Emperor of the Southern Forest
In a time long forgotten, nestled beneath the colossal mountains and alongside the shimmering waters of the Silver River, was a dense Southern Forest unknown to mankind. This verdant haven, with trees touching the skies, was beyond the reach of human acuity and not part of any map. The forest's inhabitants were numerous, each unique, colourful, and alive with tales of their lineage. Among the many animals, the emperor of the forest, a magnificent and wise old elephant named Mithra, was the most respected.
Mithra was unlike any beast. Aside from his magnificence, Mithra was renowned for his wisdom, kindness, and devotion to the forest and its inhabitants. It was said his ancestors were granted the forest's guardianship by Gaia herself. This story had been passed on through generations, and Mithra continued to fulfill his role diligently. He prevented conflict, maintained peace, and upheld the Southern Forest's sanctity even as time relentlessly unfolded.
One day, a tremor shook the forest. A man had come in search of precious stones rumoured to be abundant in the Southern Forest. This man, rugged and strong, named Kael, boasted to his village about his planned expedition. Carrying the village's hopes upon his shoulders, Kael ventured deep into the Southern Forest, ignorant of the sanctuary he disrupted with each step.
Animals caught glimpse of Kael and hastened to Mithra, who was at the Silver River's bank bathing under the silver moonlight. Their eyes reflected fear and concern, as they had never seen a man before. Mithra comforted them, remembering tales of humans from his ancestors, believing not all humans meant harm. He asked the creatures to bring Kael to him to ensure the safety of both their home, and the stranger.
Kael was led to Mithra, a sight so unprecedented, his heart skipped a beat, and he sank to his knees, tipping his hat in respect. Mithra explained to Kael about the Forest's sanctity and the pact with Gaia to protect it from harm. Mithra insisted Kael abandon his quest and return to his village. However, Kael, under the weight of his promise, was torn. Proving the strength of his character, Kael confessed his mission, asking Mithra for a way to keep his word without harming the forest.
Impressed by Kael's honesty, Mithra planned a plan which would fulfill the village's hopes as well as preserve the forest. He used his trunk to uproot a tree fallen due to natural causes and gifted him the precious stones embedded in its roots. Kael was overjoyed and immensely grateful, promising never to return or reveal the forest's secret.
To honour Kael's good intentions, Mithra allowed him to visit the forest strictly following the guardian pathways, ensuring no harm to surroundings. This privilege was extended to Kael's descendants, and hence, the Southern Forest and the village coexisted peacefully.
Mithra's wisdom earned him more respect, and even in his absence many years later, his tales of wisdom, courage, and devotion echoed forever, reminding the inhabitants of the noble emperor who once protected them. Kael's generation, too, passed the stories, generating awe and respect for the hidden forest and the majestic Emperor, Mithra, who safeguarded and preserved harmony in nature's realm.
The Southern Forest remains inconspicuous to this day, thriving under the silent vigilance of the next guardian, honoring Mithra's legacy. As for the village, prosperity burgeoned as they mindfully lived in peace with the forest, becoming an age-old folklore that resonates through the Southern Forest's rustling leaves and the village's warm whispers.