Once upon a time when Gods ruled the land, there lived a humble farmer named Cedric. He was an average man, who had a loving wife, with a daughter and son, and worked hard to keep his family together under their hutch.
Cedric was a humble man, but he dreamed every once in a while of being a God, like the Oracle he worshipped at the temple. So wise, whose gifts mankind would cherish for an eternity.
Now do not take Cedric's desire to be a God as a lust for power. Because Cedric didn't believe in ruling up high, for he wouldn't know where to start ruling a kingdom. But throughout his life, he did want to do more for his fellow man than farm. He wanted to make sure children could grow up happier with what he left behind, and his neighbors could be proud of him for all his dedication.
So next time at the temple's, where Cedric's family prayed, Cedric made a small prayer from himself to the Oracle. He wished he could provide the same happiness and prosperity that the oracle offered mankind. Opening his eyes from his prayer, his wife called him afterwards so they could all go home together.
That night, Cedric dreamed of having an audience with the oracle. A mystical figure who was covered in a cloak of white, with a golden staff gleaming as powerful as the sun. She looked upon Cedric, and asked what he would give to change the world they had given him.
"Anything" Cedric assured them "anything at all"
The oracle smiled at the humble man, and bestowed upon Cedric the thread of kindness. The thread had a mystic ability, to which anyone who wrapped the thread around their wrist would have all of their worries disappear. Cedric eagerly thanked the oracle for her charity, but as soon as he did woke up from his sleep.
When Cedric did wake up next to his wife, he looked to his beside to find a single thread. Had his wish really come true? He looked at his palms to check he wasn't dreaming, and indeed the oracle had granted his wish.
Cedric eagerly wore the thread to experiment with, and instantly a rush of happiness ran through him. It was a similar feeling to drinking the right amount of mead before getting too tipsy. Overjoyed, Cedric woke his wife with excitement, and shared the thread of kindness with his wife. Though first she doubted her mad husband, the thread made all of this change when a flow of gladness entered her.
Soon the children came in the bedroom to see what all the raucous was about. Cedric invited them to try the thread as well, making the family more joyous than ever. But Cedric then remembered why he had prayed to the Gods in the first place. He cared for his family, but he wanted to share this gift with the world, and not keep the thread to himself.
So off Cedric went, sharing the gift at first with his startled neighbour, then the next person he saw, then the drunkards, the guards and even the emperor. The whole city was so overjoyed, carrying Cedric around the town and naming him the God of kindness and charity. Cedric was even gladder than he was to receive such a title, but after a hard days work of doing nothing but giving kindness, he found himself to be rather tired. So after giving everyone a chance with the thread, he took the string back and brought it home to sleep with him.
Overnight, the emperor Had contacted friends from outside the kingdom, who seemed interested in this thread. The next morning, Cedric had a whole second kingdom at his door, as well as his own people. He tried eagerly to pass the thread around, allowing both kingdoms to enjoy the thread's prosperity, but soon the crowds were out of control, and Cedric loss his gift to a wave of hands.
At first Cedric didn't mind this. He figured at least the people would remember the gift he gave to people, so his wish hadn't been entirely in vain. Unfortunately, everyone else didn't agree, as a thief had stolen the thread of kindness, and the kingdom wanted a new thread. Cedric did try to explain that the oracle had given him the thread, but not even the emperor would accept this excuse. Cedric was to make a new thread, or else he and his family would be executed tomorrow at mid day.
Cedric cried in fear before he slept, after trying to weave threads himself, hoping the string of kindness some somehow been left on his hands. However, it was not Cedric who had made the thread of kindness, but the oracle. After kissing his children goodnight, promising they wouldn't be executed, and cuddling his wife one last time, Cedric desperately prayed on his bed to see the oracle one more time.
Once again Cedric dreamed of seeing the oracle, who was not pleased with how Cedric had abused her gift to him. He hadn't realized one man could only make a difference to so many people. Cedric bent to his knees, begging for forgiveness, and after a while the oracle gave into his moans. However, Cedric would no longer be remembered for giving the thread to others, and would have to be satisfied with his previous life. Cedric agreed, and with a click of her fingers, the whole event was forgotten.
When Cedric reminisced of his old days, he wondered why he had bothered trying to make a difference. Had he wanted people to notice him more? Or did he want acceptance of his fellow man? Either way, though many generals and nobleman marched into war to make a name for themselves, Cedric knew he would never do such a thing ever again.
Author's Note:
A man who dreamed for a better life, but had to deal with strife...
