The Silver Serpent of Atria
Long ago, in the quaint town of Atria nestled between emerald meadows and the serpentine Sesia River, people thrived on tales. Tales that provided comfort, courage but above all, bred unity. Even in this far-off land where time seemed perennial, there was one tale that managed to stand the test of time – the tale of the Silver Serpent. The tale I am about to narrate to you.
Atria was not always the serene, tranquil town it is now known to be. A millennia ago, when Atria was a mere settlement, it was under the constant threat of a malevolent dragon called Kaida. Kaida was not the typical dragon of myths, exhaling fire and plundering villages. She was begotten of water, resided in the very heart of the Sesia River, and had the ability to bend and command water. Her bewitching silver scales shimmered under the sunlight, a sight that held a treacherous beauty within its grasp.
One warm summer day, Kaida lay basking by the banks of the sesia with her menacing eyes shut. Morga, a little boy of age seven, with the innocence only childhood harbors, curiously approached the slumbering beast. With quivering hands, he touched the silvery scales, instantly waking the dragon. Kaida opened her eyes, not in rage as anyone expected, but with a melancholic gaze. A conversation between an ancient dragon and a human, especially a child, was unheard of, yet, bound by a mysterious force, they spoke. Morga, with his childlike curiosity, questioned about her sadness and Kaida, surprisingly relayed her tale.
Kaida was born of a powerful prophecy, ordained to protect the river Sesia, which consequently, was the life-source of Atria. However, her power to control water was perceived as a curse by the townsfolk who denied her very purpose. Driven by fear, they tried to slay her. Since then, she only appeared during the nights, fulfilling her divine duty unseen, unappreciated, and lonely. Her only solace, her reflection of the silvery moon on the waters of Sesia, a mirror image of her pain, her solitude.
Touched by her story, Morga promised to help her. He had no plans, no warriors, no magical weapons, he only had a pure heart and a strong will. Every day, he collected shiny pebbles and shells from Sesia's bed, and every night, under the secrecy of darkness, he offered them to Kaida as a show of goodwill. This little act of kindness began to kindle the townsfolk's curiosity. The word of Morga's rendezvous with the dragon spread. The initial fear was soon replaced with intrigue and eventually, empathy.
They began bestowing gifts and offerings, expressing gratitude for Kaida. The bond grew stronger, turning the dreaded dragon into a cherished protector. Over time, the town's fear was replaced by love; Atria was no longer a settlement under the constant threat of a dragon, but a prosperous town, guarded by their beloved Silver Serpent.
The tale of the Silver Serpent instilled key values of empathy, courage, and unity among the townsfolk of Atria. It raised a profound question- 'aren't we all in some way like Kaida, misunderstood in our intentions, longing for acceptance?'. Morga, although a mere child, served as the embodiment of change through his purity and determination. It is his legacy that is etched in the golden fabric of Atria through this tale, reminding the generations of the powerful transformation that understanding, and love can bring about.