Jalen: Pisces the Dreamer (Trials of the Zodiac Book 1)

GATHERING THE OCEAN GODS

The grand hall of Atlantis glittered under the shimmering light of chandeliers adorned with pearls and coral. It was a sight that could easily overwhelm, a symbol of the kingdom's opulence. As I stood at the entrance, flanked by Kai and Balam, I couldn't help but feel trepidation. This banquet was a celebration of my new role as the head of the council.

The air was filled with the delicate melodies of flutes and the soft murmur of conversations. Gods and goddesses of all forms mingled; their attire was as diverse as the pantheons they represented. As we moved further into the hall, I noticed the trio of Oshun, Sedna, and Poseidon conversing animatedly near a shimmering fountain, the water dancing to their laughter.

The battles and challenges leading up to this moment had been arduous, but a sense of relief washed over me as I looked around at the gathering. We had overcome great odds to unite the Atlanteans and prepare for the impending war. The banquet was a testament to our success, a moment of respite before the next storm.

Kai's hand on my back reminded me that I wasn't alone in this and that we faced the challenges ahead together. My gaze met his, and I found solace in the depth of his eyes. Balam's confident smile beside us added to the joy of the moment.

The room fell into a hushed reverence as I approached the hall's center, where the council chairs stood, now occupied by the new interim minister, Poseidon. Yemoja, radiant in her wisdom and grace, stood at their side, her presence a reminder of the responsibility I had accepted. The banquet was a celebration, but it was also a battle rally.

I felt uneasy as I sat at the center of the table, flanked by Kai and Balam, our attire a testament to our roles. I was dressed in expensive sea foam-colored silk robes adorned with the sign of Pisces. It felt odd to care about how I looked after all we had been through. Still, warmth bloomed in my chest whenever Kai whispered compliments in my ear. Balam wore caramel-colored robes featuring the sign of Virgo; he was calm as he scanned the crowd, while Kai's deep green robes bore the sign of Taurus. He stood tall and strong.

The grandeur of the occasion was juxtaposed with the weight of my new role. The gods of Atlantis looked to me for leadership for guidance in a time of impending conflict. They believed in my ability to lead, but could I fulfill their expectations? The sense of duty weighed heavily as I prepared to address the assembly.

The feast began, the table laden with a lavish array of delicacies from land and sea. Exquisite dishes encrusted with pearls and shimmering scales filled the air with tantalizing aromas. Yet, even as I indulged, my mind remained clouded by thoughts of battles and sacrifices.

The gods surrounding me erupted excitedly, their laughter filling the grand hall with vibrant echoes. Their charisma reflected the devotion once lavished upon them, a power birthed from the height of worship. Having lived among humans for ages, the cadence of their interactions intrigued me.

I was drawn into the ebb and flow of their conversations, like a leaf caught in a playful stream. Battle strategies were dissected enthusiastically, each god contributing their divine touch to the canvas of tactics. Between the talks of war, three or four conversations were being had about insignificant things like jewels and palaces, all at once, and none of the gods seemed phased by the random shifts.

However, the imminent encounter with the elusive Lost One cast a shadow even over this divine revelry. Conversations shifted, somber clouds gathering even in the shared optimism. Purpose intertwined with a thread of dread. The mere discussion of the impending conflict carried the aura of unspoken sacrifices and potential losses.

Within the friendly environment of these celestial beings, I detected an undercurrent of obligation and a collective sense of duty. Their connection to mortal hopes and aspirations, interwoven with the fabric of the cosmos, was noticeable. They didn't like to admit it, but the gods needed humans more than humans needed the gods.