The Jewel of Bithoria
In the majestic land of Bithoria, there was a small, unassuming village named Keldran. The village was surrounded by emerald-green hills and azure skies and was known for its tranquility and simple folk. The life in Keldran was harmonious and predictable until the day the Jewel of Bithoria arrived in the town marketplace.
The Jewel was not an ordinary gem. It was enthralling, mesmerising, kaleidoscopic; it was said to be the heart of the very earth on which the Continent of Bithoria was formed. The Jewel was rumored to hold within itself the power to grant the deepest desire of anyone who possessed it. As such, it was guarded by mighty warriors from around Bithoria, ensuring its safety and maintaining the balance of power.
That fateful day when the Jewel arrived in town, a thick air of trepidation hung over Keldran as the villagers gathered in the marketplace around the armed guards, who carried an ornately decorated chest that held the Jewel. The Jewel was to be displayed for one day in Keldran before being taken to its final destined place.
In Keldran, there lived a young man named Kael. An orphan, Kael was known throughout the town as the kind, humble baker who worked tirelessly and asked for little. Despite the adversities in his life, Kael was content, except for one deep longing in his heart – a desire for companionship, for a family.
Drawn to the allure of the Jewel and the promise it held, Kael decided to appeal to the Jewel, hoping it would grant his deepest desire. He took a loaf of fresh bread as an offering, his heart fluttered with anticipation and fear as he approached the beautifully carved chest guarded by heavily armed guards.
As the sun began to set painting the sky with hues of scarlet, gold, and purple, Kael finally made his request. Whispering with bare honesty, he asked the Jewel to grant his desire for a family. An awed silence spread over the crowd as they waited in anticipation.
As Kael finished his plea, the Jewel erupted in a whirl of dazzling light, and there was a sound, like a sigh from deep within the earth. The guards around the jewel were thrown back, and Kael was left standing alone in the middle of the market square, illuminated by the radiant jewel.
When the light subsided, a small girl stood there. She looked no older than ten, with sparkling blue eyes and golden hair. She looked up at Kael, smiling warmly, and held out her hand. She didn't seem afraid or strange, instead, she looked at Kael as though she had known him for a long time.
Kael, taken aback but moved by the sight before him, accepted the girl's hand. The crowd gasped in surprise and soon broke into cheers and applause, crying tears of joy.
The story of Kael and the Jewel spread all over Bithoria, inspiring songs and poems about the humble baker and his heart's desire. They lived happily, the girl growing up, loved and cherished. They were a family, living their tranquil, modest life in Keldran village, proving that sometimes, genuine desires do get rewarded.
They named her Gemma, a tribute to the Jewel of Bithoria. As for the jewel itself, after that day, it was never seen or heard of again. Some say it disappeared, becoming a part of the earth once again. Others say it still lies hidden, waiting for a heart pure enough to ask for something other than power. Whatever the truth may be, the Jewel of Bithoria lives on, a legend in the mighty land of Bithoria, and in the hearts of the town of Keldran.