Irisa

The beginning : Irisa

Chapter 1 :

In the idyllic village of Athena, nestled in the heart of a lush valley surrounded by rolling hills, a young girl named Irisa frolics in the fields, her golden hair dancing in the gentle breeze. With big hazel eyes that sparkle with mischief and wonder, Irisa is the picture of innocence and joy as she plays with the other children of the village.

Her parents, Sophia and Demetrius, watch over her with pride and love, content in the knowledge that their daughter is happy and carefree.

Irisa was the only child in her family, loved and cherished by her parents. Despite being the center of attention as the only child, Irisa was a shining personality that drew people to her with her infectious laughter and boundless energy. She was a natural troublemaker, always getting into scrapes and causing chaos wherever she went, much to the chagrin of her parents.

Sophia and Demetrius often found themselves amused and exasperated by their daughter's antics, marveling at her quick wit and cleverness. Irisa's insatiable curiosity led her to ask endless questions about the world around her, her mind constantly seeking knowledge and understanding.

Even though she was known for her mischievous nature, Irisa's intelligence and quick thinking endeared her to the villagers, who admired her precociousness and spirit. She had a way of brightening the darkest of days with her infectious smile and playful spirit, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went.

Despite her young age, Irisa's keen mind and inquisitive nature set her apart from the other children, earning her a reputation as a clever and spirited young girl. As she grew older, her thirst for knowledge and adventure only intensified.

The village of Athena was a vibrant tapestry of life, woven with the threads of tradition and community. As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow upon the terracotta roofs and winding cobblestone streets, the villagers emerged from their homes to greet the day.

The scent of freshly baked bread and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and chatter as children played in the central square. Mothers bustled about, exchanging gossip and sharing recipes, while fathers tended to their fields and livestock, their voices carrying through the lingering morning mist.

In the shadow of the grand oak tree, elders gathered to discuss the latest news and concerns of the village, their faces etched with lines of wisdom and experience. They spoke in hushed tones, their words carrying the weight of centuries of tradition and heritage, as they contemplated the impact of the ongoing drought on their community.

The fields that once teemed with lush crops now lay parched and barren, the earth cracked and dry from lack of rain. The animals grazed listlessly, their once glossy coats now dull and dry, a stark reminder of the hardships facing the village.

Despite these challenges, the villagers remained resilient, their spirits unbroken as they came together to support one another in their time of need. Children played hide-and-seek in the narrow alleyways, their laughter echoing off the ancient stone walls, while the sound of music and dancing drifted from the taverns in the evening, a testament to the enduring spirit of the village.

As the sun began to set behind the towering peaks of Mount Olympus, casting a fiery glow upon the village below, a sense of quiet determination settled over the community. They knew that times were tough, but they also knew that their bonds of kinship and faith would see them through, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

The village of Athena is known for its bountiful harvests and fertile lands, but the prolonged drought has cast a shadow over the once-thriving community.

As the days stretch on without a drop of rain, villagers started to panic. One day as the early morning sun cast a golden hue over the village of Athena as the villagers gathered nervously in the town square. An air of tension hung heavy in the air, as worried whispers and anxious glances were shared among the gathered crowd.

The elders, clad in traditional robes and symbols of authority, stood solemnly at the front of the crowd, their faces etched with concern. They listened as the villagers voiced their fears and worries about the failing harvest, pleading for a solution to appease the gods and bring forth their mercy.

One of the elder's, a wise and weathered man named Marcus, stepped forward, his voice carrying authority as he addressed the crowd. "My fellow villagers," he began, his tone grave, "I understand your concerns and share your worries. The gods have shown us their displeasure through the failing harvest, and we must find a way to appease them."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, and a brave villager stepped forward, holding a young lamb in his arms. "Perhaps a sacrifice, an offering of gratitude and humility, will bring the gods' mercy upon us," he suggested, his voice trembling with emotion.

After a moment of silence, Marcus spoke once more, his voice firm but compassionate. "We shall not offer this lamb as a sacrifice, gods will only accept a human sacrifice, a young human sacrifice, a true symbol of our humility and our plea for mercy. May they look kindly upon us and bless our harvest with their favor."

The villagers, though somber, nodded in acceptance, their hearts heavy with the weight of their decision. Parents crying, wishing the lottery doesn't fall on their kids.

And as the sun continued to rise over the village of Athena, a solemn ceremony is held in the village square, where the names of all the children are placed into a sacred urn for the lottery. As the elders draw lots to determine the chosen one for the sacrifice, tension hangs heavy in the air. Silence falls over the crowd as the chosen name is revealed - Irisa.

Tears well in Sophia's eyes as she clutches her daughter close, unwilling to let her go. Demetrius stands tall, his jaw clenched in resignation as he prepares to fulfill the village's duty. The villagers gather around Irisa, their faces etched with a mixture of sorrow and fear for what is to come.