The Kindled Ones
Once upon a time, in the heart of a dense forest, there was a village named Sunsong. This village was home to extraordinary individuals with exceptional talents. Every single person had a unique talent that they wielded with grace, that was passed down through the generations. They were famous far and wide for their amazing abilities, but one talent was above all, the 'Kindling'.
The Kindling was the power to control the sunlight. The warmth of the sun, the light of the dawn, everything sun related was at the command of the Kindled one. It was a title given once in a generation. The current Kindled one was a generous woman named Eldora. Eldora was popular throughout the land for her breathtaking sunrises and her warm smile which was as radiant as the sun she controlled.
Now, Sunsong was under the rule of a kind and just King, King Thaddeus, who respected and loved his subjects equally. The King had two children, his precious gems – Princess Isadora and Prince Alaric.
Princess Isadora was a visionary with a mind well ahead of her times while Prince Alaric was a strong and diligent individual. Despite being so different, the two siblings loved and respected each other.
One day, Eldora passed away, leaving the village without a sun for the first time in centuries. The people of Sunsong panicked. They looked towards the castle where the King and his children resided. At the loss of the Kindled one, the sun vanished underneath the clouds piling over Sunsong, casting the village into the chilling gloom.
The King sent a decree, announcing that whoever was chosen by the divine star to be the next Kindled one would be rewarded generously. This declaration brought a wave of excitement among the villagers. Every single individual strove to be chosen, though they didn't know exactly how one was deemed worthy of the Kindling.
Unbeknownst to Sunsong, Princess Isadora harbored a hidden talent that she never showed anyone. From her young age, she was always fascinated by the Kindling and would silently observe Eldora manipulate sunlight. She replicated the movements in private and discovered that she could control a small part of the sunlight. But she kept her talent hidden, worried about the immense expectations and responsibilities that would come with the position of the Kindled one.
But as the village remained sunless for weeks, Isadora decided to reveal her talent to the King. King Thaddeus was both proud and astounded by his daughter's talent. But he also understood the fear that lay suppressed in her eyes.
Hence, the King devised a prudent plan. He would pair Isadora with Alaric and they would show the villagers that they are capable of becoming the next Kindled ones. Alaric, who revered his sister, readily agreed. The royal duo started practicing day and night to master the Kindling.
On the day of the divine star, the entire village was present in the grand courtyard. As Alaric supported his sister, Isadora stepped forward, pleading with the divine star to bless her with the Kindling power.
When she opened her eyes, the divine star shined brightly above the silent crowd. With a deep breath, Isadora raised her hands and then, slowly, rays of sunlight pierced through the dark clouds, illuminating the hushed village. The crowd erupted in cheers as Sunsong saw its glorious sun once again, warm, bright and full of promise.
King Thaddeus declared his children as the new Kindled ones, who will share this responsibility. The villagers welcomed this unique situation with open hearts. The bond of the royal siblings strengthened and they shone brilliantly in their roles. Sunsong thrived under their rule and continued to be a village of extraordinary talents, now led by two, not one, Kindled ones, lighting the path for all under the sun.