanthe repeated. No matter how many times she said it this was still an unsatisfying answer. We sat in silence then, looking at the multitude of blinking lights. I had to admit it was a wonderful sight and it soothed me a little. There was something about the night sky, despite it being my first time seeing it, that I knew I would never get tired of. As more of the pyres began to light and dark of the forest grew deeper I let my mind drift. “There all done, ready for the celebrations” Xyanthe announced. From the tone of her voice Xyanthe seemed pleased with her work. I couldn’t see it but when I ran my hands over the blooms and the braids in my auburn hair they felt seamlessly woven together. “Thank you but I’m not even sure what to do at this thing anyway” I said, bringing my knees to my chest. Xyanthe moved to sit next to me. “You’ll know” I snorted. I wasn't sure if wanted to blindly follow something i didn't understand. “Like the boar and fruit bearing trees everyone knows in themselves what to do. There is no need to worry” I pondered this for a while. Did we know because we had free will? Or was it because there was something in us that was being told what to feel? Xyanthe and I had become very close over the day we spent together but I had to wonder how she spent her days before my birth. She didn’t seem to have this kind of bond with the others. Xyanthe continued to reassure me. “We live on earth provided with everything we could ever need throughout our lifetime. Including our direction and instinct…………” I continued to listen to Xyanthe talk whilst watching the other people carrying on with the preparations, cooking the meat and arranging the fruit. Then a distant silver glint caught my eye. At first I thought it was a star but as I looked more intently I realised the star was moving towards us. As the silver glint moved closer I could see the outline of a woman. “Astraea! She made it” I shouted running forward waving my arms. I could now get answers. Astraea seemed surprised at my reaction but she smiled and waved. Before her feet even touched the ground Astraea pulled me into a hug. “I told I would be back Callidora” “I thought you were going to miss it. I was wondering if i could talk to you before it starts” We broke our hug. Astraea straightened the elm garland on my head. For a moment the concern was back in her eyes when she looked at me fully, noticing the flowers in my hair. “I see you’ve been busy, it suits you wonderfully” Astraea said, politely changing the subject. I was about to reply when we both heard panting behind me. Xyanthe had caught up with me and bowed her head to Astraea. “Welcome your Grace” Astraea smiled at Xyanthe then turned back to me. “Shall we get this started then?” I was about to ask for us to talk again. But I noticed the people crowding around us and knew for now this wasn't going to be possible. Xyanthe took my hand and gently pulled us back to the front of the crowd. “What’s going on?” “Her grace will begin” "Begin what?" I asked. Astraea raised her hands above her head and spread her silver wings wide. “I, Astraea, ambassador of the mortals, daughter of Astriaos titan of the dusk and of Eos titaness of the dawn, announce the arrival of a new mortal to this world. Callidora!” I could hear Astraea’s voice resonate within me, across the meadow and to the land beyond. Astraea herself was a sight to behold and when I looked round. The other mortals were staring intently at the titaness as if they were looking directly into the sun, basking in its warmth. Astraea spoke once again in her rapturous voice. “May she be provided with everything she needs, may she be happy throughout her life until sleep takes her once again, may she be protected” With these last words Astraea walked towards me and took my hands. They were hot to the touch and I could feel the hum of the power flowing through them. Now that she was this close I could see a slight golden hue to her skin. Suddenly tendrils of the faint golden light worked their way up my arms and across my chest. Astraea looked into my eyes, clearly this hadn’t happened to her before. She quickly released my hands and the light died away. The mortals around us were like statues still trained intently on the titaness, oblivious to the clear look of concern on her face. For many moments the world was still before she composed herself and announced the start of the celebration. “Let’s begin!”