Telling Tales
It all began in a moment of sibling rivalry. Of course, what hasn't really? Many may know the tale or at least think they do, but there are two sides to every story. Each retelling casts changes that have all but undone the truth, though, what is a story without stretching lies?
There is a well-known legend of an evil king ruling over a beautiful under-sea kingdom. Using power not meant for him the tyrant turned what was once an immaculate paradise into desolate ruins unfit to be lived in. In a desperate cry for help, the people pleaded with one another for a savior; someone who could bring back their happiness. These cries were not in vain. Another man, a sibling to the first heard the voices and cunningly tricked his brother off of the throne and into exile, placing a spell on him so that all who see him will know of his misdeeds. Instantaneously, the new king claimed his brother's misused power and brought back the happiness that had been stolen.
A lesser-known truth, however, is that the dark shadow banished to the treacherous caves far from its home told a different story. A story of an ambitious king, bright-eyed towards a future where there would be no king to rule over all; instead the people's voices could be heard ringing with desires their king would appeal to. Though, with every dream, a nightmare must rage as there is always darkness before the dawn. The king remained optimistic as the people rejected his ideas and let their kingdom fall to ruin. Then came the calls for a new ruler and there was little the king's treasonous brother would not do for the throne. Mascaraing as an advisor, the prince stole the seat as king and banished his hated brother from their home with a curse to forever mark him as a traitor.
No one, to this day, can bring to light which tale is true. None but the two brothers who grew farther apart in much more then distance as the years passed. Both hid their truths as well as their lies behind walls created by brooding and anger.
Despite the dark past, the kingdom continued to expand throughout the sea as did its people. A good, kind-hearted king sat upon the throne surrounded by his seven beautiful children and the loving memory of his dearly departed wife. Revered by his subjects, the king lived with a smile on his aging face in the light of his glorious Atlantica.
In the darkness, there were no smiles, no family, no happy memories; only loneliness and bitter jealousy. Things would change. The thought brought what might have once been a smile long ago to the shadow's face. Yes, things would change and the king would regret his betrayals to his brother soon enough.