Legend of Aethoria

It has been believed for centuries that other than our real world, there exists a world, a fanatical world where exists creatures that exist only in legendary stories to our world. One of these believed lands is the land of Aethoria.

"The land of Aethoria is believed to be the fanatical land of dragons. It is believed to be guarded by majestic creatures known as dragons. The dragons have been guarding the land for centuries. But this is all just a belief. No one knows if dragons actually exist or if it's just a myth."

This is a story I've been hearing since childhood. It's a story told as a bed time tale to every child in Aethoria. And some of it is true like the name of the place. Ok no more jokes. Once upon a time it was believed that these majestical creatures did exist.

"The legend of Aethoria is a huge mythical epic according to our generation. The older generations however believe that its real. But no one's seen an actual dragon in centuries."

"The legend of Aethoria goes something like this:"

'In the sprawling realm of Aethoria, a world bathed in the warm glow of endless sunsets, dragons soared like living legends across the vast skies. When the sun began its slow descent, spilling crimson and gold across the horizon, it was these magnificent beasts that commanded the heavens. But they were far more than mere creatures of myth and might—they were the sacred guardians of balance, entrusted with the eternal stewardship of nature’s fragile harmony.

Each dragon was bonded to a single rider, a chosen soul whom the dragon selected with deliberate wisdom. This bond was not born of chance or conquest; it was a sacred partnership formed through destiny and respect. The dragons, ancient and wise, sought out riders who mirrored their own essence—brave, honorable, and attuned to the natural world’s rhythms.

The gifts of these dragons were as varied as the elements themselves. From the fierce blaze of fire to the soothing flow of water, from the unyielding strength of earth to the biting chill of ice, and the restless freedom of wind, each dragon embodied a unique elemental force. These powers were not hoarded but shared, passed down in part to their riders. This sharing transformed the chosen riders into wielders of elemental magic, their abilities echoing the might of their draconic partners.

Riders of fire dragons could summon flames that danced like living spirits, bending heat and light to their will. Those bound to water dragons commanded rivers and seas, shaping currents and storms with graceful ease. Earth riders wielded the strength of mountains, able to stir the soil and summon stone. Ice riders brought forth frost and winter’s bite, their touch turning air into sparkling crystal. Wind riders moved with the breeze, their speed and agility unmatched as they called forth gusts and tempests.

Together, dragon and rider stood as the most powerful protectors of Aethoria. Their combined strength was a force of nature itself — fierce yet balanced, destructive yet nurturing. They upheld the delicate equilibrium that kept the land alive and thriving, ensuring that no element would ever dominate or fall into chaos.

This bond between dragon and rider was more than power—it was a profound connection woven with trust, respect, and an unspoken understanding. In this realm where dragons ruled the skies, the riders were not mere mortals but elemental champions, guardians chosen to carry the legacy of the ancient dragons and protect the world they loved.'

'In the stories passed down through generations in Aethoria, there was always talk of one dragon that stood above all others—'the Dragon King.' This dragon was unlike any other because it held the power of every element. Fire, water, earth, ice, and wind all flowed through its being, making it the most powerful of all dragons.

The Dragon King’s scales changed colors like the shifting elements it controlled, and its eyes shone with a strange, deep light that seemed to know everything about the world. It wasn’t just strong—it was wise and calm, a true leader among dragons.

Long ago, when the land was in danger and the other dragons fought each other, the Dragon King appeared. Its arrival brought peace, as it could control all the elements and restore balance. Its roar could call storms, its breath could burn or heal, and its wings could stir the earth and sky.

Many sought to tame the Dragon King, hoping to claim its immense power for their own ambitions. Yet, all who attempted were swiftly overwhelmed, rendered powerless beneath the sheer force of the dragon’s will. This legendary being was known by a name that echoed through the ages: Tharros.'

"But it's all just a myth. No one's ever spotted a dragon for ages let alone Tharros." I finish telling, to hear the sad sighs of the kids in front of me.

"Rune!" I hear someone calling me before I could acknowledge the sadness of the children.

"Okay, gotta go now before mom makes me a mythical creature" I say to make the sad kids laugh before running to my house.

I'm Rune, daughter of the village chief. My parents named me so because they liked the name. But my grandmother says that it has a deeper meaning. She says it means 'a mystery'. Kind of cool in my opinion. I just turned 19. My parents want me to take over the village at the age of 21, which is very soon if you ask me.

I run to my house to see my mother standing outside, hands at her hips and with a very stern look. I knew I was in trouble, but for what?